Examining the Relationship of Chapter 1 to Other Chapters in a Dissertation or Thesis

Abstract

The review examined the relationship between Chapter 1 and its subsequent Chapters in a dissertation or thesis, informed by a constructivist paradigm utilising a qualitative approach. It further demonstrated how the contrasting ontological, epistemological assumptions and models of human beings the researcher brings to the research process have direct implications for one’s methodological concerns in a project. To ascertain these philosophical assumptions, thirty postgraduate projects were purposively selected and theoretical saturation determined the sample as depth was sought employing a grounded theory.  Different Chapter 1s of various dissertations and theses were scrutinised first and used to develop a framework of analysis which was later fine-tuned using literature surveyed. Guided by an interactive process combining the elements of content and inductive thematic analysis, the major components of the study were identified, namely; the research problem, objectives, sub-problems or hypotheses. In turn, these influenced the literature surveyed, research methodology utilised, analysis and interpretation of data, conclusions drawn and recommendations made. These technicalities if carefully observed are meant to guide postgraduate students to produce a quality product independently and reveal the symbiotic relationship that exists between Chapter 1 and its subsequent Chapters in a dissertation or theses.