Scope and Limitation of the Study: Steps, tips & example

Summary

In this video, the creator explains how to write the 'Scope and Limitation of the Study' section for academic research. The video highlights the importance of clearly defining what the study covers (scope) and what it does not (limitations). Key elements of the scope include the study's focus, variables, participants, setting, and time frame, while limitations address sample size, resources, measurement issues, and ethical considerations. The creator also provides practical tips and examples to help viewers write concise and clear scope and limitation sections, emphasizing the importance of grammar, tense, and structure.

Takeaways

• 😀 The scope of the study defines what is covered, including the focus, participants, variables, setting, and time frame.
• 😀 The limitations of the study identify constraints, weaknesses, and potential issues that could affect the results, such as sample size or methodology.
• 😀 It is important to clearly distinguish between scope (what's included) and limitations (what's excluded or constrained).
• 😀 The scope should be precise and include details like the study's setting, target group, and time frame to avoid ambiguity.
• 😀 Limitations should include things like sample size, resource restrictions, and the use of self-reported data, which can introduce biases.
• 😀 When writing the scope, always answer the 5Ws and H: What, Why, Who, Where, When, and How.
• 😀 Clear articulation of the study’s limitations helps to prevent future confusion and is essential for the transparency of the research process.
• 😀 Examples of study limitations could include ethical considerations, like privacy concerns, or the inability to access certain data sources.
• 😀 A well-written scope and limitations section can help evaluators understand the boundaries of your research and prevent misinterpretations.
• 😀 Use specific and concise phrasing when introducing the scope and limitations, and be sure to keep the grammar and tense consistent with the study's context.
• 😀 Writing a scope and limitations section does not have to be time-consuming; with a clear understanding, it can be done in under an hour.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The video focuses on 'How to Write the Scope and Limitation of the Study,' explaining their importance, differences, and how to properly construct them.

What is the difference between the scope and the limitation of a study?

The scope defines the coverage and boundaries of the study, including what is included, while the limitation highlights constraints, restrictions, and potential weaknesses of the study.

What components should be included when writing the scope of a study?

The scope should include the main focus of the study, aspects or variables being examined, participants or respondents, setting or location, and the time frame of the study.

What elements are typically included in the limitations of a study?

Limitations include sample size, resource and time constraints, instrument issues such as self-reporting and recall problems, social desirability biases, and ethical or privacy considerations.

Why is it important to include potential weaknesses in the limitation section?

Including potential weaknesses acts as a disclaimer, informing evaluators about the constraints of the study, preventing misunderstandings, and helping to clarify the generalizability of results.

How does the 5Ws and H framework help in writing the scope and limitation?

The 5Ws and H framework (What, Why, Who, Where, When, How) ensures all critical aspects of the study are addressed clearly, making it easier for evaluators and readers to understand the study's coverage and constraints.

Can you give an example of a study's scope based on the video?

An example scope: 'This study focused on investigating the effects of social media usage on the academic performance of first-year college students at a University during the academic year 2024–2025. It included analyzing the frequency and duration of social media usage among respondents.'

What is a common limitation when using self-reporting measures?

Self-reporting measures can have recall problems, social desirability bias, and inaccuracies because respondents may not remember correctly or may answer in a way that reflects positively on them rather than accurately.

What are some suggested ways to start writing the scope and limitation paragraphs?

Suggested sentence starters include: 'This study focuses on...', 'This study centers on...', 'It is worthy to note that this research endeavors to shed light on...', and 'This study sets out to assess...'.

How long does it typically take to write the scope and limitation once the study focus is clear?

According to the video, it can usually be completed in less than an hour if the focus of the study is well understood.

Why is it important to use the correct tense and grammar in the scope and limitation section?

Using the correct tense and grammar ensures clarity and accuracy, reflecting whether the study is proposed (future tense) or completed (past tense), which helps evaluators understand the timing and context of the study.