Understanding Research Problems

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in formulating a research problem according to Kumar (2018)?

Dissect the broad areas into subareas (correct)

Raise research questions

Identify a narrow field or subject area of interest

Assess the feasibility of achieving objectives

What should be done if there are too many research questions to be manageable?

Go through the process of elimination (correct)

Formulate objectives based on all the questions

Proceed to the next stage without eliminating any questions

Consult others who have knowledge of the area

Why is it important to assess the objectives formulated for a research problem?

To consult others who have knowledge of the area

To ascertain the feasibility of achieving them (correct)

To raise more research questions

To make a list of research questions

Which type of variable is manipulated during an experiment?

Independent variable Signup and view all the answers

What would be the dependent variable in an experiment studying the effects of temperature on ice melting?

Time taken for ice to melt Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment on the effects of light intensity on plant growth, what would be a control variable?

Type of soil Signup and view all the answers

The variable that is affected by the amount of fertilizer applied in an experiment on plant growth is called the:

Dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

What kind of variable allows a scientist to know that the experiment is only testing what they want to test?

Control variable Signup and view all the answers

If you think of the independent variable as the cause, then the dependent variable can be thought of as the:

Effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a hypothesis in research?

Suggests a relationship between variables Signup and view all the answers

What should a good hypothesis be according to the text?

Simple, clear, specific, and testable Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of testing the hypothesis?

To reject the formulated hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the null hypothesis about?

Rejecting any difference between variables Signup and view all the answers

What does the alternative hypothesis state?

There is a significant difference between the results of variables being tested Signup and view all the answers

What does the literature and existing research help with when formulating a hypothesis?

Identify the variables and theories Signup and view all the answers

What does a good hypothesis propose?

"If-then" relationship between variables Signup and view all the answers

"After you have identified your research problem, what should you proceed to formulate?"

"Tentative solution or answer" Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of a Research Problem

A research problem is a clear and definite statement regarding a specific area of concern.
It highlights a difficulty that needs elimination, conditions requiring improvement, or issues existing in theory, literature, or practice.
Indicates the necessity for meaningful investigation and inquiry.

Purpose of a Problem Statement

Introduces the importance of the research topic to the reader, establishing relevance.
Contextualizes the problem, defining parameters for the investigation.
Provides a framework for reporting results and outlines necessary components for the study.

Characteristics of an Effective Research Problem

Reflects significant issues or needs that warrant investigation.
Based on factual evidence rather than hypothetical scenarios, ensuring credibility.
Manages scope and relevance, making the inquiry feasible.
Suggests a testable and meaningful hypothesis while avoiding trivial or useless answers.

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Description

Learn about the definition and purpose of research problems, and how to formulate a clear and meaningful problem statement for investigation. This quiz covers the essential aspects of identifying and expressing research problems effectively.