From Objectives to Methods (c) Research Problem and Questions A/Professor Rob Cavanagh April 16, 2008

Why Start with a Problem? Research is essentially inquiry The process of inquiry assumes an interplay between the inquirer and the object of the inquiry The inquirer has a reason or motivation for gaining a better understanding of something in his/her life or in the world Implicit in the notion of ‘better understanding’ is the presence of a ‘problem’ for the inquirer

What is a Problem Problem – any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty or difficulty Problem – a question proposed for solution or discussion Problem - difficult to train or guide; unruly ( a problem child) Macquarie Dictionary

A Research Problem An operational definition: A research problem is a question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty or difficulty that is proposed for solution or discussion Key aspects of a research problem. It concerns: A question Something which is not fully understood Something that has been deliberately chosen as the subject of inquiry

What is Not a Research Problem? A question that has an obvious or previously confirmed answer A statement of fact by the ‘researcher’ – the researcher already has an unequivocal answer, view or position A statement that precludes inquiry For example: Outcomes based education leads to improved student learning

Foundations of a Research Problem The researcher has a guiding image or abstract ideal (an eidos) that stimulates engagement in inquiry The researcher is knowledgeable, preferably without bias, about the subject of inquiry The researcher’s knowledge has been obtained in a systematic manner – literature on the matter has been read and assayed

From Problem to Research Questions The problem should be expressible as a question and if not already expressed as question needs to be re-written as a question Consider: What is doubtful, uncertain or difficult in the matter to be investigated? What has caused this doubt, uncertainty or difficulty? For example: Lack of prevailing knowledge or theory Contradictions in prevailing knowledge or theory Unproven relationships or connections between variables

Think in Terms of Research Objectives Research objectives specify the anticipated outcomes of the investigation The objectives of research could be classified as: Exploratory – seeking new understandings Descriptive - describing better or alternatively exemplifying what is already known in a new context Confirmatory – testing/ validating hypotheses

Characteristics of Good Research Questions Research questions should be feasible - that is, capable of being investigated with available resources Research questions should be clear - that is, unambiguous Research questions should be significant - that is, worthy of investigation Research questions often (although not always) suggest a relationship to be investigated. The term 'relationship,' as used in research, refers to a connection or association between two or more characteristics or qualities

Concluding Remarks Start with the eidos and at the level of the problem The conceptual framework developed from the literature review is based on the problem The conceptual framework should reveal possible connections or associations between concepts or variables that can be expressed as specific research questions Finally, the research questions must be answerable