Neither implicit nor explicit reference is made to the topic that is to be examined. The hypothesis or research question is not evident.
Readers are aware of the overall problem, challenge, or topic that is to be examined.
The hypothesis or research question is stated, but may not be entirely clear or testable. The topic is introduced, and groundwork is laid as to the direction of the report. The hypothesis is clear and testable. If a research question is used, it poses relevant ideas to examine in the study. It is not obvious who will serve as the participants for the study, or the population they represent.