Flowchart Research Problem

Defining a Research Problem

Your study of the problem will fill a gap or void in the existing literature, covering topics no addressed in the published literature.

Your study examines different participants and different research sites. Your results could be applied broadly to many people and places.

Your study extends past research or examine the topic more extensively. You extend your research into a new topic (area) or deeper thorough level to understand the topic.

Your study gives more voice to people silenced, not heard or rejected in society. By presenting ideas and the words of marginalized individuals.

Your study informs practice. This will lead to the identification of new techniques or technologies, recognition of the value of current practice and maybe the necessity of changing current teaching practice.

Ayiro, L. (2012). A functional approach to educational research methods and statistics: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Edwin Mellen Press. Page 86

Define an educational topic, and remember create interest in the reader through a "narrative hook"

Use statistical data

Use a provocative

question

State a clear need

for research

State the intent and purpose of the study

The

Research

Problem

Justification of the

importance

of the problem

Deficiencies in what we know

The Audience

Educational

Issue,

concern or

controversy

Because

there is

a literature

deficiency

Presenting reasons for the

importance of the

issue or concern

- Other researchers and experts

(reported in the literature)

- Experiences from other people

- Personal experience

How our presence of knowledge is deficient

Deficiencies in the literature,

evidence and practice

may be part of the

justification

Individuals and groups who

will benefit from the information

provided in your study

Diferences

between

quantitative

and

qualitative

approach

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Measurable variables

Assess the impact of variables on at outcome

Test theories or broad explanations

Apply results to a large number of people

Learn about the views of the people you want study

Assess a process over time

Generate theories based on participant perspectives

Obtain information about a few people or research sites

Problem statement Examples

What effect does verbal interaction between mother and child have on a child's verbal competence in the initial school years?

How are college grade point average and on-the-job counseling effectiveness related?

What is the effect of an individualized reading program on the reading ability of the disinterested reader?

How does the melodic presentation of subject matter affect the length of attention span for preschool children?

Indiana University. (2002, September 10). Problem Statements: Examples. Retrieved from Indiana University Bloomington - Y520: Strategies for Educational Inquiry : http://www.indiana.edu/~educy520/sec5982/week_2/problem_statements.pdf