Chapter One: Introduction

This chapter is designed to introduce the research topic to the reader, providing essential context and outlining the study’s purpose and scope. It sets the stage for the entire research project, guiding the reader through the core elements of the study. The chapter includes several subsections, each with a specific function.

• 1.0 Introduction of the chapter:

  • This section provides a brief overview of what the chapter will cover. It informs the reader of the chapter’s purpose and contents.
  • It prepares the reader to understand the research problem by introducing the topic, describing the dependent variable, and linking it to independent variables where possible.
  • It establishes the context of the research by providing evidence of the existing problem, moving from a global to local perspective and highlighting gaps in knowledge.
  • This introduction should not exceed two pages, using Times New Roman font, size 12, with 1.5 line spacing and using APA in-text referencing.

• 1.1 Background to the study topic:

  • This section gives an overview of the study and its context globally, regionally, and locally.
  • It provides an in-depth explanation of the research problem.
  • Its goal is to convince the reader that the problem is significant and worth investigating.
  • This section should typically not exceed three pages.

• 1.2 Problem statement:

  • The problem statement should be concise and clear, not exceeding one page in length.
  • It should clearly state the magnitude of the problem, the actual problem, and the consequences or effects of the problem.
  • The problem statement should address questions such as:
    • What is the issue?
    • Where is the problem?
    • When is the problem occurring?
    • Who is affected by the problem?
    • Why is it a problem?
    • How significant is the problem?
    • What are the consequences of the problem?

• 1.3 Purpose of the study (Aims):

  • This section states the general intention of the research, also referred to as the general or broad objective of the study.
  • The purpose should state what the research is intended to accomplish.
  • It is typically derived from the research topic with an element of action added. For example, “To identify/establish the factors affecting the rate of spread of bedbugs among male students in Gaddafi hall at Mulago”.
  • When stating the objective, ensure it is complete, including the target population and study area.
  • Avoid using immeasurable words like “to study,” “understand,” or “know,” and instead use words like “Evaluate,” “Assess,” “Examine,” “Establish,” “Investigate,” “Identify,” “Determine,” “Extent,” and “Magnitude”.

• 1.4 Specific objectives:

  • The specific objectives should break down the general objective into smaller, achievable parts.
  • There should be no more than 4 and no less than 2 specific objectives, with an average of 3.
  • The objectives must be SMART:
    • Specific: Focused on one clear thing.
    • Measurable: Using words that allow evaluation, assessment, examination, etc. instead of immeasurable words.
    • Achievable: Realistic in terms of timeframe and cost.
    • Realistic: Directly addressing the research topic.
    • Time-bound: Set to be completed within a specific period.
  • Objectives should be directly related to the research problem and be appropriately worded, including target population and study area.

• 1.5 Research question(s):

  • Research questions are derived from the specific objectives but are framed as questions.
  • The questions should be structured so that at the end of the research, you can determine if they have been answered.
  • For example, if the objective is “To assess the knowledge of mothers towards oral medicine administration of their children below 5 years,” then the question is “What knowledge do mothers have towards the administration of oral medicine to their children below 5 years?”

• 1.6 Justification of the study:

  • This section explains why the research is important and worth conducting.
  • It defends and explains the need for the study.
  • It should address why this specific study needs to be done and why this specific location has been chosen for the study.
  • Whenever possible, use statistics to support your claims. For example: “Hospital records show that…”, or, “On observation…”.
  • This section should not exceed one paragraph.
  • It also explains the significance of the study, including how it will benefit the target population, ministries, hospitals, NGOs, etc., and also its academic and practical relevance.

This structured approach to Chapter One ensures that the reader has a comprehensive understanding of what the study is about, why it is important, and what it intends to achieve.