Introduction

Guidelines for the Thesis Book

Chapter Overview

The introduction provides a brief context for the question or problem in the design project. Its purpose is to show the reader the researcher’s approach or that there is a problem or a need for the study. Background, if long, should be in a separate chapter. Numerous questions within the introduction text should be avoided.

This chapter includes the following:

Statement of Problem and Purpose of the Study

  • Sets forth clearly the problem under study (What is being investigated?).

  • Explains why the study will be conducted and what you intend to find or determine.

  • Describes the design project/problem and basis for the choice;

  • Identifies the building typology, context, clients/users, spaces to be designed, codes, and whatever will affect the interior design solution. Information may be added to this section in ID-699.

Rationale for the Study

  • Why was the study important and to whom would its findings be important;

  • How the project or study has potential to contribute to the Interior Design body of knowledge.

Goals and Objectives of the Study

  • Goals (What are you doing?) These are the broad over arching principle(s) that guides decision making; broad, general, abstract or intangible, difficult to measure;

  • Objectives (How are you going to do it?) These are the specific measurable steps undertaken to meet the goal; narrow, precise, concrete, measurable.

Scope and Limitations (includes IRB)

  • Scope: boundaries placed by researcher and rationale for them.

  • Limitations: boundaries placed on the project by external factors; why they exist and how they affected the study

  • IRB: Whether project requires Institutional Review Board approval must be stated here. If required, date of approval is given and the application is included in the appendix. If not needed, then an explanation as to why is given.