In thesis writing, the most difficult part to write is Chapter 1 (Introduction/The Problem). As they say, the most difficult part of any endeavor is the starting point. This is because the first chapter is where you conceptualize your entire research. The whole research/thesis can be reflected in Chapter 1 including expected results or outcomes. For your guidelines, please read the following sample format of Chapter 1. Remember, the format is not universal, meaning it could vary from one school to another and/or from one course to another.

CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM

Chapter 1 includes the following subtopics, namely: 1) Rationale; 2) Theoretical Framework; 3) Conceptual Framework/Paradigm; 4) Statement of the problem; 5) Hypothesis (Optional); 6) Assumption (Optional); 7) Scope and Delimitation; Importance of the study; 9) Definition of terms.

Rationale

1. Background of the study
2. Describe the problem situation considering global, national and local forces.
3. Justify the existence of the problem situation by citing statistical data and authoritative sources.
4. Make a clinching statement that will relate the background to the proposed research problem.

Theoretical Framework

Discuss the theories and/or concepts, which are useful in conceptualizing the research.

Conceptual Framework/Paradigm

1. Identify and discuss the variables related to the problem.
2. Present a schematic diagram of the paradigm of the research and discuss the relationship of the elements/variables therein.

Statement of the Problem

1. The general problem must be reflective of the title.
2. It should be stated in such a way that it is not answerable by yes or no, not indicative of when and where. Rather, it should reflect between and among variables.
3. Each sub-problem should cover mutually exclusive dimensions (no overlapping).
4. The sub-problem should be arranged in logical order from actual to analytical following the flow in the research paradigm.

Hypothesis (Optional)

1. A hypothesis should be measurable/ desirable. It expresses expected relationship between teo or more variables. It is based on the theory and/or empirical evidence.
2. There are techniques available to measure or describe the variables. It is on a one to one correspondence with the specific problems of the study.
3. A hypothesis in statistical form has the following characteristics:
4. It is used when the test of significance of relationships and difference of measures are involved.
5. The level of significance if stated.

Assumption

1. An assumption should be based on the general and specific problems.
2. It is stated in simple, brief, generally accepted statement.

Scope and Delimitation

Indicate the principal variables, locale, timeframe, and justification.

Importance of the Study

1. It describes the contributions of the study as new knowledge, make findings more conclusive.
2. It cites the usefulness of the study to the specific groups.

Definition of Terms

1. Only important terms taken from the title, statement of the problem, assumptions, hypothesis, and the research paradigm are to be defined.
2. The terms should be arranged alphabetically and should be defined lexically and/or operationally.
3. The operational definition may include measures or indices used in measuring each concept.

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