How would you introduce yourself to someone of interest? In most cases, you would want to give off an excellent first impression so they would like to know more. In most cases, you want to make an outstanding first impression so that they want to learn more, right? Similarly, consider your dissertation. What would you do if you were introducing it to the public for the first time? Remember that you reveal your work to an audience completely unaware of your research in your introduction chapter.

Just like in a book or novel, you will want to entice your reader, so every word, phrase, and line you write in the introduction should be carefully chosen to reflect the tone of your dissertation. According to Rivera’s (2007) book “Thesis & Dissertation Writing,” the introduction chapter of a dissertation is where the researcher piques the reader’s interest, provides necessary background information, and establishes the significance of the research. It must, therefore, explain the “what” and “why” of your research, that is, what your study is about and why it is essential. The first chapter must answer the following four key questions to achieve its goal.

1. What will you be researching? You provide a starting point for research and orient the reader to what is covered in the paper.
2. Why is this research worthwhile? You persuade readers of the significance of your research and how it fits into the existing body of knowledge.
3. What are your study’s limitations? This process requires you to acknowledge any potential limitations or constraints in your research, such as methodological limitations, sample size, or data availability.

Here, I’ll highlight some critical components for writing a compelling first chapter for your dissertation. I’ll also go over various strategies and best practices for writing a captivating introduction, clearly and concisely defining your research problem, outlining your objectives, explaining your methodology, quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods, and discussing the significance of your study. With a solid first chapter for your thesis or dissertation, you can ensure that your research is both impactful and well-structured while writing your dissertation.

Background

Now that you’ve given an overview of your research, you must lay the groundwork for everything that follows. This foundation serves as the study’s background. You place your research within the broader academic and practical context in this section. According to Pardede (2019), well-written background information ensures that readers thoroughly understand the research area’s origins, development, and current state, resulting in greater comprehension. By providing this context, readers can better understand the complexities of your study as well as the reasoning behind your research questions and objectives. Napitupulu (2021) also stated that “a comprehensive background requires that relevant literature of the research area is effectively presented” (p. 5). For most universities, this section follows the prospectus/concept paper. The following is an effective way to present the literature:

Conduct a Comprehensive Review: To begin, conduct a thorough literature review of the existing literature to identify key studies, significant themes, and gaps. Use academic databases, journals, and books when looking for relevant sources. To provide a comprehensive overview of the research field, include recent studies in your presentation; the best studies are those published within five years.

• Organize Chronologically. Here, you will demonstrate how knowledge has evolved over time. Choose your sources based on the approach that best supports the flow and clarity of your argument.
• Critically Evaluate Sources: Go beyond simply summarizing the information and critically evaluate each source. While discussing the benefits and drawbacks of previous research, it is critical to identify any methodological flaws or inconsistencies in the findings (Jones, 2004). 
• Identify Gaps and Justify Your Study: Once you’ve identified your sources, you can use them to justify your study by pointing out gaps or unresolved issues in the existing body of literature. You will need to explain why these gaps are significant and how your research will help to fill them. 
• Maintain a Clear, Coherent Structure: Ensure that your review of relevant literature is well-structured and consistently aligned. Headings and subheadings are essential for ensuring a logical flow of ideas and directing the reader through the sections. Each paragraph should flow into the next to create a comprehensive picture of the research landscape.

Defining the Research Problem

After you’ve provided a general outline of your research topic, the next step is to narrow down to the specific research problem that will serve as the focus of your dissertation or thesis. In contrast to the background section, which was intended to hint at a potential research problem (or several), this section focuses on the specific research problem you will be addressing. To define it, you must first craft a well-written problem statement. But what exactly is a problem statement?

A problem statement identifies the gap in existing knowledge your research seeks to fill (Pardede, 2018). To establish the originality and necessity of your study, you must first identify and justify a gap or issue in existing research. Please clarify what is missing in the existing body of literature and why this is a problem so that you can present the research problem you are working on effectively. It is generally advisable to divide this discussion into three parts, which are as follows:

• What has already been established in the literature (the current state of research)? To start, thoroughly review the most recent literature relevant to your topic. Determine the critical issues, discoveries, and debates in the field. Concentrate your attention on recurring problems or questions that have yet to be satisfactorily addressed. Because you already thoroughly understand previous research, you must identify areas requiring additional research.
• Why is this a problem (and why is it critical to close the gap)? Consider how the existing research applies to real-world situations. Consider where previous findings from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research have yet to be translated into practical applications or where further research is required. Identifying such gaps allows you to demonstrate the significance and impact of your research. Use specific examples from the literature to illustrate the problem you’ve identified.

Stating the Research Purpose, Aim and Questions

After determining the nature of the problem you want to investigate, you must express your research questions, objectives, and goals explicitly. These components also serve as the foundation of your dissertation, directing the research process and providing a structured framework for your research. These broad statements of desired outcomes or general research intentions are referred to as research purpose, giving the research a clear sense of purpose (Bos & Ikram, 2022). Each component is critical in the implementation process to ensure that your research is focused, coherent, and feasible. Bos and Ikram (2022) argue that “clear, succinctly posed research questions, aims, and objectives are essential if studies are to be successful” (p. 246). The following are some suggestions that will help you achieve this goal.

• Begin with General Research Aim and Purpose: To begin, state the general purpose of your research. These statements should be broad in scope and summarize the primary goal of your research. For example, the purpose of a study could be to investigate the impact of digital marketing on consumer behavior. Your research purpose should be divided into more specific, attainable goals based on the aim. The steps you plan to take to achieve your goal should be outlined in the research purpose. The purpose must be clearly defined, measurable, and attainable within the scope of your research, and you must also specify the method you will use to achieve it. For example, if you want to use a qualitative method to investigate the impact of digital marketing on consumer behavior, the research question could be: The purpose of this qualitative case study is to examine the effect of advertising on social media platforms on purchasing decisions.
• Develop Specific Questions for the Research Problem: Take the time to develop specific research questions that your study will seek to answer. These questions are directly related to your objectives and serve as a guide for data collection and analysis, whether qualitative or statistical. “A well-defined and specific research question is more likely to help guide us in making decisions about study design and population and subsequently what data will be collected and analyzed” (Farrugia et al., 2010; page 278). Research questions should be clear, specific, and researchable. Taking into account the previously discussed purpose, some potential research questions include: How does social media advertising influence purchasing decisions among millennials? How does email marketing affect the percentage of customers loyal to a retail business? How do consumers perceive offline and online marketing differently?
• Ensure Alignment and Coherence: Ensure your research’s questions, objectives, and aims are connected, aligned, and coherent. Each objective ought to have a direct connection to the overarching purpose and aim that you have set for yourself, and every research question ought to be assigned to a particular purpose. A logical flow and coherence can be maintained throughout the entirety of your research process with the assistance of this alignment, which makes it much simpler to remain focused and organized.

The Significance of the Study

Since you have made it clear what you will be researching, it is time to present a compelling argument concerning the significance and importance of your research. In other words, because you have discussed the what, it is now time to discuss the why, which brings us to the significance of the study. At this point, you have already made a passing reference to the importance of your study in the sections that discuss the research problem and the background. Still, you have yet to be able to present in detail how your research results from your qualitative analysis or statistical analysis will be useful to the world. This is your opportunity to outline in detail how your research will benefit the business world, the academic world, or, ideally, both. 

• To the General Academic Field: To begin, identify the most significant contributions that your research will make to the general academic field. Remember to explain how your research will advance knowledge, fill existing gaps, or challenge established theories. In addition, you should discuss the practical applications of your findings, demonstrating how your research can be applied in real-world settings such as business, policymaking, or community practices.
• To Stakeholders: Think about who might benefit from your research. These stakeholders include academics, practitioners, policymakers, and the general public. To increase the impact and relevance of your research to different audiences, you should modify your explanation to consider each group’s interests and needs. You should provide evidence and examples to support your claims and refer to previous research to show how your investigation differs from or builds on earlier work. 
• To Future Research: As a researcher, your ultimate goal is to have your findings published in a highly regarded journal. A journal publication can have a global impact and influence on future research. As a result, you should discuss the long-term implications of your findings, such as how they may influence future research, theory development, or practical applications. From this vantage point, it is clear that you have thought about the more significant implications of your research.

Limitations

Now that you’ve established the significance of your research, it’s time to address any potential flaws and weaknesses, also known as limitations. According to Theofanidis and Fountouki (2018), acknowledging the constraints of your research is critical because it demonstrates that you are aware of the study’s limitations and have conducted a thorough analysis of the research design and methodology you developed.

These limitations include methodological constraints, sample size issues, data collection challenges, and study scope limitations. For example, if you are conducting quantitative research using a survey platform like SurveyMonkey, your research is based on self-reported data; thus, you must discuss the possibility of response bias and how it may affect the results of your research. Also, if your sample size is small, consider how this may limit the generalizability of your findings.

Remember to explain why these constraints exist, how you overcame them, and any steps you took to mitigate their impact. For example, if you used a specific sampling method that may have introduced bias, describe the steps you took to reduce the likelihood of bias occurring. This demonstrates your critical thinking skills and your proactive approach to addressing potential problems. Finally, propose some possible future research directions that could address these limitations. You contribute to the ongoing conversation in your field by identifying gaps and proposing alternative solutions to fill them.

Tips for Writing the Chapter One

Planning and Outlining

Before diving into writing, it’s essential to plan and outline your first chapter meticulously. This might seem like a tedious step, but trust me, it’s worth it. An outline acts as a roadmap, ensuring you cover all necessary components without going off on tangents. Start with broad sections such as introduction, background, problem statement, research questions, and significance, then break these down into more detailed sub-sections. This structure not only makes writing easier but also helps maintain a logical flow. For instance, having a clear outline can prevent you from accidentally omitting critical background information that your readers need to understand your study.

Writing Tips

When it comes to actually writing your first chapter, clarity and alignment are your best friends. Write in a clear, concise manner and avoid jargon that could confuse your readers. Remember, your goal is to engage your audience and make them understand the importance of your research. Use active voice where possible and keep sentences straightforward. Also, don’t shy away from revising your work multiple times. Writing is a process, and your first draft is just the beginning. Each revision will help you refine your arguments and improve the overall clarity of your chapter.

Feedback and Revision

Getting feedback is a crucial part of the writing process. It’s easy to miss mistakes or unclear sections when you’ve been staring at the same text for hours. Ask your advisor, peers, or even friends outside your field to read your first chapter and provide feedback. Different perspectives can highlight areas that need improvement. Take their comments seriously and be prepared to make changes. Remember, constructive criticism is a tool for improvement, not a personal attack. Revising based on feedback can turn a good first chapter into a great one.

Practical Tips for Drafting

When drafting your first chapter, set realistic writing goals and stick to them. This could mean writing for a set number of hours each day or reaching a specific word count. Breaking the chapter down into smaller, manageable tasks can make the process less daunting. Additionally, don’t aim for perfection on your first try. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper, and worry about polishing them later. Tools like mind maps or bullet points can also help organize your thoughts before you start writing. Remember, the goal of the first draft is to lay the groundwork for subsequent revisions.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Lack of Clarity: One of the biggest pitfalls in writing the first chapter of your dissertation is a lack of clarity. This often happens when you try to cover too much ground too quickly, leaving your readers confused about your main argument or research focus. Think of your first chapter as a roadmap; if the directions aren’t clear, your readers will get lost. To avoid this, make sure each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically to the next. Break down complex ideas into digestible parts, and don’t be afraid to use subheadings to guide your reader through your thought process.

Overly Broad Scope: Another common mistake is having an overly broad scope. It’s easy to get carried away with background information or to try to tackle every aspect of your topic right from the start. However, this can dilute your main argument and overwhelm your readers. Focus on narrowing your scope to what is essential for understanding your research problem and objectives. For instance, if you’re writing about climate change impacts on agriculture, start with a specific region or crop to provide a clear and manageable focus.

Insufficient Background: While it’s important not to be overly broad, you also don’t want to swing too far in the other direction and provide insufficient background. Your readers need context to understand the significance of your research. Make sure to include enough historical or theoretical background to frame your study appropriately. This doesn’t mean you need to write a full history lesson, but provide key information that sets the stage for your research questions. For example, if your dissertation is on modern digital marketing strategies, briefly outline the evolution of digital marketing up to the current trends you are studying.

Weak Problem Statement: A weak problem statement can undermine the entire foundation of your dissertation. Your problem statement should clearly define the issue you are addressing and why it is important. Avoid vague language and ensure the problem is specific, measurable, and researchable. For instance, instead of saying, “There is a lack of research on social media,” specify what aspect of social media you are investigating and why it matters. A strong problem statement grabs attention and sets the stage for the rest of your research.

Poorly Formulated Research Questions: Poorly formulated research questions can lead to a lack of focus and direction in your dissertation. Your research questions should be clear, concise, and directly related to your problem statement. Avoid questions that are too broad or too narrow. For example, instead of asking, “How does social media affect people?” which is too vague, you could ask, “How does social media usage impact the mental health of teenagers in urban areas?” This specificity not only clarifies your research focus but also helps you design a more targeted methodology.

Neglecting the Significance of the Study: Neglecting to explain the significance of your study can leave your readers wondering why they should care about your research. It’s crucial to articulate why your study matters and what contributions it will make to your field. Discuss how your research fills gaps in existing literature, addresses a pressing issue, or offers new insights. For example, if your research is on renewable energy adoption, highlight how it can inform policy decisions and contribute to sustainable development. Making the significance clear will help engage your readers and underscore the importance of your work.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what to expect writing your dissertation’s introduction chapter for the thesis should not be too difficult. Remember, Rome was not built in a day, and take a deep breath. Take one step at a time, and you’ll be on your way to success. To summarize, when writing your dissertation’s introduction, you should first articulate the significance gap your study aims to fill, clearly define your research problem, and outline your research goals and objectives.

While it is critical to provide a thorough literature review to establish context and trends, you should also be open about the limitations of your research. If you follow these steps, you will be able to write a first chapter that is both well-structured and compelling, laying a solid foundation for the rest of your dissertation. By implementing these strategies, you will be well-prepared to write a first chapter that captures your research’s essence while engaging and educating those who read it. Remember that a strong start sets the tone for the remainder of your dissertation. Make your first impression count. So, make sure to give this chapter the attention it deserves. Best wishes!

References

Bos, D., & Ikram, M. A. (2022). Research aims in clinical medicine: Description, identification, or explanation. World Neurosurgery, 161, 240–244.

Farrugia, P., Petrisor, B. A., Farrokhyar, F., & Bhandari, M. (2010). Research questions, hypotheses and objectives. Canadian Journal of Surgery, 53(4), 278–281.

Jones, M. R. (2004). Debatable Advice and Inconsistent Evidence: Methodology in Information Systems Research. In B. Kaplan, D. P. Truex, D. Wastell, A. T. 

Napitupulu, F. (2021). The Improving of Students Ability In Writing Research Background Of Classroom Action Research Proposal by Using Scientific Approach. Visi Sosial Humaniora, 2(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.51622/vsh.v2i1.321

Pardede, P. (2018). Identifying and formulating the research problem. Research in ELT, 1, 1–13.

Pardede, P. (2019). ELT Research Proposal Writing Guidelines (P. Pardede, Ed.; pp. 1–13). UKI Press. http://repository.uki.ac.id/905/

Rivera, M. (2007). Thesis & Dissertation Writing. Goodwill Trading Co., Inc. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ML3HUR6SR30C&oi=fnd&pg=PA2&dq=Dissertation+or+thesis+Chapter+one&ots=8YJN1r4ldW&sig=X5mP5AYDn8chtc2lCpx-QTqKtDk

Theofanidis, D., & Fountouki, A. (2018). LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS. Perioperative Nursing – Quarterly Scientific, Online Official Journal of G.O.R.N.A., Volume 7 (2018)(Issue 3 September-December 2018), Article Issue 3 September-December 2018.

Wood-Harper, & J. I. DeGross (Eds.), Information Systems Research: Relevant Theory and Informed Practice (pp. 121–142). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-8095-6_8