Which part of a research paper identifies the boundaries of the study in terms of time location and samples?

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Answer:

Scope and delimitations are two elements of a research paper or thesis. The scope of a study explains the extent to which the research area will be explored in the work and specifies the parameters within which the study will be operating. For example, let's say a researcher wants to study the impact of mobile phones on behavior patterns of elementary school children. However, it is not possible for the researcher to cover every aspect of the topic.

So the scope will have to be narrowed down to a certain section of the target population. In this case, the scope might be narrowed down to a group of 50 children in grades 3-5 of one specific school. Their behavior patterns in school may have been observed for a duration of 6 months. These would form the delimitations of the study.

Thus, delimitations are the characteristics that limit the scope and describe the boundaries of the study, such as the sample size, geographical location or setting in which the study takes place, population traits, etc. Additionally, the researcher might also choose to use some research tools and methodologies to collect data but not others. These delimitations might be imposed for practical reasons, such as lack of time or financial resources to carry out a more thorough investigation. The delimitation section of the study should explain why specific choices were made while others were excluded and how this might affect the outcome of the research.

In the example mentioned above, the researcher might state why he/she chose to study a sample population of 50 students, why he/she selected students from Grades 3-5 and not grades 1-2, and why he/she chose students of Billabong Elementary Public School over other schools.

To learn in depth how to write a persuasive Introduction for your research paper, check out this course designed exclusively for researchers: How to write a strong introduction for your research paper.

Related reading:

  • How do I present the scope of my study?
  • 11 Commonly confused elements of a research paper 

Which part of a research paper identifies the boundaries of the study in terms of time location and samples?

Answered by on 29 Oct, 2019

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What part of the research set the boundaries of your study?

Delimitations refer to the boundaries of the research study, based on the researcher's decision of what to include and what to exclude. They narrow your study to make it more manageable and relevant to what you are trying to prove. Limitations relate to the validity and reliability of the study.

What section in research tells the meaning of the terms used in the study?

The discussion section is one of the final parts of a research paper, in which an author describes, analyzes, and interprets their findings. They explain the significance of those results and tie everything back to the research question(s).

What part of the research paper tells the readers the specific coverage and boundaries of the study?

An effective research paper or thesis has a well-written Scope and Delimitation. This portion specifies your study's coverage and boundaries.

What part of research tells on the limitations of the study?

Information about the limitations of your study are generally placed either at the beginning of the discussion section of your paper so the reader knows and understands the limitations before reading the rest of your analysis of the findings, or, the limitations are outlined at the conclusion of the discussion section ...