How to Write Chapter 1 – The Problem and Its Background Back to Contents

2 The intention of the 1st paragraph is to provide the readers a mental warm-up, thus giving them
information and readiness as to what the research is all about. It should introduce the study and justify
the problem. The 2nd paragraph carries the bulk of the introduction. The statement of the problem can
best be used as a frame of reference to write this paragraph. It is simply telling the readers the scope
and coverage of the study. This will help revolve around mentioning the purpose of the study, which is
to determine the existing or not existing between the independent and dependent variable. Guidelines
in Writing the Introduction

3 The 3rd or last paragraph is a sort of closing portion that is intriguing and challenging the readers to
become interested in knowing the results of the study. It is one or two sentences to link between the
introduction and the statement of the problem. This part is a 2-3 page discussion. Guidelines in Writing
the Introduction

4 The problem should be stated both in general and in specific terms. The general statement of the
problem is usually a reiteration of the title of the study. The problem is always in an interrogatory form,
hence, it must as a question and sub-problems must follow the main problem which are the key points
for investigation in the research. Guidelines in Writing the Statement of the Problem

5 The problem should be stated in the infinitive to (action words in research) such as examine, analyze,
determine, measure, asses, evaluate, recommend, find out, among others; setting 4-5 research
objectives is ideal for a research problem. Specific questions should be stated using the following guide
question words: “How,” “Will,” “What,” “Is there”… Guidelines in Writing the Statement of the Problem

6 Descriptive and historical researches, often times, assumptions are not explicitly expressed but left
implicit, that is, they are unwritten. Avoid assuming the value of the study, reliability of the instruments,
and the population of the study. Guidelines in Writing and use of assumption

7 The rationale, timeless and or relevant of the study to existing conditions must be explained or
discussed. It must be shown who are the individuals, groups, or communities who may be placed in a
more advantageous position on account of the study. Guidelines in Writing Importance or Significance of
the Study

8 Possible contribution to be a fount of knowledge. It should discuss the implications, including the
possible causes of the problems discovered, the positive effects of the problem, and the remedial
measures to solve the problem. Possible solutions to existing problems or improvements to
unsatisfactory conditions. Guidelines in Writing Importance or Significance of the Study

9 SCOPE – identifies the boundaries or coverage of the study in terms of subjects, objectives, facilities,
area, time frame, and the issue to which the research is focused Common phrases used: “The study will
focus on…” “The coverage of this study…” “The study covers the…” “The study focuses on…” “It
includes…” “It is concerned with…” “It also involves the…” “The study consists of…” Scope and
Delimitation of the Study
10 DELIMITATION – defines the constrains or weaknesses, which are not within the control of the
researcher, therefore, they are not expected to be covered on the study. Common phrases used: “The
study is limited to…” “The study does not cover the…” “The investigator limited this research to…” “It
does not seek to include…” Scope and Delimitation of the Study

11 Done to present the different theories, models, paradigms, perspectives related to the problem and
the hypothesis Shows accumulated generalization related to the problem Consider the field knowledge
in which the problem statement can be classified Constructing the Theoretical Framework

12 Focus on one or more theories  leads to build particular theory, by testing and validating it in other
settings Modify or reconstruct the theory into new general framework containing the variables and
relationships for the purposes of the research Cite the theory that will be used by: Giving the
assumptions, Defining terms-concepts, Identifying the variables, Stating the relationship of variables and
presenting hypothesis Constructing the Theoretical Framework

13 Is anchored on the theoretical framework Must be consistent and related to the theoretical
framework It is the detailed presentation of the variables to be observed in the current study Concepts
defined in a way the researcher wants Understood in the current research Constructing the Conceptual
Framework

14 Operationalization of variable-concepts Visible indicators or the variable- concepts Scheme of

15 Define those terms, which, though common may have a special specific meaning or are differently
used. Define some special terms or languages created by some disciplines. This applies as well to terms
familiar in one discipline and borrowed or transformed by another discipline. Guidelines in Writing
Definition of Terms

16 Define only what is absolutely necessary and do so precisely by using an authoritative document. If
you cannot find an authoritative definition, find one or two such definitions; cite them and try to create
your own definitions as used in research. Complicated and lengthy definitions like those required in
mathematics or science, should be placed in an appendix. Guidelines in Writing Definition of Terms

17 Back to Contents IV. How to Write Chapter 2 – Review of Related Literature and Studies

18 It provides the conceptual or theoretical framework of the planned research. It provides the
researcher with the information about past researched related to the intended study. This process
prevents unintentional duplication of these past researches and leads you into what needs to be
investigated. It provides findings and conclusions of past investigations which you may relate to your
own findings and conclusions. Function of Review of Related Literature: Gay (1976)
19 It gives the investigator a feeling of confidence since by means of the review of related literature he
will have on hand all constructs related to his study. And therefore is an authority on the subject as far
as mastery of information concerned. It gives you information about the research methods used, the
population and sampling considered, the instruments used in gathering the data, and the statistical
computation in previous research. Function of Review of Related Literature: Gay (1976)

20 Function of Review of Related Literature: Goods and Scates (1954) A carefully planned program of
reading is frequently the source of significant problems. A systematic survey of related literature is the
means of determining whether the proposed study unnecessarily duplicates some earlier investigation.
The knowledge obtained from such reading, in terms of sources, procedures, and results, represents
essential orientation for definition of the problem, selection of method, and interpretation of findings.