Identifying and Asking Research Questions

Research Problem

• A research problem is a question or issue that a researcher wants to investigate.
• It is typically posed as a question that can be investigated through research.

Conceptual Framework

• A conceptual framework provides a structure for understanding the relationship between the variables in a research study.
• It is a theoretical model that helps researchers to understand the concepts and relationships that are being investigated.
• Strong and resilient conceptual frameworks are important for guiding a research study.
• It helps researchers to identify key variables, develop research hypotheses and to plan data collection and analysis strategies.

Purpose of a Conceptual Framework

• A conceptual framework serves as a blueprint for a research study.
• It provides a clear and concise statement of the research problem and the variables that will be investigated.

How a Literature Review Refines a Research Hypothesis

• By reviewing relevant existing research, a researcher can refine their hypothesis.
• This allows the researcher to identify gaps in the literature and to develop a hypothesis that is more likely to be supported by data.

Components of a Conceptual Framework

• Key variables
• Relationships between variables
• Definitions of key variables
• A theoretical model for understanding the relationships between the variables.

Revision of a Conceptual Framework

• It is crucial to revise a conceptual framework throughout a research study.
• New data may emerge that requires the researcher to adjust their assumptions or the framework may need to be modified to better fit the data that is being collected.

Research Hypothesis

• A research hypothesis is a prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
• It states a clear expectation about how the variables will relate to each other.