1. 3 Insert Your Chapter Title Here The Research Problem
Author name here for Edited books

2. What Is a Research Problem?
Something to evaluate or research
Usually a problem or issue
Something that cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no”
Something that requires digging for information and some type of analysis

3. Research Problem
An evaluation plan and process do not exist for the Wiggles and Giggles classes at the agency. Does this meet the criteria for a research problem?

4. Purpose Statement
Completes the statement “The purpose of this study is to . . .”
Example: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Wiggles and Giggles classes.

5. Research Question
Take the problem and purpose, and restate them in the form of a question.
Examples:
Have the objectives of the class been achieved?
What is the satisfaction level of the adults in the class?
What is the satisfaction level of the adults with the instructors’ performances in conducting the class?
What recommendations do the adults have to improve the class?

6. Characteristics of a Good Research Question
Must be feasible, meaning that data can be collected on it
Should be significant
Should be clear
\QQAU: Will information be added next to Definitions? XQQ\

7. Good or Not?
How are the teen programs affecting (decreasing or increasing) the local criminal activity in the community?
Question criteria:
Feasible
Significant
Clear (definitions)

8. Justification So what? (evaluation and scientific method)
Explains significance
Children and obesity?
Nationally
Locally
Home

9. Research Designs
Experimental
Correlation
Survey

10. Experimental Design
Examine cause-and-effect relationship: If A is done, then B will occur.
Measure variables
Manipulate variable
(continued)

11. Experimental Design (continued)
Type of paddle given to each beginning kayaker
Double-blade paddle
Single-blade paddle
Variable A = Type of paddle
Variable B = Five beginning kayaking skills
Two groups—each group with a different type of paddle

12. The Experiment Group 1: Double-blade paddle
Takes classes and is tested for five skills
Group 2: Single-blade paddle
Comparison of test results at end of class to determine which paddle is better for beginners

13. Figure 3.3
DO NOT EDIT [fig 3.3, id # ]

14. Correlation Design Examine the strength of a relationship
Examine two variables
Do not manipulate a variable
Examine the relationship in a real-world setting

15. Correlation Example
What is the relationship between time spent studying and grade on the exam?
This question contains two variables: time and grade.
Researchers must collect data and analyze data.

16. Correlation Coefficient
Number from analysis representing a relationship
Number between +1.0 and –1.0
Preferred number = above plus or minus 0.80

17. Sign The sign (+ or –) indicates direction of variables.
Positive: As one goes up, the other goes up.
Negative: As one goes up, the other goes down.
\\QQAU: Is this an appropriate design for evaluation of the Wiggles and Giggles class? Xxqq\\This goes with the slide about time spent studying and grade….new example

18. Survey Design
Gather information about opinions, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences
Measure multiple variables
Do not manipulate variables
Describe the group

19. Survey
Is this an appropriate design for the evaluation of the Wiggles and Giggles classes?
Have the objectives of the class been achieved?
What is the satisfaction level of the adults in the class?
What is the satisfaction level of the adults with the instructors’ performances in conducting the class?
What recommendations do the adults have to improve the class?

20. Qualitative Research Designs
Three design options:
Ethnographic design
Historical design
Case study design
Collect data in the form of words, pictures, and descriptions—not numbers

21. Ethnographic Design
This design is used to document the everyday life experience of an individual, group, or culture.
The researcher can live with the subjects.
Example: Living the life of a river guide or a gang member within the subculture

22. Historical
This design is used to document the development of an event, activity, or phenomenon through time.
Example: Documenting the development of snowboarding into an Olympic sport

23. Case Study
This design is used to gather comprehensive data on a particular individual or a small group.
Example: Gathering data on low-income single mothers

24. Action Research
Action research focuses on resolving an internal problem of the agency.
Results do not apply beyond the agency.