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IDENTIFYING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

One of the most challenging aspects of conducting research is to

clearly identify the "problem" that leads to a need for your study.

Research problems are the

educational issues, controversies, or concerns that guide the need

for conducting a study.

How does the research problem differ from other parts of

research?

A research problem is a general education issue, concern,

or controversy addressed in the research that narrows the topic.

A research topic is the broad subject matter addressed by

the study,

A purpose is the major intent or objective of the study used

to address the problem.

Should the problem be researched?

5 ways:

Study the problem if your study 'will fill a gap or void in the

existing literature.

Study the problem if your study replicates a pasl study but

examines different parficipants and different research sites.

Study the problem if your study extends past research or

examines the topic more extensively.

Study a problem if your study gives more voice to people

silenced, not heard, or rejected in society.

Study your problem !1 your study informs practice.

Quantitative research

Qualitative research

Learn about the vie,vs of the people

Assess a process

Generate theories basaded in perspectives

Obtain information about a few people

Test theories

Apply results

Measurable variables

Assess the impact of these variables

Problem examples

Studies further indicate that in Kenya, there are no set criteria

enumerating the skills a person should possess to qualify for

appointment as a head teacher (Okumbe 1999).

In the last two decades since HlY! AIDS was first identified, the

body of research into the disease has been steadily growing.

Currently, the research on HlY/AIDS ranges from strictly medical

to the social and demographic implications of the scourge as well

as interventions and best practices that may help to halt the spread

of the disease (Barnett and Whiteside, 2002b).