Thesis Proposal

profiletippy0410
Material-Creswell5Slides-Chapter5TheIntroduction.ppt
Home>Business & Finance homework help>Thesis Proposal

The Introduction

Chapter 5

*

Introduction

  • Next step is to design or plan the study
  • 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

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

The Importance of Introductions

  • The introduction is the initial passage in a study or proposal that

Sets the stage for the project

Creates reader interest in the topic

Establishes the problem leads to the study

Places the study within the larger literature

Reaches out to a specific audience

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

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

Personal experience

Debate in the literature

Gaps that need to be addressed

Policy debates

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

The Importance of Introductions

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

An Abstract for a Study

  • A brief summary of the contents of a study
  • Allows the reader to quickly survey the essential elements of the study
  • Components

Issue or problem

Purpose of the study

What data that will be collected

Themes, statistical results, or mixed methods integrated findings that are likely

Practical implications of the study

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions

  • Similar pattern for all approaches, but some differences
  • Qualitative introductions

Problem calls for exploration

May be shaped by a theoretical lens

May be written from a personal, first-person, subjective point of view

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

  • Quantitative introductions

Problem calls for understanding what factors and variables influencing an outcome

May advance a theory to test

Incorporate substantial literature review

May be written from an impersonal point of view

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

  • Mixed methods introductions

Can use a quantitative or qualitative approach or a combination

If one approach is emphasized or begins the study, then the introduction may follow that approach

May reflect need to understand relationships and explore

Problem may include the need for other methodologies

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

A Model for an Introduction

  • Deficiencies model of an introduction builds on gaps in the literature
  • Write one paragraph per element (about 2 pages)

State the research problem

Review studies that have addressed the problem

Indicate deficiencies in the studies

Advance the significance of the study for particular audiences

State the purpose statement

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

The research problem:

  • Pique interest
  • Convey distinct research problem or issue
  • Narrative hook draws, engages, or hooks the reader into the study

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

The research problem:

  • Begins with narrative hook
  • Easily understood by many readers
  • Builds readers’ interest through reference to study participants or posing questions
  • Clearly identify the issue(s) or problem(s) that lead to a need for the study
  • Indicate why the problem is important by citing numerous references

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

The research problem – Tips for opening paragraph:

  • Opening sentence should stimulate interest while conveying the issue
  • Do not use quotations to avoid confusion
  • Avoid idiomatic expressions
  • Consider numeric information for impact
  • Clearly identify the research problem

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

The research problem – Tips for opening paragraph:

  • Indicate why the problem is important using the existing literature
  • Frames the problem in a manner consistent with the research approach
  • Consider whether there is a single problem or multiple problems addressed

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

Studies addressing the problem:

  • Not a complete literature review as in the full literature review (Chapter 2)
  • The literature review in the introduction serves to

Justify the importance of the problem

Create distinctions between past studies and the proposed study

Set the research problem within ongoing dialogue in the literature

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

Tips to consider when reviewing the literature for the introduction:

  • Summarize groups of studies not individual ones
  • Use in-text referencing to remove the emphasis on any one study

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

Studies addressing the problem:

  • Review studies that use quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches
  • Use recent studies (last 10 years) and older studies that are of value

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

Deficiencies in past literature:

  • After advancing the problem and reviewing the literature, identify the deficiencies
  • Deficiencies in past literature may exist because:

The topic has not been explored with a particular group, sample, or population

The literature needs to be replicated with new people or sites

The voice of underrepresented groups has not been heard in published literature

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

When identifying deficiencies in past literature:

  • Cite several deficiencies
  • Identify specifically the deficiencies of the other studies
  • Write about areas overlooked by past studies
  • Discuss how proposed study will

Remedy or address the deficiencies

Provide a unique contribution

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

Significance of a study for audiences:

  • Describe the significance of the study for select audiences
  • Consider including:

3–4 reasons the study adds to the scholarly literature

3–4 reasons the study helps to improve practice

3–4 reasons the study will improve policy

  • End with a statement of the purpose of the study

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

A Model for an Introduction

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

Summary

  • The introduction incorporates the research problem
  • Five-part deficiencies model

Research problem (narrative hook)

Literature addressing problem

Deficiencies in literature

Audiences that will profit

Purpose statement

*

Creswell, Research Design 5e

SAGE Publishing, 2018

Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018

*