Q: Can you give an example of the scope of a study?

The scope of a study explains the extent to which the research area will be explored in the study and specifies the parameters within which the study will be operating. Thus, the scope of a study will define the purpose of the study, the population size and characteristics, geographical location, the time period within which the study will be conducted, the theories that the study will focus on, etc. 

As a researcher, you have to be careful when you define your scope or area of focus. Remember that if you broaden the scope too much, you might not be able to do justice to the work or it might take a very long time to complete. Consider the feasibility of your work before you write down the scope. Again, if the scope is too narrow, the findings might not be generalizable.

For example, your study is about online personal banking, but it will not be possible for you to cover all banks and all individuals who use the online banking system. Therefore, you can maybe specify that your study will cover 100 people of one particular area and examine their use of the online banking system. 

This post has another example that you will find helpful: What is the meaning of scope and delimitations of a study?

Related reading:

• How do I present the scope of my study?
• Can I write to the editor to inquire if my article's topic matches the journal's scope?