GUIDE TO WRITING CHAPTER I

Research Methods in Education

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1 of a research paper normally contains the following parts:
Background of the Study Statement of the Problem Significance of the Study Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Background of the Study

introduces the concept of the study in a very effective manner starting from a general to a more specific area of interest. it is an account describing the circumstances which suggested the research. serves to orient the reader on what prompted the researcher to undertake the study.

Background of the Study

include a justification of the selection or choice of the study. should outline for the reader its purpose, the research questions addressed and give an overview of what to expect. gives a brief narrative exposition on the nature and background of the problem area in general and the rationale for the study.

Points to consider
it must state an assumption of significance it must be impactful to emote interest from the reader it must be simple and clear and related to the topic or problem

Suggested approaches on how to start the introductory section :

Start with a brief but provocative quotation that is applicable to the theme of the study; Commence with striking facts or statistics that objectively portray the existing problem situation; Begin by presenting a very brief background of events that truly depict the present state of the issue abroad, in the country, and in the locality;

Suggested approaches on how to start the introductory section :

Begin with the researchers firm stand on the need to bridge the gap between existing bodies of knowledge and the prevailing problem situation; If a new theory is being envisioned for the study, commence by attacking some pertinent universally held theories of psychologists, social scientists, or experts on the subject and giving the rationale behind the research undertaking.

Statement of the Problem

Presented under this section are the main problem statement and the corresponding sub-problems. The main problem is generally expressed in a declarative statement that is more or less consistent with the title of the study. It is followed by the sub-problems which are usually stated in question form. this is the focus of the study and all questions stated should be categorically answered. the problem must be stated precisely, accurately, and clearly. the problem should be defined in terms of the data that can be obtained or empirically researchable.

Statement of the Problem

Main Problem
Must embodies a very significant contribution to societal needs in general and to the researchers field of interest in particular. It must presents in a sentence or two the purpose, the variables, and the subjects of the study which substantially conform to the wordings in the title of the study. It should focus on the relationship between two or more variables instead of just a normative survey type of problem.

Statement of the Problem

Sub-problems
The sub-problems must cover the very essential aspects or variables that serve to expand or delimit the main problem statement. Each sub-problem must apparently a researchable unit by itself. It should be specific and concisely stated either in question form or in declarative form. As a whole, the sub-problems should represent relevant and timely issues that are worth investigating to support the main problem statement.

What is a research problem ?

It is what a study wants to solve or answer. It is considered a situation that needs to be changed or addressed. It is an issue that is borne out of a perplexing situation where difficulties are observed to exist. These problems consists of: a. areas of concern b. conditions to be improved c. Difficulties to be eliminated d. Questions seeking answers

The true researchable problem should consider the following characteristics: It should ask about the relationship (or difference) of at least 2 variables (one IV & one DV). It must be stated clearly, unambiguously, and in question form. It must be possible to collect data. It must yield to higher statistical treatment It must not represent moral or ethical question

In the choice of a good research problem, the following criteria are to be considered :
It

must be original or novel It must be relevant to societys needs and to ones field of specialization or interest It must reflect a noteworthy contribution to the countrys national development and progress It must express a relationship between two or more variables It must imply possibilities of empirical testing.

Good research questions possess four essential characteristics:

The question is feasible ( i.e., it can be investigated without an undue amount of time, energy, or money). The question is clear (i.e., most people would agree as to what the key words in the question mean). The question is significant (i.e., it is worth investigating because it will contribute important knowledge about the human condition). The question is ethical (i.e., it will not involve physical or psychological harm or damage to human beings, or to the natural or social environment of which they are a part).

Example Showing the Main Problem Statement and the Sub-Problem Questions
The primary purpose of this study was to determine if there is any significant difference between the effects of written exercises and frequency of tests on the retention and academic achievement of students in mathematics. More specifically it attempted to answer the following questions: 1. Does giving frequent tests in mathematics promote better retention of the lessons taught in the class than just giving written exercises to the students? 2. Does giving frequent tests in mathematics promote better academic achievement of the lessons taught to the students than just giving written exercises in the class?

Example Showing the Main Problem Statement and the Sub-Problem Questions
3. Do the effects of written exercises and tests frequency on the
academic performance of students with different abilities in mathematics vary according to the term of the examination? 4. etc.

Example Showing Two Different Versions in Formulating Sub-Problem Questions:

Specifically, the study aims to answer the following sub-problems:
1. Is there a significant difference between the proportion of RATES and non-RATES pupils getting above 75 percent level of performance based on their posttest raw scores in CA-Filipino? 2. How do the RATES and the non-RATES groups in the four selected schools/municipalities compare in their obtained posttest mean raw scores in CA-Filipino?

Example Showing The Main Problem and Sub-Problems That Were Formulated In The Form of Declarative Statements:
The study aims to identify the relationship between the College Entrance Criteria Rating (CECR) and the three variables: namely Academic Performance (AP), Clinical Performance (CP), and Nurses Board Examination Performance (NBEP) of the nursing graduates from 1977 to 1980 in the College of Nursing, Union Christian College. Specifically, it attempts to show the following: 1. The significance of relationship between the College Entrance Criteria Rating and: a. academic performance; b. clinical performance; and c. Nurses Board examination performance. 2. The predictive values of College Entrance Criteria Ratings to: a. academic performance; b. clinical performance; and c. Nurses Board examination performance. etc.

Significance of the Study

This section : expresses the value or importance of the research study. is where the significant and noteworthy contributions to the existing body of knowledge and or to the practitioners in the field are enumerated. discusses the importance of the study to society, the country, the government, the community, the institution, the agency concerned, and the thesisdissertation writer himself.

Significance of the Study

expounds

on the studys probable impact to education, science, technology, on-going researches, etc. the justification for the study in terms of its contribution to theory and practice. on the importance of the study to the researcher himself, what it does to his profession, and the difference it makes to his own professional growth.

gives

touches

Specify:
What benefits can be derived from the study ? Who will benefit from the study ?

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

the scope identifies the boundaries or coverage of the study in terms of subjects, objectives, facilities, area, time frame, and the issues to which the research is focused. the scope of the problem should be stated specifically. It usually answers the questions like who, what, where, and when queries. The delimitation of the study defines the constraints or weaknesses, which are not within the control of the researcher. Therefore, they are not expected to be covered by the study. The rationale behind the delimitation of the study should be sound and well explained.