Research03
vivi_5488
548-333.pptx
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Introduction to Problem Statements and Research Questions
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Copyright 2009 by Steven R. Terrell, Ed.D.
No part of this document may be reproduced
in any form, manual or mechanical, without
the express written consent of the author.
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In the beginning…
All research starts out by identifying a
problem or opportunity about which we
want to gain better knowledge or find a
solution for.
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We can learn more about a problem or opportunity by using:
Past experience or experience of others
Authority figures
Both inductive and deductive reasoning
The scientific method
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Four steps in the scientific process:
Select and define a problem
Perform the necessary research, evaluation or development
Analyze the results of the research, evaluation or development
Draw and report conclusions based on the analysis
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The scientific process is:
Orderly
Methodical
Can be used in both education and industry
Similar to Deming’s wheel and other developmental methodologies
Similar to traditional systems development life cycle for information systems
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We can use the scientific process with these approaches:
Research strategies
Quantitative research
Qualitative research
Problem solving strategies
Developmental problem solving
Evaluative problem solving
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Numeric data
Hypotheses and research procedures stated prior to starting the study
Variables are manipulated
Large sample sizes
Uses statistical procedures
Little participant interaction
“We live in a stable and predictable world that we can measure, understand and generalize about” (Gay, Mills and Airasian, 2009)
Quantitative Research
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Common Quantitative Approaches
Survey research
These studies are used to examine current status of something.
Relationship Studies
These studies explain how events or things are related to one another. Common types are correlational studies and causal-comparative studies.
Experimental research
These studies are used to examine cause-and-effect and work by examining the effect of independent variables (i.e., the cause) on dependent variables (i.e., the effect). The three major types of experimental research are pre-experimental designs, quasi-experimental designs and true experimental designs.
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Selecting a problem area
Statement of the problem includes
Background
Concise statement
Significance
General Problem Area
Specific, manageable problem!
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Sources of problems
Existent theory
Personal experience
The literature
Replication of previous studies
Problems in your own workplace or institution
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Characteristics of a Good Problem
Can be researched through collection and analysis of data
Theoretical or practical significance
The researcher is comfortable in terms of skill, resources needed, time and knowledge
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For example…
Researchers (Smith, 1998) have noted that, although
feedback is an integral part of the development of achievement
motivation, elementary classroom teachers do not provide
feedback in a manner that is conducive to the growth of such
motivation. Given the relationship between feedback,
motivation and achievement (Jones, 1999), it is imperative
that educators attempt to develop and implement better
methods of achievement oriented feedback.
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Factors Affecting Solving a Problem
Do we have the information available to solve the problem?
Do we have the skills and resources necessary to solve the problem?
What criteria exists for solving the problem?
Which individuals or groups should be involved in solving the problem?
Do we have the authority to address a given problem area?
Is the problem manageable?
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Ideas to Help Narrow Down a Problem Area
Determine what evidence of a problem exists
Is there any benefit in solving the problem?
What consequences exist if the problem is not solved?
What groups or individuals within the institution are affected by the problem?
Will the problem worsen with time?
Are you looking at a problem or a symptom of a problem?
Is the problem internal or caused by external or extenuating factors?
Is it feasible and cost effective to work on the problem?
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Writing the Statement of the Problem
It should contain all variables to be considered
It describes the relationship between the variables
It describes the population to be studied
It is stated early in the paper
It should provide both a background and a significance section
It should define all relevant variables
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Are these good problem statements?
Students have poor study skills.
Computers should be used to teach English.
Community college students are academically under-prepared.
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Three Stages of Problem Definition for Analytics Students:
Solve all the world’s problems
Solve some of the world’s problems
Solve the problem at hand!
The sooner you get to step 3, the better!
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The research question vs. the hypothesis
Many people are confused as to the difference between the research question and the hypothesis. Research questions are developed to help guide you through the literature for the given problem area. For example, if we are addressing student motivation as a problem area, research questions might read:
What factors have been shown to affect student motivation?
Can student motivation be increased?
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Research questions for the prior problem statement:
What is the relationship between levels of feedback, motivation and achievement? (relationship)
Will students receiving different levels of feedback demonstrate different levels of motivation? (difference)
What is the level of achievement feedback generally given to students today? (descriptive)
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In other words…
Statement of the problem
Research questions
Review of literature
Hypotheses
Remember - not all studies require hypotheses!
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Reference List
Terrell, S. (2013). Overview of Statistics [Powerpoint slides].
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Populations and Samples
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Populations and Samples
Assumption for This Course – The sample that is drawn is representative of the population.
Population – the entire collection of individual members of a group of interest.
Sample – a subset of a population that is drawn to enable inferences to the population.
Reproduced with permission of the SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA
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Parameters and Statistics
Statistics are used to approximate population parameters.
| Population Parameters | Sample Statistics | |
| Mean | μ | x |
| Variance | σ2 | s2 |
| Standard Deviation | σ | s |
Reproduced with permission of the SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA
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Reference List
SAS (2016). Data manipulation and analytics using SAS University Edition, Cary, NC. The SAS Institute
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