Research Problems Research Questions Statement of Purpose

RESEARCH PROBLEMS A Research Problem is a clear, concise statement of the purpose of a research investigation. 1. It provides a focus for the researcher. 2. It gives the reader and user of research important information--it helps the reader to decide if the research is important or interesting and makes the research much easier to understand.

Sources for Research Problems 1. Investigator’s interests and experiences. 2. Applying theories. 3. Replication. 4. Clarification of contradictory results.

The following topics are non-researchable The following topics are non-researchable. Reframe them to become researchable 1. Should we teach sex education in elementary schools? 2. Do teachers need to have courses in test construction? 3. Should the school day be longer? 4. Should learning disabled students be mainstreamed in English as well as in physical education?

Criteria for evaluating research problems 1. The problem must be researchable. 2. The problem must be important. 3. The problem should indicate the type of research. 4. The problem should specify the type of population. 5. The problem should specify the variables. 6. The problem should be clear.

HYPOTHESES Hypotheses are educated “guesses” or tentative expectations about a correct solution to a problem, descriptions, possible relationships, or differences.

Types of Hypotheses 1. Research (or Substantive) Hypothesis--A declarative statement of the results the investigator expects to find. 2. Null (or Statistical) Hypothesis--Is a statement of a relationship or difference that can be tested statistically.