In writing the introduction of a thesis, a section is devoted to the significance of the study. This article discusses how to write this section and provides an example to illustrate the technique.
The Significance of the Study section explains how the research will contribute to existing knowledge or address a specific problem. It is important to clearly specify what the study aims to contribute and identify the individuals, groups, or institutions that may benefit from its results.
Identifying the significant contributions of your research becomes easier when you allow yourself to think openly and reflect on its broader implications. In writing the Significance of the Study section, the following tips may serve as a useful guide to help you clearly articulate the value and potential impact of your research.
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2 Tips in Writing the Significance of the Study
1. Refer to the statement of the problem
Your problem statement can guide you in identifying the specific contribution of your study. You can do this by observing a one-to-one correspondence between the statement of the problem and the significance of the study.
For example, your research question may be phrased this way:
“Is there a significant relationship between the teacher’s teaching style and the students’ long quiz scores in Mathematics?”
Given this research question, your research’s contribution would probably be a new teaching style or styles (among, say, three teaching styles you evaluated) that can help students perform better in Mathematics.
Perhaps, your research will show that one of those teaching styles works better than the others. That could be a groundbreaking approach that will change the way teachers teach Mathematics, which many students abhor.
Hence, just looking at your statement of the problem will tell you how significant your study will be to those who need it. You won’t deviate from what is expected as the outcome of your research. Others may use your findings for their specific purposes.
If the study’s result contributes nothing to the body of knowledge, you must rethink your study’s objectives. Figure out what people need in your field of study. There will always be a need to fill.
2. Write from general to specific contribution
I learned this technique from a former professor while pursuing my master’s degree. It works this way:
Write the significance of the study by looking into the general contribution of your research, such as its importance to society, then proceed downwards—towards the individual level, and that may include yourself as a researcher. You start broadly, then taper off gradually to a specific group or person.
The writing scheme follows that of an inverted pyramid, where you adopt a deductive approach (Figure 1). So you write from the general to the particular uses of your research’s findings.
Coupled with reference to the problem statement, this research objective writing approach effectively stimulates the mind to think in a deductive mode, i.e., from general to specific. This writing approach is like the Inverted Pyramid Approach discussed in another post I wrote on How to Write a Good Thesis Introduction.
For example, in the study on teaching style given in #1, you may write:
Significance of the Study
This study’s findings will redound to society’s benefit, considering that Mathematics plays a vital role in science and technology today. The greater demand for graduates with a Mathematics background justifies the need for more effective, life-changing teaching approaches. Thus, schools that apply the recommended approach derived from the results of this study will train students better. Administrators will be guided on what should be emphasized by teachers in the school curriculum to improve students’ performance in Mathematics. For the researcher (or researchers, if it is a group study), the investigation will uncover critical areas in the educational process that many researchers could not explore. Thus, a new theory on learning Mathematics may be arrived at.
P. A. Regoniel
These two techniques on how to write the significance of the study will prevent your mind from wandering wildly or aimlessly as you explore the significance of your research.
Applying these two tips will save time, thus allow you to focus on the next section of your thesis. Who knows, the significance of the study section may also help justify why your study deserves a grant.
Highly Significant Issues to Study
1. COVID-19 Pandemic (Past)
So what are highly significant issues now? [Note: This article was rewritten during the pandemic and updated]
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is unquestionably a very fertile area of investigation. Many things about it are uncertain. It is highly significant as the coronavirus influences how people in virtually all parts of the world work, live and adapt.
For example, the development of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer, which they say is more than 90% effective against the coronavirus, will significantly influence society at different levels. Among the emerging issues is the people’s response to this development.
Will the citizens in any country affected by COVID-19 willingly submit to vaccination? The discovery of the vaccine is only part of the story. The citizen’s acceptance of the vaccine is a crucial element in the fight against the virus.
You might want to focus on this current concern if you are developing your research objectives. The pandemic is a rich source of significant ideas to explore at international, national, regional, institutional, and even individual levels.
Applying this simple system on how to write the significance of the study will give you the confidence that your study, indeed, is a significant concern to contribute to the body of knowledge. That makes your research relevant and useful to those who need them.
2. Mental Health Among University Students
Why it is significant:
Mental health challenges among university students have become increasingly prevalent due to a combination of academic pressure, financial stress, social isolation, and the impact of technology. According to numerous studies, anxiety, depression, and burnout are on the rise in this population, often affecting students’ academic performance, personal relationships, and long-term well-being.
Why research is important:
- Conducting research on this topic can:
- Identify the most common stressors affecting students.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing mental health support systems on campus.
- Propose new, evidence-based strategies for early intervention and support.
- Inform policy-making and institutional planning to create healthier learning environments.
Such research not only contributes to the academic field of psychology or education but also has direct, real-world implications for improving student welfare and academic success.
3. Plastic Pollution and Microplastics in Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Why it is significant:
Plastic pollution—particularly microplastics (plastic particles smaller than 5mm)—has become a critical environmental issue with global implications. Plastics are now found in oceans, rivers, lakes, soil, and even in the air we breathe. Recent studies have also detected microplastics in drinking water, seafood, and human blood, raising serious health concerns.
Why research is needed:
- Understanding long-term ecological effects: Research is needed to study how microplastics affect aquatic organisms, food chains, and ecosystem health.
- Human health implications: There is limited understanding of how microplastics entering the human body affect our health over time.
- Policy development: Scientific evidence is essential to develop effective regulations on plastic use, production, and waste management.
- Innovation in solutions: Research can lead to the development of biodegradable alternatives, better recycling technologies, and community-based solutions to reduce plastic consumption.
These issues can serve as a starting point for proposing and writing a research study that holds meaningful relevance to society. By following the guidelines provided here, you are on the right track to effectively writing the Significance of the Study section.
© P. A. Regoniel; Updated 13 July 2025
