How to Write Chapter One; the Introduction of Thesis

How to Write Chapter One; the Introduction of Thesis. 
In “Chapters of a Ph.D. and master’s thesis” we discussed every five chapters of a thesis briefly. Now we are going to talk about chapter one deeper.

Chapter one of a thesis acts as a funnel. It begins with a broad subject related to the title of thesis, then narrows down to the variables and the questions/problems which are going to be solved in the research.

Generally, in introduction you need to explain what the reader is going to read about.

The introduction chapter has some subtitles which are:

1. Chapter One: Introduction
   1. 1 Introduction
   1. 2 Statement of the Problem
   1. 3 The Significance of the Study
   1. 4 Purpose of the Study
   1. 5 Research Questions
   1. 6 Research Hypothesis
   1. 7 Definition of the Keywords
   1. 8 Limitations and Delimitations

You should adhere to the format of numbering subtitles.

Now take a look at the content of each section:

Introduction

In this section, introduce the subject you have studied. Start with the broad topic and limit it to the title of the thesis. By doing so, you establish your research territory.

Then provide some quotes or paraphrase other researches that emphasis on importance of the title. Show that according to other researches and papers there was a gap and you tried to fill that gap.

Statement of the Problem

Statement of the problem (SOP) has fiver smaller parts which are:

• Topic: in this paragraph you need to state the problem, from theoretical and practical points of view.
• Gap: state that this specific problem was not solved in previous researches.
• The evidence: write one or two paragraphs on some parts of other papers that the researcher indicates that the problem exists.  
• Deficiencies: demonstrate that how you solved the problem and how the gap was filled.
• Audience: whom your study is precious to, and where it would be useful.

As you can see, SOP would be five to six paragraphs, and each paragraph has a clear aim.

Unlike the introduction section, you do not need to provide resources for every single statement in SOP, except for evidence section.

Note: remember that in the introduction you talked about the gap, too. There is a difference between the two gaps in SOP and in the introduction. The gap in the introduction is a broader gap, while in SOP you need to clarify it in details.

 

Significance of the Study

In this part, you should write in details. Prove that your study is significant for the major, other researches, and some other specific people related to the field of study (name them).

To do so, you may ask yourself these questions that how and why this study would be important.

Also usually the researchers state some gaps that they have found in the field during their research, in chapter five (conclusion) of papers and theses. You can use them as a proof of the significance of your study.

Purpose of the Study

State that by this research what you are looking for, and what you expect to reveal.

Research Questions

After a brief introduction, write down some questions which you aim to answer during your research.

In fact, the research questions are the same as the purpose of the study in the form of questions.

Research Hypothesis

In this section, answer to the research questions which are stated in the previous part.

For example, if one of the questions is “Is there any statistically significant relationship between TCK and IS of Iranian EFL learners?” then the hypothesis would be “There is no statistically significant relationship between TCK of Iranian EFL learners and their ICS.”

Only use null hypotheses.

Definition of the Keywords

Keywords are the variables of the thesis. Define them theoretically and operationally.

In order to write a theoretical definition, you need to scan related papers and find the definition of the keywords as they defined. Write several theoretical definitions quoted by several researchers.

After theoretical definition, open a new paragraph and state how the keywords are defined in your research. It would be called “empirical definition”.

Limitation and Delimitation

Every researcher face some limitation during the research process.

Limitation could be the limit number of samples, being a sample out of reach, and so on.

Limitation is out of researcher’s control, while delimitation is chosen by the researcher. For example, a researcher chooses to distribute the questionnaire among women, and not men.

Note that the explained format works in writing chapter 1 of proposals, too. The only difference is in the number of pages. Proposals have less number of pages in comparison to theses.

 

Questions and Answers about Writing Chapter One: The Introduction of a Thesis

What is the purpose of Chapter One: Introduction?

• Set the Stage: It introduces the reader to the research topic, providing necessary background information.
• State the Problem: It clearly defines the research problem or question that the thesis aims to address.
• Justify the Research: It explains the significance and relevance of the research, highlighting its contribution to the field.
• Outline the Structure: It provides a roadmap of the entire thesis, outlining the subsequent chapters and their content.

What are the key components of a strong Introduction?

• Engaging Introduction: Grab the reader’s attention with a compelling opening statement or a thought-provoking question.
• Background Information: Provide a concise overview of the relevant literature and research.
• Research Problem: Clearly articulate the specific problem or question that the research will address.
• Research Objectives: State the specific goals of the research.
• Research Questions or Hypotheses: Formulate clear and concise research questions or hypotheses.
• Significance of the Study: Explain why the research is important and how it will contribute to the field.
• Scope and Limitations: Define the boundaries of the research and acknowledge any limitations.
• Organization of the Thesis: Briefly outline the structure of the remaining chapters.

How can I write a clear and concise Introduction?

• Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid jargon and technical terms unless necessary.
• Organize Your Thoughts: Create a logical flow of ideas, moving from general to specific.
• Use Strong Verbs: Use active voice and strong verbs to convey your ideas effectively.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure that your writing is free of errors in grammar and punctuation.

When should I write the Introduction?

• After Research: It’s generally recommended to write the Introduction after completing the literature review and data analysis. This allows you to have a clear understanding of the research landscape and your findings.

How do I avoid common pitfalls in writing the Introduction?

• Avoid Rambling: Keep the Introduction focused and concise.
• Don’t Overstate the Significance: Be realistic about the impact of your research.
• Avoid Overusing Jargon: Use plain language whenever possible.
• Don’t Repeat Yourself: Avoid repeating information from other chapters.

Can you provide some tips for writing a strong thesis statement?

• Be Clear and Concise: State your main argument in a clear and concise manner.
• Be Specific: Avoid vague or general statements.
• Be Arguable: Your thesis statement should present a claim that can be supported with evidence.
• Be Relevant: Ensure that your thesis statement is relevant to your research question.

By following these guidelines, you can write a strong and effective Introduction that sets the stage for your entire thesis.

 

 

 

Here are some questions and answers about “How to Write Chapter One: The Introduction of Thesis”:

1. What is the purpose of Chapter One in a thesis?

Answer: The purpose of Chapter One, the introduction, is to provide a clear overview of the research topic. It introduces the research question, outlines the background of the study, explains the research significance, and presents the scope and objectives of the thesis. It sets the foundation for the entire thesis and helps the reader understand the context and importance of the research.

2. What should be included in the introduction chapter?

Answer: The introduction chapter typically includes:

• Background of the Study: A brief overview of the topic, including relevant theories, prior research, and key concepts.
• Problem Statement: A clear explanation of the research problem or question that the thesis aims to address.
• Research Objectives or Aims: The specific goals the research intends to achieve.
• Significance of the Study: Why the research is important, how it will contribute to the field, and its potential impact.
• Research Questions or Hypotheses: The specific questions or hypotheses the thesis will investigate.
• Scope of the Study: A description of the study’s scope, including any limitations.
• Overview of Methodology: A brief mention of the research methods to be used, without going into extensive detail (which is covered in later chapters).
• Structure of the Thesis: An outline of the chapters and what each will cover.

3. How should the problem statement be formulated in Chapter One?

Answer: The problem statement should clearly define the issue or gap in the existing literature or practice that the research intends to address. It should explain why the topic is important and provide a concise description of the research problem. A strong problem statement often highlights the significance of the problem, how it affects the field, and why it warrants further investigation.

4. What is the importance of the research objectives in the introduction?

Answer: The research objectives provide clear direction for the entire thesis. They outline what the researcher aims to accomplish through the study, helping to define the scope of the research and set clear expectations for the outcomes. Well-defined objectives ensure that the research stays focused and relevant to the problem statement.

5. How detailed should the background of the study be in Chapter One?

Answer: The background of the study should provide enough context to help the reader understand the research topic and why it is important. It should include relevant literature, existing theories, and key concepts that are essential to the study. However, it should not be too detailed, as this is typically covered in later chapters. The introduction should serve as a concise overview rather than a comprehensive review of the literature.

6. What tone and style should be used in writing the introduction chapter?

Answer: The introduction should be written in a formal, academic tone. It should be clear, concise, and free of unnecessary jargon. The writing should be objective and precise, offering enough background for the reader to understand the research topic without overwhelming them with information. The introduction should engage the reader and provide a roadmap for the thesis.

7. How do you establish the significance of the study in the introduction?

Answer: To establish the significance of the study, you should explain how your research fills a gap in the existing literature, addresses a problem, or offers new insights into the field. This can involve discussing the practical implications of your research, how it will advance understanding in the field, or how it could influence policies or practices. The significance should justify why the research is valuable.

8. Should the research questions be explicitly stated in the introduction?

Answer: Yes, the research questions should be explicitly stated in the introduction. These questions should clearly reflect the purpose of the research and provide direction for the study. They guide the investigation and are directly linked to the problem statement and objectives of the research.

9. What is the role of the methodology overview in Chapter One?

Answer: The methodology overview in Chapter One provides a brief introduction to the research methods that will be used. This section does not go into detail but highlights the approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods), the data collection techniques, and the analysis methods. It offers the reader an understanding of how the research will be conducted without overwhelming them with technical details, which are discussed in later chapters.

10. How do you end the introduction chapter?

Answer: The introduction chapter typically ends with a brief outline of the structure of the thesis. This gives the reader a roadmap of the forthcoming chapters and what they will cover. It may also briefly mention the thesis’s contribution to the field, summarizing the major points in a sentence or two.

11. How long should Chapter One be?

Answer: Chapter One should be concise yet comprehensive. It typically ranges between 10-15 pages depending on the overall length of the thesis. It should provide enough information to set the stage for the rest of the dissertation without delving into excessive detail. The goal is to provide a clear, compelling introduction that engages the reader.

12. What common mistakes should be avoided when writing Chapter One?

Answer: Common mistakes to avoid include:

• Overloading the chapter with unnecessary details: The introduction should be concise and to the point.
• Being too vague: The problem statement, objectives, and significance should be clearly defined.
• Lack of focus: Avoid diverging into unrelated topics or excessive background information.
• Failing to justify the study’s significance: Clearly explain why your research is important to the field.
• Too much technical jargon: Keep the language clear and accessible to a broad audience.

Writing Chapter One sets the tone for the entire thesis, and it’s important to make sure that it is engaging, clear, and informative.