The Scope of Study in Research (Essay Sample)

Topic: The Scope of a Research Study
SCOPE OF A RESEARCH STUDY
Introduction
One of the first tasks a researcher does is to be clear about how far the research will go. This implies setting the parameters based on what one will adequately and realistically deal with. One may wish to cover so much, but however, it might be a mission impossible within one research paper. In some cases, the research area might be too narrow and hence the need to expand the scope area.
What is a scope?
A scope refers to the area that the researcher has established to focus on in the research. It is the area set by the boundaries set to limit or expand the area of coverage. It is basicalled called the scope of the study.
The scope of study refers to the parameters under which the study will be operating( Marilyn & Goes, 2013). The problem that the researcher seeks to resolve will fit within certain parameters. The researcher needs to make it as clear as possible what will be studied and what factors are within the accepted range of the study.
Ambiguity can arise from the terms that are unclear or that do not clearly specify the area of scope. For instance, if a researcher talks about the challenges of education in Kenya, this only sets the scope in terms of location, which is Kenya. However, it does not tell whether its within primary level, secondary, or tertiary colleges. It neither puts the scope whether it is public institutions or its cutting across both public and private institutions. A narrower scope captures what will be covered, such, ‘Free Primary Education: Challenges faced by teachers in public primary schools in Kenya.’
Scope is also defined as the extent of the area or subject matter that someone deals with, or to which it is relevant (Pearsall & Hanks, 2005). The scope of the study identifies what the researcher will and will not cover. By simply stating the scope, the researcher knows how far to go, and the reader knows what to expect.
Why set a scope?
The scope explains the nature, coverage, and the specifics of the research. This is why the scope presents in brief the subject area of investigation, the place, and the specifics of the research (Mezz, 2013).
The scope indicates the extent of capability of results arising from the research. According to Orodho (2010), scope sets boundaries which help avoid pitfalls and over-expectations in the course to the study or project stated in the proposal and accounted for in the final research project.
Consequences of not setting the scope?
Without a scope, the research problem is too broad. A very broad research will lack in specifics and be confusing to its audience. It will consequently be superficial in that, even applying it to the population might probably be invalid. Since the scope sets the limit of the area under coverage, it implies that it narrows to what can be covered effectively, efficiently, and validly. The scope has effect to the other dimensions of the research such as sampling, research instruments, and the overall budget.
The importance of a clear and precise scope
When a research is clear, unambiguous, and straight to the point, as well as precise, it is important to both the researcher and the audience.
To the research and the research team, it makes it very clear what will be demanded of them at the end of the research. The research has to account for the area of study set in the scope. If for instance, a researcher has set his scope in matters of public health in Mathare slums, what this researcher will be covering will be limited to this. There will be no fears or anxieties as to why one is not covering the other slums as the scope clearly defines what will be expected of him/her.
The scope helps the researcher in that it makes the research operational. Without it, one can begin the research, but it might be hard to finish it. This is because it helps to know the participants who are in areas that can be reached, and therefore it’s possible to administer the questionnaires and other research instruments to the sample population. The scope aids the researcher to decide on the sample size, and to pick up the theoretical framework.
To the audience, o...