...Running Head: RESEARCH PROBLEMS Characteristics of Research Problems Kelvin D. Hodgest Northcentral University Dr. Eve Kaczmarek EDU7002-8- Educational Research Methodology 1 November 2012 Characteristics of Research Problems Introduction The need for research is imperative in the world of education, medicine, and technology. Without research the possibility of advancement becomes instantaneously impossible. It is important that definitive researchable problems are established, and that the problem which is in question can be used to address and ultimately improve existing problems in the chosen area of research. Thus, this paper will address what constitutes a researchable problem, what are the components of a well formed Statement of Research Problem, and what constitutes a reasonable theoretical framework for the need of the study? A Researchable Problem In the world of business, medicine, and education there is always room for research. This research helps create learning opportunities that either proves documented research, or it provides information that opposes documented research. Either way, the researchable problem should help improve the existing problem. The researchable problem should establish where and what kind of research that the writer is attempting to convey. This researchable problem should also recognize particular objectives that the research study is speaking about. The world relies on research to make improvements...
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...Research The Importance of Research - it is a valuable tool to produce needed changes. - it is a pathway to progress and development. - used to address problems that need to be solved. - used to look into situations that require improvements. - used to review policies that must be revised. - programs actions that demand modifications to be truly responsive to complex human existence. The Meaning of Research Research is a multi-faceted human endeavor: 1) To a lot of people , it is a difficult and demanding task. 2) To beginners, it is a complicated process. 3) To students, it is something that must be done to complete a course requirement. 4) To those who value knowledge and the truth, it is a very fulfilling and exciting challenge. What is Research? According to: 1) Aguinaldo (2002) and Calderon (1993) – research is a "a purposive, systematic, and scientific process of gathering, classifying, organizing, presenting, analyzing and interpreting data for the solution of a problem, for prediction, for invention, for the discovery of truth or for the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation of the quality of life." 2) Sevilla (1998) – defines research as "searching for theory, for testing theory or for solving problem." 3) Andres (1998) – defines research as a "careful, critical inquiry or examinationin seeking facts or principles; a diligent investigation...
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...The nature of educational research is analogous with the nature of research itself, which is systematic, reliable and valid to find the “truth”, investigates knowledge, and solves problems (William Wiersma, 1991). Moreover, educational research process involves steps to collect the information in order to investigate problems and knowledge. However, the educational research is more complex because it can use various approaches and strategies to solve problems in educational setting. It also can involve many disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, behaviour, and history. In addition, educational research is important because of contributing knowledge development, practical improvement, and policy information (John W.Creswell, 2005). Therefore, educators can use those research findings to improve their competences and teaching and learning process. Furthermore, the characteristics of educational research are a part of its nature. According to Gary Anderson (1998), there are ten characteristics of educational research. I tried to classify those into three categories, which are the purpose of research, the procedures of research, and the role of researcher. The purposes of research are to solve the problems, investigate knowledge, and establish the principles in educational phenomena. In short, it focuses on solving the problems and developing knowledge. Furthermore, procedure is an important characteristic of educational research, which involves colleting data with accurate...
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...Definition of research design A research design refers to a master plan, blue print and even a sequence of research task activities. Research design in simple terms is a plan of methods and procedures that is used by researchers to collect and analyze data needed by the manager. They also contain clear objectives, specify information sources on which the data will be collected, the type of data, design technique, sampling methodology and budgets as well. The three types of research design are namely exploratory, descriptive and causal research design. Exploratory research design Exploratory research design is a study which is designed to find out enough about the problem to usefully formulate a hypothesis. It stems from the general problem description such as finding out how consumers make decisions about things like life insurance. Exploratory research design is used when looking for insights into the problem and also to help define hypothesis (but does not test) and key variables. It is also used to identify course of action when information needs are vague and also to establish priorities for further research. Characteristics of exploratory research design Exploratory research design is flexible and unstructured It is used for finding tentative data Used as building block for more research. For example pilot surveys, secondary data and focus groups It is done on small non representative sample Methods used Exploratory research design uses soft methods...
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...2. DEFINE RESEARCH IN GENERAL AND ENUMERATE THE CHARACTERISTICS, TYPES, AND ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF RESEARCH AND STEPS INVOLVED IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS OF RESEARCH. YOUR ESSAY MUST NOT BE LESS THAN 2000 WORDS DEFINITION OF RESEARCH Introduction Research has been defined by different people in different ways. At any point in time, depending on what an individual is doing in relation to a particular topic or subject area of study, there is the tendency that one may deem that activity as a form of research. Research therefore cuts across all facets of human endeavor; in the sciences, humanities, electronics etc. These diversities create room for one to distinguish between what scientific research is and what a normal review of information is In simple terms, Research maybe defined as a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover (new) information or reach a (new) understanding. Cambridge Dictionaries Online, © Cambridge University Press 2003. Zora Neale Hurston described Research as a formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. The Concise Oxford English Describes Research as the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. A researcher on the other hand is someone who contributes to the understanding of a phenomenon and communicates that understanding to others. Research is designed to solve a particular existing problem so there is a much larger...
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...Activity No.1 Understanding Educational Research I. Introduction We are now living in a BETTER world, a world where ignorance but truth and understanding is at trend. This could be recognize as the fruits of research; leading to better predictions, and better understanding of the world we live in. In education, we could identify research with a better understanding of the individual, and better understanding and improvement of the teaching and learning process and in other circumstances in which it is most fruitfully carried on. II. Objectives: At the end of this activity, it is expected that students will be able to: 1. Define research and educational research. 2. Differentiate research from educational research. 3. Give the uses of research in education. 4. List researchable topics in education. III. Write ups/ instruction: 1. Obtain at least 5 definitions of research from different authors. Compare these definitions and synthesize your own definition of research. 2. From three different authors, copy the meaning of educational research. Synthesize your own definition by referring to the definition obtained. 3. Differentiate research from educational research. 4. Give the uses of research in education. 5. List down five topics in education which you think need research. IV. Answers: 1. Five (5) definitions of research from different authors. i. “Research is the continuous discovery and exploration of...
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...The nature of educational research is analogous with the nature of research itself, which is systematic, reliable and valid to find the “truth”, investigates knowledge, and solves problems (William Wiersma, 1991). Moreover, educational research process involves steps to collect the information in order to investigate problems and knowledge. However, the educational research is more complex because it can use various approaches and strategies to solve problems in educational setting. It also can involve many disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, behaviour, and history. In addition, educational research is important because of contributing knowledge development, practical improvement, and policy information (John W.Creswell, 2005). Therefore, educators can use those research findings to improve their competences and teaching and learning process. Furthermore, the characteristics of educational research are a part of its nature. According to Gary Anderson (1998), there are ten characteristics of educational research. I tried to classify those into three categories, which are the purpose of research, the procedures of research, and the role of researcher. The purposes of research are to solve the problems, investigate knowledge, and establish the principles in educational phenomena. In short, it focuses on solving the problems and developing knowledge. Furthermore, procedure is an important characteristic of educational research, which involves colleting data with accurate...
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...Pasbul, San Juan, Lubao, Pampanga Tel #: 971 5080/971 7040 Core Learning Area Standards: The learners utilize gained scientific skills and attitudes in understanding the nature of waves as carriers of energy. They become acquainted with the different types of waves, know the different characteristics and properties of each disturbance, and through the process, develop appreciation on the importance of wave to man’s life and his environment.Year Level Standards: Understand the nature of wave as energy carriers, differences between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves, and their characteristics and properties | Waves | Number of Days – 20 days | Content Standards * Demonstrate understanding on: * the nature of waves as energy carriers and the wave properties of reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference * differences between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves and give examples of each * characteristics of waves, amplitude, crest, frequency, period, trough, and wavelength * different properties of waves | Performance StandardsConduct research works, carry out mathematical equations, and produce outputs that will reflect the existence of waves including their importance and impact to man and his environment | Lesson Number/Title | Key Understanding and Key Questions | Knowledge | Skills | Teaching Strategies | Assessment Strategies | Resources | 1. Vibrational MotionNumber of Days: 5 daysLesson Focus: * - Simple Harmonic Motion *...
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...RES/351 Week 4 February 25, 2013 State which type of research design— exploratory, descriptive, or causal—is appropriate for the following examples? You also need to explain why you choose what you did, tying the example into the concept of the chosen design. Each question is worth 8 points. The correct design is worth 4 points, a clear and correct explanation (50+ words) of why you choose what you choose is worth 4 points. Show me you understand research designs. The goal of this research is to discover the real nature of the problem and to suggest new possible solutions or new ideas. • Exploratory With exploratory research we look into the source of a particular problem and gain a better understanding of what caused. This help designing a solution to better solution the problem. A food manufacturer wants to know the demographics of people who purchase organic foods. • Descriptive With this design the manufacturer would study and observe the people and their purchasing behaviors. This research is done indirection with the manufacturer not influencing the outcome of the research. A scientist wanted to find out what animals lived the longest, how long they lived, and what environmental characteristics were that the animals lived in. • Causal In this research the Causal Design would be most appropriate it would involve laboratory experiments as well as field experiments. Discovering which variables affect the other...
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...The key characteristics and differences of research methodologies The methodologies used in research include qualitative, quantitative, mixed, and action research. First, mixed methodology entails the combination of the compilation and analysis of both qualitative and qualitative statistics. Second, action research is an informal methodology that obliges all the partakers to be mutual researchers. Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are the prevailing methods in research at present (Austin, 1978). Qualitative research methodology obtains an approach to evaluating information that looks at connotation rather than numbers. The statistics, therefore, normally consist of non-numerical data such as words or metaphors. Qualitative research is unbolt and receptive to its subject. There are various key characteristics of this research method. First, the perspective of investigation is not artificial; they are natural. Nonentity is undermined or taken for granted. Second, actions can be understood effectively only if they are spotted in context. Consequently, a qualitative researcher submerges in the setting. Under this method, interviews and observations are the most suitable strategies to be used. Quantitative research methods advance research in a different way and scrutinize the data based on figures and statistics, the consequential data is principally statistical (Trochim & Donnelly, 2006). It entails those methodologies, which include surveys, interviews, and...
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...METHODS OF RESEARCH Research is a systematic study in a field of knowledge, undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles. It is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to find an answer to a question or a solution to a problem, to validate or test an existing history. Basically, there are 9 (nine) methods of research according to scientific purposes: 1. Historical research is a type of research that examines past events or combinations of events to arrive at an account of what has happened in the past. 2. Descriptive research is used to obtain information concerning the current status of the phenomenon to describe “what exists” with respect to the conditions in a given situation. 3. Developmental research investigates patterns and sequences of growth and or change as a function of time. 4. Case & Field research is a collaborative study of the intensity of the background, its current status and environmental interactions of a given social units – an individual group, institution or community. 5. Correlational research is a method of research in which a researcher compares one variable with another to determine if there is a relationship between them. 6. Causal-comparative research determines the cause or consequences of differences that already exist between or among a group of individuals. This method is also known as ex post facto a Latin words that mean "after the fact. 7. True Experimental research is used to investigate possible cause and...
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...How to write your Research Problem Statement at WBS (for any queries please contact Terri Carmichael at terri.carmichael@wits.ac.za, Anthony Stacey ay Anthony.stacey@wits.ac.za or your supervisor) Your Research Problem statement is the foundation and focus of your research report. It is a clear, stand‐alone statement that makes explicit what it is you are aiming to discover or establish. Get this right and you are setting yourself up for success. If your Research Problem is poorly worded, unfocused or ambiguous, the rest of your research is likely to go off‐track very early; you will do a great deal of unnecessary reading and writing, losing sight of the big picture (and probably your mind!). Writing your Research Problem Statement 1. First select your research topic, which is the issue or subject area that you intend to investigate – see the document “Finding a Research Topic”, available at www.wbs.ac.za . 2. Describe the business or management problem based on your topic that you intend to research. Do this right at the beginning of your research proposal or report as laid out in the templates (remember to reference any facts that you are basing your research on). This will set the scene for your Research Problem statement, so that you can write a clear, stand alone Research Problem. 3. A Research Problem is not the same as a business problem, ie it is not a “problem” in the normal ...
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...Activity 3 Section 3: Research Problem The title for Chapter 3 in your text is �The Problem: The Heart of the Research Process.� Locating a researchable doctoral level research problem is a critical first step in the dissertation process. This course is devoted to that step in the process; and in a developing a researchable Statement of Problem, that is to be refined throughout much of the entire dissertation process. The following is a sample of a common issue for purpose statements from the OAR. Please read carefully to avoid making these common errors. Sample Problem Statement DirectionPlease provide further explanation of your purpose statement see the direction from the DRF below. Problem Statement (approximately 250 to 300 words) Note: Articulation of a concise problem statement is key to a successful proposal/dissertation manuscript. The problem statement is a brief discussion of a problem or observation succinctly identifying and documenting the need for and importance of the study. | 1. Present general issue/observation that in theory or practice leads to the need for the study (in most cases citations within the last 5 years should be included). | 2. Present focused problem that leads to the need for a research response. For some degree programs (DBA, PhD) the problem identified might be a practical problem or issue. | Clearly describe and document the problem that prompted the study. Whose problem is it? What are the potential negative consequences...
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...State which type of research design— exploratory, descriptive, or causal—is appropriate for the following examples? You also need to explain why you choose what you did, tying the example into the concept of the chosen design. Each question is worth .8 point. The correct design is worth .4 point, a clear and correct explanation (50+ words) of why you choose what you choose is worth .4 point. Show me you understand research designs. 1) The goal of this research is to discover the real nature of the problem and to suggest new possible solutions or new ideas. Exploratory - Exploratory research design is a study intended to investigate in depth findings about the problem and formulate a hypothesis. 2) A food manufacturer wants to know the demographics of people who purchase organic foods. Descriptive design is used to describe a targeted population of users and forecast future demand. 3) A scientist wanted to find out what animals lived the longest, how long they lives, and what environmental characteristics were that the animals lived in.. Descriptive - If the research is concerned with finding out who, what, where, when, or how much, then the study is descriptive. 4) British Airways would like to test in-flight Internet services on one of its regular flights from New York to Tokyo. The company charges $30 one week and $15 the next week. Causal 5) A firm is thinking of hiring a research firm to ‘try out’...
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...the Report Process and Research Methods Chapter 9 Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods Learning Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Identify the characteristics of a report and the various classifications of business reports. Apply steps in the problem-solving process and methods for solving a problem. Use appropriate printed, electronic, and primary sources of information. Demonstrate appropriate methods of collecting, organizing, and referencing information. Explain techniques for the logical analysis and interpretation of data. Chapter Overview After having studied informal communications including letters, memos, and electronic communication, students seem to understand the objective and formal nature of reports simply because of the contrast. Chapter 9 follows a sequence that begins with report characteristics and then covers the four steps in problem solving. Methods of research are presented, with considerable attention given to sampling and designing survey instruments used in normative surveys. Information is included for locating both printed and electronic sources of information. Chapter Outline CHARACTERISTICS OF REPORTS 140 Types of Reports 141 Proposals 143 BASIS FOR REPORTS: THE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS 143 Recognizing and Defining the Problem 143 Selecting a Method of Solution 145 Collecting and Organizing the Data 149 Arriving at an Answer 155 Key Terms Analytical report 142 Experimental research 148 External report 142 ...
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