14 Questions
What is the first and foremost step in the research process?
Selecting the research topic
What must a researcher do to diagnose the real problem correctly?
Examine all the symptoms concerning a problem
What is a research problem?
A cornerstone of any research process
Why is it important to define a research problem correctly?
To avoid poor conclusions and implementation
What are the two key characteristics of a research topic?
Succinct and interesting, keeps the researcher interested
Why should a research topic be researchable?
To ensure it can be investigated through data collection and analysis
What should be considered in order for a research topic to be manageable?
Fitting the researcher's level of skills, needed resources, and time restrictions
Why is it not advisable to select common/over-used topics for research?
They are not original and have been researched several times before
What is the reason for avoiding topics related to religion, politics, or controversy?
They have the potential to arouse emotions and may be highly subjective
Why should general/broad topics be avoided for research?
They are too broad in scope and should be more specific
What is the drawback of selecting a research topic that is too narrow?
Near impossible to find enough information to conduct the research
What variables can influence the choice of a research topic?
Researcher values, belief, interests, relevance, and personal experiences
Why should a researcher consider the potential supervisors' research interests?
To align the research topic with the supervisors' expertise
Why might researchers be restricted to particular topics?
Because of access to or lack of access to data in the specific field of study or time availability
Study Notes
Research Process
- The first and foremost step in the research process is to diagnose the real problem correctly.
Diagnosing the Real Problem
- A researcher must accurately identify the problem to be addressed, which is a crucial step in defining a research problem.
Research Problem
- A research problem is a specific issue or question that needs to be investigated and addressed.
Importance of Defining a Research Problem
- Correctly defining a research problem is essential to ensure that the research stays focused, and the results are relevant and meaningful.
Characteristics of a Research Topic
- A research topic should have two key characteristics: it should be specific and limited in scope.
Researchability of a Topic
- A research topic should be researchable, meaning it can be investigated and studied effectively.
Manageability of a Research Topic
- A research topic should be manageable, considering factors such as the availability of data, resources, and time.
Avoiding Common/Over-used Topics
- It is not advisable to select common/over-used topics for research because they may not contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge.
Avoiding Controversial Topics
- Topics related to religion, politics, or controversy should be avoided because they may be sensitive or emotionally charged, and may not be suitable for academic research.
Avoiding Broad Topics
- General/broad topics should be avoided because they may be too vague and difficult to investigate effectively.
Avoiding Too Narrow Topics
- The drawback of selecting a research topic that is too narrow is that it may not be generalizable or relevant to a broader audience.
Influencing Factors in Choosing a Research Topic
- Variables that can influence the choice of a research topic include personal interest, research experience, and access to resources and data.
Consideration of Potential Supervisors' Research Interests
- A researcher should consider the potential supervisors' research interests to ensure that they have the necessary expertise and support.
Restrictions on Research Topics
- Researchers may be restricted to particular topics due to factors such as institutional or funding agency requirements, or availability of resources.
Test your understanding of research topic selection and problem formulation with this quiz. Explore the steps involved in problem formulation, research question specification, and problem statement evaluation.
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