Different Parts of a Research Paper (Part 1)

Statement of the Problem

1. This part includes the importance of the problem, the necessity of the research), the specialized limitations of the problem, etc., which should have the following characteristics:

• Be clear and limited.
• Be capable of providing hypotheses.
• It sould not emphasize non-scientific judgments and philosophical or mystical orientations.
• Be in the form of a question.

2. Statement of the problem should emphasize at least two general concepts or variables:

• Is there a relationship between A and B?
• How is the relationship between Y and D affected by the condition X?

Theory

We formulate theories for two reasons:

First, because we hope it will help simplify reality so that we can better understand it and, as a result, better control it or adapt ourselves to that reality.

Second, after we reach a perception of reality, theories guide us to test the accuracy of our perceptions. In other words, the theory is the internal correlation of theoretical hypotheses that guides researchers in observing the correlation between phenomena.

The Role of Theory in Research

1. First proposing a theory à then research

This happens when the researcher does not have the basic information needed to build a theory. (Experimental theory)

2. First research à then finding a theory

In this case, the researcher tries to collect information that still does not have a purpose. (Theorizing)

3. Combined Method

A) Discovery

B) Description

C) Explanation

Theoretical Framework (the Foundation of the Research)

It is a conceptual model of the theoretical relationships between a number of factors that are important in research.

1. Research-related variables should be identified.
2. At least the relationship between two or more dependent and independent variables must be determined.
3. The nature and direction of the relationship should be stated according to the previous research. The findings of previous research have to be used in order to answer the question of why we expect these relationships to exist.

Creating such a conceptual framework helps us to consider and test certain relationships and improve our understanding of the dynamics of the situation in which the research is to take place.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a clever conjecture based on one’s knowledge or experience for solving a problem or answering a question. In fact, it refers to guessing possible relationships between two or more variables.

“Don’t try to prove your hypothesis, try to prove it wrong.” Pastor

Tested Hypothesis = Theory = Science

Since any scientific research must be testable, in social science research, the research hypotheses must be turned into statistical hypotheses. The goal is to enable the researcher to test the hypothesis.

H₀ Hypothesis: The absence of any significant relationship between the two variables – the purpose is rejecting it. (e.g., the pilot’s poor training did not cause a plane crash)

H₁ Hypothesis: It complies with the claim made in the research hypothesis and expresses the researcher’s expectation about the research results. (e.g., Probably the pilot’s poor training caused the crash)

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