Prepare for developing the introduction: The following questions have been developed to help you determine the feasibility of the project. Ask yourself if the issue is in the mainstream of psychology? Is there evidence that can be presented that shows the prevalence or percentage of individuals experiencing the problem? Is the problem identified in the DSM-V TR (APA, 2022)? If not, why not? What recent research exists on the issue? Is there sufficient evidence to show through current data that this problem exists? Is there data on the societal impact of the problem?
Write the Introduction and Background of the Problem for the Prospectus: The Research Prospectus is an overview of your Doctoral Project, giving the reader sufficient information about the work you are proposing, the societal problem you are investigating, and the way in which you plan to conduct your research. It provides insights and perspectives for why the study should be conducted. Why is the problem of pressing societal concern?
The introduction begins with a statement that will get the reader’s attention so that he or she wants to continue reading and the statement is directly related to the research study. The next sentence is an extension of the first sentence. This statement usually contains a statistical value related to the problem to intrigue the reader further. The statistic is to be cited from a peer-reviewed journal. The aim and scope of the study is provided. Then you provide an overview of the chapter.
The Background of the Problem has information, so the reader is prepared for the next section where you state the societal problem being addressed. Provide evidence from multiple peer-reviewed sources and provide historical and statistical information that supports the existence of the problem (data that supports the existence is required). Provide the historical and current evidence that this problem impacts individuals and society. By identifying who is affected by this problem or issue and the broader effect the problem or issue has on society, you are providing the necessary foundation to show the problem needs to be addressed. This information will allow you to present the problem statement clearly and succinctly. Consider the logical flow of your discussion. Current data and statistical information are a requirement of this section so make sure that you provide as much data as possible to support the existence of the problem.
