Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
EE 325
Chapter 1 – INTRODUCTION
Chapter 2 – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Chapter 3 – METHODOLOGY
Chapter 4 – DATA PRESENTATIONS, RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Chapter 5 – SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION &
RECOMMENDATIONS
Chapter 1
THE PRELIMINARY SECTIONS OF A THESIS
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Scope and Limitation
1.6 Theoretical Background
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
A good introduction creates a good overall impression of the
whole paper immediately captures attention of the readers
provides the general information about the main idea and
explains the situation should tell the readers why they
should care and keep reading.
This is where you provide an introduction to the topic of
your thesis: you give the context in terms of content of the
research project
HOW TO WRITE THE
INTRODUCTION
One of the most logical and perhaps achievable
approaches to follow is suggested by Swales and Feak
(2004). This rhetorical pattern is referred to as the create-a-
research-space (CARS) Model wherein the work of others
and/or what is known about the research topic is primary
and the work of the researcher is secondary.
HOW TO WRITE THE
INTRODUCTION
The Create-a-Research-Space Model
(CARS) (Body)
Establishing a Research Territory
Establishing the Niche
Occupying the Niche
Establishing a Research Territory
Explain the background of the study and show that the
research area is necessary, interesting and problematic
It is in this part where the writer can mention and review
items of previous, relevant, and related studies. By doing
this, the writer is also contextualizing the problem of the
study. Thus, by discussing the background of the study, the
researcher is also foregrounding the present study.
Establishing a Research Territory
Language makers to signal these ideas may include the
following:
1. Recently, there has been a growing interest in…
2. The development of…is a classic problem in…
3. A central issue is…
4. The relationship between… and…has been investigated by
many researchers
Establishing the Niche
This can be done by briefly indicating a gap in the previous
studies or by extending previous knowledge in a new or
novel way. These gaps can emerge from the critical
evaluation of the findings, methodologies and conclusions
of other relevant works, especially “benchmark” studies in
which the study will be built.
Establishing a gap is the most usual way researchers move
from the general context of other research to the more
specific context of their own study. These gaps are normally
expanded and exhaustively discussed in the Review of
Related Literature.
Establishing the Niche
These ideas may be indicated by the
following transitional words:
However, little information… (attention,
work, data, research, few studies,
investigations, researchers, attempts)
The research tended to focus on…
These studies have emphasized,…as opposed
to
Occupying the Niche
Once the gap is established, the
researcher discusses where the present
work can come in the research area. In
other words, the researcher shows how the
present research can “fill in the gap” that
was not achieved by the previous studies. A
brief rationalization and explanation of the
problem and objectives and how can these
be answered follows.
Additional Suggestions in Making a
Convincing Introduction
▪Saving some good material and ideas later will keep the
readers in suspense.
▪It is still very important to ensure that there is a direct
relationship between the introduction and the rest of the
paper.
▪It is good idea to have an introduction (as well as a
conclusion) for each chapter. Additionally, it is also a good
idea to remind the readers of what has been discussed in
the previous chapter.
Additional Suggestions in Making a
Convincing Introduction
▪The length of the introduction varies. There is no rule of the
thumb but the University in Canberra in Australia suggested
that the introduction should be one-twelfth and no longer
than one-tenth of the total length of the paper.
▪The introduction is one of the key and essential parts of the
thesis and other forms of academic writing. It is the road
map of the study and puts the whole paper in the context. It
is also foregrounds and rationalizes the need and
significance of the study.
Additional Suggestions in Making a
Convincing Introduction
Paragraph 1. General Statement [definition;
quotation]
Paragraph 2. Situation(er)s [1. macro; 2. micro; and
3. own research environment]
Paragraph 3. Gaps [findings from other studies; what
is NOT studied yet]
Paragraph 4. Justification
Paragraph 5. Significance [why is your study
important/significant]
Paragraph 6. Closure Statement
1.2 Statement of the Problem
A research problem is defined as “an intellectual
stimulus calling for a response in the form of a scientific
inquiry” (Nachmias & Nachmias, 1996, p.53). This
intellectual stimulus is an issue or a problem that justifies
the need for the study. Not all issues, however, are
amenable to scientific investigation, particularly those that
cannot be empirically investigated since they cannot be
measured or identified in behavior and verified through the
use of sense. These issues or problems are thus empirically
grounded, and specifically and clearly stated.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
A research problem may emerge from any one or
a combination of several potential sources:
a. personal experiences of the researchers in their
lives or workplaces,
b. extensive debate that exists in the literature, and
c. policy debates in government on nongovernment
entities, among others.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Some of the points to consider in designing the paragraphs
in which the research problem and thesis statement are
embedded are as follows:
◦ The opening sentence must be able to stimulate reader
interest as well as convey an issue to which a broad
audience can relate.
◦ As a general rule, using quotations are to be avoided
especially long ones, in the lead sentence.
◦ Refrain from using idiomatic expressions or trite phases
(e.g., “The lecture method remains a ‘sacred cow’
among most college and university instructors.”)
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Some of the points to consider in designing the paragraphs
in which the research problem and thesis statement are
embedded are as follows:
◦ Use numeric information for impact (e.g., “Every year, an
estimated 5 million Filipinos experience the death of an
immediate family member.”)
◦ The importance of the problem may be indicated by
citing numerous references that substantiate the need to
study the problem. A study is not considered scholarly if
it does not have several references cited to justify the
need to study the problem.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Some of the points to consider in designing the paragraphs
in which the research problem and thesis statement are
embedded are as follows:
◦ The problem must be framed in a manner consistent
with the approach to research in the study (e.g.,
exploratory in qualitative, examining relationships or
predictors in quantitative, and either approach in mixed
methods inquiry.)
◦ State whether there is single problem involved in the
proposed study or multiple problems that lead to a need
for the study. Often, multiple research problems are
addressed in research studies.
◦ Ensure that the thesis statement is incorporated after
having presented the research issues or problems.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Constituting the last part of an introduction is the
Purpose Statement of the study “that establishes the intent
of the entire study”. It is the central, controlling idea in a
research, stated in a single or a number of sentences, thus
the most important statement in the entire study. The
purpose statement identifies the reasons or motivations for
doing and accomplishing the study.
The problem must not be answerable by yes or no and must
be arranged in the flow of your documentation or study.
Sample Statement of the Problem
In the advent of advancing technology comes a larger demand for electricity. This means that higher
energy outputs are expected of large power plants, which means that a larger amount fuel must be used to cater to the
people’s demand. Larger fuel consumption means more polluted gas is released into the atmosphere. The world’s
supply of oil is slowly being depleted and fuel prices are getting higher. Before such time comes, a clean and renewable
energy source to supply the population’s energy demand must be present.
According to the REEEP SEAP in Regional News, the Philippines relies mostly on non-renewable energy
sources yet the country owns rich renewable energy resources and this includes robust wind energy sites. Wind alone
can actually fulfill most of the energy requirement of the world by its efficient conversion in to energy.
However, installation cost and other primary costs can be barriers in starting a renewable energy power
plant. But due to its simplicity, materials for construction are local-based. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine can be installed
even on top of the roof of tall houses, buildings and even small mountainous areas in a very small cost. This idea can
definitely lessen the dependence of using fuel that can be a reason of fuel crises, and even pollution created by the
exhaust gas.
According to the study of Bashar 2011, change of blade profile can have real impact in this kind of
turbine. A number of studies have been suggested to explain the fundamental mechanism of the rather unexpected
aerodynamics performance improvement of the corrugated dragonfly airfoils or wings over conventional airfoils. With
these studies, the researcher is then motivated to test the airfoil in vertical axis wind turbine whether the corrugation
of the dragonfly airfoil has greater advantage – better starting torque, higher lift force, higher efficiency, etc., to other
common symmetrical airfoils used mostly in these type of turbine.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
After having established the first signpost of the
study, that is, the general purpose statement, the focus of
the study is further narrowed in terms of specific objectives
to be carried out or achieved, or hypotheses to be tested;
or in terms of research questions to be answered or
predicted. For the purpose of providing a common set of
research guidelines research objectives are to be used,
instead of research questions; with hypotheses for
addressing research objectives that require statistical tests
of variable relationships or group comparisons.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
In framing the research objectives, there are
two forms that can be considered: a key or a cluster
objective with not more than five associated sub-
objectives on the basis of themes. Hence, smaller
objectives are clustered under relevant key
objectives. Key objectives may range from one to
three, each followed by three to five sub-objectives;
but no more than twelve research objectives in all,
including both key objectives and sub-objectives
(Adapted from Miles and Huberman, 1994).
Objectives of the Study (Sample)
This study aims to identify the performance of a dragonfly
airfoil used in VAWT. These following objectives then is set for the
research:
i. To design and fabricate four turbine assemblies each two assemblies
represent two different types of VAWT – Gorlov Helical (aerodynamic)
and Savonius (impulse) Wind turbine model.
ii. To design and build a model roof house and serve as the base to
support the prototype turbine assembly.
Iii. Measure the shaft power and efficiency and compare the
experimental and numerical results produced in every type of turbine
model using NACA 0018, and the Dragonfly airfoil.
Objectives of the Study (Sample)
The following are the objectives of the study:
1. To develop a laboratory-scale pyrolysis set-up.
2. To extract crude oil from waste HDPE by pyrolysis
experiment.
3. To investigate the effect of temperature and heating rate
on the pyrolysis yields of HDPE.
Objectives of the Study
USE verbs that are quantifiable
1.4 Scope and Limitations
In brief and concise form, the scope of the investigation defines
where and when the study was conducted and who the subjects were.
The scope sets the delimitations and establishes the boundaries of the
study (Sevilla, et al., 1992). Globio (2012) enumerated some guidelines in
writing the scope and limitation of the study. They include the following:
A brief statement of the general purpose of the study.
The subject matter and topics studied and discussed.
The locale of the study, where the data were gathered or the entity to
which the data belong.
The population or universe from which the respondents were selected.
This must be large enough to make generalizations significant.
The period of the study. This is the time, either months or years, during
which the data were gathered.
1.4 Scope and Limitations
Limitations of the study, on the other hand, include
the weaknesses of the study beyond the control of the
researcher. This is especially true in descriptive research
where the variables involved are uncountable or continuous
variables such as adequacy, effectiveness, efficiency, extent,
etc. The weaknesses spring out of the inaccuracies of the
perceptions of the respondents (Globio, 2012).
Scope and Limitations (Sample)
This study is limited in designing, fabricating and testing
prototype Gorlov Helical to represent aerodynamic turbine and Savonius
wind turbine for impact turbine with different blade types – NACA 0018
and Dragonfly airfoil aimed to generate power provided a multi-
directional wind velocity installed on top of USC, Talamban Campus, area
near the Chapel. The electric generator is excluded in this experiment.
Comprehensive dynamic study on specific airfoils and their
aerodynamic properties is not extensively studied in this research. The
shape of airfoil – from symmetrical to flat-type to corrugated airfoil
design, has been changed to compare and investigate the difference and
some possible advantages and disadvantages for the designs based on
the observation, experimental and numerical results. This research also
will not look into the study of vibration and depth detail of corrosion and
its effects.
1.5 Significance of the Study
“Significance” may refer to how the research changes
the way people think, inform policy, move the field forward,
or advance the state of the art. Moreover, a significant
contribution can be described as something that is useful
and has an impact.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This section of the study must state emphatically how the
research can
▪offer nontrivial to a very important breakthrough at the empirical,
conceptual, theoretical, or policy level;
▪be useful and will have an impact;
▪cause those inside, the possibly those outside, the community to see
things differently;
▪influence the conversation, research, and teaching;
▪have implications for and advance the field, the discipline, other
disciplines, or society.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This section may also answer the following questions:
Why is the study significant or important? How can you
convince the reader that the research is worth doing?
What new perspective will it bring to the topic or field of
research?
How can it contribute in the developing of new or better
theoretical model?
How can the results of the study be used in different
disciplines?
Who are to be benefitted and how are they going to be
benefitted?
1.5 Significance of the Study
It must discuss any of the following:
▪relevance of the study in different aspects
▪answers the existing problems or conflicts
▪contributions to academe and to the community
▪implications
Significance of the Study (Sample)
The study to be conducted benefits the following sectors of the society:
The Local Community - this study would serve as a reference for the
possibility of future technological developments on plastic to oil
projects for economic and environmental benefits.
International Research Community - the study to be conducted will
contribute to the current developments on the field of polymer
pyrolysis.
The Students - the developed pyrolysis set-up can be utilized by the
students who would conduct future pyrolysis studies.
The University - the pyrolysis set-up will augment the current inventory
of equipment and apparatus in the Mechanical Engineering laboratory.
1.6 Theoretical Background of the Study
Concept and Role of the Theoretical Framework
Variedly referred to as theoretical perspective,
conceptual framework/model, analytical framework, or
theoretical lens/perspective, theoretical framework is a third
level theory consisting of a systematic set if interrelated
constructs (or variables), definitions, and propositions that
presents an integrated view of the phenomenon by specifying
relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining
natural phenomena.
1.6 Theoretical Background of the Study
Concept and Role of the Theoretical Framework
In quantitative study, a theory is usually tested to
serve an explanation for answers to research questions. In
qualitative research, it may also be viewed as an abstract
representation of reality in terms of ordering and simplifying
how we figure out reality by resembling its vital attributes.
As in quantitative research, a theory is used in qualitative
studies to provide general explanation to certain issues or
phenomena, behavior and attitudes.
According to Olandria (2015), “it discusses the very foundation or
rationale why the study is conducted. It covers known and long-
accepted concepts, theories, laws, policies, and principles which form
the legal basis where the current study is anchored upon.”
serves as the building block or skeleton for the foundation or bases of
the study
1.6 Theoretical Background of the Study
Concept and Role of the Theoretical Framework
Theories that serve as the building blocks or skeleton
for the foundation or bases of the study
1.6 Theoretical Background of the Study
Concept and Role of the Theoretical Framework
➢Permits the readers to evaluate your topic or
the research problem critically
➢Connects the researcher to existing knowledge
➢Having theory helps the researcher identify
the limits to generalizations
Presentation of Theoretical,
Conceptual Framework
Presentation
Theoretical frameworks are stated both narratively
and diagrammatically..
The researcher cites and discusses related theories
that serve as the foundation of the variables and their
relationship, to make the study more scientific and
understandable to readers.
How to Write
1. Examine the research problem and
consider the key variables/concepts in
your research
2. Review your related literature and
choose the theory/concepts/legal basis
applicable to your study
3. Discuss the theory/concepts/legal basis
and its relation to your present study
How to Write
Use theories/concepts.. related to your curricular program. Much more,
use theories that are directly related to your RESEARCH STUDY
1. Author/proponent
2. Theoretical principle/statement
3. Relationship/relevance to present study
Sample prompts:
The study is anchored on..
This study is supported by the theory of
This study is founded on the theory
The theoretical underpinning of this study is…
Theoretical Background(Sample)
The concept of operation for all solar PV systems is the same. When sunlight strikes a solar panel,
it knocks electrons loose from their atoms, resulting in direct current (DC) generation. An optional energy
storage system can be incorporated to store excess electricity and be used when solar energy is scarce.
Thereafter, the inverter transforms the DC to AC electricity, which is what most household appliances utilize.
When Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson developed the silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell
at Bell Lab, it became the first photovoltaic technology employed in the United States. This was the first solar
cell capable of turning enough sunlight into electricity to power common household appliances.
Republic Act. No. 9136 Section 2a Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 states that it is the
policy to guarantee and accelerate the total electrification of the country. However, due to the country's
archipelagic nature, certain islands remain impossible to connect to the main grid.
The research also highlights the incentives for renewable energy projects and activities as stated in
the Republic Act No. 9513 Section 7 or also known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. The incentives include
income tax exemption, duty-free importation of renewable energy equipment and materials, zero percent
value-added tax rate, etc. With all the help the government can provide, installation of a renewable energy
source is now achievable.
With these theories and principles in consideration, this research will be carried out with the goal
of assisting the relevant authorities in implementing the country's total electrification by conducting an
investigation of an island’s technical and financial viability to support a renewable source.
Figure (#). Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
NOTE: This is located on the SECOND PAGE of the Theoretical Background
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
In light of the need for clarity and precision in
science, a thesis must define the concepts or terms that it
has introduced or used, either or both
conceptually/theoretically and operationally. Definitions
which are derived from existing theories, perspectives,
principles, or concepts through published materials are
called conceptual or theoretical definitions (Globio, 2012).
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Definitions must be grounded in literature by taking
from authoritative sources. These sources may include
encyclopedias, scientific journal sources in the discipline
with the appropriate in text documentation, newspaper
articles, dictionaries, and other publications but the
researcher must acknowledge his sources. Moreover, in the
absence of an authoritative or accepted reference in the
field, the researcher may provide definition and this
definition must be used throughout the study.
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Additional Guidelines in Defining Terms
The following can be considered as additional
guidelines in formulating the definition of terms:
▪Acronyms should always be spelled out when fully
used for the first time especially if it is not commonly
known.
▪Terms that have not been defined in the section “
Operational Definition of Terms” may be defined in
the section where these are discussed
▪Certain words from the Title should be defined
PADAYON
