page 3

Purpose of the Study   The purpose statement should provide a specific and accurate synopsis of the overall purpose of the study. If the purpose is not clear to the writer, it cannot be clear to the reader. Briefly define and delimit the specific area of the research. You will revisit this in greater detail in a later section   Foreshadow the hypotheses to be tested or the questions to be raised, as well as the significance of the study. These will require specific elaboration in subsequent sections. The purpose statement can also incorporate the rationale for the study. Some committees prefer that the purpose and rationale be provided in separate sections, however. Key points to keep in mind when preparing a purpose statement.   Try to incorporate a sentence that begins with "The purpose of this study is . . ." This will clarify your own mind as to the purpose and it will inform the reader directly and explicitly. Clearly identify and define the central concepts or ideas of the study. Some committee Chairs prefer a separate section to this end.   Review of the Literature   The review of the literature provides the background and context for the research problem. It should establish the need for the research and indicate that the writer is knowledgeable about the area. It review accomplishes several important things.   It shares with the reader the results of other studies that are closely related to the study being reported. It relates a study to the larger, ongoing dialogue in the literature about a topic, filling in gaps and extending prior studies. It provides a framework for establishing the importance of the study, as well as a benchmark for comparing the results of a study with other findings. It "frames" the problem earlier identified.   Demonstrate to the reader that you have a comprehensive grasp of the field and are aware of important recent substantive and methodological developments. Delineate the "jumping-off place" for your study. How will your study refine, revise, or extend what is now known?   Avoid statements that imply that little has been done in the area or that what has been done is too extensive to permit easy summary. Statements of this sort are usually taken as indications that the writer is not really familiar with the literature. In a proposal, the literature review is generally brief and to the point. Be judicious in your choice of exemplars—the literature selected should be pertinent and relevant. Select and reference only the more appropriate citations. Make key points clearly and succinctly. Committees may want a section outlining your search strategy—the procedures you used and sources you investigated (e.g., databases, journals, test banks, experts in the field) to compile your literature review. Check with your Chair.