The scope and delimitation of the study define its boundaries by outlining what the research includes and excludes. The scope specifies the topic, objectives, participants, location, timeframe and variables to focus the investigation. In contrast, delimitation sets restrictions by excluding certain populations, methods, locations and theories. Clearly defining these aspects prevents unnecessary broadening, improves research feasibility and enhances clarity for readers.
Academic documents, such as research papers, theses, dissertations and proposals, include the scope and delimitation of the study. Typically, the scope appears in the introduction or methodology, while delimitation appears in the methodology or limitations section. Researchers establish delimitations based on time, resources, data availability, population exclusions and research feasibility. To define the scope, they consider objectives, population, location, timeframe and key variables to align with academic standards.
This blog post discusses the scope and delimitation of the study, explaining their definitions, purposes and key differences. It outlines how researchers establish the scope by setting research boundaries, including objectives, population, location and timeframe. Additionally, it explores how delimitations help refine the study by excluding certain aspects based on practical constraints. Moreover, the text provides examples from different academic fields and explains where scope and delimitation appear in various research documents.
- Scope of the study: Types | Purpose | Location
- Delimitation of the study: Types | Purpose | Location
- Differences between scope and delimitation of the study
- Template for writing the scope and delimitation of the study
- Examples of scope and delimitation of the study
- Editing services
- Resources
Scope of the study
The scope of a study defines its boundaries, focusing on what the research will cover. It clarifies the subject, objectives and limitations to ensure a clear direction.
Key aspects of the scope of a study include:
- Research objectives: What the study aims to achieve
- Subjects or participants: Who or what is included
- Timeframe: The period covered in the study
- Geographical location: Where the research takes place
- Variables: Examined factors
Types of the scope of the study
The scope of the study fall into several categories based on different research aspects. Understanding these types helps define clear boundaries and focus areas.
- Subject scope defines the specific topic or field the study covers.
- Geographical scope specifies the location where the research takes place.
- Temporal scope indicates the period considered in the study.
- Theoretical scope outlines the theories, models or frameworks used.
- Methodological scope describes the research design, data collection and analysis methods.
- Population scope identifies the participants or data sources included in the study.
Purpose of the scope of the study
The purpose of the scope of the study is to establish clear research boundaries and ensure a focused investigation. It helps researchers, readers and stakeholders understand what the study includes and excludes.
- Defining research boundaries: Prevents unnecessary broadening of the topic.
- Clarifying objectives: Aligns the study with specific goals.
- Guiding methodology: Helps in selecting appropriate research methods.
- Managing resources: Ensures efficient use of time, data and funding.
- Enhancing clarity: Makes it easier for readers to understand the study’s focus.
Location of the scope of the study
Several academic texts include the scope of the study to define research boundaries and ensure clarity. The scope helps readers understand what the study covers and excludes. It is typically located in specific sections of these documents.
Academic texts that include the scope and where it is located:
- Research papers: Found in the introduction or methodology section to outline key research boundaries.
- Theses and dissertations: Presented in a dedicated scope and delimitation of the study section, usually in the introduction.
- Case studies: Stated in the introduction or methodology to clarify the research context, participants and timeframe.
- Literature reviews: Located in the introduction or background section to define the focus on specific themes, theories or timeframes.
- Proposals: Included in the methodology or research design section to justify the study’s feasibility and limitations.
- Reports: Appears in the introduction or scope section to define research parameters when presenting findings or project evaluations.
Delimitation of the study
The delimitation of the study refers to the specific boundaries set by the researcher to narrow the focus of the study. It explains what is excluded from the research and why to ensure clarity and feasibility.
Key aspects of delimitation of the study:
- Scope restrictions define what the study does not cover.
- Participant limitations specify which groups or individuals are not included.
- Geographical boundaries limit the research to a specific location.
- Time constraints set a timeframe for the study’s data collection or analysis.
- Methodological choices justify the exclusion of certain methods or approaches.
- Theoretical focus explains why some theories or models are not in the scope of the study.
Types of the delimitation of the study
The delimitation of a study refers to the boundaries set by the researcher to focus the research and exclude unrelated aspects. Different types of delimitations help identify what the study will not cover.
Types of delimitation of a study:
- Subject delimitation specifies the topic or aspect of a subject being studied while excluding others.
- Geographical delimitation limits the study to a specific location or region.
- Temporal delimitation restricts the study to a specific period.
- Population delimitation defines which individuals, groups or organisations are included and excluded.
- Methodological delimitation explains the choice of research methods.
- Theoretical delimitation identifies the theories or models considered and those omitted.
- Instrumental delimitation specifies the tools, tests or instruments used and excludes others.
Purpose of the delimitation of the study
The purpose of delimitation of a study is to establish clear research boundaries by defining what the study will not cover. This ensures a focused, manageable and well-structured research process.
Key purposes of delimitation of a study:
- Preventing unnecessary broadening: Keeps the research within a specific scope.
- Clarifying study limitations: Explains what is intentionally excluded.
- Enhancing research feasibility: Ensures the study is practical and achievable.
- Improving accuracy: Avoids irrelevant data that could affect results.
- Guiding data collection: Focuses on relevant information only.
- Strengthening research validity: Clearly defines the study’s framework for better reliability.
Location of the delimitation of the study
Various academic documents include the delimitation of a study to define research boundaries and clarify exclusions. It typically appears in specific sections of these documents.
Academic documents that include delimitation and its location:
- Research papers: Found in the methodology or limitations section to explain exclusions.
- Theses and dissertations: Included in the scope and delimitation of the study section, usually in the introduction.
- Case studies: Stated in the methodology section to define participant and contextual limitations.
- Literature reviews: Located in the introduction or background to clarify the focus and exclude irrelevant areas.
- Proposals: Presented in the methodology or research design section to justify the study’s feasibility.
- Reports: Appears in the introduction or scope section to define research parameters and exclusions.
Key differences between scope and delimitation of a study
The scope of the study defines what the research includes, such as objectives, participants, timeframe and location. In contrast, the delimitation of the study specifies excluded aspects, such as certain populations, methods or periods. While the scope is based on research goals, delimitation results from the researcher’s decisions to keep the study manageable. Together, the scope and delimitation of the study ensure clarity and focus.
Scope vs delimitation
| Aspect | Scope of the study | Delimitation of the study |
| Definition | Defines what the study includes | Specifies what the study excludes |
| Purpose | Sets the study’s focus and coverage | Explains the limitations set by the researcher |
| Components | Includes objectives, participants, timeframe, location and variables | Excludes certain populations, methods, locations and theories |
| Determined by | Research goals and subject relevance | Researcher’s decisions to keep the study manageable |
| Examples | Studying customer satisfaction in retail stores in London from 2020–2023 | Excluding online retail customers or data before 2020 |
Template for writing the scope and delimitation of the study
Scope of the study
Answering the following questions will help structure the scope of the study:
- What is the main topic or focus of the study? (Clearly state the researched subject.)
- What are the research objectives? (List the specific goals the study aims to achieve.)
- Who are the participants or subjects of the study? (Define the population or data sources included.)
- What is the geographical location of the study? (Specify where the research takes place.)
- What is the timeframe covered in the study? (State the period considered for data collection or analysis.)
- What variables or aspects are being examined? (List the key studied factors, elements or themes.)
- What theories, models or frameworks are used? (Mention the theoretical basis of the study.)
Example structure for writing the scope
‘This study focuses on [main topic] and aims to [research objectives]. The research includes [participants] within [geographical location] during [timeframe]. It examines [variables] using [theories/models] to understand [purpose].’
Delimitation of the study
The following questions will help define the study’s delimitations:
- What aspects of the topic are not included? (Clarify any areas the study does not cover.)
- Which participants or groups are excluded? (Explain the limitations regarding the population.)
- What geographical areas are not covered? (Mention locations intentionally excluded.)
- What time periods are not considered? (Define any timeframe restrictions.)
- Which methods or approaches are not used? (Justify the exclusion of specific methodologies.)
- Which theories, models or concepts are not applied? (List the theoretical limitations.)
Example structure for writing the delimitation
‘This study does not cover [excluded aspects] and focuses only on [specific subject]. It excludes [participants/geographical locations] due to [reason]. The research is limited to [timeframe] and methods such as [excluded methods] were not used to ensure [justification].’
Examples of scope and delimitation of the study
Education thesis
Scope
This study focuses on the effects of online learning on student performance in secondary schools in London. It examines students aged 14–18 during the 2022–2023 academic year. The study analyses academic records, student feedback and teacher assessments to evaluate learning outcomes. The research is based on the constructivist learning theory and uses a mixed-methods approach.
Delimitation
This study does not include primary school students or university-level learners. It excludes private schools and focuses only on public secondary institutions. Data before 2022 is not considered and the study does not assess psychological impacts beyond academic performance. Qualitative data only includes teacher and student surveys, excluding parental perspectives.
Business research paper
Scope
This research investigates the impact of social media marketing on consumer purchasing behaviour among small retail businesses in Manchester. The study analyses engagement metrics, sales data and customer feedback from January 2021 to December 2023. The research applies digital marketing theories and quantitative analysis.
Delimitation
The study excludes large corporations and focuses only on businesses with fewer than 50 employees. It does not consider offline marketing strategies or traditional advertising methods. The research is limited to Instagram and Facebook, excluding other platforms such as TikTok or LinkedIn. The study does not measure long-term brand loyalty but focuses on short-term consumer engagement.
Health sciences dissertation
Scope
This study examines the relationship between physical activity and mental health among university students in the UK. It collects data from students aged 18–25 across five universities from 2021 to 2023. The study uses a survey-based methodology and applies psychological well-being models.
Delimitation
This research does not include individuals outside the 18–25 age range or non-university students. It focuses on general mental health indicators, excluding specific mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. The study does not consider the effects of diet, genetics or medication on mental health. Data is self-reported, with no clinical assessments.
Engineering project proposal
Scope
This project develops a prototype for a solar-powered irrigation system for small-scale farms in rural Kenya. The system integrates automated moisture sensors and a mobile application for remote monitoring. Testing will be conducted on 5 farms over a 12-month period to assess efficiency and sustainability.
Delimitation
The study excludes large commercial farms and focuses only on small-scale operations with land under five hectares. It does not compare solar irrigation with other renewable energy sources such as wind or hydroelectric power. The research does not evaluate financial aspects like cost-effectiveness or return on investment. Only technical and environmental impacts are considered.
Psychology case study
Scope
This case study explores the coping mechanisms of individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following workplace accidents. It involves in-depth interviews with 10 participants in the UK and analyses their coping strategies over a six-month period. The study is based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) frameworks.
Delimitation
The research excludes individuals with PTSD caused by non-workplace-related trauma. It does not examine the effects of medication or psychiatric treatment. The study focuses only on employed individuals and excludes unemployed or retired individuals. Data collection relies solely on self-reported experiences, excluding external clinical assessments.
Editing services
Editing services help finalise academic texts with scope and delimitation of the study by ensuring clarity, coherence and adherence to academic standards.
Proofreading and copyediting services help finalise academic texts by refining the scope and delimitation of the study for clarity, accuracy and coherence. Moreover, these services ensure effective structure and alignment with academic standards.
Proofreading focuses on:
- Correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
- Fixing typos and formatting inconsistencies
- Ensuring an error-free and professional text
Copyediting improves:
- Sentence structure and readability
- Consistency in terminology and phrasing
- Logical flow and alignment with research objectives
- Clarity by removing redundancy and unclear phrasing
Resources
- Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods by R. K. Yin helps understand research boundaries in case studies.
- Harvard University Writing Center provides guides on structuring research papers and defining boundaries.
- The Practice of Social Research by E. Babbie covers research methodology, including how to establish scope and delimitations effectively.
- Purdue OWL contains academic writing resources, including how to define research parameters.
- Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches by J. W. Creswell and J. D. Creswell provides a comprehensive guide on research design, including defining research scope and limitations.
- SAGE Research Methods offers a wide range of resources on research design, including scope and delimitations.
- ‘Scope, Limitations, Delimitations’ by M.K. Simon and J. Goes explores strategies for defining scope and limitations in research.
- ‘What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good For?’ by J. Gerring (American Political Science Review 98, no 2 (2004): 341–354) discusses how scope and delimitations apply in case study research.
Key takeaways
In sum, the scope and delimitation of a study help define research boundaries, ensure clarity and maintain feasibility. The scope outlines what the research includes, such as objectives, participants, timeframe, location and variables, while delimitation sets limitations by excluding certain aspects based on practical constraints. Together, these elements help researchers maintain focus, prevent unnecessary expansion and align their studies with specific goals. Understanding their differences and how they appear in academic documents improves research design and execution.
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