Research Writing 101

  What is a Problem Statement? A thesis/dissertation problem statement is a clear, concise, and specific articulation of an issue or concern that a study aims to address. It communicates the purpose of the research, establishes the context, and guides the direction of the study. A well-formulated problem statement helps both experts and non-experts understand why the research is being conducted and what gap it seeks to fill. However, writing a clear and impactful problem statement remains a challenge for many researchers. When not properly written, it confuses the reader and obscures the intent of the study. A strong problem statement should: Identify the issue or gap in knowledge. Be specific, evidence-based, and relevant to the field of study. Clearly convey why the problem matters and what the research will aim to explore or solve. What is a “Problem” in Research? The world is full of problems, but not all problems make suitable research problems—especially for academic research...

  Research Onion Compatibility Flowchart , a visual tool that ensures methodological coherence in your study.

  Demystifying Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Saunders’ Research Onion Introduction Writing a research methodology can feel overwhelming—where do you start? How do you ensure your approach is rigorous and coherent?  Saunders’ Research Onion  (2007) provides a structured framework to peel away these uncertainties layer by layer. This model guides researchers in making systematic methodological decisions, ensuring alignment with research objectives. This article will break down each layer of the Research Onion with clear explanations and practical examples. What is Saunders’ Research Onion? Developed by Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill (2007), the  Research Onion  is a six-layered model that helps researchers design a robust methodology. Each layer represents a critical decision point, moving from abstract philosophical assumptions to concrete data collection techniques. The Six Layers of the Research Onion Research Philosophy   (What is the n...

 🧅 Applied Example: Designing Disaster Risk Research Using Saunders’ Onion Framework 🧪 Case Study 1: Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Rasuwa District 📌 Research Title: "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems in Rasuwa District: A Mixed-Methods Study" This case explores how Saunders' Onion can guide a research design focused on assessing the performance and perception of flood early warning systems (EWS) in a hazard-prone district of Nepal. 🧠 1. Research Philosophy: Pragmatism Justification: The researcher combines two types of knowledge: Quantitative (Positivist): Objective measures of EWS performance, such as how fast alerts were sent and how many people received them. Qualitative (Interpretivist): Community perceptions—whether locals trusted the alert, how they reacted, and what cultural or social factors influenced their response. Pragmatism allows this combination, focusing on what works best to answer the research questions. ...

Writing the Introduction Section This guide walks you through the essential components of a strong introduction, provides step-by-step writing strategies, and highlights common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're writing a thesis, dissertation, or journal article, mastering the introduction will significantly enhance your paper’s clarity and impact. Why the Introduction Matters The introduction is the gateway to your research paper—it sets the tone and frames the reader’s expectations. Although it appears first in your paper, it’s usually written last, often just before the abstract. However, it’s a good idea to draft a rough version early in the writing process to help clarify your direction. A well-structured introduction doesn’t just introduce the topic; it also engages the reader, establishes context, identifies gaps in existing knowledge , and clearly states your research objectives . Purpose of an Introduction An effective introduction serves three key functions : 1. Contextua...