EDU 540 Problem definition

Lesson objectives Define research problem Write problem statement Describe quantitative and qualitative research

Where we are now… Observation/ Background survey Broad area of research Literature review Problem definition Problem statement Research questions Theoretical framework Variables clearly identified Hypothesis generation Research design Methods Data collection Analysis Interpretation Deduction Hypothesis substantiated? RQ answered?

The broad problem area The entire situation where one sees a possible need for research or problem solving Examples Malay students studying Physics Soft skills of Faculty of Education students Instructors lecturers using instructional technology

Narrowing your research Narrow it down to specific issues Malay students have problems studying certain Physics topics More specific Issue : Problem solving skills, Difficulty in grasping concepts, P&HE students not displaying soft skills needed More specific issue: Poor communication skills Women lecturers are having difficulties using instructional technology Specific issue: technophobia, technology training

Putting things in perspective Problems RESEARCH INTEREST/AREA Issues Concerns Research problem Research questions Background survey Theoretical framework

Background survey Justifying your choice of the area in research What is there a need to do this research Need backing up Government policies Institutional reports/ strategic plans Research reports Press report/ speeches

Problem definition Defining a problem Not necessarily something that is seriously wrong Can be an issues of interest Find answers to improve existing situation A situation where a gap exist between actual and desired state

Problem definition Could be An issue/ matter you want to understand Existing educational problems that you are seeking to solve Situations that you want to improve Areas where some conceptual clarity is needed Situations in which the researcher is trying to answer a research question empirically

The research problem is.. a set of conditions needing discussion, a solution, and information. implies the possibility of empirical investigation, that is, of data collection and analysis

The research problem is not.. how to do something; a vague or too broad a proposition; a value question.

Try this.. The purpose of the study is to determine: whether the suspension policy should be changed. the truth of the proposition that Malaysian education has encouraged exam oriented learners who aim at getting a string of As how students can overcome test anxiety. if there is a difference in the mean gain scores in reading achievement between students taught word attack skills and those taught comprehensive skills.

Try one .. Soft skills of Faculty of Education students What is the research problem? What is the background? Government policies Institutional reports/ strategic plans Research reports Press report/ speeches What to read in order to justify? What to research?

Problem definition Essential to define your research problem very carefully, Ask why you’ve chosen it , why not another problem Helps you to choose a suitable method of researching it Prevent you from reading rather indiscriminately you don’t know quite what you’re looking for make more notes than you need.

Problem definition Be as deductive as you can Relate your research problem to a theory A theory is an explanation of events or phenomena or behaviour Phenomena in education - theories from cognitive psychology, sociology, psycholinguistics, management, computer science. Example: Finding out whether providing children with multimedia presentations explaining science concepts will enhance understanding Theory?

Let’s look at your research problem The area of your research State whether Existing educational problems that you are seeking to solve Situations that you want to improve Areas where some conceptual clarity is needed Situations in which the researcher is trying to answer a research question empirically Why do you choose this ‘problem?

Problem Tree

Drawing a problem tree Identify core problems Identify effects Identify causes Identify all possible causes and effects

Example Effects CORE PROBLEM Causes Withdrawal, Deferment of studies, Dropout Failure to achieve meaningful experience Complaints Poor grades Anxiety Frustration Dissatisfaction Learning outcomes not achieved Distance Learners not able to learn effectively Effects CORE PROBLEM Causes Epistemological problems (course structure, difficulty level and so forth) Learners cannot manage their learning environment Learners cannot manage their learning activities Institutional / Administrative Problems Learners’ personal problems and characteristics Lack of learning skills/ Strategies Ambiguous instructions and other pedagogical issues Inability to sustain motivation Lack of self-regulation Procrastination Poor time management Inability to maintain strong attention to goals sought Lack of discipline Logistic/Infrastructure problems Isolation Lack of support and feedback Poorly designed learning materials Travel problems Communication problems Anxiety, fear of technology & technology failure Minimal F2F sessions Role conflicts Family problems Financial problems Learning style / approach does not fit Low academic self-concept Learner problems Unsure of new learning mode Lack readiness Lack self-direction Lack of structure and direction Lack technical ability

There exists differences between students from different clusters No harmony on campus No cooperation between groups Bitterness Learners cannot tolerate each other Learners stay in their own groups There exists differences between students from different clusters Effects CORE PROBLEM Causes Perceived competence Learner characteristics Social and economic background Let’s try one

Students do not have the acceptable level of soft skills Effects CORE PROBLEM Causes Exercise

Problem statement Problem statement How ? A clear, precise and succinct statement of the question/issue that is to be investigated How ? no one "right" way to state one American vs. British

Problem statement Introduces the reader to the importance of the problem. The reader is oriented to the significance of the study and the research questions or hypotheses to follow. You could relate your problem to the findings of prior research ( a few) Places the problem in a context ( remember Botswana elearning readiness?) Provides the framework for reporting the results. Indicate what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information.

Flow of Ideas in a Problem Statement Remedying the deficiencies For whom? Select Audiences Deficiencies in the Evidence Educational Issue Evidence for the Issue Topic Subject Area A Concern A Problem Something that needs a solution Evidence from the literature Evidence from practical experiences In this body of evidence, what is missing? What do we need to know more about? How will addressing what we need to know help: researchers educators policy-makers individuals like those in the study

Documenting/ Reporting Visualize the statement of the problem as the first five paragraphs background research problem justification deficiencies relate discussion to audience

Example

Next: Qualitative and Quantitative Research TAKE A BREAK Next: Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Quantitative vs. Qualitative See handout

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

Let’s look at one example Research problem Since the computer-related technologies became widely available, companies started to employ the new technologies seeking efficiency and effectiveness benefits. With such huge spending on IT, it is interesting to find out if there is any scientific evidence for association between IT capability and a company’s competitive advantage. The question posed : Does a company benefit from employing IT? If so, how?

Research 1 TOPIC: A resource-based perspective on IT capability and firm performance: An empirical investigation   In this research, IT in a company is studied from the point of resource-based view of company The research method employed in this paper is statistical testing of hypotheses. The author comes up with two main hypotheses: Superior IT capability will be associated with significantly higher profit ratios. Superior IT capability will be associated with significantly lower cost ratios Sample: 56 companies

Research 2 Implementing supply chain management: Lessons learned at Medi-Alpha This research deals with implementation of the IT technology at a major manufacturer of medical equipment and supplies. The focus of the research is on the question, whether launching of new technology did improve company’s performance. The object of this single in-depth case study was the company’s strategy.

Research 3 Approaches to the development of multi-dimensional database: Lessons from four case studies The research explores the manner in which an organization’s data can be effectively utilized to assist an organization to achieve its business objectives. It presents Multi-Dimensional Data Bases (MDDB) as a new tool of making a more efficient use of company’s data The research method employed was a combination of classic case study and implementation of a prototype. Four case studies were carried out. The analysis of the four case studies intended to explore suitability of different approaches to system development.

Statistics anyone? Statistical analysis is helpful when there is a need to determine certain facts, or correlations between facts. Helpful when doing research on a broader scale Generally, it provides an answer to ‘what?’ question ‘How’ question is better answered by qualitative researching

Qualitative Problem statement Qualitative research problem statement The problem should be stated clearly and unambiguously The problem should express what is it that you want to explore , to understand What is the meaning of A? How does A exist ? Why A happens?

Quantitative Problem statement Quantitative research problem statement The problem should be stated clearly and unambiguously The problem should express a relation between two or more variables Is A related to B? How are A and B related? How is A related to B under condition C? Is there a difference between A and B in terms of C? Implies possibilities of empirical testing

Tasks Write your problem statement Conduct background reading Decide on qualitative or quantitative approach

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