Selection and Definition of a Problem

First Step Identify a general area that is related to your area of expertise and is of particular interest to you.

Three Main Sources of Research Topics Theory Personal Experience Replication

Theory Organized bodies of concepts, generalizations, and principles.

Personal Experiences Lead to useful and personally rewarding studies.

Replication Repeating an existing study. It is generally expected that some feature of the replication(e.g. sample, instruments) will differ from the original study.

Problem with Library Immersion Not efficient unless one focuses on: –handbooks, encyclopedias, and yearbooks that cover many topics briefly.

Narrowing a topic Quantitative topics-usually narrowed as quickly as possible. Qualitative topics-delayed until time is spent in the setting.

Characteristics of Good Topics Researchable- can be investigated through the collection and analysis of data. Philosophical topics, ethics issues or should questions are generally not researchable.

Characteristics of Good Topics A good problem has theoretical or practical significance; the solution should contribute in some way to improvement of the educational process.

Characteristics of Good Topics Good topic is one good for you. Must be a topic you can adequately investigate given: –your current level of research skill. –your available resources, –and your time and other restrictions.

Well-Stated Research Topic Statements Quantitative Study indicates: –variables of interest to the researcher. –The specific relationship between the variables to be investigated, and the types of participants involved.

Well-Stated Research Topic Statements Quantitative Study –defines all variables, either directly or operationally. –Operational definitions define concepts in terms of measurable characteristics.

Well-Stated Research Topic Statements Statement of problem should be accompanied by a presentation of the background of the problem, including a justification for the study in terms of its significance.

Well-Stated Research Topic Statements Qualitative research topics are often stated later than quantitative. –The qualitative researcher needs to be attuned to the research context before narrowing the topic.