Selection and Formulation of Research Problem

One 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 or sheer luck(true /false) Researchers are specialists rather than generalists

In Alices 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.

 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 of Alice in Wonderland, in the absence of a destination it is impossible to identify the shortest - or indeed any route.

 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.

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?

Question
What are some of the obstacles which may discourage a person from undertaking research?

Why choosing a topic is a real challenge?

Beginners possess real problem awareness

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 a group of people towards an issue Programs - to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention

Phenomenon - to establish the existence of a regularity.

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/paper presentations Internet Out-of-class exchanges of ideas with fellow students and professors Reading assignments Textbooks Special assignments Research reports Term papers Consultation with Course instructor Advisor Major Professor Faculty member

Number ONE Requirement

You need to have an inquisitive and imaginative mind You need a Questioning attitude Wonder why?

 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.

2 7 6

9 5 1

4 3 8

Can you connect all the points using only four straight and continuously drawn lines.

. . .

. . .

. . .

Answer the following preliminary questions

Is the problem/topic significant enough? Is it feasible (practical/possible for me to do it)? Is it free of unknown hazards/dangers? Is it clear (unambiguous)?

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 my lineI wont go beyond it)

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

Characteristics of good topics?

1. Interesting keeps the researcher interested in it throughout the research process 2. Researchable can be investigated through the collection and analysis of data

3. Significant contributes to the improvement and understanding of educational theory and practice
4. Manageable fits the level of researchers level of research skills, needed resources, and time restrictions 5. Ethical does not embarrass or harm participants

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. 2. 3. 4.

Causes of aggression and violence Remembering and forgetting Improving Memory The effects of stressful environments on health and social interaction 5. The effect of early childhood experiences on later development 6. Best ways to treat depression 7. Reducing prejudice and inter-group conflict

Examples of good research problems (in the form of

questions) Does client-centered therapy produce more satisfaction in clients than traditional therapy? (experimental design) Does behavior modification reduce aggression in autistic children? (single-subject experimental design) Are the descriptions of people in social studies discussions biased? (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

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?

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)

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 she developed 3. As measured by the math interest questionnaire 4. As shown by attention to math tasks in class 5. As reflected by achievement in mathematics 6. 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 interest observation record

1,4,5,7, and 9
Did not specify the activities or operations necessary for identifying the behavior (motivation to learn mathematics)

Operationalize the following:

Attitude toward self (self-concept) Creativity

Ability to think critically

Disruptive behavior Work-related stress

Your research problem

What is your area of interest? Where could you look for help in deciding upon a specific research problem?

What criteria will you apply when deciding upon a specific research problem?
How could you narrow down your research problem? How might your value-judgments (preconceived ideas) affect your research endeavors?

 The training manager at ABC corporation has asked you to identify the kind of training programmes that should be offered to the young recruits who have joined as management trainees and are to be imparted five additional general management programmes along with their specific job training modules. The trainees are a mixed bunch of engineering and management graduates

 A. Formulate your research problem B. Identify the sources you would use to carry out a problem audit C. State your research objectives

 Research problem: What kind of training modules should be designed for the new management trainees at ABC?

 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 be the skill / management training that should be given to young trainees

 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