Introduction of the Study

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives/ Questions/Hypothesis
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Scope of the Study
1.6 Limitation of the Study
1.7 Conceptual/ Theoretical Framework
1.8 Operational Definition of Key Terms

Note:

It should be noted that there are a little variations on this outline depending on individual requirements of various colleges and universities. However, these outline constitutes the key parts of introduction in essence.

2.0 Literature Review

A literature review is an evaluative report of information found in the literature related to your selected area of study. The review should describe, summarize, evaluate and clarify this literature. It should give a theoretical base for the research and help you (the researcher) determine the nature of your research. Works, which are irrelevant, should be discarded and those, which are peripheral, should be looked at critically.

In general, the literature review should:

Provide a context for the research
Justify the research
Ensure the research hasn't been done before (or if it is repeated, that it is marked as a "replication study")
Show where the research fits into the existing body of knowledge
Enable the researcher to learn from previous theory on the subject
Illustrate how the subject has been studied previously
Highlight flaws in previous research
Outline gaps in previous research
Show that the work is adding to the understanding and knowledge of the field
Help refine, refocus or even change the topic

This chapter is generally divided according to the specific research objectives guiding the study. Each research objective / question should be reviewed. Such review helps in identifying knowledge gaps in the previous related studies.