Focusing on the research problem

FOCUSING ON THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

ENGLISH 51

SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS:


interests and observations- they can point to directions for

research and in sustaining the study- be observant and curious


A pressing problem needing a solution› Whether in school, workstation, or

community


Other investigator’s theories and research› Research raises more questions than it

answers. These questions can serve as starting points for further research


Literature in one’s field of specialization such as books and journals. They suggest topics for further study and exploration.


Completed theses and dissertations

They normally suggest topics that future researchers can work on (recommendation)


Suggestions from colleagues and professors,

*particularly those who have undertaken research in a particular discipline

Factors to consider in the choice of a research

problem

Factors to consider in the choice of a research problem

Novel - one which has not been investigated before.



Relevant - once completed, its findings, conclusions, and recommendations can be used in improving practices or solving identified difficulties.



Relevant - once completed, its findings, conclusions, and recommendations can be used in improving practices or solving identified difficulties.

Interesting - consider your interest. it counts a lot in the conduct of the study.


Feasible - can be completed without undue amount of time, money or effort



Researchable - data can be collected to answer the problem that you posed.



Researchable - data can be collected to answer the problem that you posed.

Ethical - does not involve physical or psychological harm or damage to human beings or organizations.

Types of Research Problems

The question form is often preferred due to its simplicity and directness.


Descriptive research question - typically asks “what is” and suggests a survey research.


Descriptive research question - typically asks “what is” and suggests a survey research. Relationship research question - asks “What is the relationship between two or more variables or factors under study?”


Difference research questions - asks “Is there a difference between or among the respondents in relation to a characteristic or factor under study?”- It is normally used for comparing two or more observations.

Stating the Research Problem


Declarative form - used in most colleges and universities in the Philippines in stating the main problems of the study.


Declarative form - used in most colleges and universities in the Philippines in stating the main problems of the study.› Be clear as to what you really want to

accomplish to be able to state the main problem correctly.

› State it in a sentence showing what you want to describe, explain, or predict.


› Answer the following questions: Is the problem statement clear?Does it provide adequate focus and

direction for research?Does it identify the key factors or variables

of the study?


Question form - used in stating sub-problems or specific problems of the proposed research.


Question form - used in stating sub-problems or specific problems of the proposed research.› Every problem can be broken down into

smaller or discrete units. These are referred to as “sub-problems”


Question form - used in stating sub-problems or specific problems of the proposed research.› Every problem can be broken down into

smaller or discrete units. These are referred to as “sub-problems”

› According to Leedy (2003), it is by viewing the main problem through the sub-problem that the researcher gets a better view of the entire research endeavor.

Characteristics of sub-problems

Each sub-problem should be a completely researchable unit.



Interpretation of data must be apparent with each sub-problem.



Interpretation of data must be apparent with each sub-problem.

The sub-problems must add up to the totality of the problems.

Justifying the Research Problem

Does the problem require immediate solution?

Is it widespread? Does it affect a number of people? If

yes, in what way? Who shall benefit from the study of the

problem?

Justifying the Research Problem

What benefits can be derived from the study on the problem?

Who else are interested in studying the problem?

What contribution to human knowledge can it bring about?

The Functions of the Title of the Study

As a label for the problem, it shows what the study is all about



It serves as a frame of reference for the entire study




It enables the researcher to claim ownership of the study




It enables the researcher to claim ownership of the study

It can help other researchers refer to the work for possible theories related to their proposed studies.

Attributes of a Good Title

Should be clear and specific, showing the contents of the study


Should be clear and specific, showing the contents of the study

Shows the relationships among the characteristics or factors being studied, it implies whether the research will focus on differences, effects, or associations between and among variables to be investigated.


Brief but concise. It is composed of not more than 15 substantive words, excluding function words such as articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

The end

Focusing on the research problem

Technology

Transcript of Focusing on the research problem