Generic Structure of the Statement of Problem Sections of Ph.D. Theses in Social Sciences

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the generic structure of the statement of the problem section of Ph.D. theses in the field of social sciences in Pakistani context. A statement of the problem is a foundation upon which building of research is constructed. This study adapts the modified model of Swales (1990) applied by Jalilifar, Firuzmand and Roshani (2011) in their study. Findings reveal that move three i.e. occupying a niche is the most widely used move. Step of announcing the present research has been considered obligatory by almost all of the researchers. Less than half of the data presents the steps of making topic generalization, stating the problem/need and outlining the purpose whereas all other steps in three moves have been rarely used by researchers in their theses.