Identifying a problem Describing the community, work setting, and writer’s role. Begin Chapter 1 of the research project, which should be entitled “Chapter 1: Purpose of the Research Project. ” This chapter begins with three components, which should be entitled, “Description of the Community,” “Writer’s Work Setting if relevant,” and “Writer’s Role, if relevant. ” The description of the
community should provide the location’s demographic information. Include factors that relate to the problem. It should not name the community but should indicate its location, for example,“an inner-city neighborhood in a New England state” or “a rural county in a Southeastern state. ”In the “Setting” you will describe the site where your study will be conducted. Again, do not name the facility. Refer to it as “the school,” “the organization,” or some other generic term that you deem appropriate. Describe any factors that make this setting unique. Be sure to discuss factors relevant to the problem. In the “Writer’s
Role” clarify exactly what you do at this site–if you do not have a role, then indicate so. Explain your power base. In other words, how is it that you will be able to solve or positively impact the problem that you identify? Do not use the first person. Again, do not include any information that might identify your
participants. Do not cite sources with identifying information in them.