Research Problems
What are they and how do you develop one
What is a Research Problem
Research problems are the educational issues, controversies, or concerns that guide the need for conducting a study.
The Research problem differs from the topic and research question.
Research topic: is the broad subject matter addressed by the study
Research Problem: an issue, concern, or controversy that narrows the topic
Purpose: major intent or objective of the study
Research Question: narrow the purpose into specific questions that the researcher would like answered
Research Problems in Quantitative Research: the issues need to be explained --- Research Problems in Qualitative Research: the issues that need to be explored
Statement of problem section includes:
1. The topic
2. The research problem
3. A justification of the importance of the problem
4. The deficiencies in existing knowledge 5. The Audience(s)
A study must always contribute to knowledge by doing at least one of the following:
- Fills a void or extends research
- Replicates a study with new participants or new sites
- Studies a problem that has not been studied or is understudied
- Gives voice to people not heard
- Informs practice
Problems of Practice and Instructional Rounds
Open the following document to learn about Problems of Practice in Education using Rounds.