Research problems

By
Dr. Abdolahi Mohamed Adawe
Depart. of Marine Science. Faculty of Science-
Somali National University-SNU

1
The need to communicate what will be studied in clear, concise, and
unambiguous terms
A. One or more sentences indicating the goal, purpose, or overall
direction of the study
B. General characteristics
1.Implies the possibility of empirical investigation
2.Identifies a need for the research
3.Provides focus
4.Provides a concise overview of the research 2
 Ways of stating the problem

Two ways of stating the problem

1. Research problems: typically a rather general overview of the
problem with just enough information about the scope and purpose
of the study to provide an initial understanding of the research
2. Research statements and/or questions: more specific, focused
statements and questions that communicate in greater detail the
nature of the study

3
Examples

a. General research problem

1. The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of high
school students to mandated drug testing programs
b. Statements and questions
2. This study examines the differences between males' and females
'attitudes toward mandated high school drug testing programs.
3. What are the differences between freshmen, sophomore, junior, and
senior students' attitudes toward mandated high school drug testing
programs

4
Researchable and non-researchable problems

1.Researchable problems imply the possibility of empirical investigation

a. What are the achievement and social skill differences between children
attending an academically or socially oriented pre-school program?
b. What is the relationship between teachers' knowledge of assessment
methods and their use of them?

2.Non-researchable problems include explanations of how to do something,

vague propositions, and value-based concerns
a.ls democracy a good form of government?
b. Should values clarification be taught in public schools?
c. Can crime be prevented?
d. Should physical education classes be dropped from the high school
curriculum? 5
Comparing quantitative and qualitative research problems
1.Quantitative problems
a. Specific
b. Closed
c. Static
d. Outcome oriented
e. Use of variables

2.Qualitative problems
a. General
b. Open
c. Evolving
d. Process oriented 6
Sources of research problems
1.Casual observation
a. The relationships between the cognitive and affective realms
b. The effect of positive and negative reinforcement
2.Deductions from theory
a. Use of math manipulatives
b. Learning and instructional style congruence
3.Related literature
a. The use of math manipulatives in secondary schools
b. The comparison of state and national dropout profiles

7
Quantitative research problems

A. A. Three types of questions

1.Descriptive
2.Relational
3.Causal

B. Identifies specifically the type of research, the variables and relationships

between them, and the subjects

8
 Formulating research questions
By
Dr. Abdolahi Mohamed Adawe
Depart. of Marine Science. Faculty of
Science-
Somali National University-SNU

9
What is a research question?
A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex and arguable question
around which you center your research.
You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious about.

Why is a research question essential to the research process?

Research questions help writers focus their research by providing path through
the research and writing process.
The specificity of a well-developed research question helps writers avoid the
"l.about“ paper and work toward supporting a specific, arguable thesis.

10
Steps to developing a research question:
• Choose an interesting general topic. Even directed academic research
should focus on a topic in which the writer is at least somewhat personally
invested. Writers should choose a broad topic about which they genuinely
would like to know more. An example of a general topic might be "Slavery
in the American South" or "Films of the 1930s.“

• Do some preliminary research on your general topic. Do a few quick

searches in current periodicals and journals on your topic to see what’s
already been done and to help you narrow your focus. What questions does
this early research raise

11
• Consider your audience. For most college papers, your audience will be
academic, but always keep your audience in mind when narrowing your
topic and developing your question. Would that particular audience be
interested in this question?

• Start asking questions. Taking into consideration all of the above, start
asking yourself open-ended "how" and "why" questions about your
general topic. For example, "How did the slave trade evolve in the 1850s
in the American South? "or "Why were slave narratives effective tools in
working toward the abolishment of slavery?"
12
Evaluate your question.
Is your research question clear? With so much research available on any given
topic, research questions must be as clear as possible in order to be effective
in helping the writer direct his or her research.
Is your research question focused? Research questions must be specific enough
to be well covered in the space available. (See flip side for examples of focused
vs. unfocused research questions.)
Is your research question complex? Research questions should not be answer
able with a simple "yes" or "no" or by easily-found facts. They should, instead,
require both research and analysis on the part of the writer.
.Hypothesize. After you've come up with a question, think about what the
path you think the answer will take. Where do you think your research will
take you? What kind of argument are you hoping to make/support? What will
it mean if your research disputes your planned argument?

13
Sample Research Questions
Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful?
Clear: How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on
such social networking sites as My Space and Facebook?

The unclear version of this question doesn't specify which social

networking sites or suggest what kind of harm the sites are causing. It
also assumes that this "harm" is proven and/or accepted.
The clearer version specifies sites (My Space and Facebook), the type of
harm(privacy issues), and who the issue is harming (users). A strong
research question should never leave room for ambiguity or interpretation.

14
Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment form global warming?
Focused: How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica?

The unfocused research question is so broad that it couldn't be adequately

answered in a book-length piece, let alone a standard college-level paper. The
focused version narrows down to a specific cause (glacial melting), a specific
place(Antarctica), and a specific group that is affected (penguins). When in
doubt, make research question as narrow and focused as possible.

15
Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.?

Appropriately Complex: What are common traits of those suffering from

diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the
medical community in prevention of the disease?

The simple version of this question can be looked up online and answered in a
few factual sentences; it leaves no room for analysis. The more complex version
is written in two parts; it is thought provoking and requires both significant
investigation and evaluation from the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a
quick Google search can answer a research question, it's likely not very effective.
16