The Problem

and Its
Setting
Chapter 1
 The Thesis
Thesis writing is perceived by many students
to be a difficult task.
Research thesis follow the conventional
pattern of style and form in academic institutions.
The primary objective of the thesis is for the
researcher to demonstrate his knowledge in a
particular field of investigation.
Writing the final draft of the thesis is not an
easy task. This Chapter will provide the students
the mechanics of thesis writing.
 Introduction
The statement in the introduction
introduces the study and signifies its
importance to create an interest and intense
desire on the reader to know more about the
investigation.
This is the preliminary part of the
problem, leading to its main part and
objectives. It may include legal or other basis
related to or for conducting the study.
 Introduction
The introduction may be composed of three or four
paragraphs which will enable the readers to see at
a glance the entire contents of the research work.
1. The first paragraph is intended to provide the
readers a mental readiness, thus giving them the
information as to what the problem of the
research is all about. It introduces the study and
its justification.
2. The second paragraph carries the greater part of
the introduction and the problem that is used as
frame or reference. It tells the readers the scope,
circumstances and the coverage of the study.
 Introduction
3. The third paragraph revolves around the
various conditions that accompany and
determine the purpose of the study.
4. The last paragraph is a sort of closing
portion that arouses the curiosity and interest
of the readers to know the results of the
study.
 Introduction
Guidelines in writing the Introduction
1. Presentation of the problem
- the start of the introduction is the
presentation of the problem, that is, what the
problem is all about. This will indicate what will be
covered by the study.
2. The existence of an unsatisfactory condition, a
felt problem that needs a solution.
3. Rationale of the study
- the reason or reasons why it is necessary to
conduct the study must be discussed.
 Introduction
Guidelines in writing the Introduction …(continuation)
4. Historical background of the problem
5. A desire to have a deeper and clearer understanding of a
situation, circumstance, or phenomenon
6. A desire to find a better way of doing something or of
improving a product
7. A desire to discover something
8. Geographical conditions of the study locale
-if the subject of investigation is rice production, then
the terrain, soil, climate, rainfall, etc. of the study locale
have to be described.
9. A link between the introduction and the statement of the
problem
- A sentence or two should show the link between the
introduction and the conducting of the researcher.
 Statement of the
Problem
• This is one of the most important parts of a
research work. This is the focus of the study and
all questions should be categorically stated, and
answered.
• There should be a general statement of the whole
problem followed by the specific questions or sub-
problems. The general statement is the
reiteration of the title of the study.
• The problem should be stated in the infinitive
(action words) such as examine, analyze,
determine, assess, evaluate, find out, among
others.
 Assumption of the
Hypotheses
• These are statements presumed to true on the
basis of observation or experience. They are used
to provide general direction to the study and do
not require confirmation or discussion.
• Historical and descriptive investigations do not
need explicit hypotheses and assumptions. Only
experimental studies need expressly written
assumptions and hypotheses.
• An assumption is a self-evident truth which is
based upon a known fact or phenomenon.
• An assumption is not tested, neither it is
defended nor argued
 Hypotheses
• It is a guess at the solution to a problem or the
status of the situation. It is a proposition about
the solution to a problem or the relationship of
two or more variables. It is a tentative formulation
or explanations about the expected outcomes of
the study.
• Forms of Hypothesis
1. Null Hypothesis- described as the hypothesis of
no difference or no relationship.
2. Alternative Hypothesis- the independent variable
affects the dependent variables. In essence, this is
what the investigation hopes to determine.
 significance of the
Study
Guidelines in explaining the importance of the study:
1. The Rationale, timeliness, and/or relevance of the study
2. Possible solutions to existing problems or improvement
to unsatisfactory conditions
3. Who are to be benefitted and how they are going to be
benefitted
4. Possible contribution to the fund of knowledge
5. Possible implications
-implications include the possible causes of the
problems discovered, the possible effects of the problems,
and the remedial measures to solve the problems. It also
include the good points of a system which ought to be
continued or to be improved if possible.
 Definition of Terms
1. Only terms, words, or phrases which have special
or unique meanings in the study are defined.
2. Terms should be defined operationally, that is, how
they are used in the study.
3. The researcher may develop his own definition
from the characteristics of the term defined.
4. Definitions may be taken from encyclopedias,
books, magazines and newspaper articles,
dictionaries, and other publications but the
researcher must acknowledge his sources
5. Definitions should be as brief, clear as possible
6. Acronyms should always be spelled out fully
especially if it is not commonly known or it it is
used for the first time
 Delimitations of the
Study
The scope identifies the boundaries in terms
of time, location and samples, subjects and the
limitations which are beyond the control of the
researcher.
The use of the following phrases could help:
- This study is focused on…
- This study is limited to…
- The coverage of the this study….
- The investigation is concerned on….
- The study does not seek to include….
 Delimitations of the
Study
This sub-section includes the following:
1. A brief statement of the general purpose of the
study
2. The subject matter and topics studied and
discussed
3. The locale of the study, where the data were
gathered or the entity to which the data belong
4. The population from which the respondents were
selected
5. The period of the study. This is the time, either
months or years, during which the data were
gathered
 Limitations of the
Study

Limitations of the study include the weaknesses of

the study beyond the control of the researcher.
 Conceptual
Framework
From the review of related literature and studies,
the researcher may formulate a theoretical scheme for
his research problem. This is a tentative explanation of
the phenomenon or problem and services as the basis
for the formulation of research hypotheses. Thus, the
conceptual framework consists of the investigator’s
own position on a problem after his exposure to
various theories that have bearing on the problem.
The conceptual framework becomes the central
theme, the focus, the main thrust of the study. It
serves as guide in conducting the investigation.
one way of constructing theoretical framework is
to modify the theory into general framework
containing the variables and relationships for the
purpose of the research to be undertaken.
 Conceptual
Framework
Conceptual framework is a mental image or
perception anchored on the theoretical framework.
It is a detailed presentation of the variables to be
observed in the on-going study: the concepts
defined in a way the investigator wants, the way
the variables are operationalized and the method of
measuring the variables.
The conceptual framework depicts a clear
picture what it wants to convey and a better way of
doing the research work through diagrammatic
representation, the paradigm.
Thank you