6. selection and formulation of research problem

7/30/2019 6. Selection and Formulation of Research Problem

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Selection and Formulation of

Research ProblemOne of the most difficult phases of a research

project is the choice of a suitable problem

A researcher can be compared to an ant, which

brings its single grain of sand to the anthill

Great discoveries usually happen by accident orsheer luck(true /false)

Researchers are specialists rather than generalists


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InAlices Adventures in Wonderland , Alice asks the Cheshire

Cat (Carroll, 1989:63-):

Would you tell me please, which way I want to walk from

here?

That depends a good deal on where you want to go, said the

Cat.

I dont much care where, said Alice.

Then it doesnt matter which way you walk, said the Cat.


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The formulation of the research problem is

the first and the most important step of the

research process.

It is like the identification of the destination

before undertaking a journey. As in the case

ofAlice in Wonderland, in the absence of a

destination it is impossible to identify theshortest - or indeed any route.


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If one wants to solve a problem, one must

generally know what the problem is. It can

be said that a large part of the problem lines

in knowing what one is trying to do.


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Behavioral Researchers

Analyze limited aspects of broad problems

Q:Why cant we afford to do more than this? Learn more and more about less and less until

we know everything about nothing?


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Question

What are some of the obstacles which may

discourage a person from undertaking

research?


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Why choosing a topic is a real

challenge?

Beginners possess realproblem

awareness


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Sources of research problems

People - a group of individuals

Problems - examine the existence of certain issues or

problems relating to their lives; to ascertain attitude of agroup of people towards an issue

Programs - to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention

Phenomenon - to establish the existence of a regularity.


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Where do you see problems that can ignite your

mind to think about research?

Classroom

School

Community

Own teaching experiences Classroom lectures

Class discussions

Seminars/workshops/paperpresentations

Internet Out-of-class exchanges of

ideas with fellow studentsand professors

Reading assignments

Textbooks

Special assignments

Research reports

Term papers

Consultation with

Course instructor

Advisor

Major Professor

Faculty member


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Number ONE Requirement

You need to have an inquisitive and

imaginative mind

You need a Questioning attitude

Wonderwhy?


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Arrange the numbers 1 to 9 in the cells of a

square so that the horizontals, verticals, and

diagonals all add up to the same number.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 (without reusing 2 of the

same numbers) write down the thought

process adopted by you.


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2 9 4

7 5 3

6 1 8


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Can you connect all the points using only four

straight and continuously drawn lines.

. . .

. . .

. . .


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Answer the following preliminary

questions

Is the problem/topic significant enough?

Is it feasible (practical/possible for me to doit)?

Is it free of unknown hazards/dangers?

Is it clear (unambiguous)?


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Actively involve yourself (and other experts)

in NARROWING & REFINEMENT of the

problem

Narrowing the focus

Population

Situation (time, condition, subject availability,researchers readiness, resources available,etc.)

Measurements

Issue(s) dealt with?

Setting the scope of the problem (this is mylineI wont go beyond it)


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There are times when it is appropriate to

replicate (repeat) a study to verify its

conclusions or to extend the validity of its

findings to a different situation or population


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Characteristics of good topics?1. Interestingkeeps the researcher interested in it throughout

the research process

2. Researchablecan be investigated through the collection andanalysis of data

3. Significantcontributes to the improvement andunderstanding of educational theory and practice

4. Manageablefits the level of researchers level of researchskills, needed resources, and time restrictions

5. Ethicaldoes not embarrass or harm participants


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The following research topics are either faulty, too broad,

or completely inappropriate. Revise each so that it reflects

the characteristics of a good research topic

1. Causes of aggression and violence

2. Remembering and forgetting

3. Improving Memory

4. The effects of stressful environments onhealth and social interaction

5. The effect of early childhood experiences onlater development

6. Best ways to treat depression

7. Reducing prejudice and inter-group conflict


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Examples of good research problems (in the form ofquestions)

Does client-centered therapy produce more satisfaction in

clients than traditional therapy? (experimental design)

Does behavior modification reduce aggression in autisticchildren? (single-subject experimental design)

Are the descriptions of people in social studies discussionsbiased? (grounded theory design)

Do teachers behave differently toward students of different

genders? (causal-comparative design)

How do parents feel about the school counseling program?(survey design)

How can a principal improve faculty morale? (interview


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Any problem with these research

problems?

Is God good?

What is the best way to teach grammar? What would life be like today if World War II

had not occurred?


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Defining Terms

Constitutive definition = dictionary approach

Clarify by example = using a model (replica/type) and

describe the characteristics of the model

Operational definition = researcher specifies the exact

nature of meaning for using a particular term(s)


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motivated to learn math(which ones are operational?)

1. As shown by enthusiasm in the class

2. As judged by the students math teacher using a rating scale shedeveloped

3. As measured by the math interest questionnaire

4. As shown by attention to math tasks in class

5. As reflected by achievement in mathematics6. As indicated by records showing enrollment in mathematics electives

7. As shown by effort expended in class

8. As demonstrated by number of optional assignments completed

9. As demonstrated by reading math books outside class

10. As observed by teacher aides using the mathematics interestobservation record


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1,4,5,7, and 9

Did not specify the activities or operations

necessary for identifying the behavior

(motivation to learn mathematics)


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Operationalize the following:

Attitude toward self (self-concept)

Creativity

Ability to think critically

Disruptive behavior

Work-related stress


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Your research problem

What is your area of interest?

Where could you look for help in deciding upon a specificresearch problem?

What criteria will you apply when deciding upon a specificresearch problem?

How could you narrow down your research problem?

How might your value-judgments (preconceived ideas) affectyour research endeavors?


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The training manager at ABC corporation has

asked you to identify the kind of trainingprogrammes that should be offered to the

young recruits who have joined as

management trainees and are to be impartedfive additional general management

programmes along with their specific job

training modules. The trainees are a mixedbunch of engineering and management

graduates


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A. Formulate your research problem

B. Identify the sources you would use to carry

out a problem audit

C. State your research objectives


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Research problem: What kind of training

modules should be designed for the new

management trainees at ABC?


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For conducting a research audit the student can

suggest any of the following:

secondary data on training modules conducted in the

past at ABC

training modules offered for new trainees in other

organizations talking to industry experts to take their opinion

conducting a short exploratory qualitative survey

with the supervisors to understand what could bethe skill / management training that should be given

to young trainees


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The research objectives of the above study

would be:

to identify areas on which the new trainees

require training

to prioritize whether training is needed more

in soft skills or technical job aspects

to design appropriate training modules for

management trainees at ABC

6. selection and formulation of research problem

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