I. Research problems A.The need to communicate what will be studied in clear, concise, and unambiguous terms B.One or more sentences indicating the goal, purpose, or overall direction of the study C.General characteristics 1.Implies the possibility of empirical investigation 2.Identifies a need for the research 3.Provides focus 4.Provides a concise overview of the research D. Two ways of stating the problem 1.Research problems: typically a rather general ………overview of the problem with just enough ………information about the scope and purpose of the ………study to provide an initial understanding of the ………research 2.Research statements and/or questions: more ………specific, focused statements and questions that ………communicate in greater detail the nature of the ………study 3.Examples a.General research problem 1.The purpose of this study is to investigate ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the attitudes of high school students to ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,mandated drug testing programs b.Statements and questions 1.This study examines the differences between ………………males' and females' attitudes toward ………………mandated high school drug testing ………………programs. 2.What are the differences between freshmen, ……………….sophomore, junior, and senior students' ……………….attitudes toward mandated high school drug ……………….testing programs? E.Researchable and non-researchable problems 1.Researchable problems imply the possibility of ……....empirical investigation a.What are the achievement and social skill …………..differences between children attending an …………..academically or socially oriented pre-school …………..program? b.What is the relationship between teachers' …………...knowledge