Selection and formulation of a research problem

Lang, G & Heiss, G.D.

: :

2011/4/13

Outline
Source for ideas Criteria for selecting a research problem Delimiting the research problem Research and value judgments Appendix B

2011/4/13

SOURCE FOR IDEAS

How to locate a researchable problem?

2011/4/13

Source for ideas

The problems encountered in your daily life or profession could be sources for questions or hypotheses.
experience + observation + needs + interests = research problem

Read professional literature of your field systematically.

Suggestions from investigators Magazines

Perusal of recent convention programs of your professional organization.

2011/4/13 5

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

Sustained motivation Adequate training and personal predilections Feasibility

Importance to your profession

2011/4/13 6

Criteria for selecting a research problem

Sustained motivation You should be highly motivated to embark upon a research study.

Are you really interested in the topic which you have chosen? Are you really excited about what you wish to study? Will this topic have some practical value in helping you in your future career?

2011/4/13

Criteria for selecting a research problem

Adequate training and personal predilections Is it right in light of your training and personal preferences?
Research design Manage most of your research study by yourself.

Do you have enough training to undertake a certain study? Which type of research appeals to you?
Historical, descriptive, experimental research Observation, interview, questionnaire, test

Are you impatient to get fairly immediate results or do you have patience to wait? How high is your frustration tolerance?
2011/4/13 8

Criteria for selecting a research problem

Do you have sufficient time to carry it out?

Meet the deadlines at your school or job.

Feasibility Is it feasible for you?

Do you have access to subjects?

Available equipment and research tools Institutional sponsorship and cooperation Gathering data The need to protect privacy of individual A problem may be too complex

Can you offer examples of intriguing and important problems which seem too difficult to be solved via research at the present time? Not all the problems are researchable!
2011/4/13 9

Criteria for selecting a research problem

Importance to your profession Is it important to your profession?

Original study Make contribution by replicating a study

Is the proposed project of some value to your profession?

Does it add to our store of information? Does it provide fresh insights for some of your colleagues?
The results may be helpful to guidance counselors.

Make a contribution to your field!

2011/4/13

10

DELIMITING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

To narrow a general idea down to one that is manageable by you.

2011/4/13

11

Delimiting the research problem

The way to accomplish this task:

Read extensively in the literature related to your field of interest. Seek assistance from your instructor. Notice the difference between delimitation and limitation.
Delimitation: a premeditated limitation that the researcher narrows down. Limitation: a weakness in the study which becomes apparent during or after its completion.
2011/4/13 12

Delimiting the research problem

Categories of delimitations:
1.The number of observations, subjects or cases 2.Time and geographic location 3.The selection of sources (especially in historical-documentary research) It is helpful to narrow down the topic by telling what the study is not.

2011/4/13

13

RESEARCH AND VALUE JUDGMENTS

The

selection of a problem The selection of methods The interpretation of data The reporting of findings Concern for the application of findings

2011/4/13

14

Research and value judgments

The ethical considerations enter into:

The selection of a problem By focusing on one area rather than another, the researcher makes a value judgment. The selection of methods the selection of proper methods for investigation that is regulated by professional codes The interpretation of data Researchers may be temped to interpret their data selectively.
2011/4/13 15

Research and value judgments

The ethical considerations enter into:

The reporting of findings Researchers may choose whether or not to report their findings to fellow professionals and to laymen. Concern for the application of findings Researchers may or may not feel responsible for the ultimate application of their findings.

A researcher should not operate within a social vacuum and cannot avoid making value judgments!
2011/4/13 16

APPENDIX B
Format of the proposal for a research project

2011/4/13

17

APPENDIX B
1. Title : state the tentative title of your proposal. 2. Problem-Introduction : discuss the importance or significance of the problem selected. 3. Related research: present a critical review of related research. 4. Operational definitions : clearly define the key variables, concepts and terms. 5. Assumptions-Delimitations : make explicit the assumptions underlying various phases of your study. 6. Hypothesis or Questions : clearly state the hypothesis and questions to be investigated.
2011/4/13 18

APPENDIX B
7. Method State clearly and fully the methods to be used in gathering data to test hypotheses or to answer questions posed in section 6. Subjects: indicated nature, sources, characteristics, and size of population and sample to be used. Techniques-Instruments: indicated techniques to be used. Research steps: list all research steps. Data Analysis: state appropriate methods of analyzing your data.
2011/4/13 19

APPENDIX B
8. Results, Conclusions, Generalizations, Implications, Limitations and Suggestions Results and conclusions: state probable findings and conclusions. Generalizations: indicate the extent to which your results and conclusions may apply to other populations and samples. Implications: the course of action indicated in your study. Limitations: the deficiencies of your study. Suggestions for further research: indicated avenues for future research. 9. References or bibliography
2011/4/13 20

THANK YOU Q&A

2011/4/13

21