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Identifying the Research Problem
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Chapter 3Identifying a Research Problem
Power Point Slides by Ronald J. Shope in collaboration with John W. Creswell
Key ConceptsWhat is a research problem and why is it important?Where do you find this problem?How can you distinguish it from other parts?Can and should the problem be researched?How does the problem differ for quantitative and qualitative research?What are the five elements that comprise the statement of the problem section?How do you write this section into your research?
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
What is a Research Problem? A research problem is an educational issue or concern that an investigator presents and justifies in a research study.
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Why is the Research Problem Important?Establishes importance of topicCreates reader interestFocuses readers attention on how study will add to literature
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Where is the Research Problem Located?Look in the opening paragraphs, and ask yourself:What was the issue or problem that the researcher wanted to address?What is the concern being addressed behind this study?Why was the study undertaken in the first place?Why is this study important?
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
How Does It Differ from Other Parts of Research?A research problem is an educational issue or problem in the studyA research topic is the broad subject matter being addressed in a study.A purpose is the major intent or objective of the study.Research questions are questions the researcher would like answered or addressed in the study.
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Differences Among Topic, Problem, Purpose and QuestionsGeneralSpecificTopicResearchProblemPurposeStatementResearchQuestionDistance LearningLack of students in distance classesTo study why students do not attend distance education classes at a community college.Does the use of web site technology in the classroom deter students from enrolling in a distance education class?
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Can and Should the Problem Be Researched?Can you study the problem?Do you have access to the research site?Do you have the time, resources and skills to carry out the research?Should you study the problem?Does it advance knowledge?Does it contribute to practice?
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
How Does the Research Problem Differ for Quantitative and Qualitative Research?Use quantitative if your research problem requires you toMeasure VariablesAssess the impact of these variables on an outcomeTest theories or broad explanationsApply results to a large number of peopleUse qualitative if your research problem requires you toLearn about the views of the people you plan to studyAssess a process over timeGenerate theories based on participant perspectivesObtain detailed information about a few people or research sites.
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Five Elements of a Problem Statement
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Advancing the TopicIntroduced in the first couple of paragraphsThe general subject matterNeeds to be introduced so that reader can relate to the topic
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
The First Sentence of the TopicThe narrative hook The narrative hook performs the following functions:Causes the reader to pay attentionElicits an emotional or attitudinal response from the readerCauses the reader to continue reading
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Stating the Research ProblemState in opening paragraphIdentify an issue Research-based research problemsPractical problemsReference the problem using the literature
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Justifying the Importance of the Research ProblemJustification based on what other researchers have foundJustification based on personal or workplace experiences
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Identifying Deficiencies in the EvidenceWhat do we still need to know?What else do we need to know to improve practice?
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
Identify the AudienceWho will profit from reading our study?Other researchersPractitionersPolicy makersSpecial populations (e.g. parents)
Educational Research 2e: Creswell
How Do We Write the Statement of the Problem Section?One paragraph for each of the five elementsHeavily reference this section to the literatureProvide statistics to support trendsUse quotes from participants (in moderation)
Educational Research 2e: Creswell