...Running Head: RESEARCH PROBLEMS Characteristics of Research Problems Kelvin D. Hodgest Northcentral University Dr. Eve Kaczmarek EDU7002-8- Educational Research Methodology 1 November 2012 Characteristics of Research Problems Introduction The need for research is imperative in the world of education, medicine, and technology. Without research the possibility of advancement becomes instantaneously impossible. It is important that definitive researchable problems are established, and that the problem which is in question can be used to address and ultimately improve existing problems in the chosen area of research. Thus, this paper will address what constitutes a researchable problem, what are the components of a well formed Statement of Research Problem, and what constitutes a reasonable theoretical framework for the need of the study? A Researchable Problem In the world of business, medicine, and education there is always room for research. This research helps create learning opportunities that either proves documented research, or it provides information that opposes documented research. Either way, the researchable problem should help improve the existing problem. The researchable problem should establish where and what kind of research that the writer is attempting to convey. This researchable problem should also recognize particular objectives that the research study is speaking about. The world relies on research to make improvements...
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...What defines if a management problem or dilemma is researchable? A research process begins with a basic dilemma that prompts the initiation of research followed by a series of related questions that are progressively elaborated in the form of a management research question hierarchy. The process begins with the discovery of the management dilemma, define the management question leading to exploration, defining the research question (explaining the objective of the research) and refining the research question, investigative question(influencing the research design, strategy, data collection planning and sampling), management questions(to be answered by respondents of survey). Examples of management dilemma include decreasing sales, increasing employee turnovers at a company, call centers low customer service—to name a few. Exploration of a problem could be accomplished by focus groups, interviews with experts, knowledge of available literature. Choosing a dilemma to focus may be difficult as opposed to identifying a management dilemma. The purpose of a good research, valuable resources like, human capital, time, money, is lost if a wrong dilemma is chosen. Several brainstorming and exploration research exercises are involved to define a management, research, investigative and measurement related questions. Poorly defined questions will misdirect research efforts. The process of research starts in the decision making phase. In order to layout the scope of a project, set...
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...Activity 3 Section 3: Research Problem The title for Chapter 3 in your text is �The Problem: The Heart of the Research Process.� Locating a researchable doctoral level research problem is a critical first step in the dissertation process. This course is devoted to that step in the process; and in a developing a researchable Statement of Problem, that is to be refined throughout much of the entire dissertation process. The following is a sample of a common issue for purpose statements from the OAR. Please read carefully to avoid making these common errors. Sample Problem Statement DirectionPlease provide further explanation of your purpose statement see the direction from the DRF below. Problem Statement (approximately 250 to 300 words) Note: Articulation of a concise problem statement is key to a successful proposal/dissertation manuscript. The problem statement is a brief discussion of a problem or observation succinctly identifying and documenting the need for and importance of the study. | 1. Present general issue/observation that in theory or practice leads to the need for the study (in most cases citations within the last 5 years should be included). | 2. Present focused problem that leads to the need for a research response. For some degree programs (DBA, PhD) the problem identified might be a practical problem or issue. | Clearly describe and document the problem that prompted the study. Whose problem is it? What are the potential negative consequences...
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...Activity 3 Section 3: Research Problem The title for Chapter 3 in your text is �The Problem: The Heart of the Research Process.� Locating a researchable doctoral level research problem is a critical first step in the dissertation process. This course is devoted to that step in the process; and in a developing a researchable Statement of Problem, that is to be refined throughout much of the entire dissertation process. The following is a sample of a common issue for purpose statements from the OAR. Please read carefully to avoid making these common errors. Sample Problem Statement DirectionPlease provide further explanation of your purpose statement see the direction from the DRF below. Problem Statement (approximately 250 to 300 words) Note: Articulation of a concise problem statement is key to a successful proposal/dissertation manuscript. The problem statement is a brief discussion of a problem or observation succinctly identifying and documenting the need for and importance of the study. | 1. Present general issue/observation that in theory or practice leads to the need for the study (in most cases citations within the last 5 years should be included). | 2. Present focused problem that leads to the need for a research response. For some degree programs (DBA, PhD) the problem identified might be a practical problem or issue. | Clearly describe and document the problem that prompted the study. Whose problem is it? What are the potential negative consequences...
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...RES 531 Week 2, Chapter 3: The Problem: The Heart of the Research Project |Slide # |Topic |Narration | |Slide 1 |Introduction |Welcome to Research Methods. | | | | | | | |In this lesson we will discuss The Problem: the heart of the research project. | | | | | | | |Please go to the next slide. | |Slide 2 |Objectives |Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: | | | | | | | |Discuss types of projects that are not appropriate research projects. | | | | ...
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...Question 1 How do you choose a good research topic? Answer to Q.1 HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD RESEARCH TOPIC There is a plethora of research topics a researcher could choose from. It is however very imperative to understand that not all research topics are necessarily good and “researchable”. Some research topics may be very interesting and researchable for one researcher but it may not be advisable for another researcher to undertake studies on a related topic. A researcher must make a lot of considerations and should be guided by certain factors in order to arrive at a good researchable topic. The researcher can be guided by the following criteria in trying to choose a good research topic. Interest in a particular topic or “problem area” Soliciting ideas from other people (brainstorming) Relevance of the study Review of work done already on the topic (to avoid duplication of research) Political acceptability of the study Urgency of data required Feasibility of the study Ethical or moral issues Interest in a Particular Topic or “Problem Area” The topic a researcher chooses to study must be one he has a good deal of interest in. There is more motivation to conduct research in an area where there is genuine interest than in one where there is none. It is difficult to sustain consistent progress in that topic where the researcher has little or no interest at all. Thus, without a topic of interest the researcher will have difficulties completing the study in a good...
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...and value assessments influence the process for proposing research and, ultimately, research design. 4. What is included in research design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. 5. Research process problems to solve. CHAPTER Lecture Notes THE RESEARCH PROCESS Stage 1: Clarifying the Research Question • The management-research question hierarchy process of sequential question formulation leads a manager or researcher from management dilemma to investigative questions. • The process begins with the management dilemma—the problem or opportunity that requires a business decision. • The management dilemma is usually a symptom of an actual problem, such as: □ Rising costs. □ The discovery of an expensive chemical compound that would increase the efficacy of a drug. □ Increasing tenant move-outs from an apartment complex. □ Declining sales. □ A larger number of product defects during the manufacture of an automobile. □ An increasing number of letters and phone complaints about postpurchase service • The management dilemma can also be triggered by an early signal of an opportunity or growing evidence that a fad may be gaining staying power. □ Identifying management dilemmas is rarely difficult. □ Choosing one dilemma on which to focus may be difficult. □ Choosing incorrectly may result in a waste of time and resources. □ Experienced managers...
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...Do Research Problems Have To Be Specific? George A. Ollennu Abstract It is a view widely held in the scientific research community that the research problem and related questions are the most important part of a study. Generally, however, a research problem gives a rather broad overview with just enough information about the scope and purpose of the study to provide an initial understanding of the study. In view of its importance to the entire research process, this paper assesses through literature review whether a research problem should be specific - defined as explicit, precise and definite. It is found that a research problem may or may not be specific depending on the research paradigm and its objectives. While positivist (quantitative) problems are specific, closed, static, outcome-oriented and imply the use of variables, interpretist (qualitative) problems, are found to be general, open, evolving and process-oriented. Introduction Research originates from the need to solve a problem. The problem is the reason for and the focus of the research. As such, its formulation directly impacts the quality, relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the research. This paper examines literature in an attempt to answer the question: Do research problems have to be specific, defined as explicit, precise and definite? There is little agreement among social scientist as to the most effective procedure for formulating research problems (Brewer & Hunter, 2006). Some researchers...
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...Article Critique #1 Problem, Purpose, Hypotheses, Research questions Molly Faust University of Tennessee- College of Nursing The purpose of this paper is to analyze and critique the research study conducted by Hersch et al. (2016). This study is about stress in the nursing occupation. The independent variables, clearly stated in the title, are the web-based program (BREATHE) and stress, and the dependent variables are nurse burnout and patient care. The population tested were nurses. The researchers were analyzing the effects of a web-based program (BREATHE) designed to relieve stress in nurses. If web-based programs are effective, then these can be used as an intervention to decrease stress among nurses. Problem, Purpose, Hypotheses, Research Questions The problem of stress within the nursing occupation was clearly stated in the beginning of the background section. It is clear because they list all the stresses with nursing, and there have been several studies conducted over the past 25 years on this topic. They began the background section very broad by identifying that nursing stress is prevalent and that many studies have been done over the past several years, but they ended the section by narrowing down their specific focus to web-based program (BREATHE) helping to relieve nursing stress. This problem is significant because all nurses experience stress, and when nurses are stressed patient care can be compromised. Nurse burnout can be an unfortunate outcome of nursing...
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...when the woman makes which one of the following comments? a. "I am glad to hear of the research that found that midwifery care has as good an outcome as that of physicians." b. "I am grateful to learn that I had better go to an obstetrician if I want pain relief during labor." c. "I did not know that midwives could only deliver women who are on Medicaid." d. "I want a midwife because my husband can be with me during birth." 1-2 The role of the professional nurse has evolved to emphasize which of the following? a. Providing direct care to patients at the bedside b. Planning patient care to cover longer hospital stays c. Leading the activities of a team of interdisciplinary health care providers d. Managing care to cure health problems after they have occurred 1-3 To assess for the risk of having a low-birth-weight (LBW) infant, which one of the following factors is the most important for the nurse to consider? a. African-American race b. Cigarette smoking c. Poor nutritional status d. Limited maternal education 1-4 A 23-year-old African-American woman is pregnant with her first child. Based on knowledge of the statistics related to infant mortality, which one of the following plans is most important for the nurse to implement? a. Perform a nutrition assessment b. Refer the woman to a social worker c. Advise the woman to see an obstetrician and not a midwife d. Teach the woman about why keeping her prenatal care appointments is so important 1-5 When managing...
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...Introduction We are now living in a BETTER world, a world where ignorance but truth and understanding is at trend. This could be recognize as the fruits of research; leading to better predictions, and better understanding of the world we live in. In education, we could identify research with a better understanding of the individual, and better understanding and improvement of the teaching and learning process and in other circumstances in which it is most fruitfully carried on. II. Objectives: At the end of this activity, it is expected that students will be able to: 1. Define research and educational research. 2. Differentiate research from educational research. 3. Give the uses of research in education. 4. List researchable topics in education. III. Write ups/ instruction: 1. Obtain at least 5 definitions of research from different authors. Compare these definitions and synthesize your own definition of research. 2. From three different authors, copy the meaning of educational research. Synthesize your own definition by referring to the definition obtained. 3. Differentiate research from educational research. 4. Give the uses of research in education. 5. List down five topics in education which you think need research. IV. Answers: 1. Five (5) definitions of research from different authors. i. “Research is the continuous discovery and exploration of unknown. It entails an investigation of new facts leading to the...
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...Perspective in Choosing BSEd- Biological Science as Their Course An Undergraduate Thesis Presented to the College Faculty of Holy Trinity College of General Santos City In partial fulfillment Of the requirements for the subject Action Research in Science By: Domaptar, Junaid B. Francisco, Novela D. Gabreza, Jean Maryflor A. Ogena, Jason Y. March 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapters 1. The Problem and its Setting Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Significance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scope and Delimitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Review of related Literature and Studies Related Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Conceptual Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Methodology The Research Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
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...+ Research Methods Name: Institution: Research Process In any research endeavor, developing the research question is an important phase in the research process. It helps in the determination of the where, what, how and when of data collection. A well-developed question helps in focusing ideas and ensuring the collection of appropriate data. This case study examines various aspects associated with the research process. There are remarkable difference, descriptive and relationship questions. Newton, Bower & Williams (2004) contend that descriptive research explains the data and the characteristics under investigation by addressing questions of when, who, what, why, and where. It holds factual information, but does not determine the casual relationship between the information. On the other hand, relationship questions make use of the information or data provided and explains how a particular set of information can affect another set, and as a result determines the relationship between them (Blazer, 2007). Comparison research questions are used in describing cause and effect by asking why one aspect may have led to another. For example, “has mental illness among adults increased in the past decade?” is a descriptive question that makes use of raw data from one year to another to demonstrate that either an increase has or has not occurred over the past decade. A relationship question may attempt to determine the reasons why there...
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...dissertation, I have to express skills in respect of critically assessing published information, demonstrating arguments and analyzing primary data to present a structured evaluation of a chosen research topic. Thus, the dissertation can be considered as the mechanism that allow me to gain valuable experiences in synthesizing theory, published studies, constructing methodological approaches, the proper selection and application of various methods, and analysis. I personally think that every aspect of the study has brought to me different and challenging experiences. Some sections of the research had been simple and interesting whereas others which I went through with much difficulties. To begin with, the first challenge is choosing a researchable topic, identifying the suitable research questions and establishing appropriate research methodology. In addition, throughout the study, I have to recognize the significance of remaining the key research questions and objectives in focus while writing various chapters so that I can avoid being sidetracked. Moreover, during the writing process, I have faced a challenge of quite...
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...affecting their cardiac rhythm that their cardiac rhythm should be monitored. Why is this? Is there good reason to do this? Or good reason not to? The question therefore began as “Would cardiac monitoring for a few minutes to record the cardiac rhythm post procedure pose any safety risk to the patient, or change their plan of care, compared to cardiac monitoring for a longer time?” In modern healthcare it is difficult to justify arbitrary decisions or practices. “In order to make a decision, you need to ask yourself what is the evidence you need to act in this situation. This relates to all types of decisions and you need to be ready to justify your practice” (Aveyard et al. 2009 p.30). Whittemore and Knafl (2005 p.548) state “…a clear problem identification and review purpose are essential to provide focus and boundaries”. In order to practice with an evidence base, research findings need to be “methodologically sound and clinically relevant” (Meadows-Oliver 2009 p. 352). These 2 authors highlight that a well-written question will lead to locating appropriate literature that can be helpful in providing an evidence base for nursing practice. As described by McGrath et al (2012), Roy Brown, a nursing librarian, created a Search Process Checklist to assist nurses to search databases. He breaks the process down to 6 steps, 5 of which are...
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