Introduction
This section briefly overviews the research focus or problem, why the study is worth conducting, and how the study will be completed.
The recommended total length for this section is one paragraph.
• Identify the dissertation topic.
• State whether the study is quantitative or qualitative.
• Describe how the study extends prior research or fills a “need” or “defined gap” from current literature.
Background of the Problem
The background section explains both the history and the present state of the problem and research focus.
The recommended total length for this section is two to three paragraphs.
• Identify the “need,” or “defined gap” for the research study.
• Discuss how the “need” or “defined gap” has evolved historically into the current problem or opportunity to be addressed by the proposed study.
