Definition of Terms and Scope and
Delimitation of Study
Analyze the illustration and give your ideas about what the two
ideas represent.
Limitations
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Delimitations
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What is Scope and Delimitation of the Study?
• the delimitation of study is the
The Scope of study in the thesis or research
detailed description of the scope
paper is the explanation of the coverage or
what information or subject is being analyzed.
of study.
• It will explain why definite
It may also refer to how far the research area
has explored the parameters wherein which
aspects of a subject were chosen
the study will be operating in. and why others were excluded.
the type of information to be included in the • It will also mention the research
research project, the facts and theories to be method to be used as well as the
cited, ALL from part of the study’s scope. certain theories that will be
applied to the data analysis.
QUEST FOR QUESTIONS
THE TASK: Check out
the given illustration. In
Research, identifying your
scope and delimitation of
the study is either missing
the bull’s eye or hitting it How does this happen? Write your
with one shot.
answer on a half sheet of paper in
NOT more than 5 sentences.
Defining the key terms in research is an essential method to clarify
the purpose and direction of the study.
In general, important terms only need to be defined in two cases:
a) when the term is not widely known or understood, and
b) when the term has specific or unique meaning in the context of
the study, and it is essential that the reader of the research study
understand this specific meaning.
WHY?
defining important terms is essential to ensure a
common understanding of key concepts and
terminology which is shared between the researcher and
his or her readers.
Types of Definitions
Knowing what to define in a research study limits the
investigation or the process of research. Hence, failure
to define the key terms properly will result to
ambiguous meaning of terms that may be interpreted in
different ways. So, take note of the two types of
definitions:
A. Conceptual
is the universal meaning that is attributed to a word or
group of words and which is understood by many
people. The usual source of this definition is the
dictionary which is the reference book of everyday
language.
B. Operational
is the meaning of the concept or term as used in a
particular study. The variables in the research
problem are defined on the operational level.
Two types of Operational Definitions
a. Experimental operational definition which describes how a term’s references is
manipulated.
Example: Chocolate cake will be described based on the recipe to make it.
b. Measured operational definition which describes how referents of a term are measured.
Example: Chocolate cake will consist of the description of flavor, texture, appearance and
other properties of the cake.
Operational definitions have some advantages
categorized as:
1. Make research methodology used clear to the reader
2. Combine statements to things, either directly or indirectly,
observable example of empirical
3. Help assure good communication by specifying how terms
are used.
Scope vs Limitations
The Scope of the study involves any or all of the following factors:
The different choices available to
The coverage of the study to be achieve a particular requirement;
undertaken; The provision of a systematic
A detailed description of the project approach for setting criteria,
and product to developed; such as schedule, budget
The experiences of experts with resources;
The tools and techniques to be
similar projects to help include or
used in data analysis, decision
exclude requirements; making and judgment
formulation.
NOTE:
The Limitations are the influences that are beyond the
researcher’s control. They may involve shortcomings,
conditions and influences that restrict the study’s
methodology and conclusions.
Limitations vs Delimitations
Limitation identifies potential weaknesses of a research while
delimitation addresses how a study will be narrowed in scope or
how it is bounded.
Limitations are circumstances, conditions and influences that a
researcher cannot control nor clearly establish. These circumstances,
conditions and influences are place pressure and restrictions that
may influence the methodology being used and eventually the
conclusion.
The ideal statement to make in the limitations of a study is
thoroughly discussing the possible sources of weakness
such as the following:
(a)the analysis;
(b)the conditions and nature of data and information being gathered;
(c)the reporting system or survey being applied;
(d)the sample and population; size, demography, etc.; and,
(e) the time constraints.
Limitations vs Delimitations
Delimitations, on the other hand, are the choices a researcher has that should be
mentioned.
Delimitations define and clarify the parameters of the research study…
(a)population/sample;
(b) treatment and utilization of data and information gathered;
(c)time and place of study; and,
(d) instrumentation and process of data gathering. These are the boundaries that should
be set for the study; simply said, the scope of the study.
Delimitation also emphasizes on:
(1)the activities that will not be done;
(2)the literature that will not be reviewed;
(3)the segment of the population that will be excluded; and,
(4)the methodological procedure that will not be followed.
Delimitations, like limitations, should also be identified and
explained thoroughly.
Your task: Directions. Complete the following chart and write what you
know, understand, and can do about definition of terms. Write at least four
(4) concepts/ideas about definition of terms.
Analyze the given research problems. Choose one and INDICATE your
workable SCOPE and Delimitation of the Study.
1. Controversies Surrounding the Social Amelioration Program in My Barangay
SCOPE of the Study
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Delimitation of the Study
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Analyze the given research problems. Choose one and INDICATE your
workable SCOPE and Delimitation of the Study.
2. Problems Facing Poor Students Amidst DepED’s On-Line Modality Program
SCOPE of the Study
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Delimitation of the Study
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Analyze the given research problems. Choose one and INDICATE your
workable SCOPE and Delimitation of the Study.
3. Impact of OFW Unemployment Due to COVID Pandemic on Family Finances
SCOPE of the Study
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Delimitation of the Study
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Study the paragraph and identify the Scope and
Delimitation of the Study.
The main focus of this project was the design of an efficient Energy Recovery
System of Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plant. The system will be using pressure
technology by application of pressure exchanger as an energy recovery device.
Pressure exchanger transfer pressure from a high pressure stream to slow
pressure stream in a ceramic motor.
The proposed system is limited only in reducing high power consumption of the
high pressure pump. The project can be used in all existing Seawater Reverse
Osmosis Plant in the Philippines. Some calculations, assumptions, and
selections were made as a consideration of a proper and realistic design.
Given the following Research topics, identify the Scope and
Delimitation of each and write three variables for the definition of
terms
1. Correlates between COVID-19 and Respiratory Illnesses Among Vulnerable Populations
2. Impact of COVID Pandemic on Philippine Tourism Industry
3. Effects of ECQ on COVID 19 Transmissions in Metro Manila
Research Problem Scope Delimitation Variables/Terms
1.
2.
3.
