Identifying a research problem

Identifying a research problem

1. Research problem

   • Educational isuues, controversies or concerns that guide the need for conducting a study

2. To research a problem you need:

   • Access to people and sites
     • Approval
   • Time
     • Required for data collection and analysis
   • Resources
     • Create a budget
   • Skills
     • Acquire certain research skills to effectively study a problem

3. Should the problem be researched ?

   • Yes, if...
     • 1.if your study will fill a gap in the existing literature.
       • 2. if your study replicates a past study but examines different participants and research sites
         • 3. if your study extends past research or examines the topic more thoroughly
           • 4. if your study gives voice to people silenced, not heard, or rejected in society
             • 5. if your study informs practice

4. Type of research

   • If your research problem requires you to:
     • 1. Measure variables
       • 2. Assess the impact of the variables on an outcome
         • 3. Test theories or broad explanations
           • 4. Apply results to a large number of people
             • QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
     • 1. Learn about the view of individuals
       • 2.Assess a process over time
         • 3. Generate theories based on participant perspectives
           • 4. Obtain detailed information about a few people or research sites
             • QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

5. After Identifying the research problem

   • Start writing about it
     • STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
       • 1. The topic
         • Encourage readers to continue reading
           • Educational topic
             • subject matter that a researcher wishes to address
           • Narrative hook
             • cause the reader to pay attention and interest
               • 1. Statistical data
               • 2. A provocative question
               • 3. Clear need for the research
               • 4. Intent or purpose of the study
           • start with a broad topic that readers can easily understand
       • 2. The research problem
         • a single sentence or as a couple of short sentences
         • Types of research problems
           • 1. Practical research problem
             • come from issues or concerns found in schools or other educational settings.
           • 2. Based research problem
             • based on a need for further research because a gap exists or we need to extend the research into other areas.
               • In some research, you can take both a practical and a research-based approach to the problem and state both types of problems.
       • 3. Justification of the importance of the problem
         • presenting reasons for the importance of studying the issue or concern
           • Citing evidence from
             • 1. Other researchers and experts
               • Research experts have often studied topics for years, and they understand future research needs that will contribute to knowledge
             • 2. Workplace or Personal Experiences
               • These personal experiences may arise from intense personal school experiences or experiences drawn from our childhood or family situations
                 • Might consider including not only your own personal experiences, but some of the other reasons mentioned for justifying a research problem
             • 3. Deficiencies in What We Know
               • The past literature or practical experiences of the researchers does not adequately address the research problem.
             • 4. The Audience
               • Individuals and groups who will read and potentially benefit from the information provided in your research study