Understanding Research Problems: Key Elements and Strategies

1. Chapter 3Identifying a Research Problem Novia Rianty (10120080008) Suparni (10120080014)

2. Questions • What is a research problem? Why is it important? • Besides the research problem, what are the other parts of research? How does the research problem differ from them? • When CAN we research a problem? When SHOULD we research a problem? • What are the ways to assess whether a researcher should research a problem? • How does the research problem differ in quantitative and qualitative research? • What are the five elements to write a “Statement of the problem” section? • What are some strategies for writing the “Statement of the problem” section?

3. Answers • Research Problem is the educational issue, controversy, concern that guides the need for conducting a study. It is important because: • It helps the researchers assist policy makers when they make decisions • It helps teachers and school officials solve practical problems • It provide researchers with a deeper understanding of educational issues. • It sets the stage for the entire study

4. Answers 2. The other parts of research and how it differs: - research topic (topic of the study) is the broad subject matter addressed by the study - purpose or intent of the study is the major intent or objective of the study used to address the problem - specific research questions narrow the purpose into specific questions that the researcher would like answered or addressed in the study

5. Answers 3. We CAN research a problem if we have access to participants and research sites as well as time, resources, and skills needed to study the issue. We SHOULD research a problem if the study of it potentially contributes to educational knowledge or adds to the effectiveness of practice.

6. Answers • Study the problem if your study: - fill a gap or void in the existing literature; - replicates a past study but examines different participants and different research sites; - extends past research or examines the topic more thoroughly; - gives voice to people silenced, not heard, or rejected in society; - informs practice.

7. Answers 5. Quantitative research requires researchers to: Qualitative research require researchers to: Learn about the view of individuals Assess a process over time Generate theories based on participation perspective Obtain detailed information about a few people or research or research sites • Measure variable, • Assess the impact of these variables on an outcome, • Test theories or broad explanation, • Apply results to a large number of people

8. Answers • - The topic - The research problem - A justification of the importance of the problem as found in the past research and in practice. - The deficiencies in our existing knowledge about the program - The audience

9. Answers 7. - Template - Other writing strategies: 1.use frequent reference to the literature throughout this introductory passage. 2.Provide references form statistical trends to support the importance of studying the research problem. 3.Use quotes form participants in a study or from notes obtained from observing participant to begin your “statement of the problem” introduction. 4.Be cautious about using quotes from the literature to begin a study, especially in the first sentence.