Educational Research Chapter 3

Research Problem Systematic Research begins with a research problem - begin with a general topic and then narrow it down to a specific statement of the research problem Sources of problems: 1.Experience 2.Deductions from theory 3.Related Literature 4.Noneducation Sources

Qualitative Research Problem Same as quantitative – experience, theory, related literature, current social issues The area in which you are interested is called the focus of inquiry As you research the focus of inquiry you begin to narrow it to find out exactly what you want to know. For example, violence is broad, but aggressive behavior in inclusion classrooms is more narrow.

Qualitative Research Problems cont Two Types or Questions (chapter 15): (1) particularizing questions which means asking questions about a specific context (What is happening in this school?) (2) process questions look at how things happen – the process by which a phenomenon takes place (How did aggression increase in this school?)

Research Problem cont Evaluating the problem: 1.Problem should be stated clearly. 2.Solution should contribute to the field of education 3.Problem should lead to new problems and further research. 4.Problem should be researchable 5.Problem should be suitable for the researcher – example – interest, experience, access to subjects 6.Problem should be ethically appropriate – consent, protection from harm, privacy

Research Problem cont Stating the problem: Quantitative 1.Clarify what you are investigating by defining terms operationally. 2.Problem asks about a relationship between two or more variables – state as a statement or question Example: This study examines the relative effectiveness of home- based and center-based EI in teaching language to children with developmental delays. What is the relative effectiveness of home-based EI as compared with center-based EI in teaching language to children with developmental delays?

Research Problem cont 3. Problem should be stated in such a way that research into the question is possible – no philosophical questions. For example: Which is better preschool or no preschool attendance? Think of population variables when form a research statement or question Examples: What is the effect of having experienced versus not having experienced a preschool program (independent variable) on the reading achievement (dependent variable) of first graders (population).

Examples continued: What is the relationship between IQ (variable) and achievement (variable) in children with special needs (population)? What are the opinions of parents (population) concerning the inclusion of students with special needs (variable=opinion toward inclusion)?

Research Problem cont Stating the problem: Qualitative – as noted earlier, a statement or question that indicates the general purpose of the study or “focus of inquiry.” As research is gathered, the general purpose narrows to more specific topics. Example: The primary purpose of this study is to describe how teachers in preschools respond to the uncertainty in language art reform. Includes = setting, subjects, context, aim – often state the problem after begin data collection.