CHAPTER 2: IDENTIFYING AND STATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

CHAPTER 2: IDENTIFYING AND STATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. The research problem

   • Its an initial problem that is broad and complex often proves unmanageable for study, and the researcher must narrow its scope to implement or complete the study.

2. Identifying a research problem

   • We have to identify a general subject that is related to your area of expertise and is of particular interest to you.
   • Sources of Research Problems
     • Theories
       • Researchers often study particular aspects of a theory to determine its applicability or generalizability.
     • Personal experiences
       • It needs to be useful and personally for rewarding studies.
     • Previous studies that can be replicated
       • Replication of a study usually involves changing some feature from the original study.
     • Library searches
       • Handbooks, encyclopedias, and yearbooks that cover many problems briefly are more useful.
     • Electronic mailing lists
       • They are designed by organizations to facilitate communication (usually via the Internet) among their members.
   • Narrowing the Problem
     • After an initial problem is identified, it often needs to be narrowed and focused into a manageable problem to study
   • Characteristics of Good Problems
     • It has theoretical or practical significance.
       • It is ethical.
         • It has available resources.
   • Stating the Research Problem
     • It varies according to the type of research and the preferences of the researcher.
   • Developing Research Questions
     • To provide an action plan for the development and identification of research instruments.

3. Formulating and stating a hypothesis

   • A hypothesis is a researcher’s prediction of the research findings
   • Definition and Purpose of Hypothesesin Quantitative Studies
     • A good hypothesis states clearly and concisely the expected relations or differences between variables.
   • Types of Hypotheses
     • An inductive hypothesis is a generalization made from a number of observations.
       • A deductive hypothesis is derived from theory.
         • A research hypothesis states the expected relation or difference between variables.
           • A non-directional hypothesis predicts only that a relation or difference exists.
             • A directional hypothesis indicates the direction of the difference as well.
               • A null hypothesis predicts that there is no difference between variables.
   • Stating the Hypothesis
     • It has to be clearly and concisely, expresses the relation or difference between variables, and defines those variables in measurable terms.
   • Testing the Hypothesis
     • To collect the data necessary to test the hypothesis. Those data are analyzed to determine whether or not the hypothesis is supported.
   • Definition and Purpose of Hypothesesin Qualitative Studies
     • Qualitative researchers are much more likely to generate new hypotheses as a result of their studies.
     • They seek to understand the nature of their participants and contexts before stating a research focus or hypothesis.