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Selection and Definition of a Problem

Selection and Definition of a Problem. First Step. Identify a general area that is related to your area of expertise and is of particular interest to you. Three Main Sources of Research Topics. Theory Personal Experience Replication. Theory.

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Selection and Definition of a Problem

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  1. Selection and Definition of a Problem

  2. First Step • Identify a general area that is related to your area of expertise and is of particular interest to you.

  3. Three Main Sources of Research Topics • Theory • Personal Experience • Replication

  4. Theory • Organized bodies of concepts, generalizations, and principles.

  5. Personal Experiences • Lead to useful and personally rewarding studies.

  6. Replication • Repeating an existing study. • It is generally expected that some feature of the replication(e.g. sample, instruments) will differ from the original study.

  7. Problem with Library Immersion • Not efficient unless one focuses on: • handbooks, encyclopedias, and yearbooks that cover many topics briefly.

  8. Narrowing a topic • Quantitative topics-usually narrowed as quickly as possible. • Qualitative topics-delayed until time is spent in the setting.

  9. Characteristics of Good Topics • Researchable- can be investigated through the collection and analysis of data. • Philosophical topics, ethics issues or should questions are generally not researchable.

  10. Characteristics of Good Topics • A good problem has theoretical or practical significance; the solution should contribute in some way to improvement of the educational process.

  11. Characteristics of Good Topics • Good topic is one good for you. • Must be a topic you can adequately investigate given: • your current level of research skill. • your available resources, • and your time and other restrictions.

  12. Well-Stated Research Topic Statements • Quantitative Study • indicates: • variables of interest to the researcher. • The specific relationship between the variables to be investigated, and the types of participants involved.

  13. Well-Stated Research Topic Statements • Quantitative Study • defines all variables, either directly or operationally. • Operational definitions define concepts in terms of measurable characteristics.

  14. Well-Stated Research Topic Statements • Statement of problem should be accompanied by a presentation of the background of the problem, including a justification for the study in terms of its significance.

  15. Well-Stated Research Topic Statements • Qualitative research topics are often stated later than quantitative. • The qualitative researcher needs to be attuned to the research context before narrowing the topic.

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