chapter 2 Developing the Problem and Using the Literature

Chapter Outline Identifying the research problem Purpose of the literature review Basic literature search strategies Steps in the literature search

Identifying a Research Problem How do graduate students identify a research problem? –Keeping focus broad rather than narrow –Reading a review paper –Reading the research literature –Looking at what your advisor does –Looking at what students and faculty in your area are doing

Unsolved Problems That Could Be Research Topics Does the Little Mermaid wear an algebra? If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown too? If all those psychics know the winning lottery numbers, why are they still working? Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?

Criteria in Selecting a Research Problem* Is the problem in the realm of research? Does it interest you? Does it possess unity? Is it worthwhile? Is it feasible? Is it timely? Can you attack the problem without prejudice? Are you prepared in the techniques to address the problem? *From McCloy, C.H. (1930). Research Quarterly

Using Inductive Reasoning From A student guide for educational research (p. 23), by R.L. Hoenes and B.S. Chissom, 1975, Statesboro, GA: Vog Press. Copyright 1975 by Vog Press.

Using Deductive Reasoning From A student guide for educational research (p. 23), by R.L. Hoenes and B.S. Chissom, 1975, Statesboro, GA: Vog Press. Copyright 1975 by Vog Press.

Purposes of the Literature Review Identifying the problem Developing hypotheses Developing the method

Six Steps in the Literature Search 1.Write the problem statement. 2.Consult secondary sources. – Encyclopedias – Research reviews 3.Determine descriptors. 4.Find primary sources using – Indexes and bibliographies – Computer searches 5.Read and record the literature. 6.Write the literature review.

Computer Searches Library –Computerized catalogs –Computer databases and CD-ROMs Databases used in our field –Web of Science –Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) –Medline –PsycINFO –Sociological Abstracts –Dissertation Abstracts Online –UnCover

Changing One Letter When Doing a Computer Search Can Be Important Dopeler effect: tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at your rapidly Reintarnation: coming back to life as a hillbilly Giraffitti: vandalism spray-painted very, very high Osteopornosis: a degenerate disease Tatyr: a lecherous Mr. Potato Head

Reading and Recording the Literature Statement of the problem Hypotheses Characteristics of the participants Instruments and tests used Testing procedure Variables: independent and dependent Treatments applied (continued)

Reading and Recording the Literature (continued) Design and statistical analysis Findings Questions for further study Citations to other studies When to copy the article

Interpreting the Research Literature What was said It’s long been known that It is suggested that It is believed that Typical results shown Correct with an order of magnitude What was meant I haven’t looked up the reference I think Best results are shown Wrong

Writing the Literature Review Developing a topical outline Organizing –Helping the reader –Using headings (continued)

Writing the Literature Review (continued) How much information to give –Critical studies –Related studies Structure of the review –Introduction –Body –Summary and conclusions

Avoiding Jargon When Writing Jargon a considerable amount of are of the same opinion at the present time for the purpose of it may be that large in size needless to say on the basis of Preferred usage much agree now for I think large omit item by