1. Identifying a Research Problem
Chapter 2
Identifying a Research Problem
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2. By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
Define and identify a research problem and explain its importance in a study
Distinguish between a research problem and other parts of the research process
Identify criteria for deciding whether you can or should study a research problem
Describe how quantitative and qualitative research problems differ
Learn the five elements that compromise a “statement of the problem” section
Identify strategies useful in writing a “statement of the problem” section

3. What Is a Research Problem?
A research problem is an educational issue or concern that an investigator presents and justifies in a research study.

4. Locating the Research Problem
Look in the opening paragraphs of the study 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…”?

5. Why the Research Problem Is Important
It establishes the importance of the topic.
It creates reader interest.
It focuses the reader’s attention on how the study will add to the literature.

6. 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.

7. Differences among the Topic, Problem, Purpose, and Questions
General
Topic
Distance learning
Research
Problem
Lack of students in distance classes
To study why students do not attend distance education classes at a community college
Purpose
Statement
Does the use of Web site technology in the classroom deter students from enrolling in a distance education class?
Research
Question
Specific

8. 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?

9. Determining Whether a Problem Should Be Researched (cont’d)
Will your study fill a gap or void in the existing literature?
Will your study replicate a past study but examine different participants and different research sites?
Will your study extend past research or examine the topic more thoroughly?
Will your study give voice to people not heard, silenced, or rejected in society?
Will your study inform practice?

10. How Research Problems Differ for Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Use quantitative research if your research problem requires you to:
Measure variables
Assess the impact of these variables on an outcome
Test theories or broad explanations
Apply results to a large number of people
Use qualitative research if your research problem requires you to:
Learn about the views of the people you plan to study
Assess a process over time
Generate theories based on participant perspectives
Obtain detailed information about a few people or research sites

11. Five Elements of a “Problem Statement”
FLOW OF IDEAS
What
Remedying
the Deficiencies
Will Do for
Select
Audiences
Deficiencies
in the
Evidence
Educational
Issue
Evidence for the
Issue
Topic
Subject
area
A concern
A problem
Something that needs a solution
Evidence from
the literature
practical
experiences
In this body of
evidence, what is missing?
What do we
need to know
more about?
How will addressing
what we need to
know help:
researchers
educators
policy makers
individuals such as
those in the study

12. Advancing the Topic The topic is introduced in the first paragraphs.
The topic includes the general subject matter.
The topic must be introduced so that the reader can relate to it.

13. The Narrative Hook
The narrative hook should be the first sentence of the study.
Functions of the narrative hook
Causes the reader to pay attention
Elicits an emotional or attitudinal response from the reader
Causes the reader to continue reading
Information that can be included in the narrative hook
Statistics
A provocative question
Need for research
Intent of the study

14. Stating the Research Problem
State the problem in the opening paragraph
Identify an issue
Research-based research problems
Practical problems
Reference the problem using the literature

15. Justifying the Importance of the Research Problem
Justification based on what other researchers have found
Justification based on personal or workplace experiences
Justification based on the experiences others have had in the workplace

16. Identifying Deficiencies in the Evidence
What do we still need to know?
What else do we need to know to improve practice?

17. Ask the following question: “Who will profit from reading my study?”
Identify the Audience
Ask the following question: “Who will profit from reading my study?”
Other researchers
Practitioners
Policy makers
Special populations (e.g., parents)

18. Writing the Statement of the Problem Section
Include one paragraph for each of the five elements
Heavily reference this section to the literature
Provide statistics to support trends
Use quotes from participants (in moderation)

19. Example of the Flow of Ideas in the Problem Statement
Justification
for Research
Problem
Relating the
Discussion
to Audiences
Topic
Research
Problem
Deficiencies in
the Evidence
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 individuals?
An Example
Parents’ role in promoting access to college
Parents can better
assess their role
Counselors can better
involve parents
Colleges can better work
with parents
Need for
Better access
for students
of color
Past literature has
documented poor
attendance
Need to evaluate how parents can
promote access