PROBLEM FORMULATION INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

What is a Research Problem? INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS A research problem is basically a “gap” between “what is “ and “what ought to be”. Tips : i.Find out why the information is being sought ii.Determine whether the information already exist iii.Determine whether the question really can/should be answered iv.Use exploratory research to define background of the problem v.Situation analysis vi.The iceberg principle vii.Determine relevant variables. 2

Criteria for Selecting A Problem INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS 1. Interest: Commit yourself to a research. 2. Size: Manageable & doable. 3. Economical: Time and money. 4. Researcher’s Capabilities & Limitations. 5. Uniqueness: Do not duplicate; similar but differentiated by method, design or sample or perform different statistical analyses. 3

Criteria for Selecting A Problem INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS 6. Start with theories/set of ideas :- easier to start. The outcome might be a critique to the theory, suggestions how it can be modified or extended 7. Potential & sufficient outcomes:- valuable results. Even if you plan to develop something in the end which might not be achievable the knowledge developed in the process still has contribution within the indicated period (3++ years?) 8. Not bias, safe & ethical:- be objective as much as possible, not causing discomfort & harm to anyone/anything (social, emotional, physical). 4

Is the problem researchable? INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS The questions include: Has the problem been specified? Is the problem amenable to research? Is the problem too large? How is the availability of the data? Am I capable of solving the problem? 5

A research aim is to do: INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS i.To clarify an existing theory ii.To clarify contradictory findings iii.To correct a faulty methodology iv.To correct the inadequate or unsuitable use of statistical techniques v.To reconcile conflicting opinions vi.To solve existing practical problems. 6

Quality of the Proposed Research INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS Show a thorough knowledge of relevant prior research. Prior research is related to the proposed research. Comprehensiveness and appropriateness of the research design. Appropriateness of the instrumentation and methodology. Appropriateness of the anticipated analyses. The likelihood that the proposed research can be completed successfully as described. 7

Step 1: State the Problem (Problem Formulation) Step 2: Background & Literature study about the problem. (Literature Review) Step 3: Form a Hypothesis (Data Collection) Step 4: Do experiment that test the hypothesis. (Analysis & Findings) Step 5: Draw a conclusion. (Derive Conclusions) INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS Research Process: The Scientific Method 8

Personal practical experience. Previous or prior work on subject. Own curiosity or own great mind Critical Study of the literature search. New technology. Interaction with other researchers in the community eg correspondence, seminars, conferences, colloquium, etc. INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS HOW TO SELECT A PROBLEM? 9

Research Problem 10 General Background/Problem Statement of Problem / Analysis Research Questions/ Finding

Will the result be significant? INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS The questions include: Will the result advance knowledge? Will the research have some value? Will the results be of interest to others? 11

To State the Problem INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS It takes two forms: Problem Statement eg. This study is designed to measure the effect of the introduction of information security awareness course has on the computer science students. Research Question eg. What effect has the introduction of information security awareness course had on the perception of the computer science students? April

Guidelines on Problem Presentation INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS Write opening sentence that stimulates interest as well as conveys an issue to which a broad readership can relate. Specify the problem or issue leading to the study. Indicate why the problem is important. Focus the problem statement on the key concept being tested or explored. Refrain from using quotes in the lead sentence. Consider numeric information for impact. Consider short sentences for impact. 13

Problem Statement Common Mistakes :- –the problem to investigate is not stated clearly enough –the scope is too big For example:- –Finding risk assessment methodology for cloud computing, but there are smaller steps (small research) to achieve the goal. Before can proceed to the research question, the researcher should conduct literature review to extend the knowledge. 14

At the end of problem formulation the researcher should have: End of Problem Formulation Enough background information in the field of study. Good literature, and giving indication of the theoretical or practical significance of the study. Develop testable hypotheses that suggest require further study and experience. 15

Formulating Research Question? Research question is an iterative (repeated) process. It is start with a set of broad aims or interest While literature is searched aims will be refined, and modified The Relationship Between the Research Question, Hypotheses, Specific Aims, and Long-Term Goals of the Project 16

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sekaran/RESEARCH 4E

Research Objectives INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS  Covers the different aspects of the problem and its contributing factors in a coherent way and in a logical sequence  Clearly phrase the operational terms.  Avoid the use of vague non-active verbs eg to appreciate, to understand, to study.  Examples of research objectives:  To investigate students’ awareness on information security and ethical issues within the university.  To evaluate the concept of computer ethics in terms of information security.  To develop a computer ethics framework focusing on ethical behavior and information security. 18

Writing Research Objectives INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS  Other example:  To identify the security risks for networked information systems.  To develop a risk evaluation tool for networked information systems  To test the evaluation tool for networked information systems 19

Purpose / Aim Statement INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS  The purpose or aim statement shapes the direction of the research.  Gives a specific & accurate synopsis of the overall purpose of the study.  Examples of research purpose / aim:  The aim of this study is to examine the existing risk analysis method and then select the appropriate solution as the basis for modification in order to assess and analyze wireless risks using fuzzy risk analysis method. 20

Form group of 2 Each of you write down your proposed research topic on 2 pieces of paper Exchange the paper with your group member In 5 minutes, write down anything that you can think of related to your friend’s topic Then exchange it again with another group member & brainstorm for another 5 minutes Finally you brainstorm your own topic Then, you analyse the 3 papers & cluster/group any similar ideas & identify any ideas/words that excite you & omit irrelevant ideas. Present your findings to the class 21 Brainstorming

Workshop Form into groups Each group decide on an area they know something about and are interested in. Each group formulate a main research question. Each group formulate three supporting questions. 22

Workshop Return to your groups Review your main research question and especially your three supporting questions. Operationalize your questions. Where are you going to get the data to answer them? PCM July 2009 Bob Colomb, Noorminshah23