Research Problem

Research Problem

1. Research problems are educational problems, controversies or concerns that guide the need to conduct a study.

   • We study research problems to help decision-makers make decisions, help teachers and administrators at the school level solve problems, and provide researchers with a deeper understanding of educational problems.
     • The research problem must be independent, since it represents the essence of the study.
       • A research topic is a broad topic addressed by the study, it is a problem of general education, concern or controversy addressed in the research that reduces the issue.
         • CAN A PROBLEM BE INVESTIGATED?
           • Get access to people and sites
             • researchers must obtain permission to enter a site and involve people at the study site
             • Find time, resources and have required skills
               • Timeline for the study allows you to assess whether you can reasonably complete the study within the time available.
               • Resources: equipment, individuals, computer programs and postage.
               • Skills: are critical and should have been acquired through courses, training and previous research experience
         • STAGES OF DEFINITION OF A PROBLEM
           • Study the problem if your study 'will fill a gap or void in the existing literature
             • 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 the problem if your study replicates a pasl study but examines different parficipants and different research sites.
                   • Study your problem !1 your study informs practice.
         • QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
           • CUANTITATIVE
             • systematic research method
               • It is data driven in the approach, designed to answer a specific research question.
                 • Quantitative studies collect numerical and statistical data to support or refute previously held hypotheses.
                   • METHODS: Surveys, Panels
           • QUALITATIVE
             • exploratory research method
               • It is used to investigate underlying causes, emotions and values before a hypothesis is developed
                 • Qualitative studies is to discover and explain why a phenomenon or behavior occurs
                   • METHODS: Ethnography, Deep interviews, Focus groups, Daily studies, Research communities
                     • Both research methods are structured to draw descriptive conclusions that are capable of recommending appropriate actions.
         • DECLARATION OF A PROBLEM
           • THEME
             • RESEARCH PROBLEM
               • JUSTIFICATION
                 • DEFICIENCIES IN WHAT WE KNOW
                   • AUDIENCE
                     • It consists of individuals and groups who will read and potentially benefit from the information provided in their study
                       • These audiences will vary according to the nature of your study and may include; researchers, practitioners, policy makers and individuals who participate in the study.
                   • A deficiency in the evidence means that past literature or practical experiences of researchers do not adequately address the research problem
                     • Deficiencies in the research may require the need to extend the research, replicate the study, explore the topic or add to the practice
                 • Present reasons for the importance of studying the topic or concern
                   • Other researchers and experts as reported in the literature
                   • Experiences that others have had in the workplace
                   • Personal experiences
               • It is an educational problem, a concern or a controversy that the researcher investigates
             • An educational theme is the broad topic that the researcher wishes to address in a study and that creates initial interest for the reader.
               • Provocative question
               • Need for research
               • Intention or purpose of the study