Thesis Proposal

Chapter 5: The Introduction

After deciding on a research approach, conducting a preliminary literature review and deciding on a proposal format, the next step is to design or plan the study and the process of organizing and writing out ideas begins starting with designing an introduction to a proposal.

Chapter 5 begins with a discussion of the importance of introductions. The chapter discusses the composition of a scholarly introduction with attention to differences in quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches. The chapter then outlines the five components to writing a good introduction: establishing the problem, reviewing the literature, identifying deficiencies in the literature, targeting an audience and identifying the purpose of the study.

The Introduction

· Proposal introduction has five components

· Establishing the problem leading to the study

· Reviewing the literature about the problem

· Identifying deficiencies in the literature about the problem

· Targeting an audience and noting the significance

· Identifying the purpose of the proposed study

The Importance of Introductions

· The first passage in a study proposal

· The introduction

· Sets the stage for the project

· Establishes the issue or concern leading to the research by giving information about the problem

· Creates reader interest in the problem

· Places the study within the larger context of the scholarly literature

· Reaches out to a specific audience

· A research problem is the problem or issue that leads to the need for a study

· The research problem can originate from an experience researchers have had, debate that has appeared in the literature, gaps that need to be addressed, and policy debates

An Abstract for a Study

· An abstract is a brief summary of the contents of a study

· Allows readers to survey the essential elements

· APA recommends a length of 150–250 words

· Major components

· Start with the issue or problem leading to the need for the research

· Indicate the purpose of the study

· State what data will be collected

· Indicate themes or statistical results that will likely be found in the study

· Mention practical implications

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions

· In a qualitative project, the author will describe a project that can best be understood by exploring a concept of phenomenon

· A need exists to explore and describe the phenomena

· Variables and theory base unknown

· The nature of the phenomenon may not be suited for quantitative research

· May be less inductive while relying on the perspective of the participants

· May begin with a personal statement of experiences from the author

· In quantitative projects the problem is best addressed by understanding the factors that influence an outcome

· The research problem is best addressed by understanding what factors or variables influence an outcome

· Researchers may advance a theory to test

· Incorporate substantial reviews of the literature

· Written from an impersonal point of view and in the past tense to convey objectivity

· A mixed methods study can employ qualitative or quantitative approach or some combination in writing the introduction

· Can you use qualitative approach, quantitative approach, or combination

· May tip in the direction of one or the other, and the introduction mirrors the emphasis

· Emphasis may be equal and reflect the need to both understand the relationship among variables in a situation and explore the topic in further depth

· Existing research may be primarily qualitative or quantitative, and the need is to include other methodologies

A Model for an Introduction

· The deficiencies model of an introduction

· Builds on gaps existing in the literature

· Includes the elements of

· Stating the research problem

· Reviewing studies that have addressed the problem

· Indicating deficiencies in the studies

· Advancing the significance of the study for particular audiences

· Stating the purpose statement

· For a two page introduction, devote about one paragraph to each of the five elements

The Research Problem

· The primary objectives for an introduction

· Piquing interest in the study

· Conveying a distinct research problem or issue

· Uses a narrative hook – words that draw, engage, or hook the reader into the study

· Tips for designing the opening paragraphs

· Write an opening sentence that stimulates the readers interest

· Refrain from using quotations in the lead sentence

· Stay away from idiomatic expressions

· Consider numeric information for impact

· Clearly identify the research problem

· Indicate why the problem is important by citing numerous references

· Make sure that the problem is framed consistently with the approach

· Write about whether there is a single problem involved in the proposed study or multiple problems

Studies Addressing the Problem

· Justify the importance of the research problem by reviewing previous studies

· Reviewing studies also creates distinctions between past studies and the proposed one

· Set the research problem within ongoing dialogue in the literature

· Refer to the literature by summarizing groups of studies instead of individual ones

· Tips to consider when reviewing literature for the introduction:

· Summarize groups of studies not individual ones

· To deemphasize single studies, use in-text referencing to remove the emphasis on any one study

· Review research studies that used quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approaches

· Use studies published in the past 10 years; cite older studies if they are valuable because they have been widely referenced by others

Deficiencies and Past Literature

· After advancing the problem and reviewing the literature about it, the researcher then identifies deficiencies

· May exist because topics have not been explored with a particular group sample or population

· May need to be replicated to see if the same findings hold

· The voices of underrepresented groups have not been heard and published literature

· Deficiencies can often be found in the suggestions for future research sections

· Proposal writers also need to tell how their study will address these deficiencies and provide a unique contribution

Significance of a Study for Audiences

· Writers often include a section describing the significance of the study for select audiences

· The more audience that can be mentioned, the greater the importance of the study

· Include three or four reasons at the study adds to scholarly research

· Include three or four reasons the study helps improve practice

· Include three or four reasons the study will improve policy or decision-making

· Good introductions to research end with a statement of the purpose or intent of the study

Summary

· The introduction incorporates the research problem

· Five-part deficiencies model for the introduction:

· Identify the research problem (with a narrative hook)

· Include a brief review of literature addressing problem

· Indicate one or more deficiencies in literature and how this study will remedy

· Address the audiences that will profit

· End with the purpose statement