1. Task Two: Selecting and Defining a Research Topic
The Introduction
The Statement of the Problem
The Review of Related Literature
The Statement of the Hypothesis
The Reference List

2. Introduction
Provides background information regarding the background of the problem (i.e., how did you identify this problem?)
Describes the significance of investigating the problem (i.e., why should this problem be investigated?)

3. Characteristics of a Good Problem
It can be researched through the collection and analysis of data
It has theoretical or practical significance
The researcher is comfortable in terms of the skill, resources, time and knowledge needed to conduct the research.
General Problem Area
Specific, manageable problem!

4. Steps in the ROL per Gay and Airasian
Identify key words associated with your problem
Identify sources of information
Evaluate your sources
Analyze, organize and report

5. What is a Hypothesis?
A statement expressing the researcher's beliefs about an event that has occurred or will occur. A well-stated hypothesis has four requirements:
It must be stated clearly and concisely.
It must be consistent with prior research or observations.
It must provide a reasonable explanation for the event that occurs.
It must be testable via the collection and analysis of data.

6. The Reference List
References for all materials referenced in the paper.
This includes items from all sections, not just the Review of Literature.
The Reference List is formatted in the style accepted by the agency for whom you are writing the paper. Examples include the APA, The Chicago Manual of Style, Turabian and IEEE.
The GSCIS style, detailed in the dissertation guide, is a variant of APA style.