Identifying a Research Problem

Identifying a Research Problem

1. 1. What's a research problem? and Why is it important?

   • The research problem is the educational issues, controversies, or cocerns that guide the need for coducting a study.
     • These problems concern personnel in our schools, classrooms, and collage campuses.
       • Specifying a research problem is important because:
         • It sets the stage for the entire study.
           • ¡But!
             • Without knowing the research problem, readers do not know why the study is important and why they should read the study.
     • It's important that the researcher learn and distinct between: Research topic, Research problem, Purpose and Research questions
       • General
         • 1. Topic 2. Research problem 3. Purpose statement
       • Specific
         • 4. Research Questions

2. 2. Can and Should problems be researched?

   • You CAN research a problem if you have:
     • 1. Access to participants and research sites.
     • 2. Resources.
     • 3. Skills needed to study the issue.
   • You SHOULD research a problem if the study:
     • 1. Is potencially cotributes to educational knowledge.
     • 2. Adds to the effectiveness of practice.

3. 3. Qualitative & Quantitative research?

   • Qualitative
     • Some characteristics
       • 1. Exploring a problem.
       • 2. Learn about the views of individuals.
       • 3. Assess a process over time.
       • 4. Generate theories based on participants perspectives.
       • 5. Obtain detailed information about a few people or research sites.
   • Quantitative
     • Some characteristics
       • 1. Measure variables
       • 2. Assess the impact of these variables on an outcome.
       • 3. Test theories or broad explanations.
       • 4. Apply results to a large number of people.

4. 4. Statement of the problem

   • It is a report sets the stage for readers to understand the project and appreciate the strong research orientation of the report. Also, it allows that the reader can easily understand and with a first sentence that creates reader interest.
   • Aspects
     • 1. Topic
       • It needs to encourage readers and to generate interest in the study.
     • 2. Research problem
       • Authors may present it's as a sigle sentence or short sentences.
     • 3. Justification
       • To presenting reasons for the importance of studying the issue or concern.
         • Based on workplace or experiences.
         • The literature based on other researchers and experts.
     • 4. The deficiencies
       • It means that the past literature does not adequately address the research problem.
     • 5. The audiences
       • It consists of individuals and groups who will read and potentially benefit from the information provided in your research study.
   • Strategies
     • 2. To use multiple and frequent references.
     • 3. To use quotes from participants.
     • 4. To use quotes from the literature.
     • 1. A template.