Research Methodology Concepts Quiz

Unit 2: Identifying the Problem and Asking the Question

• This unit focuses on inquiries, investigation, and immersion.
• Key components of the research process are covered.

Lessons

• Background of the Problem
• Conceptual Framework
• Research Hypothesis (for quantitative research)
• Statement of the Problem
• Importance of the study
• Scope and limitations of the study
• Definition of terms

Background of the Study

• The problem should be clearly stated with enough context to show why it is important.
• Related studies are important, illustrating what other researchers have said about the topic.
• The gap in existing research, highlighting the difference from other studies, is crucial.
• The solution or "working thesis" explains how the problem will be addressed and how answers will be found.

Conceptual & Theoretical Framework

• A conceptual framework is an analytical tool used in various contexts to establish an overall picture for a research goal.
• Strong frameworks capture real-world concepts and are easy to understand.
• They are based on academically sound standards and procedures, justifying the study's relevance and how the researcher intends to fill a gap in existing literature.

Example of Theories for Theoretical Frameworks

• Macrotheory: Explains large-scale social institutions, societies, and their interactions.
• Microtheory: Focuses on individuals, social interactions, and social life at the individual level.
• Conflict Theory: Explains human behavior as an attempt to control others or avoid being dominated.
• Symbolic Interactionism: Suggests that human behavior has meaning derived from social interactions.
• Structural Functionalism: Society and each social phenomenon function together.
• Feminist Paradigm: Societal understanding through a woman's experience.
• Marxist Theory: Focus on class struggle between the "haves" and "have-nots."

How to Create a Conceptual Framework

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand existing research on the topic, refining your argument or hypothesis.
• Create a visualization (flowchart, mind map, diagram) to showcase variables influencing the research.
• Use a narrative to present information, explaining the significance of variables.
• Include a methodology and explain how it relates to the research questions.
• Be prepared to revise the framework as the research progresses.

Sample Schematic Diagram

• Independent Variable: Demographic profile (age, gender, grade level, parents' occupation, income, interactive method).
• Dependent Variable: Academic achievement of the respondents/recipients.

Research Hypothesis (Quantitative Research)

• A vital component of research, regardless of approach (qualitative/quantitative, exploratory/explanatory).
• Requires skill to create a testable hypothesis.
• Requires careful attention to how the proposed research method develops and tests hypotheses.
• Involves predicting the relationship between two variables.

Hints for Formulating Hypotheses

• Thoroughly research the topic before making a final decision.

• Hypotheses involve two variables in relation to each other.

• Proposes a testable claim for the study.

• Hypothesis may need adjustments during the research process.

• Avoid using judgmental or critical language.

• The hypothesis must not be fully answerable by the study discipline.

• Be certain each term is clearly understood by the reader.

• Specify if appropriate (state/federal laws, or both in comparison).

• The research must be approved by the teacher/instructor.

• Hypotheses can be presented as a one-sentence statement, research question, or title.

Writing a Statement of the Problem

• A problem statement follows the research topic identification and outlines its significance, providing context.
• It can be written in several paragraphs or sentences, highlighting the issue's relevance to the broader context.
• Explains why the study is important and the implications the study will have
• The goal isn't necessarily a solution, but to understand the reasons behind a problem and propose more effective ways to understand it.

Purpose of the Statement of the Problem

• Describes the study's topic in a clear, concise manner.
• Provides context and significance.
• Explains how the study ties in with wider theoretical or practical concepts.
• Clearly poses research questions.
• Provides insight into the limitations of the study.

Significance of the Study

• Explains how the study will contribute to knowledge and understanding.
• Explains who will benefit from the study.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

• The scope and delimitation define boundaries and restrictions of the study, specifying its focus.
• Delimitation limits the scope based on specific criteria (geographic area, age group, sample size).
• Limitations identify constraints beyond the researcher's control (e.g., access to participants).

Definition of Terms

• A glossary of terms to support understanding concepts used in the study.
• Includes both conceptual (dictionary meaning) and operational definitions (meaning within the study).

Chapter 1 – Research Introduction Format

• Covers the necessary components of a research introduction, providing structure.
  • Background of the Study
  • Statement of the Problem/Objectives
  • Framework of the Study
  • Research Hypothesis/Assumptions
  • Significance of the Study
  • Scope and Limitations
  • Definition of Terms