Submitted by hudspethea on Wed, 01/11/2012 - 2:09pm
- Introduction to Issue: provides a broad introduction to the context in which the particular issue being researched resides. The introduction should rely considerably on appropriate scholarly sources in addition to the writer's interests and concerns. The linkage with educational leadership should be clearly established.
- Problem Statement: flows from the Introduction to the Issue, and is a more particular statement of the issue/problem that will be addressed in this research project. The problem should be given some definition, its elements described, and the beginnings of a case for why this project should be undertaken. Supporting literature should be included.
- Research Question(s): is a broad statement, usually framed as a question, that will be addressed in this research project. Sub-questions may also be included.
- Methodology: in this section, the writer briefly (in a paragraph or two) introduces the methodology that will be used in this research project.
- Significance of Issue: here the writer presents a rationale for the study and its significance. Typically the significance centers on the need for information about the issue, and addresses gap(s) that exist in our current knowledge. Writing this section assumes a sound knowledge of the literature about the issue.
- Definition of Terms: each term, used in the study, that may not be commonly known or understood is defined (e.g. non-traditional students, andragogy, students at risk, etc. etc.), often drawing on appropriate citations.
- Organization of Study: is a brief transitional piece that states what is addressed in each of the major sections (chapters) of the paper.