Identifying a research problem

Identifying a research problem

1. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE

   • Explaining or predicting relations among variables is an important characteristic of quantitative research
     • Measure variables
     • Assess the impact
     • Test theories
     • Apply results
   • Exploring a problem is a characteristic of qualitative research
     • Learn about the views
     • Assess a process
     • Generate theories
     • Obtain information

2. DIFFERENCE FROM OTHER PARTS

   • Research topic: is the broad subject matter addressed by the study
   • Research problem: is a general educational issue, concern, or controversy addressed in research that narrows the topic
   • Purpose: is the major intent or objective of the study used to address the problem
   • Research questions: narrow the purpose into specifi c questions that the researcher would like answered or addressed in the study

3. WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM?

   • Educational issues, controversies, or concerns that guide the need for conducting a study
   • Authors state it as a single sentence or several sentences in a research report
   • It sets the stage for the entire study

4. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

   • Educational topic: is the broad subject matter that a researcher wishes to address in a study
   • Research problem: is an educational issue, concern, or controversy that the researcher investigates
   • Justifying a research problem: means presenting reasons for the importance of studying the issue or concern
   • Deficiency: in the evidence means that the past literature or practical experiences of the researchers does not adequately address the research problem
   • Audience: consists of individuals and groups who will read and potentially benefit from the information provided in your research study

5. CAN & BE RESEARCHED?

   • You can research a problem if you have access to participants and research sites as the requirements needed to study the issue
     • Time
     • Resources
     • Skills
   • You should research a problem if the study of it potentially contributes to educational knowledge or adds to the effectiveness of practice.
     • If your study will fi ll a gap or void in the existing literature
     • If your study replicates a past study but examines different participants and different research sites
     • If your study extends past research or examines the topic more thoroughly
     • if your study gives voice to people silenced, not heard, or rejected in society
     • If your study informs practice

6. STRATEGIES FOR WRITING

   • To visualize this section as fi ve paragraphs, with each paragraph addressing one of the fi ve aspects of the section
   • To use frequent references to the literature throughout this introductory passage
   • To use quotes from participants in a study or from notes obtained from observing participants