DEFINING A PROBLEM

Defining a Problem

Can Problems should be researched?

Should problems be researched?

You can research a problem if you have access to participants and research sites as well as time, resources, and skills needed to study the issue.(Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P. 84

One important reason for engaging in research is to add to existing knowledge and to inform educational practices.(Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P. 85

Stages

Research Problem

Justification

Deficiences

what we know

The Topic

Audience

Important

aspects

Is called the 'narrative hook' and serves the important function of drawing the reader to the study. (Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P.88

Recall that a research problem is an educational issue, concern or controversy that the researcher investigates. (Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P.89

You also need to provided the basis for your judging that this issue is important.(Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P.89

A deficiency in the evidence means that the past literature or practical experiences of the researchers does not adequately address the research problem (Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P.90

It consists of individuals and groups who will read and potentially benefit from the information provided in your study. (Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P.90

- Estatical Data

- Provocative Question

- Need for rearch

- purpuses

-Other researchers and experts as reported in the literature

-Experiences others have had in the workplace

-Personal experiences

Quantitative

Qualitative

- Measurable variables

- Assess the impact of these variables on an outcome

- Test theories or broad explanations

- Apply results to a large numbre of people (Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P.87

- Learn about the views of the people you want to study

- Assess a process over time

- Generate theories based on participant perspectives

- Obtain information about few people or research sites (Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P.87

Differences

Can and Should Problems be Researched?

Problem Statement Examples

Leadership, Emotional Intelligence and School Performance in Kenya. (Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P.96

The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in HIV /AIDS Management across the Education Sector in Kenya. (Ayiro, Laban, 2012) P. 98