Scope of Study Section
University of Wisconsin–Madison guidance says a purpose statement announces a paper’s purpose, scope, and direction and tells readers what specific focus to expect. Scope may be expressed in a purpose statement, introduction, methods, delimitations, or a separately titled section; placement varies by institution, discipline, and document type.
A Scope of Study section or scope statement defines the boundaries of what the paper or study covers so readers understand its specific focus and direction.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Scope may be expressed in a purpose statement, introduction, methods, delimitations, or a separately titled section; placement varies by institution, discipline, and document type.
Further guidance
Content
Clarify the study’s intended coverage and boundaries so claims are read within the correct frame.
Purpose
Specify the relevant population, setting, time period, variables, material, or analytical boundaries when those limits are necessary to understand what the study does and does not cover.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Thesis and Purpose Statements (opens in a new tab)University of Wisconsin–Madison Writing Center · University writing-center guidance that a purpose statement announces the purpose, scope, and direction of a paper