The lecture notes is on to how to write the significance of the study. This section often referred to as the “rationale” or justification is one in which you try to convince your audience that the study is worth doing. As you write the significance, there is the need to figure out several contributions and benefits of your study, especially, why you are undertaking the study.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. state the general contributions of the study
2. state the specific contributions of the study
3. give grounds for the study
4. explain with logical reasons the benefits of the study

Techniques for writing significance of the study

General significance

To write the general significance, consider the importance or contribution your study will impact or benefit others in part or whole. Discuss what people or groups of people might benefit from your study. Show how this project is significant to developing a body of knowledge. An example is how your study will influence public policy.

Specific significance

Your problem statement can guide you in identifying the specific contribution of your study. You can do this by observing a one-to-one correspondence between the purpose of the problem and the objectives of the study. For example, if your research question reads “Is there any significant relationship between the usage of WhatsApp and the performance of students in spelling in English language?” perhaps, you may write one of the contributions of your study as “The study will identify common errors in spelling and grammar by users of WhatsApp and recommend its appropriate use in a manner that can improve better performance in spelling.”

Gaps in literature

Justify the need for the study by considering the following:

1. The gaps in related literature that demands attention
2. Where there is little or no literature on the identified gaps
3. Where the related literature available recommends a further work vis-à-vis the identified gaps

Benefits or outcomes

You may justify the need for the study by outlining the expected benefits or outcomes to be derived from conducting the study. You need to explain how the outcome of the study will be useful in terms of how it will contribute to extension, refinement or revision of a theory; or influence existing issues in terms of policy or practice.

Checklists

Use the following checklists to fine tune the significance of the study:

1. Why is this work important?
2. What are the implications of doing it?
3. How does your study link to other knowledge?
4. How does it stand to inform or influence policy making?
5. What new perspective will your study introduce to the subject?
6. What benefits might your study have for others in the subject area or to the general public?
7. How is your study expected to resolve lingering questions or gaps in knowledge in your field of study?
8. How is your study expected to develop better theoretical models in your specialty?
9. How your study will change the way people do their jobs in a particular field, or may change the way people live. 

Example  

Fig 1: Sample of significance of the study

Bibliography

Amedahe, F. K. (n.d.). Introduction to educational research. Cape Coast: Centre for Continuing Education, University of Cape Coast

Kutsanedzie, F., Achio, S., & Ameko, E. (2015). Comprehensive approach to research writing and publication. (1st ed.) New York:.Science Publishing Group. ISBN: 978-1-940366-51-7

Mahama, A. (2014). Guidelines for writing undergraduate research report. Accra: Islamic University College, Ghana.

Regoniel, P. A. (February 9, 2015). Two tips on how to write the significance of the study. Retrieved October 1. 2017 from http://simplyeducate.me/2015/02/09/two-tips-on-how-to-write-the-significance-of-the-study/

Thesisnotes. (September 19, 2016). Writing thesis significance of the   study. Retrieved October 10, 2017 from http://thesisnotes.com/thesis-writing/writing-thesis-significance-of-the-study/

The Background to the Study is the first essential component of Chapter One of your research project. It introduces the background to the study in order to situate the study in its proper perspective and context. It indicates the root of the problem being studied, presents appropriate context of the problem in relation to theory, research, and the extent to which previous studies have successfully investigated the problem, and where gaps exist that your study may attempt to address. In a nutshell, the background to your research project must include a detailed information in which you (a) explain what previous studies state about your topic, (b) discuss current developments surrounding your topic, and (c) identify the gap in literature that leads to your study. As you write the background statement, think through the learning outcomes:

 Learning Outcomes

By the time you complete this tutorial, you should be able to:

1. state the general information on the background
2. state the specific information on the background
3. identify gaps in the study
4. raise appropriate questions about the identified gaps
5. provide scientific answers to the questions raised about identified gaps
6. cite appropriately all sources and acknowledge them accordingly

The General Information on the Background

This part of the background focuses on the general scope of the study. It takes into account information that has general association with the topic under study. For instance, if it has to do with managing conflicts in the tourism sector, the general information can look at the general definition of conflicts; its effect on performance of workers in the hospitality industry and how it compares with the other known conflict management techniques; its disadvantages and the benefits derived from processes in managing conflict.

With this arrangement, you would be able to present a general idea on the topic and more importantly arrange your write-up in a logical format.

Example 1

If the research statement is about a new Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) technology that can reduce the financial burden and the inconvenience of learners (workers) who combine studies with work, and also cover large distances in order to access instructions, then begin with statements about the overall importance of CAI. Discuss the educational, financial and societal implications for learners who cannot access instructions because of their proximity, job and family engagements. Talk about general goals that can improve online learning. Finally, describe how the particular subject of your research statement relates to those national or institutional needs (Mahama, 2013).

Example 2

Similarly, if you are writing a proposal on a study that will reduce congestion on urban streets, describe the extent of the problem. How much time is lost due to congestion at national level? How much does it affect air quality? How does your particular problem contribute to the solution? If your research statement describes a method or practice that will improve efficiencies in procedures in your focus area, how much time and resources are wasted by current practices.

Another example of general information on background by Soyebo and Omokayode (2016) is presented in Figure 1.

Figure. 1: Sample of background of study Source: http://ijhass.org/index.php/ijhass/article/view/23/26

The Specific Information on the Background

The specific information on the background narrows the information and brings the chosen topic to focus by considering issues that precisely relate the topic. It forms the basis of the study. For instance,

• If the topic is on implementing Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) as an instructional delivery media for online learning, you must concentrate on the strength and weaknesses of CAI as an online instructional delivery media vis-à-vis the other known instructional delivery media. You should as well highlight other known media of instructions on which the implementation can be based.
• If the topic is on appraisal of composting as a waste management technique, you must concentrate on the strength and weaknesses of the composting as a waste management techniques vis-à-vis the other known waste management techniques. You must also highlight the other known methods of assessment that the appraisal can be based on (Fig. 2)

Figure 2: Sample specific information on background. Source: Kutsanedzie, et al. (2015)

Identification of Gaps in the Background Information

This is the basis of the study which advances an argument for a scientific or intellectual discourse (Kutsanedzie, et al., 2015). It is best practice to identify a problem before finding a solution to it and not vice-versa. In this section, you point out the gaps available in the presented information captured in the specific information background. For instance, as regard the topic on composting stated earlier, though it is regarded as the most environmentally friendly organic waste management method and its product are beneficial for enriching the soil as an organic fertilizer. And when used immaturely, it can serve an entry of zoonotic and pathogenic microbes into the food chain to pose health hazards and threats to the public. This identified gap can stimulate the debate for the study (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Sample gap of the study. Source: Kutsanedzie, et al. (2015)

Raising Appropriate Questions on Identified Gaps

Once you have identified a gap in the study, it is now mandatory on you to raise all the necessary questions. The answers to these questions then become solutions for bridging the identified gaps. For example, (a) how can the survived zoonotic and pathogenic microbes be eliminated in the final compost, (b) what composting method can be used to achieve pathogenic-free compost, (c) how can teaching and learning be achieved by non residential learners, and (d) what instructional delivery media can be provided for online learners?

Providing Answers to Questions on Identified Gaps

This is where you propose interim answers to the raised questions although the study is yet to be undertaken. This is referred to as the project statement. For the questions raised in our example, the study statement can be framed as ― (a) there is a method of composting that can be used to achieve pathogenic-free compost, or (b) a much more efficient instructional delivery media can be developed to enhance online teaching and learning.

Bibliography

Kutsanedzie, F., Achio, S., & Ameko, E. (2015). Comprehensive approach to research writing and publication (1st ed.). New York: Science Publishing Group. ISBN: 978-1-940366-51-7

Mahama, A. (2013). Developing a sustainable computer-assisted instruction program for online learning (unpublished doctoral thesis). Honolulu: Atlantic International University

Mahama, A. (2015). ICT usage: The case of Junior High students, Ablekuma, Ghana. Deutschland, Germany: Scholars’ Press. ISBN: 978-3-639-76854-1. Also accessible at https://www.amazon.co.uk/ICT-Usage-Students-Ablekuma-District/dp/363976854X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1510851438&sr=1-1

Soyebo, K. O., & Omokayode, H. A. (2016). IUG Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(1), p. 1. ISSN: 2579 0390. Retrieved November 1, 2017 from http://ijhass.org/index.php/ijhass/article/view/23/26

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Writing a research statement. Retrieved October 21, 2017 from http://www.trb.org/ResearchFunding/AppendixAWritingaResearchStatement.aspx

Zepernick, J. (2015). Ten tips for writing an effective introduction in a research paper. Think Science. Retrieved October 20, 2017 from https://thinkscience.co.jp/en/downloads/Ten%20Tips%20for%20Writing%20an%20Effective%20Introduction%20to%20Original%20Research%20Papers.pdf

The lecture notes is a summary on how to craft a workable research topic.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this instruction, you should be able to:

• • Craft a workable research topic
  • Develop research objectives for the research topic
  • Formulate research questions from the research objectives

The attributes of a feasible research topic can be outlined as:

Relevance of Your Topic

• • Does the research topic match your career goals? Do you have personal interest in the topic, such that it can be sustained f
    or the research duration?
  • Is the topic relevant to your life and something with which you are really fascinated?
  • Will your proposed research be able to provide fresh insights in this topic?
  • Are you able to state your research objectives and questions clearly?
  • Is the research topic achievable within the available time and financial resources?

Basic Background Checks on Your Topic

• • Choose a topic on which you can find material (sufficient details). For example, are you reasonably certain of being able to gain access to data you likely require for this topic?
  • Are there any previous works on your topic?
  • Does your topic contain issues that have a clear link to any theory?
  • Use search engines to search for keywords and central ideas on your topic.
  • Create a bibliography of all sources you consult.

Defining the Scope of Your Topic

a.  Is it too broad or too general? Else, you can be assured of overwhelming amount of details (data) to focus on? Is it too narrow, too specific? Else, you may have very little data or information to work with

b.  You might refocus your topic from general to specific topic and vice versa by adding or eliminating the following points:

• • Craft a workable research topic
  • Time period – year, century, era, future, etc.
  • Population – male, female, nationality, age, etc.
  • Location – country, region, environmental, etc.
  • Characteristics – social, cultural, biographical, etc.

Bibliography

Kutsanedzie, F., Achio, S., & Ameko, E. (2015). Comprehensive approach to research writing and publication (1st ed.). New York: Science Publishing Group. ISBN: 978-1-940366-51-7.

Mahama, A. (2014). Guidelines for writing undergraduate research report (unpublished) .Accra: Islamic University College, Ghana.

Thesisnotes. (September 19, 2016). Writing thesis significance of the study. Retrieved October 10, 2017 from http://thesisnotes.com/thesis-writing/writing-thesis-significance-of-the-study/

Thesisnotes. (February 23, 2014). Statement of the problem. Retrieved October 10, 2017 from http://thesisnotes.com/category/statement-of-the-problem

Under Construction

The post is a summary on report writing format of a research project based to a great extent on American Psychological Association (APA) styles. Generally, the presentation focuses on the structure and formatting attributes of the Front Matter and the Opening Chapter of a research report. The structure of a research report can be summarised under three categories, namely:

• the Front Matter,
• the Main Body of the Report, and
• the Back Matter (References, Bibliographies and Appendices).

The Front Matter

The Front Matter begins with the Cover Page, the Spine through the List of Figures.

The Cover Page

The Cover Page of a research report has four blocks as illustrated in Figure 1:

• The first block of this page is the institution of affiliation. It must be printed at the top of the page, i.e., 12 single spaces or 2 inches from the top edge of the page
• the TITLE of the report must be printed in the middle of the page
• the author’s FULL NAME
• the YEAR of presenting the research work must be printed at the bottom half of the page. Note that the use of ‘BY’ and titles such as Mr., Mrs., Rev., Alhaji, etc. are not acceptable. The text of the four blocks are presented in upper cases

Figure 1: Sample of a cover page

Spine

The Spine is presented in Figure 2 and is printed in three blocks. All writings must be in upper cases.

1. • the degree
   • the full name of the candidate
   • the year the research project is being presentated.

Figure 2: The Spine

Title Page

• The name of institution is the first block. It is set at five single spaces (1.27 cm) from the top edge of the page and centred between the left and right margins.
• The title of the report follows.
• The full name of the candidate is set in the third block.
• The department and the faculty of the university to which the research work is submitted and the purpose for which the work is required are captured in the fourth block
• The fifth block states the date (month and year) that the work is presented (Figure 3)

Figure 3: The title page

Declaration

The declaration page is where you’re required to simply reaffirm the originality of your research project free of plagiarism. A sample declaration is presented in Figure 4. Figure 4: Declaration for a research project

Abstract

The abstract is a summary of the entire paper and should include only materials that are part of the research report. It should not consist of (a) more than 250 words, (b) symbols, and (c) many technical terms. It is written in the past tense and numbered (ii) after the title page at bottom of the page (footer). Present your abstract in a single paragraph. A typical abstract (Figure 5) comprises (a) the reason why the research was done, (b) what was investigated, (c) who the participants were, (d) how the study was conducted, and (e) at least one major key finding, conclusion, and recommendation Figure 5: An abstract sample

Acknowledgements

You acknowledge all contributions towards the completion of the project. It is numbered (iii) at bottom of the page (footer). It is not another dedication page. It should therefore contain at most two lines, consisting of just a few words. It is highly unconventional to acknowledge God, Allah or any other supernatural powers in documents of this nature. Example

In Memory of My Parents

Table of Contents

Table of contents should list abstract, acknowledgements, dedication, list of tables and list of figures, the chapter headings into which the paper is divided, the main headings and sub-divisions. The heading TABLE OF CONTENTS is typed on the tenth single space below the top of the paper and it is centred between the margins. The words “Chapter” and “Page” head their respective columns. Two spaces are recommended for all indentations in the Table of Contents (Figure 6). Figure 6: Table of contents  

List of Tables

After the Table of Contents, the next separate section typed on a new page is the List of Tables. The heading LIST OF TABLES is placed on the tenth single line from the top margin of the paper.

List of Figures

The next separated page or pages in the Preliminaries or Front Matter is the List of Figures. The setting is the same as LIST OF TABLES.

General Formatting

Present introductory statements (without placing it under the heading “Introduction”) at the beginning of chapter two through chapter five to explain how each chapter is organised. Indentation All paragraphs are indented at 5 to 7 spaces (1.27 cm) from the left margin (first column). Margins Set the top, bottom and right margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm). Thus, the margins start from the edge of the paper and extend 2.54 cm both sides. The left margin is set to 2 inches (5.04 cm) in order to allow for binding. An alternative is to set all margins including gutter to 1 inch (2.54 cm). Paper Size The preferred paper size is A4 with a measurement of 21 cm by 29.7 cm (8.5 inches by 11 inches). Font The preferred font is Times New Roman typeface, 12 point type size and regular type style. Text Alignment The body text is aligned to both left and right margins (justify). Pagination All pages of the main document (body and back matters) are assigned Arabic (1, 2, etc.) numerals. The numbers are placed at the footer and aligned centre. It continues through references and appendices. Use Roman (i, ii, etc.) numerals for the front matter. Spacing The main document including reference should be composed on double spacing. Where captions extend beyond one line, it is typed on single spacing. A chapter heading (e.g. Chapter One) starts on the third single spacing from the edge of the top margin. A chapter title such as “Introduction” is typed on the second single spacing after the chapter heading. Example of a typical first page of the main body of a research project is illustrated in Figure 7. The abstract, acknowledgements and dedication headings are set off as follows:

• they are typed on the tenth single space from the top of the page in upper case and centred between the margins.
• the first line of the text begins on the third single space below the heading and six single spaces (1.27 cm) from the left margin.

Figure 7: Sample of Chapter One

Table

In presenting a table, note that (a) the table has no gridlines except the two horizontal lines for the top and bottom parts of the table; (b) the title is placed at the top of the table, presented in title case, aligned left with bold effect; and (c) the entries are presented in double spacing (Table 1). The caption for a figure is presented below the figure and written in title case (Figure 8). Use Arabic numerals to number tables and figures consecutively throughout the text. Figure 8: A sample formatted table

Table2

This table is not different from Figure 8 except that the pair of horizontal gridlines are set for total at the bottom part of the table.  

To download sample of Table2 click onTable2

Figure

Figure 9: A sample figure  

Referencing

Most reference styles introduce in-text citations in the body text and reference lists at the end of the report. For the reference list, use (a) hanging indentation for each reference list, (b) sentence case for the title of a non-periodic and title case for the article of a journal, and (c) double spacing (Figure 10). Figure 10: A sample of reference list

In scholarly writing, it is both a moral & legal requirement to properly acknowledge someone else’s ideas or words you have used in your research project. Failure to acknowledge your source of information, you may be accused of plagiarism and infringing copyright.

The American Psychological Association (APA) referencing styles is a widely used standardized style in scholarly writing to acknowledge the source of information used in research. By referencing properly, it demonstrates your scholarly honesty in having undertaken research on your topic and having located relevant information.

The Two Parts of APA Referencing Styles

Example

Short Quotation

This quotation, otherwise known as direct quotation refers to materials you quote that are less than 40 words. One common practice for short quotation is to place the author and year before the quotation. The page appears at the end of the quotation. Place the words in double quotes.

Example

Long Quotation

When the quote is at least 40 words, it is considered long quotation. It is indented 5 to 7 spaces (1.27 cm) and set at double spacing. The words are not placed in quotes.

Example

Citing One Author

Citing Two Authors