The Scope and Delimitations section defines the boundaries of your study what it includes, what it leaves out, and why those decisions matter. Whether you’re writing a thesis or any major research project, getting this section right helps keep your study well-defined, realistic, and easy to understand.

This guide will show you how to draw those boundaries with clarity and confidence so your research stays on track from the very start.

What Is the Scope and Delimitations?

Scope and Delimitations define the boundaries and parameters of your study. Think of this section as drawing the borders of your research map, it tells readers what your study will cover and what it won’t.

  • The scope includes the general purpose, population, timeframe, topics, and location of the study.
  • The delimitations are the choices you made to narrow your focus, like excluding certain groups, tools, or variables, to keep the study manageable and aligned with your research goals.
  • It also separates delimitations (your chosen boundaries) from limitations (factors outside your control that might affect results).

It answers the question:

  • What exactly is being studied?
  • Where is it being studied?
  • When is it being studied?
  • Who is being studied?

Without this section, your study could seem too vague or unfocused. Scope and delimitations help make your research clear, doable, and meaningful.

Scope

The scope defines the specific boundaries and coverage of your research. Think of it as the zoom-in setting that frames your study just right.

Include:

  • The general purpose of your research
  • The target population or participants
  • The time frame for the data or observations
  • The topics or concepts being explored
  • The geographical location or research setting

It tells readers exactly what your study is focused on, where it happens, and with whom.

Limitations (Different from Delimitations)

Limitations refer to factors outside your control that might impact your methodology or how your results are interpreted. These don’t reflect flaws in your design, just the real-world limits of conducting research.

Examples include:

  • Time constraints
  • Budget limitations
  • Limited access to data, tools, or participants
  • Uncontrolled variables (e.g., human behavior, environment)
  • Methodological constraints (e.g., only using surveys or relying on self-reports)

Limitations = “Things I couldn’t control but that might influence the results.”

Purpose of the Scope and Delimitations

The purpose is to show the reader what your study is about and why you drew the lines where you did. It keeps your research focused, doable, and grounded.

Why this section matters:

  • Clarifies the boundaries of your research
  • Explains what’s in and what’s out and why
  • Helps readers understand your study choices:
    • Topics
    • Participants
    • Setting
    • Timeframe
    • Tools or methods
  • Makes your research replicable
  • Shows academic honesty and transparency
  • Keeps your work on track with your objectives

Bottom line: It justifies the size, shape, and direction of your study, so it’s meaningful, manageable, and academically valid.

Types of Delimitations

While the scope gives a big-picture view of what your study covers — including the general purpose, participants, setting, and timeframe — delimitations are more specific. They’re the intentional boundaries you set to focus your research and keep it manageable.

Researchers usually apply delimitations in different areas, like topic, population, tools used, and time period. These aren’t official “types,” but they help clearly explain where and how you narrowed your focus.

Here are the most common types of delimitations:

Type of DelimitationWhat It AffectsExample
Topic DelimitationLimits the specific aspect of the topicOnly studying reading motivation, not all study habits
Population DelimitationLimits the participantsOnly includes senior high school students in public schools
Geographical DelimitationLimits the locationFocused only on schools in Quezon City
Time DelimitationLimits the timeframe of the studyOnly data from SY 2024–2025 included
Instrument DelimitationLimits the tools used for data collectionOnly uses surveys and interviews, not classroom observations
Theoretical DelimitationLimits which theories or models are usedBased only on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Why It Matters

Defining your scope and delimitations shows:

  • That you’re aware of your study’s limits
  • That your research is focused, not scattered
  • That your results are valid within the defined boundaries
  • That your study can be replicated or extended later

What to Include in the Scope and Delimitations

Before writing this section, it’s important to understand its three main parts. Each plays a different role in defining the shape, focus, and limits of your study:

  • Scope – What your study covers (purpose, participants, timeframe, location, and topics)
  • Delimitations – What you chose to exclude to narrow the focus
  • Limitations – What’s outside your control that may affect results (e.g., time, access, bias)

What to Include in the Scope and Delimitations

Before writing your research, you need to define what’s in and what’s out. This section sets the rules of the game. It tells readers what your research covers (scope), what you chose to leave out (delimitations), and what limitations you couldn’t avoid.

1. Scope – What Your Study Covers

The scope defines the boundaries and parameters of your research. It’s all about what the study includes on purpose, and it helps keep your focus tight and clear.

Scope Answers:

What exactly is being studied?
Where is the study happening?
When is it being conducted?
Who are the participants?
What methods or focus areas are being used?

What to Include in the Scope:

  • General purpose of the study
    • What are you trying to investigate or understand?
    • Example: To explore how social media affects study habits among high school students.
  • Research questions and objectives
    • What questions guide the study? What are you aiming to achieve?
    • Example: What is the relationship between time spent on TikTok and academic performance?
  • Target population or participants
    • Who are you studying? (Age group, profession, grade level, etc.)
    • Example: Senior high school students enrolled in public schools in Quezon City.
  • Time frame
    • When is the study conducted? (e.g., Academic Year 2024–2025)
    • Example: Data collection will focus on the first semester of SY 2024–2025.
  • Geographic location or setting
    • Where is the study taking place? (City, region, school, institution)
    • Example: Public high schools located in Quezon City.
  • Concepts or variables studied
    • What specific ideas, behaviors, or phenomena are being focused on?
    • Example: Frequency of social media use (independent variable), academic motivation (dependent variable).
  • Methodological design
    • Are you doing surveys, experiments, interviews, etc.?
    • Example: A mixed-method design using surveys and follow-up interviews.

Scope Example:

“This study investigates the relationship between digital learning platforms and academic motivation among Grade 12 public school students in Cebu City during the 2024–2025 school year, using a mixed-methods approach.”

Make sure the scope aligns with your research questions. This ensures consistency and keeps your research on track.

2. Delimitations – What You Chose to Exclude

Delimitations are the boundaries you intentionally set as the researcher. These are choices, not flaws. They’re made to narrow the study down for feasibility and relevance.

Why Delimitations Matter:

They help your reader understand why you left certain things out and that’s important for academic honesty and clarity.

What to Include in Delimitations:

  • Excluded variables, populations, or locations
    • Who or what was left out and why.
    • Example: Private school students were excluded due to curricular differences.
  • Theoretical frameworks not used
    • E.g., You chose one model instead of many.
    • Example: Only public school students were accessible through Department of Education approvals.
  • Data collection tools you didn’t use
    • E.g., You used interviews but not observations.
    • Example: Observational methods were not used due to limited access to classrooms.
  • Scope boundaries you narrowed further
    • You focused on one department, one year level, or one region only.
    • Example: The study used the Self-Determination Theory and excluded Behaviorist models to focus on intrinsic motivation.

Delimitations Example:

“This study excludes students from private schools due to curricular differences and access limitations. Only Grade 12 students were considered. The study used only online surveys and follow-up interviews, not classroom observations.”

Always justify your choices. Explain why you excluded something and how that helps sharpen the focus of your research.

3. Limitations – What’s Outside Your Control

Limitations are the factors you didn’t choose but still affect your study. These are real-world constraints, and admitting them strengthens your study’s credibility.

Why Limitations Matter:

They show your reader that you understand the imperfections of research and that your conclusions are realistic.

What to Include in Limitations:

  • Time constraints
    • E.g., You only had a semester to collect data.
    • Example: The study was conducted within a 4-month academic term, limiting long-term tracking.
  • Budget limitations
    • E.g., You couldn’t afford specialized software or travel.
    • Example: Due to limited funds, no paid software or data collection platforms were used.
  • Limited access
    • E.g., Not all participants responded, or some areas were unreachable.
    • Example: Not all target participants had reliable internet access for online surveys.
  • Participant bias
    • E.g., Students may have answered in socially desirable ways.
    • Example: Some students may have given answers they thought teachers wanted to hear.
  • Instrument bias or design issues
    • E.g., Your questionnaire might not cover every nuance.
    • Example: The survey relied on self-report, which may not capture actual behavior accurately.
  • External factors
    • E.g., Internet problems, school closures, power outages.
  • Sampling limitations
    • E.g., Small sample size due to low response rate.
    • Example: Weather-related school suspensions delayed some of the interviews.

Limitations Example:

“Data collection was limited to online surveys due to pandemic restrictions, which may have excluded students without stable internet access. Additionally, responses may be affected by self-reporting bias.”

Don’t try to hide limitations, own them. You’re not expected to do perfect research. You’re expected to do credible, transparent, and honest research.

Summary Table: How Each Part Works

SectionPurpose
ScopeShows what your research intentionally includes
DelimitationsExplains what you intentionally excluded for clarity and manageability
LimitationsIdentifies the uncontrollable factors that may have influenced your study

Qualities of a Strong Scope and Delimitations Section

To make your Scope and Delimitations section credible, clear, and useful, it should include these five essential qualities:

QualityWhy It MattersHow to Apply It
Clear and SpecificReaders should know exactly what your study covers and what it doesn’t. No vague terms or fuzzy ideas.Use direct statements: “This study focuses on…” / “It does not include…”
Justified BoundariesShows why you included or excluded certain elements. Readers understand your logic, not guess it.Explain exclusions clearly: “Private schools were excluded due to differing academic structures.”
Aligned with ObjectivesThe scope and delimitations should match your research questions and goals.Make sure everything listed supports your main objectives — no off-topic elements.
Acknowledges LimitsBeing open about your limitations shows academic honesty and self-awareness.Admit real constraints: “Due to limited time, the study used only one survey round.”
Sets ExpectationsHelps readers interpret your findings within context, not beyond.Frame your results properly: “Findings apply to public schools in urban areas, not rural settings.”

Why These Qualities Matter

Without these, your research may feel:

  • Too broad or vague
  • Disconnected from your objectives
  • Overconfident about its accuracy or generalizability

With them, your Scope and Delimitations section becomes a trustworthy roadmap that guides readers on what to expect, how to interpret findings, and where your work fits within the bigger research picture.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Watch out for these mistakes when writing your Scope and Delimitations. These can make your research feel unclear, inconsistent, or weak.

  1. Being too broad or vague: Be specific. Narrow your scope to a clear group, location, or timeframe.
    • Fix it by saying: “Grade 11 students in public schools in Manila” instead of just “students.”
  2. Listing limitations without explanation: Don’t just drop a list, explain why each limitation exists.
    • Fix it by adding context: “Online interviews were used due to COVID restrictions.”
  3. Not aligning with objectives: If your scope and delimitations don’t match your research questions or objectives, it confuses the reader.
    • Fix it by checking: Does each boundary support your research goals?
  4. Ignoring delimitations entirely: Skipping delimitations makes your study feel aimless.
    • Fix it by including: What you left out and why (like tools, locations, or participants).
  5. Confusing scope with limitations: These are not the same!
    • Fix it by remembering:
      • Scope = What you intentionally chose to include
      • Limitations = What was out of your control
  6. Overclaiming your findings: Don’t act like your results apply everywhere or to everyone.
    • Fix it by being honest: Say clearly where and to whom your results apply.

Example: Scope and Delimitations

Title of Study: The Impact of Social Media Use on Academic Performance Among Senior High School Students in Quezon City Public Schools

Scope

This study aims to determine the relationship between the frequency of social media use and the academic performance of senior high school students enrolled in public schools in Quezon City during the school year 2024–2025.

The scope includes:

  • Purpose: To assess whether social media usage patterns (daily hours, platforms used, purpose of use) affect students’ general academic averages.
  • Population: Senior high school students (Grades 11 and 12) enrolled in five selected public schools in Quezon City.
  • Time Frame: The data will be collected during the first semester of SY 2024–2025.
  • Topics Covered: Social media frequency, purpose (educational vs. entertainment), and corresponding academic performance.
  • Geographical Setting: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
  • Methodology: A quantitative research design using structured surveys and academic records review.

Delimitations

This study is intentionally narrowed in the following ways:

  • It only includes public schools and does not account for students in private or alternative learning institutions.
  • The research focuses solely on social media use, excluding other digital distractions like gaming or streaming services.
  • Only quantitative methods will be used; no interviews, focus groups, or qualitative insights will be gathered.
  • The study will not assess psychological factors such as anxiety or self-esteem related to social media use.
  • The survey will be administered only in English and Filipino, possibly excluding non-native speakers or students with reading difficulties.

Limitations

Several factors are outside the researcher’s control:

  • Self-reported data may be biased due to exaggeration or underreporting of social media use.
  • Internet access variability among students may influence social media exposure and affect the reliability of data.
  • Academic performance is measured only through general averages, not by subject area or standardized tests.
  • Time constraints may limit the number of schools included, and the study’s sample size might not represent all students in Metro Manila.

Scope and Delimitations (Paragraph Format):

Scope and Delimitations

This study explores the impact of social media use on the academic performance of senior high school students in selected public schools in Quezon City during the first semester of the 2024–2025 school year. Specifically, it examines the frequency, platforms, and purpose of social media usage and their relationship to students’ general academic averages.

The scope of the study is limited to Grades 11 and 12 students enrolled in five public schools. A purely quantitative research design is used, involving structured surveys and academic records as primary data sources.

Delimitations of the study include the exclusion of students from private schools, other forms of digital media (e.g., video games and streaming services), and qualitative methods such as interviews or focus groups. Psychological and emotional variables related to social media use are also intentionally excluded from the investigation.

Limitations include the potential for self-reporting bias, inconsistent internet access among participants, and reliance on general average grades as the sole measure of academic performance. These parameters were established to ensure the study remains focused, feasible, and aligned with its main objective.

How It Connects to Other Sections

The Scope and Delimitations section doesn’t stand alone, it supports and aligns with the rest of your paper.

Here’s how it connects:

  • Significance of the Study: Your scope supports who benefits from the research and how.
  • Objectives of the Study: The scope and delimitations should directly reflect your research goals.
  • Methodology: Your research methods should match what’s defined in your scope.
  • Review of Related Literature: Delimitations explain why you focused on specific studies or ignored others.
  • Conclusion and Recommendations: Your conclusions should stay within the limits of your scope; don’t generalize beyond what you studied.

These sections connect directly with the Scope and Delimitations and provide full context for your study:

  • Chapter 1: Research Introduction
  • Background of the Study
  • Statement of the Problem
  • Objectives of the Study (General & Specific)
  • Research Questions / Hypotheses
  • Significance of the Study
  • Scope and Delimitations
  • Definition of Terms
  • Summary / Conclusion

Scope and Delimitations Resources

All the essential tools and guides to plan, write, and polish your Scope and Delimitations section, especially useful for Chapter 1.

Writing Guides & How-To

How to Write Scope and Delimitations

  • Coming Soon: Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them →
  • Coming Soon: How Scope, Delimitations, and Limitations Work Together →
  • Coming Soon: How They Connect to Chapter 1 Sections →
  • Coming Soon: How to Justify Your Research Boundaries (Scope + Delimitations) →
  • Coming Soon: How to Align Scope with Research Objectives and Questions →
  • Coming Soon: How to Convert Scope into a Strong Paragraph →
  • Coming Soon: Best Practices for Teaching This Section to Students →

Downloads & Resources

Coming Soon:

  • 📄 Scope & Delimitations Worksheet – Fill-in-the-blanks planner
  • ✅ Scope Clarity Checklist – Covers focus, logic, and specificity
  • 🧠 Sample Paragraph Bank – For quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods
  • 🚫 Mistakes to Avoid PDF – Visual guide for students and writers
  • 🔁 Scope Revision Tracker – Helps refine or adjust research scope over time
  • 🗂️ Editable Section Template – Plug-and-play version for fast drafting
  • 📘 Mini Handbook PDF – All the above combined in a compact guidebook
  • 🎯 Scope-to-Objectives Alignment Chart – Map your scope to your research goals
  • 🧩 Scope Breakdown Graphic – Visual model of Scope, Delimitations & Limitations
  • 🧾 Peer Review Rubric – Checklist for reviewing someone else’s Scope section

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Scope and Delimitations

What’s the difference between scope and delimitations?

Scope is what your study includes the topic, participants, time, location, and method. Delimitations are what you intentionally exclude to narrow your focus.

Why are scope and delimitations important?

They clarify what your study is about, who it applies to, and what’s outside your focus. This helps readers understand your research boundaries and avoid unrealistic expectations.

What should I include in the scope?

Topic or problem you’re studying
Purpose of the research
Who or what you’re studying (population)
Timeframe and location
Research method (qualitative, quantitative, etc.)

What are examples of delimitations?

Excluding certain groups (e.g., private school students)
Not using certain tools or methods (e.g., no interviews)
Focusing only on one city or academic year
Limiting your study to certain variables or theories

How do delimitations differ from limitations?

Delimitations are your choices (e.g., not studying private schools). Limitations are things you can’t control (e.g., limited internet access, time constraints).

Do I need to justify my delimitations?

Yes, briefly explain why you excluded something, especially if readers might expect it to be included. This shows you’re focused and intentional.

Can scope and delimitations change later?

Yes, many researchers revise them after data collection begins. Just be transparent about changes and update your documentation.

How long should the Scope and Delimitations section be?

Typically 1–3 paragraphs (about 150–300 words). Long enough to be clear, short enough to stay focused.

Where do I put this section in my thesis or paper?

Usually placed in Chapter 1: Introduction, after the Significance of the Study and before the Definition of Terms.

Is it okay if my scope is very narrow?

Ye, it’s better to be specific and doable than vague and unrealistic. Narrow doesn’t mean weak; it means focused and clear.

Final Thoughts:

Your Scope and Delimitations section isn’t just a technical requirement, it’s the foundation that shows your research is focused, feasible, and intentional.

By clearly defining what your study includes, excludes, and cannot control, you:

  • Set realistic expectations
  • Strengthen your research credibility
  • Show academic honesty
  • Make your work easier to evaluate, replicate, or build on

Remember: a well-written Scope and Delimitations section doesn’t make your study smaller, it makes it sharper. Be clear. Be strategic. Be honest.

It’s not about covering everything, it’s about covering the right things well.

Note: We’re not your school’s official research coordinator, but our guides are designed to support and guide your writing process. Always follow your institution’s specific guidelines and formatting requirements.

Stay updated and never miss important scholarship, research and other announcements through our official channels:

📧 Subscribe to our Email Newsletter for Updates

Information Disclaimer

Notice:

Philscholar® is an informational platform dedicated to sharing scholarship and grant opportunities. While we provide guides and articles to assist with admissions and scholarship applications, we do not directly process applications or award scholarships.

Users are encouraged to verify all details independently, as information is for reference purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, scholarship criteria, deadlines, and other details may change without prior notice.

For further verification or inquiries, please refer to the official sources provided at the end of the content section.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

Discover more from PhilScholar

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Discover more from PhilScholar

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading