Chapter 1
Introduction
The introduction to the thesis states the purpose of the study and offers a provable assertion that the student intends to argue. It offers a map of the study’s process.
Background and Need
Describes the general problem to be addressed in the study, and the importance of the research and may include societal trends or national or international phenomena related to your research problem.
This section provides a clear and concise statement on the background of the problem and the need for further research.
Statement of the Problem
Discusses the general problem in more in-depth.
Usually identifies 2-3 common themes gleaned from your review of the literature.
Purpose of the Study
Explains the purpose of your study as it relates to the problem.
Refine the purpose in such a way that it will lead into your research question(s).
Write the purpose in one sentence.
Research Question(s)
Written to clearly state the most important components of your study.
Written so that once you have collected your data, you can answer these questions based on your data.
Do not write the questions to be answered as “yes” or “no”, but are more open-ended.
More questions may arise as you develop your review of the literature and identify gaps in prior studies.
Significance to Nursing
Indicates the benefits for the participants in the study.
Also notes the contribution the study will make to overall nursing knowledge/practice.
Theoretical Framework
The nursing (or other) framework will help guide your study.
Describe the parts of the theory and relate the parts that will be obvious in your study.
Definitions
Include all definitions that a reader may not understand, including operational definitions that are unique to the study.
Definitions should be clear enough so that your reader understands the words the same way you understand them.
It is best to list definitions in alphabetical order.
Do not define something that all would understand, such as “variable.”
Limitations
Can relate to research design limitations, time, resources, or other conditions.
If you can control for a limitation, you should do so and not include it among the limitations.
Summary of chapter 1 –3-5 sentences
Chapter 2
Review of Literature
Introduction – begin this chapter with an introductory paragraph outlining the purpose of the literature review.
Literature Review –
You must synthesize the findings of your 5 peer-reviewed scholarly articles. (Note that more references can be utilized for supporting evidence). Information for each article must include a desсrіption of the research design, the nursing theory used, participant population information, the method of data collection, and an analysis of the findings.
Conclusion – Summarize the literature review at the end of the chapter
Appendix A- Literature Matrix
