The Research Problem Chapter 3 The Problem is the “HEART” of the Research Process Basic Research: Research that “enhances” basic conceptual knowledge on a topic Applied Research: Intended to address issues that have immediate relevance to current practices, procedures, and policies

Basic Research Collecting information from peer reviewed articles, journals, encyclopedias, dissertations, studies, mentor’s library collection etc… enhances one’s conceptual knowledge of topic. Each Research Project needs at least 1 Basic Research Subproblem to demonstrate depth of knowledge in the field of study.

.:Example of Basic Research Subproblem ::. What factors cause the presence of symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]? Hypothesis: Factors that affect the symptoms of ADHD include environmental agents, brain injury, food additives & sugar, genetics, and prenatal conditions. Independent Variable(s):__________________ Dependent Variable(s):___________________

.:: Sub-Problem One ::. Source 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Genetics Brain Injury Food Additives & Sugar Environmental Agents Prenatal Conditions Other 1 Yes [X] Motivational factors 2 Yes (Partially) 3 Psychosocial factors 4 No 5 6 7

Applied Research Each Research Project should contain a subproblem that has relevance to the actual internship experience. Examples: Opinions of medical experts on a topic, surveys of employees, data from sales of concrete, data of most favored aroma, steps involved in a particular surgery Sometimes a subproblem could incorporate both basic and applied. A Good Research Project should have BOTH Applied and Basic!!!!! EXAMPLE: SEE Next SLIDE

How does the process of collecting sales and inventory data, and ordering products occur at BlueLinx Company? Hypothesis: The 6 steps of the process of collecting sales and inventory data for ordering are: An individual visits a warehouse and counts the inventory. The amount of sales that occur each month on average are calculated for each product. The items are sorted into categories based on how fast they are selling. The data is all sorted into a data table. For the faster moving products, three times the monthly sell rate are ordered when the inventory is at zero products remaining. The slower moving products are evaluated, and some are discontinued, while others are evaluated individually for how much should be ordered.

Criteria to Collect Data Follow up on the work that BlueLinx employees perform. Interview as many employees as possible involved in the process of collecting sales and inventoring data.

Data Table Step Number: Description of Step: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Criteria to Support/Not Support Hypothesis: If there are six steps according to the data collected from the three individuals interviewed, and each step corresponds to my hypothesized steps, then the hypothesis will be supported.

Outcome Step Number: Description of Step: 1 A policy number (PO#) is assigned to each warehouse owned by BlueLinx. The workers use the PO# to identify all shipments that are coming in. 2 The products in the shipments are individually counted, and then recorded in the company database. This data goes on the website http://bluelinxco.epmonline.com. 3 The products are then stored on different shelves. The items that have 75 days or more on hand are placed in bins that are higher up in the warehouse. These items are usually ordered and used at a slower rate. The items that have less than 75 days left in the warehouse are placed in bins that are closer to the ground. These items are usually ordered and used at a faster rate. 4 Customers can order from http://bluelinxco.epmonline.com. If they do so, the warehouse receives notification that the order has been placed. The requested materials are pulled from the shelves and placed in boxes to be shipped out. As soon as the products leave the warehouse, the amount of product shipped out is subtracted from the total available data. 5 A weekly report is sent to the BlueLinx Corporate Offices from Webb-Mason Inc. (a company that BlueLinx works with for inventory). 6 The individuals in the offices receive the report from the warehouse they are supposed to watch. Any product that has less than 75 days on hand is reordered so that there will be 90 days of product on hand when the shipment is received. 7 The amount of product ordered is recorded so that another individual does not place the same order. However, the amount ordered is not added to the overall inventory until it is received by the warehouse.

Criteria to Support or Not Support Hypothesis After Interviewing 3 employees to see if in fact that the process involved 6 steps, they agreed that what was stated was true, but one significant step was missing. There are actually 7 steps. I do not support the hypothesis that there are 6 steps involved in collecting sales and inventory data for ordering.

Conclusion Even though the hypothesis was not supported, the validity of the 6 steps that I proposed was affirmed by the experts who work with these processes every day. The step that I omitted was…. (Demonstrate a deep understanding of what was learned through this research…remember it is not the fact it was 7 steps instead of 6 (who really cares!!) This is a platform to display your knowledge of the important processes that occur at BlueLinx

Considerations in Choosing a Research Question and Sub Problems 1. Does your problem address an important question that can “actually make a difference?” 2. Is a learning curve demonstrated? 3. Does it display what you have learned at your internship? 4. Will it be valuable to your mentor or your internship site?

Avoid a Research Problem That: Only seeks self-enlightenment Only compares 2 sets of data Results only in a “Yes or No” answer Note: These questions are acceptable when in the midst of more questions that collectively portray a “Bigger Picture”

Finding a Problem 1. Look around you…what do you observe or experience in a 24 hour period or at your internship? 2. Research the Literature 3. Attend professional programs, meetings or conferences 4. Seek advice of an Expert or Mentor 5. Choose a topic that intrigues you 6. Integrate your Knowledge, Skills, and Interest to a problem that will benefit your Mentor and/or Internship MOST IMPORTANT- Make sure “You Own IT”

Stating the Research Problem/ Question State it clearly and completely Example: “ Welfare on Children’s attitudes” should be modified to: “What effect does welfare assistance to parents have on the attitudes of their children toward work?

Stating the Research Problem/ Question Is it feasible and practical? Say precisely what you mean and include specific terms from each subproblem (This may entail EDITING to get the clearest statement or question possible)

Dividing the Research Problem into Subproblems Most research problems are too large, broad, or complex. The Solution: Break down into subproblems It helps the researcher with HOW to implement a strategy in the research process

4 Characteristics of Subproblems Must be researchable Must be tied to the interpretation of data Subproblems must add up to the total problem No more than 2 to 6 subproblems (3 is the most common)

Pseudoproblems Do not confuse subproblems with pseudoproblems Pseudoproblems describe more the procedure of the study and not the problem itself. Ex: How large should the representative sample be?; What statistical tool should be used?

Exceptions of using procedural processes for a subproblem If the subproblem involves a “procedural” aspect that is an integral part of the main question and is an “applied” skill learned at the internship to do your job. Example: How many steps are needed in collecting sales and inventory data at BlueLinx?

Hypothesis A tentative proposition to answer the question and guide the investigative process Generally, there is a 1:1 ratio of hypothesis to subproblem Not proven or disproven, but supported or not supported Make a declarative statement

Making a declarative statement “There will be a significant difference between…… There will not be a significant difference between….. This approach to disprove an opposite hypothesis is called the NULL HYPOTHESIS

Research Plan or Map This is the very first step in the Research Proposal process!!! You will need 4 main Components for your Map in this project

Research Plan or Map Sometimes it is best to decide what you want to cover first and use the Subproblems as the starting point Develop Hypothesis(es) for each subproblem Determine the Criteria Needed to Support the Hypothesis Design an “Umbrella” or Main Research Question that encompasses all subproblems

What is the importance of arts in education and what skills do children learn? What is arts in education? What skills can children learn by being involved in acting at The Art Place? What is the most common way to incorporate arts in education? Arts in education is the incorporation of the arts into educational experiences. Students can learn creativity, originality, determination, and cooperation by being involved in acting at The Art Place. Students between the ages of 11 and 16 will benefit best from the skills learned. Integrating the arts into each core curriculum subject is the most common way to incorporate arts into education. Research previous studies on the topic for definitions and ideas of arts in education. Survey parents, teachers, and students in performing arts groups at The Art Place. Compare survey results of two acting groups at The Art Place. Research previous studies on the topic for suggested set-up of curriculum and arts incorporation.

Research Map Conference Each Student will sign up for a time in a small group setting the week fo 10/14 Each Student will receive a Grade The Grade includes: attendance at the Conference and Being Prepared with the Research Map The Research Map will have 4 Components (See Previous Examples…rubric distributed on 10/9)