Exploring Student Attendance in Nonmandatory Synchronous Sessions: A Qualitative Study, Slides of Literature

Download Exploring Student Attendance in Nonmandatory Synchronous Sessions: A Qualitative Study and more Slides Literature in PDF only on Docsity!

FROM PROBLEM STATEMENT TO

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Objectives

• Understand and develop all of the

Chapter 1: Introduction sections.

• Develop and articulate research questions

that are related to the purpose of the study.

Chapter 1: Introduction (cont.)

Background and Justification The evidence and relevance from the literature and published or archival data showing the problem exists. Include at least two references. You should also have a theoretical basis for the study.

Deficiencies in the Evidence Include a brief discussion that details the area of need (in relation to the problem) and the deficiency or lack of evidence in the literature.

Audience Discuss who is affected and who benefits.

Definition of Terms Provide complete scientific definitions and appropriate references if necessary. Include as many terms or variables as needed.

Purpose of the Study Create a sentence that begins with “The purpose of this study is.. .” Clearly identify and define the central concepts or ideas of the study.

Example of the Flow of Ideas in the

Problem Statement

Topic Research Problem

Justification for Research Problem

Deficiencies in the Evidence

Relating the Discussion to Audiences Subject area

• Concern or issue
• A problem
• Something that needs a solution - Evidence from the literature - Evidence from practical experience - In this body of evidence what is missing or what do we need to know more about? - How will addressing what we need to know help researchers, educators, policy makers, and other An Example^ individuals?

Ethical issues in colleges

Flow of Ideas

Ethical violations among football recruiters

• Gap in the literature
• Reports of violations

Description identifying and characterizing violations

• Assessing violations
• Helps recruiters develop better ethical standards
• Helps athletes understand ethical issues

Topic Selection Considerations

• Personal interest
• Organizational support
• Ethical issues
• Relevance of the study
• Contribution to the field
• Time constraints
• Breath and scope
• Economic factors

Sources of Topic Selection

• ERIC, PsycINFO, Medline
• Journals, books, and dissertations in your field
• Conferences, workshops, presentations
• Recommendations about future research
• Courses
• Workplace
• Expert consultations
• Online library services

Stating the Research Problem

• State the problem in the opening paragraph

(i.e., something that needs a solution)

• Identify an issue
  • Research-based research problems
  • Practical problems
• Reference the problem using the literature
• Common pitfall: defining the problem based

on the solution

How the Problem Differs From

Other Parts of Research

• A research problem is an educational issue or

problem in the study.

• A research topic is the broad subject matter

being addressed in a study.

• A purpose is the major intent or objective of

the study.

• Research questions are those that the

researcher would like answered or addressed in the study.

Locating the Research Problem

• Read the opening paragraphs of existing

studies for one or more of the following:

• What is the issue or problem?
• What controversy leads to the need for a study?
• What concern is being addressed behind the study?
• Is there a sentence such as, “ The problem being addressed in this study is…”?

Determining Whether a Problem

Should Be Researched

• Can you study the problem?
  • Do you have access to the research site?
  • Do you have the time, resources, and skills to carry out the research?
• Should you study the problem?
  • Does it advance knowledge?
  • Does it contribute to practice?

How the Problem Differs From

Other Parts of Research

• A research problem is an educational issue or

problem in the study.

• A research topic is the broad subject matter

being addressed in a study.

• A purpose is the major intent or objective of

the study.

• Research questions are those that the

researcher would like answered or addressed in the study.

Identifying Deficiencies in the

Evidence

• What do we still need to know?
• What else do we need to know to improve

practice?

Elements of a Quantitative

Purpose Statement

• A quantitative purpose statement identifies the

variables, their relationships, and the participants and site for research

• Guidelines for writing
  • Use a single sentence.
  • Use wording such as The purpose of this study....
  • If using a theory, state the theory you plan to test.
  • Use quantitative words (e.g., “relate,” “compare,” “describe”) to describe the relationships between variables.

Elements of a Q uantitative

Purpose Statement (cont.)

• Guidelines for writing (cont.)
  • Independent variable (1st position in sentence)
  • Dependent variable (2nd position in sentence)
  • Control and/or mediating variable (3rd position in sentence)
  • Research site
  • Participants