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Chapter 2 Basics of Educational Research

The document discusses key concepts related to defining a research problem in educational research. It explains that a research problem is an educational issue or concern that a researcher investigates. The problem should ask about relationships between variables, be clearly stated, testable, and establish importance. Quantitative problems aim to measure and test theories, while qualitative problems learn views, assess processes over time, and obtain detailed information.

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Tobiel Pasco
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169 views10 pages

Chapter 2 Basics of Educational Research

The document discusses key concepts related to defining a research problem in educational research. It explains that a research problem is an educational issue or concern that a researcher investigates. The problem should ask about relationships between variables, be clearly stated, testable, and establish importance. Quantitative problems aim to measure and test theories, while qualitative problems learn views, assess processes over time, and obtain detailed information.

Uploaded by

Tobiel Pasco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Basics of Educational

Research
Chapter Two
Key Concepts
• What is a research problem and why is it important?
• Can and should the “problem” be researched?
• How does the “problem” differ for quantitative and
qualitative research?
• What are the five elements that comprise the
“statement of the problem” section?
What is a Research Problem?
▪ A research problem is an educational issue or concern
that an investigator presents and justifies in a research
study.

▪ Researcher must discover and define a specific


topic\problem from a broad and general problem
area.

•The specific topic is the Research Problem


Characteristics of Research Problem

• It should ask about a relationship between two or more variables.


• It should be clearly stated (precise and concise)
• It can be stated as a question or as a statement, indicating the primary
objective of the study.
• It should be testable by empirical methods - should be possible to
collect data to answer the questions(s) asked.
Why is the Research
Problem Important?
• Establishes the importance of topic
• Creates reader interest
• Focuses reader’s attention on how study will add to literature
Where is the Research Problem
Located?
• Look in the opening paragraphs, and ask yourself:
• What was the issue or problem that the researcher
wanted to address?
• What is the concern being addressed “behind” this
study?
• Why was the study undertaken in the first place?
• Why is this study important?
How Does It Differ from Other Parts of
Research?
• A research problem is an issue or problem in the study
• A research topic is the broad subject matter being addressed in a
study.
• A purpose is the major intent or objective of the study.
• Research questions are questions the researcher would like answered
or addressed in the study.
Differences Among Topic, Problem,
Purpose and Questions

General Topic Distance Learning

Research Lack of students in distance


Problem classes

Purpose To study why students do not


attend distance education classes at
Statement
a community college.

Research Does the use of web site technology


in the classroom deter students
Question
Specific from enrolling in a distance
education class?
Can and Should the Problem Be Researched?
• Can you study the problem?
• Do you have access to the research site?
• Do you have the time, resources and skills to carry out
the research?
• Should you study the problem?
• Does it advance knowledge?
• Does it contribute to practice?
• Is there a need which requires a resolution?
How Does the Research Problem Differ for Quantitative
and Qualitative Research?

Use quantitative if your Use qualitative if your research


research problem requires problem requires you to
you to • Learn about the views of the
people you plan to study
• Measure Variables
• Assess a process over time
• Assess the impact of these
• Generate theories based on
variables on an outcome participant perspectives
• Test theories or broad • Obtain detailed information
explanations about a few people or research
• Apply results to a large number of sites.
people

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