Course: Research Methodology Assignment: Analyze the main characteristics of an appropriate research problem Presented by: AbdiQadir Buureed Characteristics of a Research Problem
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Introduction •
The selection of an appropriate appropriate problem is the first step in research.
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The term “Problem” means a question or issue raised to examine or address for consideration consideration or solution .
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The selection of a problem for research is not an easy task; itself is a problem. problem.
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Ignore, Talk about, or try to solve them.
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Vision, an imaginative insight, plays an important role in this process. Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Introd…. •
One of the most difficult phases of any research project is the identification of a appropriate research problem.
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Research forms a cycle. It starts with a problem and ends with a solution to the problem.
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The research problem is therefore the axis which the whole research revolves around, because it explains in short the aim of the research.
Characteristics of
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Problem •
Problem can be anything which disturbing our minds, our intention, social aspects and so on OR problem can be defined as something deviates from from the norm or issue to be address. • In research when we talk about problem is a something which is frequently happening not just at once, for for example, example, why students always perform poorly?, then you starting conducting a research. Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Definition • Conventional sense: a problem is a set of
conditions needing discussion, a solution, and information. • Technical meaning: implies the possibility of empirical investigation, that is, of data collection and analysis statement is a description of a • A problem statement problem that needs to be solved or at least researched researched to see whether a solution can be found. • It should provide the reader with the context for the research study and gives the questions which the research aims to answer. Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Identification Mouly (1978) defined research as process of arriving a rriving at effective effective solutions to problems through systematic collection, analysis and interpretation interpretation of data. Process: Steps • In the Research Process: 1. Research Problem 2. Liter itera ature Review 3. Research Design 4. Collection of Data 5. Anal Analy ysis sis & Int Interpr erpret eta ation tion 6. Research Re Report • Problems should have in general Theoretical, justifications. Conceptual, Conte Contextual xtual justifications. •
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Research originates from a need that arises • • • • •
What caused the need to do the research (problem identification). Are there questions about this problem to which answers have not been found up to the present? PROBLEM and the PURPOSE The problem is the aspect the researcher worries about, think about, wants to find a solution for. The purpose is to solve the problem, i.e. find answers to the question(s).
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Research Problems •
It is a problem that someone would like to investigate.
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It is considered a situation that needs to be changed or addressed.
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These problems consist of: •
Areas of concern
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Conditions to be improved
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Difficulties to be eliminated
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Questions seeking answers Characteristics of
Research Problem
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“What constitutes a problem situation in research?” •
An interrogation – Std Vs Academic program
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An issue of concern
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Unanswered questions – Neg. Att Math& GB
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Missing links – Voc Vs Ed Syst
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Imbalances – Arts Vs Science
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Unsatisfactory state of affairs
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Technological change Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Ways of stating 1. Prob Proble lem m St Sta atem emen ent: t: General overview with just information information about the scope and purpose of the study to provide an initial understanding understanding of the research. 2. Rese esear arch ch Obje Object ctiv ives es and/ and/or Quest Questio ions: ns: more specific focused statements statements and questions that communicate in greater detail the nature of the study.
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Research Problem
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Steps in research problems 1. Ident Identify ify a br broad topic opic 2. Identify Identify a narro narrow w topic topic within within the broad topic 3. Rais Raise e ques questi tion onss 4. Formu Formula late te object objectiv ives es
Characteristics of
Research Problem
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From Broad Topic to Narrow Topic Unskilled Labor
Inefficient Irrigation
Unsuitable Climate
Inefficient Water harvesting
Water Scarcity
Lack of crop varieties adapted to climate
Unsuitable Crops
Farming Patterns Patterns do not Return nutrients
Low Labor Productivity
Food Insecurity
Low Land Productivity
Farmers can’t afford fertilizers
Poor Soil Characteristics of
Research Problem
Farmers unaware of best practices
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The identification of a good research problem problem should be be considered a discovery in itself. itself.
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As soon as the researcher identifies a research problem he has to ensure whether the research problem problem meets the appropriat app ropriate e Characteristics Characteristics of research research problem. p roblem.
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The following are the main characteristics of an appropriat app ropriate e research problem. Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Characteristics 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Resea searchabil bility Theo Theorretic etical ally ly Impo Import rtan antt Originality Relevence Feasiblity Narr Narro ow Down own Pr Proble oblem m Int Interr erroga ogativ tive For Form m Ethic thical al Cons Consid ider erat atio ion n Characteristics of
Research Problem
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1. Researchability •
Observation or other data collection in the real world can provide the answer. • It is not: (1) how to do something; (2) a vague or too broad a proposition; (3) a value-based concerns (not Info. Alone) ; (4) or inadequate procedures and techniques: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Is demo democr crac acy y a good good form orm of of Gov Govt. t.? ? Can Can crim crime e be pre prevent ented? ed? Should Should P.E Classes Classes be droppe dropped d from from curr curricu iculum lum? ? New New Fisc Fiscal al pol polic icy y Vs Vs Dist Distri ribu buti tive ve jus justi tice ce Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Researchable vs. Non-researchable Questions
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Research Problem
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2. Theoretical/Practical Significance •
Research Research problems have varying levels of importance to different different people in terms of their benefit.
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So a typical research problem should be important and worth investigating. investigating.
different sizes of shoes?’’ • ‘’ why people buy different • ‘’why people buy particular type of shoes’’
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Research Problem
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3. Originality (Novelty) • There is no use of wasting one’s time & energy
on a problem already studied thoroughly by others. •
A researcher may come up with different views on the definitions of terms used in a previous work.
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Research Problem
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4. Relevence It is important to understand whether the findings of a research problem can be useful in terms of their relevance to the situation. • For example it is unwise for a Business and Management student to design a research problem problem in a scientific topic such as human medicine. • The problem can be seen that the researcher is in the dark and findings will be too far to be reliable. • Ensure that your study adds to the existing body of Knowledge, bridges current gaps and is useful in policy formulation. This will help you to sustain interest in the study. •
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Research Problem
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5. Feasibility •
Concerns the possibility of whether the research problem can be conducted in terms of the means, resources, cost and time to complete the study.
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For example to investigate whether there can be life in Mars……. Mars……. US, EU & China… – – –
Competencies: knowledge, experience, experience, skills and a nd ability availability availability and accessibility availability availability of adequate financial resources Characteristics of
Research Problem
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6. Narrow Down Problem •
It should be specific researchable problem. problem.
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A research problem that is too general increases the scope of the project, the relevant relevant literature review that has to be covered, and time as well as the cost of the project.
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identify a specific problem area form the general problem problem that is well-defined, clear and practically manageable
Characteristics of
Research Problem
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I want to research the effect of providing immediate feedback to university students! Way too general and broad!
Characteristics of
Research Problem
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I want to research the impact of providing immediate feedback via electronic responders in graduate classes! Much Better!
Characteristics of
Research Problem
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7. Interrogative Form •
A research problem problem should set in an interrogative form use the 5Ws
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for instance, instance, what is the relationship between family environment and student performance?
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Research Problem
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8. Ethical Consideration •
It is prudent practice to remain remain within the confines of acceptable ways of doing things.
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It is morally inappropriate inappropriate to enter into the private private lives of individuals.
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The respondents may not cooperate cooperate and refuse to take part or simply to give the right information in research projects that involve sensitive questions. Characteristics of
Research Problem
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8…… •
It is important as much as possible to frame the research problem very carefully.
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Examples (Local Context) –
IRR in Hargeisa, ‘’what tribe the participants of the research represent?
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DAI Similarly raised a question on Religion?
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In Summary!!! •
Characteristics Characteristics should reflect –
SMART •
S-Specific
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M-Measurable
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A-Attainable/Achievable
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R-Realistic
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T-Time Bounded
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Conclusion •
As human beings, we are curious about the unknowns. We ask many questions questions and try to find out answers to them.
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However, not every question can become a research problem.
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A research problem has to indicate the possibility of empirical investigation--that investigation--that is, of data collection and analysis. Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Continue…….. •
A research problem has to indicate the possibility of empirical investigation--that investigation--that is, of data collection and analysis.
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In order to make your research problem appropriate, appropriate, we need need to follow some guidelines, which we discussed earlier in the above characteristics. characteristics.
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Continue…. •
Finally, you need to resolve the original problem by using the research you have have done and referring referring back to the original problem as much as possible.
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What is important is to study the research problem while taking into account these characteristics characteristics and assessing whether the research problem problem meets these requirements. Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Continue…. •
All of the above characteristics characteristics need to be applied to a good research problem to make make it thorough and conclusive.
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Without these the research may may fall apart, the problem may not appear to be fully solved s olved or the general structure of the problem may not seem clear and consistent. consistent.
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Without a careful planning and study the research work work may end up useless. Characteristics of
Research Problem
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Questions & Answers Thanks for your attention!
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