Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study
Checklist Items
Introduction
(Note that APA section 3.03 does not allow a heading called Introduction; it is assumed that the first part of a manuscript is the introduction.)
Describe the topic of the study, why the study needs to be conducted, and the potential positive social change implications of the study.
Preview major sections of the chapter.
Background
Briefly summarize research literature related to the scope of the study topic.
Describe a gap in practice in the discipline that the study will address.
End the section with why the study is needed.
Problem Statement
State the research problem.
Provide evidence of consensus that the problem is current, relevant, and significant to the discipline.
Frame the problem in a way that builds upon or counters previous research findings focusing primarily on research conducted in the last 5 years.
Address a meaningful gap in practice supported by current research literature.
Purpose of the Study
Provide a concise statement that serves as the connection between the problem being addressed and the focus of the study.
Indicate the research paradigm.
Include the intent of the study (such as describe, compare, explore, develop).
Present the concept/phenomenon of interest.
Research Question(s)
State the research questions.
Conceptual Framework for the Study
Identify and define the concept/phenomenon that grounds the study.
Describe concisely the conceptual framework (for qualitative studies, the contextual lens) as derived from the literature with more detailed analysis in Chapter 2.
State the logical connections among key elements of the framework with a reference to a more thorough explanation in Chapter 2.
State how the framework relates to the study approach and key research questions as well as instrument development and data analysis where appropriate.
Nature of the Study
Provide a concise rationale for selection of the design/tradition including references to primary sources for the chosen tradition.
Briefly describe the key concept and/or phenomenon being investigated.
Briefly summarize the methodology (from whom and how data are collected and how data will be analyzed).
Definitions
Provide concise definitions of key concepts or constructs.
Define terms used in the study that have multiple meanings (e.g., socioeconomic status, educator, health service professional). Do not include common terms or terms that can easily be looked up in a dictionary.
Include citations that identify support in the professional literature for the definition or operational definition.
Assumptions
Clarify aspects of the study that are believed but cannot be demonstrated to be true. Include only those assumptions that are critical to the meaningfulness of the study.
Describe the reasons why the assumption(s) was/were necessary in the context of the study.
Scope and Delimitations
Describe specific aspects of the research problem that are addressed in the study and why the specific focus was chosen.
Define the boundaries of the study by identifying populations included and excluded and conceptual frameworks most related to the area of study that were not investigated.
Address potential transferability.
Limitations
Describe limitations of the study related to design and/or methodological weaknesses (including issues related to limitations of transferability and dependability).
Describe any biases that could influence study outcomes and how they are addressed.
Describe reasonable measures to address limitations.
Significance
Identify potential contributions of the study that advance knowledge in the discipline. This is an elaboration of what the problem addresses.
Identify potential contributions of the study that advance practice and/or policy, as applicable.
Describe potential implications for positive social change that are consistent with and bounded by the scope of the study.
Summary
Summarize main points of the chapter.
Provide transition to Chapter 2.
