...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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...Ellis & Levy (2008) state that “Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information— data in order to increase our understanding of a phenomenon about which we are interested or concerned.” CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM What constitutes a researchable problem? According to Calderon and Gonzales (1993) A research problem is (1) any significant, perplexing and challenging situation, real or artificial, the solution of which requires reflective thinking; (2) a perplexing situation after it has been translated into a question or series of questions that help determine the direction of subsequent inquiry. The term research problem implies that an investigation, or study is to be conducted, or that a problem is ready to be studied. Additionally, the subject of your research should be of interest to you and should: 1. Be useful for the concerned people in a particular field 2. Progress the subject matter 3. Invites more complex designs / more variables 4. Time sensitive 5. Does not carry personal ethical or moral judgments What are the components of a well-formed Problem Statement? Jacobs (2013) noted that “Problem statements represent a system of argument – or a conditional syllogism – that is based on information that is recognized information is derived from the scholarly literature of the field, reliable sources from the general or professional literature, or commonly-accepted views of the field from...
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...Research Question: 1 Clartify the distinction between management decision problem & Marketing research problem. Analysis of the environmental context should assist in the identification of the management decisionproblem, what should be translated into a marketing research problem. The management decisionproblem asks what the DM needs to do, whereas the marketing research problem as what information isneeded and how it can be obtained effectively and efficiently. The researcher should avoid defining themarketing research problem either too broadly or too narrowly. An appropriate way of defined the marketresearch problem is to make a broad statement of the problem and then identify its specific components. [pic] Table: Management decision problem vs marketing research problem [pic] Table: distinguish between Management decision problem and Marketing research problem Question-2: Explain the structure of a well-defined marketing research problem including the broad statement and the specific component A well-defined marketing research problem consists of both a broad statement and a list of specific components of the problem. The broad statement provides perspective on the problem and acts as a figured against overlooking important aspects of the marketing research and management decision problems. The specific components focus on the key aspects of the problem and provide clear guidelines on how to proceed further. A broad...
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...Definition of Marketing Research: Marketing research is defined as the systematic and objective identification, collection, analysis, and dissemination of information for the purpose of assisting management in decision making related to the identification and solution of problems (and opportunities) in marketing. 1) Identification: Involves defining the marketing research problem (or opportunity) and determining the information that is needed to address it. 2) Collection: Data must be obtained from relevant sources. 3) Analysis: Data are analyzed, interpreted, and inferences are drawn. 4) Dissemination of information: The findings, implications, and recommendations are provided in a format that makes this information actionable and directly useful as an input into decision making. Classifications of marketing research.: 1) Problem identification research: The goal is to identify existing or potential problems not apparent on the surface. Examples include market potential, market share, market characteristics, sales analysis, short-range forecasting, long-range forecasting, and business trends research. 2) Problem solution research: The goal is to solve specific marketing problems such as segmentation, product, pricing promotion, and distribution research. Steps involved in the marketing research process: 1) Problem definition: Defining the marketing research problem to be addressed is the most important step because all other steps will be based on...
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...Republic of Sudan Federal Ministry of Health Health Research Council The National Technical Advisory Committee |GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL | 2007 I. PROPOSAL FRAMEWORK The proposal should include the following sections: title, introduction (background, statement of problem and rationale), objectives, methodology (study design, population, sample size, sampling technique, and instruments of data collection, ethical considerations, and methods of data analysis), budget, organization (work plan and time frame), references and annexes. II. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Research is systematic, scientific and methodological approach to search for basic facts related to a specific problem aiming to find solutions based on these facts. II.1. Selection of a topic The first step for one intending to do a research work is the selection of the research topic. It is of most importance that the topic should be a priority problem that goes with the national priority research agenda, which may affect a greater number of people or a serious problem being identified by managers or decision-makers. The originality of the work is required unless there is a gap in the previous works. The repetition of works results only in wastage of resources. It is preferred that the selected topic to be relevant to the researcher’s interest and in line with his/her personal and departmental...
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...I. Research problems A.The need to communicate what will be studied in clear, concise, and unambiguous terms B.One or more sentences indicating the goal, purpose, or overall direction of the study C.General characteristics 1.Implies the possibility of empirical investigation 2.Identifies a need for the research 3.Provides focus 4.Provides a concise overview of the research D. Two ways of stating the problem 1.Research problems: typically a rather general ………overview of the problem with just enough ………information about the scope and purpose of the ………study to provide an initial understanding of the ………research 2.Research statements and/or questions: more ………specific, focused statements and questions that ………communicate in greater detail the nature of the ………study 3.Examples a.General research problem 1.The purpose of this study is to investigate ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the attitudes of high school students to ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,mandated drug testing programs b.Statements and questions 1.This study examines the differences between ………………males' and females' attitudes toward ………………mandated high school drug testing ………………programs. 2.What are the differences between freshmen, ……………….sophomore, junior, and senior students' ……………….attitudes toward mandated high school drug ……………….testing programs...
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...assumptions. The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The theoretical framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists. Importance of Theory A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your particular study. The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your research paper and that relate to the broader areas of knowledge being considered. The theoretical framework is most often not something readily found within the literature. You must review course readings and pertinent research studies for theories and analytic models that are relevant to the research problem you are investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power. The theoretical framework strengthens the study in the following ways: 1. An explicit statement of theoretical assumptions permits the reader to evaluate them critically. 2. The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory, you are given a basis for your hypotheses and choice of research methods. 3. Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a research study forces you to address questions of why and how. It permits you to intellectually...
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...Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation, 6e (Malhotra) Chapter 2 Defining the Marketing Research Problem and Developing an Approach 1) Problem definition is the most important step in the marketing research project. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 36 LO : 1 2) Better communication and more involvement in problem definition are the most frequently mentioned ways of improving the usefulness of research. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 37 LO : 2 3) The organizational status of the researcher or the research department may make it easy to reach the key DM in the early stages of the project. Answer: FALSE Diff: 3 Page Ref: 37-39 AACSB: Communication LO : 2 4) The problem audit provides a useful framework for interacting with the researcher and identifying the underlying causes of the problem. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 38-39 AACSB: Communication LO : 2 5) DMs tend to focus on symptoms rather than causes. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 39 AACSB: Communication LO : 2 6) "The DM and the researcher must interact continually rather than sporadically" is an explanation of one of the 7 Cs known as continuity. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 40 AACSB: Communication LO : 2 7) The purpose of interviewing experts is to help define the marketing research problem rather than to develop a conclusive solution. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 40 AACSB: Communication LO : 2 8) Analysis of available secondary data is a non-essential step in the problem definition process...
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...TOPIC: Evaluation Research Content Page Introduction : 1 The social and political context evaluation research: the utilisation of evaluation results : 2 Negotiating the evaluation : 3 Process of evaluation research : 3 Conceptualisation and Diagnosis : 3 Appraisals, Needs, and Impact Assessments : 4 Formative evaluation : 4 Programme monitoring and process evaluation : 5 Effectiveness and efficiency Assessment : 5 Evaluation design : 6 Purposes of evaluation research : 6 How will evaluation research be used : 6 Guidelines for maximising the utilisation of evaluation research results : 7 Conclusion : 8 Bibliography : 9 Introduction Evaluation research, sometimes called programme or project evaluation refers to a type of research rather than a specific research method (Babbie, 2001). It concerns itself with determining whether a social intervention, policy, or programme has produced or not produced the intended result (Cloete, 2006). Rossi, Freeman, and Lipsey (2004) define programme evaluation as the use of social research procedures to systematically investigate the effectiveness of social intervention programmes. Patton (1986) has defined programme evaluation as the systematic collection of information about the activities, characteristics, and outcomes of programmes for the use by specific people to reduce uncertainities, improve...
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...Overview of Research Methodology The research is the search of knowledge. Research is finding out answers to the questions in a systematic and scientific way or investigating existing facts to generate new knowledge or to validate existing knowledge. It can also define as a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in a specific field of knowledge. For a better quality research one should stick on to a most suitable methodology. The methodology is the collection of methods to be used i.e., the way in which research is to be undertaken. The methodology is different from method. The methods define how to collect the data and to find out specific solution. In the field of Business, research methodology enabled the team to organize their...
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...Module 1 The Research Process * Is a scholarly activity aimed at finding new truths about a specific discipline basically designed to find solution to a problem. * Done in various fields of studies. * May be done in natural sciences like Biology, Chemistry and Physics. And in the field of social sciences such as Sociology, Psychology, Education, Anthropology, Industry and the like. Definitions of Research * a systematic patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 1994) * a systematic investigation in order to establish facts and new conclusions (Oxford, 1996) Definitions of Research * a systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles or theories resulting in prediction and possibly ultimate control of events (Best & Kahn, 1998) * purposive, systematic and scientific process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting and interpreting data for the solution of a problem, for prediction, for invention, for the discovery of truth, or for the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation and improvement of the quality of life (Calderon, 2000) * a process of systematically examining and explaining the observables. It seeks to generate answers to questions but it also generates further questions for study....
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...instead of a comprehensive examination. This book focuses on the mechanics on how to develop a thesis and is made simple for easy understanding of the processes. Many students are confronted with tasks that demand good writing skills. They need guidance on how to go about the complex job of writing a thesis or dissertation. This book will therefore serve as a guide. Thesis Writing is subsumed under Technical Writing. All professional fields require technical documents that help readers perform tasks and understand specific tasks. As mentioned by some authors, thesis is classified under technical writing as it provides vital information to specific readers. Technical Writing refers to the provision of specific information to clearly identified readers who will use the information for a specific purpose. KEY FEATURES OF TECHNICAL WRITING Three Elements of Technical Writing. The elements are reader, purpose and writing situation. The reader seeks information for a specific purpose. The purpose is to design a document that will serve the reader's need and help the reader understand the information. The writing situation consist of both reader and purpose, as well as such factors such as the sponsoring organization's size, budget, ethics, deadlines, policies, competition and priorities. Three General Stages of Technical Writing. The stages are planning, multiple drafting and revising/editing. In the Planning stage– a writer analyzes the reader, purpose and writing situation; gathers...
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...project. The Summer Project Report should be a substantive contribution to the knowledge through integration of literature review and methodology developed pertinent to the understanding and resolution of management problems, and the empirical work done therein. The Summer Project Report should demonstrate competence in using or developing a model or a set of hypotheses, collecting and interpreting data, reaching conclusions and drawing implications for managerial practices. It should also highlight the impact of actions in one area or function, on the other area or functions in the organisation. The recommendations made in the Summer Project Report should be in both quantitative (costs and benefits) as well as qualitative terms, as far as possible. It is pertinent to note that the Summer Project Report represents a visible concrete output and would, therefore, have demonstrable potential enabling individuals to pursue further work on the theme by way of Ph.D. programme. It is also the output which may stand as testimony of the student's demonstrated skills and potential in the managerial arena. Topic for Summer Project Report Once the student has come up with a promising idea, he/she should subject it to careful scrutiny to determine whether it meets the following criteria: i) ii) iii) iv) It should sustain student interest and stimulate his/her imagination, so that he/she will bear upon it with his/her full creative abilities. It should be manageable in size scope, keeping...
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...Research The Importance of Research - it is a valuable tool to produce needed changes. - it is a pathway to progress and development. - used to address problems that need to be solved. - used to look into situations that require improvements. - used to review policies that must be revised. - programs actions that demand modifications to be truly responsive to complex human existence. The Meaning of Research Research is a multi-faceted human endeavor: 1) To a lot of people , it is a difficult and demanding task. 2) To beginners, it is a complicated process. 3) To students, it is something that must be done to complete a course requirement. 4) To those who value knowledge and the truth, it is a very fulfilling and exciting challenge. What is Research? According to: 1) Aguinaldo (2002) and Calderon (1993) – research is a "a purposive, systematic, and scientific process of gathering, classifying, organizing, presenting, analyzing and interpreting data for the solution of a problem, for prediction, for invention, for the discovery of truth or for the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation of the quality of life." 2) Sevilla (1998) – defines research as "searching for theory, for testing theory or for solving problem." 3) Andres (1998) – defines research as a "careful, critical inquiry or examinationin seeking facts or principles; a diligent investigation...
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...STATEMENT PROBLEM YOUR PROPOSAL WRITING COMPANION Compiled by Henry M. Bwisa Professor of Entrepreneurship Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology E-mail bwihem@yahoo.com Website www.professorbwisa.com November 2008 INTRODUCTION It is a constant complaint among those who evaluate proposals that the most frequent deficiency noted by them is the lack of a clear problem 1 statement to define and guide the inquiry. The issue of how to write a problem statement becomes important. WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM? Generally speaking a research problem is a situation that needs a solution and for which there are possible solutions. If a situation has no possible solutions then it makes little or no sense expending resources researching it. Take this statement, “everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die”. Dying looks like a problem that needs a solution yet there is no possible solution to it. People must die. A research on how people can live forever makes little or no sense. A research problem may be described as an incongruence; a discrepancy between what is and what ought to be. It may be also described as the gap in knowledge that needs to be filled. WHAT IS A PROBLEM STATEMENT? A problem statement is the description of an issue currently existing which needs to be addressed. It provides the context for the research study and generates the questions which the research aims to answer. The statement of the problem is the focal point of any research. A good...
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