Selecting the research problem

Start: Identifying the research problem

Determining the importance of the research problem. Why is it important to investigate the research problem?

Determining the resources available to conduct the research:, Example: The access to schools or campuses and to students and teachers to conduct surveys and studies. Equipment and human resources like computers, interviewers, etc.

Reflecting on one's skills that are necessary to conduct the research. Do I have the neccesary skills to conduct the research?

Quantitative Research skills: Use of computers and software to anaylize information.

Qualitative Research Skills: Abilities to process and analyze information to elaborate statistic and analytic charts. Skills to write about the collected information.

Does the study of the problem fill a gap left by previous researches and literature published on the subject?

Does the study of the problem take into account different sources of information from those already used?

Does the study of the problem go beyond what has being studied before in previous researches?

Does the study of the problem take into account groups of unheard or marginalized people involved in or affected by the prolem?

Does the study of the problem take into account groups of unheard or marginalized people involved in or affected by the prolem?

Does the study of the problem take into consideration new discoveries, technologies and methodologies?

Quantitative or Qualitative nature of the research

Is the research of a Qualitative Nature?

Is the research of a Quantitative Nature?

Do I have the necessary skills and resources to conduct the study?

If the research is based on the analysis of measurable variables, testing of hypothesis and conducting of experiments, the research is more of a quantitative nature.

If the research intent make an analysis based on people's views, perspectives and experiences to formulate hypothesis, this research is more likely to be of a qualitative nature.

NO

YES

NO

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO

YES

NO

YES

NO

YES

NO

YES

END: The research problem has being identified, selected and fulfills with all the basic requirements