Problem Identification in Research

WHAT ARE NOT RESEARCH PROBLEMS?

1. Problems that result in a YES or NO answer are not problem for research. Ex. Is homework beneficial to children?
2. Those that deal with ethical questions. It would be very hard to generate an honest response from these problems.   Ex. Is there a relationship between premarital sex and class achievement?
3. Questions that do not require mental struggle.   Ex. How many female students are enrolled in English 101?
4. When a machine can take the place of a researcher to provide answers to questions.  Ex. What is the history of genetics?
5. Metaphysical questions where it is impossible to collect publicly verifiable data and information in order to answer the question.  Ex. Do you believe in spirits?

TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS

DESCRIPTIVE QUESTION

• Seeks to describe phenomena or characteristics of a particular group of subjects being studied
• Answers the question “what is”
• Asking questions of the research participants
• Testing or measuring their performance

Example:  What are the attitudes of rural parents toward the inclusion of sexuality education in the school curriculum?  (Welshimer & Harris, 1994)

RELATIONSHIP QUESTION

• Investigates the degree to which two or more variables are associated with each other
• Does not establish “cause-and-effect”
• Only identifies extent of relationship between variables

Example: Is there an association between self-esteem and eating behaviors among collegiate female swimmers?  (Fey, 1998)

DIFFERENCE QUESTION

• Seeks to make comparisons between or within groups of interest
• Often associated with experimental research

Example:  Does participation in Special Olympics affect the self-esteem of adults with mental retardation? (Major, 1998)

Guidelines in Formulating Research Questions

1. Questions must include all variables in your study.
2. The set of research questions or sub-problems must be preceded by one question expressing the main problem of the research.
3. Avoid asking questions answerable with “yes” or “no”.
4. Use “how” questions only in a qualitative research.
5. Questions must be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound

References:
Practical Research 1 - Esther L. Baraceros