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CHAPTER 2: IDENTIFICATION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM
SELECTION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM
1. Select a research topic
2. State the research problem from information gathered pertaining to the selected topic
The research problem should:
( be of interest to the researcher AND at least some segment of the educational
community
( ensure some degree of originality (or extension of existing knowledge)
( have theoretical and/or practical educational significance
( add to existing knowledge in a meaningful way
( be researchable, feasible, and ethical
Sources for research problems/topics:
( research interest of professor/mentor
( discussion with other graduate students
( researcher's professional experience & interests
( current issues in education or social sciences
( research & professional literature
The problem statement must provide adequate focus and direction for the research. It should also identify key variables of the study and suggest the appropriate methodology for the study.
CONSTANTS, VARIABLES, AND MEASUREMENT SCALES
Constant - a characteristic or condition that is the same for all individuals in a study.
Variable - a characteristic that takes on different values/conditions for different individuals.
Types of Variables
Independent Variable - a variable that affects the dependent variable under study and is included in the research design so that its effects can be determined. (Also known as a predictor variable in certain types of research.)
Levels of the Variable - describes how many different values or ca ...