Week 2 - Selection and Formulation of Research Problem DR ENGKU&NOR_pp

8/8/2019 Week 2 - Selection and Formulation of Research Problem DR ENGKU&NOR_pp

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WEEK 2

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM,

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY ANDDEFINITION OF TERMS

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STATEMENT OF PROBLEM,

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY ANDDEFINITION OF TERMS

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.com/wp-content



Selection and Formulation of Research

ProblemOne of the most difficult phases of a research project is the choice of a suitable problem (true/false)

A researcher can be compared to an ant, which brings its single grain of sand to the anthill (true/false)

Great discoveries usually happen by accident or sheer luck (true/false)

Researchers are specialists rather than generalists (true/false)

One of the most difficult phases of a research project is the choice of a suitable problem (true/false)

A researcher can be compared to an ant, which brings its single grain of sand to the anthill (true/false)

Great discoveries usually happen by accident or sheer luck (true/false)

Researchers are specialists rather than generalists (true/false)



Question

What are some of the obstacles which maydiscourage a person from undertaking

research?



Why choosing a topic is a

real challenge?

Beginners possess real problem awareness



Where do you see problems that can igniteyour mind to think about research?

Classroom School Community Own teaching

experiences

Classroom lectures Class discussions Seminars/workshops/pap

er presentations Internet

Out-of-class exchanges of ideas with fellow studentsand professors

Reading assignments Textbooks Special assignments Research reports Term papers

Consultation with Course instructor Advisor Major Professor Faculty member



Number ONE Requirement

You need to have an inquisitive andimaginative mind

You need a Questioning attitude Wonder why?



Answer the following preliminary questions

Is the problem/topic significant enough?

Is it feasible (practical/possible for me to

do it)? Is it free of unknown hazards/dangers?

Is it clear (unambiguous)?



Actively involve yourself (and other experts) in N ARROWING &

REFINEMENT of the problem Narrowing the focus

Population

Situation (time, condition, subject availability, researchers readiness,resources available, etc.)

Measurements Issue(s) dealt with?

Setting the scope of the problem (this ismy lineI wont go beyond it)



Note:

There are times when it is appropriate toreplicate (repeat) a study to verify its

conclusions or to extend the validity of itsfindings to a different situation or

population



Characteristics of good topics?

1. Interesting keeps the researcher interested in it throughout the research process

2. Researchable can be investigated through thecollection and analysis of data

3. Significant contributes to the improvement andunderstanding of educational theory and practice

4. Manageable fits the level of researchers level of research skills, needed resources, and time restrictions

5. Ethical does not embarrass or harm participants



The following research topics are either faulty, too broad, or completely inappropriate. Revise each so that it reflects the characteristics of a

good research topic1. Causes of aggression and violence

2. Remembering and forgetting

3. Improving Memory

4. The effects of stressful environments on healthand social interaction

5. The effect of early childhood experiences onlater development

6. Best ways to treat depression

7. Reducing prejudice and inter-group conflict



Examples of good research problems (in the form of questions)

Does client-centered therapy produce more satisfaction in clients thantraditional therapy? (experimental design)

Does behavior modification reduce aggression in autistic children? (single-subject experimental design)

Are the descriptions of people in social studies discussions biased?

(grounded theory design)

What goes on in an elementary school classroom during an average week?(ethnographic design)

Do teachers behave differently toward students of different genders?(causal-comparative design)

How do parents feel about the school counseling program? (survey design)

How can a principal improve faculty morale? (interview design)



Any problem with these research problems?

Is God good?

What is the best way to teach grammar?

What would life be like today if World WarII had not occurred?



Purpose of Study and Objective of Study

Purpose of study Identify major intent of study

Should contain

Major focus of study

Participants of study

Location or site of inquiry

Lead to research question



Purpose of Study and Objective of Studycontd

Objective of Study Statement of intent that specify goals that the

researcher plans to achieve

Located at the end of the statement of problem section.

Can be identified by looking at phrases suchas:-

E.g : The objectives in this study are: To describe the frequency of Internet communication

between parents and teachers regarding the parentschildren in high school social studies classes.



Objectives of studycontd

Qualitative The objective of this study is to explore parent stories

regarding internet communications with teachersabout their students in one Midwestern school district .

Quantitative The purpose of this study is to examine the

relationship between use of internet communicationbetween teachers and parents in a Midwestern school

district and student achievement on tests in highschool social studies

Creswell, J.W. (2008). Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating

Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Nebraska:Pearson.



Defining Terms(e.g. : humanistic classroom)

Constitutive d efinition = dictionary approach

Clarify by example = using a model (replica/type)and describe the characteristics of the model

Operational d efinition = researcher specifies theexact nature of meaning for using a particularterm(s)



motivated to learn math (which ones are operational?)

1. As shown by enthusiasm in the class2. As judged by the students math teacher using a ratingscale she developed

3. As measured by the math interest questionnaire4. As shown by attention to math tasks in class

5. As reflected by achievement in mathematics6. As indicated by records showing enrollment in

mathematics electives7. As shown by effort expended in class8. As demonstrated by number of optional assignments

completed9. As demonstrated by reading math books outside class10.As observed by teacher aides using the mathematics

interest observation record



1,4,5,7, and 9

Did not specify the activities or operationsnecessary for identifying the behavior

(motivation to learn mathematics)



Operationalize the following:

Attitude toward self (self-concept)

Creativity

Ability to think critically

Disruptive behavior

Work-related stress



Your research problem

What is your area of interest?

Where could you look for help in deciding upon a specificresearch problem?

What criteria will you apply when deciding upon aspecific research problem?

How could you narrow down your research problem?

How might your value-judgments (preconceived ideas)affect your research endeavors?

Documents

Week 2 - Selection and Formulation of Research Problem DR ENGKU&NOR_pp