Introduction
IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM
Chapter 1
"The Problem”
"The Problem and Its Background"
Purpose
•to introduce the research problem,
•clarify important variables,
•specify its significance to the field of study,
•discuss its limitations and delimitations
Essential elements of Chapter 1
•Introduction
•Statement of the Problem
•Significance of the Study
•Scope and Delimitation
•Definition of Terms
Introduction
establishes the cognitive setting of
the research.
◦mental framework or context in which
an individual interprets and understands
a situation.
Introduction
•Discuss why there is a need to study the problem
• Clarify the important terminologies for the
reader to understand what the research is about
easily
• Establish the degree of seriousness of the
problem which has prompted the researcher to
look for solutions
Guide questions in formulating the Introduction
What is the rationale of the research problem?
◦This question is answered by sharing why the
researcher has decided to look for solutions to
the problem.
◦A narration of the researcher's experience that
has driven him or her to conduct the study is
commonly done.
Guide questions in formulating the Introduction
What is the rationale of the research problem?
◦For example, include one's personal experience, an
article read, a scene witnessed, news heard, and a
theory that needs to be clarified, among others.
◦The researcher should describe the existing and
prevailing problem or situation based on his or her
experience. It should start from a global perspective
down to a personal one.
Guide questions in formulating the Introduction
What is the setting of the research problem?
◦The setting forms part of the delimitation of the
problem as it defines the geographic boundaries
of the study and implies certain demographic
characteristics.
◦This describes to the reader the place where the
research is conducted since the setting has a
significant bearing on the variables being studied.
Guide questions in formulating the Introduction
What is the basic literature foundation of the study?
◦This is different from the review of related theories,
conceptual literature, and research literature.
◦This part defines or clarifies the terms or variables
used in the study. The terms and variables must be
clear to the researcher so that he or she can make
his or her reader understand them as well.
Guide questions in formulating the Introduction
How serious is the chosen research problem?
◦Why is there a need to look for solutions to the
problem?
◦In this aspect, the researcher must see the intensity and
magnitude of the problem. He or she also looks for and
mentions statistical or quantitative evidence to assess
the weight of the problem.
◦When the gravity of the problem has already been
determined, the researcher may take action and work
on the problem.
Guide questions in formulating the Introduction
What is the general objective of the research
problem?
◦The general objective of the research problem is the
main task that the researcher must answer.
◦This general research objective will be the basis of
the formulation of the statement of the problem,
namely, the general problem which, in turn, will be
the basis of specific problem enumeration.
Guide questions in formulating the Introduction
What is the overall purpose of the research
problem?
◦It must be stressed that the researcher should be
aware of the purpose of the research problem. He
or she must know how the research findings will
help classmates, fellow students, the academe, and
the field.
Introduction
•The introduction must be concise.
•It must be composed of about three to five
pages.
Synthesis
•The introduction establishes the importance of
the topic under study.