1. The Research Problem Chapter 3
The Problem is the “HEART” of the Research Process
Basic Research: Research that “enhances” basic conceptual knowledge on a topic
Applied Research: Intended to address issues that have immediate relevance to current practices, procedures, and policies

2. Basic Research
Collecting information from peer reviewed articles, journals, encyclopedias, dissertations, studies, mentor’s library collection etc… enhances one’s conceptual knowledge of topic.
Each Research Project needs at least 1 Basic Research Subproblem to demonstrate depth of knowledge in the field of study.

3. .:Example of Basic Research Subproblem ::.
What factors cause the presence of symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]?
Hypothesis: Factors that affect the symptoms of ADHD include environmental agents, brain injury, food additives & sugar, genetics, and prenatal conditions.
Independent Variable(s):__________________
Dependent Variable(s):___________________

4. .:: Sub-Problem One ::. Source 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Genetics Brain Injury
Food Additives & Sugar
Environmental Agents
Prenatal Conditions
Other 1
Yes
[X]
Motivational factors 2
Yes (Partially) 3
Psychosocial factors 4 No 5 6 7

5. Applied Research
Each Research Project should contain a subproblem that has relevance to the actual internship experience.
Examples: Opinions of medical experts on a topic, surveys of employees, data from sales of concrete, data of most favored aroma, steps involved in a particular surgery
Sometimes a subproblem could incorporate both basic and applied.
A Good Research Project should have BOTH Applied and Basic!!!!!
EXAMPLE: SEE Next SLIDE

6. How does the process of collecting sales and inventory data, and ordering products occur at BlueLinx Company?
Hypothesis: The 6 steps of the process of collecting sales and inventory data for ordering are:
An individual visits a warehouse and counts the inventory.
The amount of sales that occur each month on average are calculated for each product.
The items are sorted into categories based on how fast they are selling.
The data is all sorted into a data table.
For the faster moving products, three times the monthly sell rate are ordered when the inventory is at zero products remaining.
The slower moving products are evaluated, and some are discontinued, while others are evaluated individually for how much should be ordered.

7. Criteria to Collect Data
Follow up on the work that BlueLinx employees perform. Interview as many employees as possible involved in the process of collecting sales and inventoring data.

8. Data Table
Step Number:
Description of Step: 1 2 3 4 5 6

9. Criteria to Support/Not Support Hypothesis:
If there are six steps according to the data collected from the three individuals interviewed, and each step corresponds to my hypothesized steps, then the hypothesis will be supported.

10. Outcome Step Number: Description of Step: 1
A policy number (PO#) is assigned to each warehouse owned by BlueLinx. The workers use the PO# to identify all shipments that are coming in. 2
The products in the shipments are individually counted, and then recorded in the company database. This data goes on the website 3
The products are then stored on different shelves. The items that have 75 days or more on hand are placed in bins that are higher up in the warehouse. These items are usually ordered and used at a slower rate. The items that have less than 75 days left in the warehouse are placed in bins that are closer to the ground. These items are usually ordered and used at a faster rate. 4
Customers can order from If they do so, the warehouse receives notification that the order has been placed. The requested materials are pulled from the shelves and placed in boxes to be shipped out. As soon as the products leave the warehouse, the amount of product shipped out is subtracted from the total available data. 5
A weekly report is sent to the BlueLinx Corporate Offices from Webb-Mason Inc. (a company that BlueLinx works with for inventory). 6
The individuals in the offices receive the report from the warehouse they are supposed to watch. Any product that has less than 75 days on hand is reordered so that there will be 90 days of product on hand when the shipment is received. 7
The amount of product ordered is recorded so that another individual does not place the same order. However, the amount ordered is not added to the overall inventory until it is received by the warehouse.

11. Criteria to Support or Not Support Hypothesis
After Interviewing 3 employees to see if in fact that the process involved 6 steps, they agreed that what was stated was true, but one significant step was missing. There are actually 7 steps. I do not support the hypothesis that there are 6 steps involved in collecting sales and inventory data for ordering.

12. Conclusion
Even though the hypothesis was not supported, the validity of the 6 steps that I proposed was affirmed by the experts who work with these processes every day. The step that I omitted was…. (Demonstrate a deep understanding of what was learned through this research…remember it is not the fact it was 7 steps instead of 6 (who really cares!!) This is a platform to display your knowledge of the important processes that occur at BlueLinx

13. Considerations in Choosing a Research Question and Sub Problems
1. Does your problem address an important question that can “actually make a difference?”
2. Is a learning curve demonstrated?
3. Does it display what you have learned at your internship?
4. Will it be valuable to your mentor or your internship site?

14. Avoid a Research Problem That:
Only seeks self-enlightenment
Only compares 2 sets of data
Results only in a “Yes or No” answer
Note: These questions are acceptable when in the midst of more questions that collectively portray a “Bigger Picture”

15. Finding a Problem
1. Look around you…what do you observe or experience in a 24 hour period or at your internship?
2. Research the Literature
3. Attend professional programs, meetings or conferences
4. Seek advice of an Expert or Mentor
5. Choose a topic that intrigues you
6. Integrate your Knowledge, Skills, and Interest to a problem that will benefit your Mentor and/or Internship
MOST IMPORTANT- Make sure “You Own IT”

16. Stating the Research Problem/ Question
State it clearly and completely
Example: “ Welfare on Children’s attitudes”
should be modified to:
“What effect does welfare assistance to parents have on the attitudes of their children toward work?

17. Stating the Research Problem/ Question
Is it feasible and practical?
Say precisely what you mean and include specific terms from each subproblem
(This may entail EDITING to get the clearest statement or question possible)

18. Dividing the Research Problem into Subproblems
Most research problems are too large, broad, or complex.
The Solution: Break down into subproblems
It helps the researcher with HOW to implement a strategy in the research process