Research Problems and Proposals

Research Problem and Proposal

• A research problem highlights an area of concern needing improvement or elimination
• It arises from a broad study field, narrowing to a specific issue requiring investigation
• It is a difficulty faced by a researcher in theoretical or practical contexts
• It is a statement highlighting an area of concern or a question in literature, theory or practice

Problem Foundation

• It forms the basis for the research process, research design, methodology, and analysis
• Defining it clearly impacts answer quality and dictates the appropriate research method

Research Process Definition

• The first step involves selecting and clearly defining the problem
• Symptoms are examined, similar to a doctor's diagnosis
• Defining the problem clarifies the study's direction
• It formulates questions/hypotheses
• It contributes new knowledge

Conditions for Research Problem Existence

• An individual or group faces a difficulty
• At least two potential courses of action exist
• Objectives must be attainable
• At least two possible outcomes exist, with one preferable
• The problem pertains to specific environments
• Available actions should lead to different outcomes

Problem Definition

• A comprehensive problem definition elucidates the issue's nature/scope
• It includes information on magnitude and time frame
• It includes geographic regions/communities affected
• It includes demographics impacted

Problem Magnitude

• Incidence refers to the rate of new problem cases arising within a timeframe
• Prevalence indicates the total existing cases at a specific time, reflecting the problem's overall burden

Time Frame

• Occurrence identifies when the problem manifests, whether seasonally, sporadically, or continuously
• Current Status assesses the issue's relevance today

Geographic Area

• Location specifies where the problem is predominantly found, highlighting disparities

Target Population

• Target Groups specify affected demographics
• Characteristics analyze traits like age, gender, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity

Problem Causes and Solutions

• Causes explore the factors contributing to the problem
• Controversy evaluates expert consensus on root causes
• Previous Attempts reviews prior solutions
• Effectiveness measures intervention success, identifying insights
• Potential Innovations considers new solutions

Unanswered Questions

• Research Gaps identifies unexplored elements, indicating areas needing further investigation
• Addressing these components helps stakeholders understand the problem and needed strategies

Conceptualizations of a Research Problem

• There are four general conceptualizations
• Each has distinct advantages for various research contexts

Casuist Research Problem

• Centers on moral/ethical dilemmas
• Aims to discern right from wrong through analyzing cases based on moral rules
• Demands understanding scenarios to apply principles to real-world situations

Difference Research Problem

• Focuses on comparing groups/treatments to determine statistically significant differences
• Is framed within a hypothesis-testing context in experimental/observational research
• Clarity is high, centering on differences/comparisons
• Applicability is high across social sciences, health studies, and education

Descriptive Research Problem

• Strives to describe a phenomenon's characteristics/state through questions framed as "What is...?"
• Aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of a situation without testing hypotheses or relationships

Relational Research Problem

• Investigates relationships between variables to unravel their interconnections
• Leads to correlational studies/analyses uncovering patterns/associations

Problem Statement Purpose

• Introduces the topic's importance, highlighting relevance and implications
• Situates the problem within a specific context
• Provides a foundational framework for reporting results
• Outlines study necessities & analytical approaches

Research Problem Selection

• This must be carefully considered
• It should originate from researchers' insights
• Guidance can be sought from research manuals

Avoiding Overly Explored Topics

• It is generally advisable not to choose topics that have been extensively researched
• It may prove challenging to offer new insights or perspectives in such cases

Avoiding Controversial Subjects

• It is generally advisable not to choose controversial topics
• They often do not lead to universally accepted conclusions or solutions

Avoiding Problems That Are Too Narrow or Vague

• It is generally advisable to choose problems that are in the middle ground
• Too narrow may limit the scope, and too vague may lack clear direction

Preparing for Research

• Researchers must evaluate preparedness, skills and knowledge
• Researchers have to assess budget constraints, costs, compensation, data collection tools
• Assess the cooperation of participants is crucial

Defining Research

• A well-defined and clearly articulated problem is half solved
• Establishes a solid foundation for investigation
• A poorly defined problem can lead to challenges

Key Questions for Researchers

• Requires to ask themselve which data needs to be collected
• Requires to ask themselve which characteristics of data are most relevant
• Requires to ask themselve Which relationships or correlations should be investigated
• Requires to ask themselve Which methods or techniques will be emploued for data analysis?

Additional Considerations

• These include sample selection and ethical considerations

Choosing the Correct Research

• Look at deductions from theory, pertaining to general conclusions on society
• Use interdisciplinary perspectives stem from trends and scholarship
• Involve interviewing practioners and field experts
• Reflect on personal experiences
• Use relevant literature, and look to fill gaps

Techniques Involved in Defining the Problem

• Articulating the issue is key
• Clarify its origins and nature
• Surveying and compiling the available literature
• Objectives need to be specific
• Look at different possible courses of action
• Consider the potential outcomes
• Need to be clear, specific, feasible and have importance

Defining Good Characteristics

• It is a systematic investigation
• Is is detailed plan, in order to get necessary approval