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Unit 4 Formulation of Research Problems

1. What are the two types of researches?

1. Qualitative research
2. Quantitative research 

2. What are the characteristic features of a research problem?

Characteristic features of a research problem are: 

a) A research problem leads to dependable solutions. 

b) It contributes to useful generalizations and theory development. 

c) It provides insight into the hypothesis formulation. 

d) It provides the direction for the choice of res arch design. 

e) It helps in wise choice of statistical or other relevant methods of interpretation. 

3. State the criteria for a good research problem.

The three major criteria of a good research problem are: 

a) It should express a relationship between two or more variables. 

b) It should be stated clearly and unambiguously in question form. 

c) It should be stated so as to imply possibilities of empirical testing. 

4. What difficulties are faced by a beginning researcher?

Due to limited knowledge of the research process, a researcher finds it difficult to identify a suitable area of research. 

5. List the major tasks involved in identifying a problem situation.

The tasks involved in identifying a research problem are: 

a) To accumulate the facts that might be related to the problem 

b) To decide whether the facts are relevant. 

c) To find out the relationship between facts that might reveal the key difficulty. 

d) To propose various explanations for the cause of the difficulty. 

e) To ascertain whether these explanations are relevant to the problem. 

f) To trace the relationship between explanations that might give an insight into the solution of the problem. 

g) To trace the relationship between facts and explanations. 

h) To question assumptions underlying the analysis of the problem. 

6. Give details of the efforts made by researchers to identify a problem situation.

The efforts made by the researcher to identify a problem situation are: 

a) To decide the area of his/her research 

b) To understand the known theories, facts and ideas in the field of researcher's interest. 

7. What are the various sources of problem identification? 

The various sources of problem identification are: theory, experience, discussion, dissatisfaction and literature. 

8. Explain the contexts where experience helps the researcher.

Experience is a great teacher. You can formulate a research problem based on your own experience or experiences of persons associated with you. 

Thus, you may decide to focus on aspects such as the significance of the presence of the whole family in psychoeducation pertaining to a family member's physical illness; role of the father in counselling; impact of a couple's interpersonal relationship on their child; mass media influence on adolescents etc. 

9. Mention any three important advantages of discussion as a source of research problem identification.

The important advantages of discussion as a source of research problem identification are: 

i) Contemporary research areas capture the mind of a researcher, 

ii) Certain ambiguities which the researcher initially has _get clarified, and 

iii) The researcher is able to classify as to whether his problem is fundamental, applied or action research. 

10. What are the delimitations in research?

Delimitations are boundaries which are put by the researcher in terms of variables, sample, tool, statistical techniques, etc. They give a broad perspective to view the research problem. 

11. What are the major forms of formulating research question?

Three major forms of formulating research questions at:

a) Question form 

b) Relationship form 

c) Comparison form

12. What is the meaning of hypothesis?

Hypothesis is the presumptive statement of a proposition or a reasonable guess, based upon the available evidence, which the researcher seeks to prove through his study. 

13. List various sources of hypothesis.

Experience, background knowledge, versatility of intellect and analogies, scientific theories are important sources which help in the hypothesis formulation. 

14. List the characteristics of a good (usable) hypothesis . 

A good hypothesis should

(i) be clearly and precisely stated; 

(ii) be 'testable'; 

(iii) state the expected relationship between variables; 

(iv) be limited in scope; and 

(v) be consistent w th most known facts. 

15. Why is the research question important? 

• A research question is important as it provides clarity and direction for the research endeavour. A well-formulated research question guides the selection of appropriate research methods, data collection techniques and data analysis strategies. Without a clear research question, the researcher may wander aimlessly, gathering data that is not relevant to the study's objectives.
• The research question ensures that the research is focused and addresses a specific gap in knowledge. It helps in determining the scope and boundaries of the research, making it manageable and achievable. A clearly articulated research question enhances the significance of the research by addressing a specific issue or problem, making the findings more impactful and relevant to the field of study.
• The research question also provides a framework for communicating the research findings. It helps researchers present their findings in a logical and coherent manner, allowing readers to understand the study's purpose, methodology and conclusions. By addressing a specific research question, researchers contribute to the advancement of knowledge and provide valuable insights that inform policy and practice.

16. Discuss the importance of hypothesis in experimental studies.

Hypotheses are crucial to experimental studies as they provide testable propositions for exploring causal relationships between variables.

• Direction: Hypotheses guide the entire research process, from selecting an appropriate research design and data collection methods to choosing suitable data analysis techniques. Just like a research question, a hypothesis ensures that the study remains focused and addresses a specific knowledge gap.
• Clarity: A well-formulated hypothesis states the expected relationship between variables, promoting clarity in the investigation. It compels the researcher to define the variables operationally so that the predicted relationships can be empirically examined.
• Framework: Hypotheses provide a framework for testing and validating theoretical propositions, contributing to theory development. They also establish a basis for comparing the performance of different groups or treatments.
• Rigour: Formulating and testing hypotheses add scientific rigour to the experimental study, enabling researchers to draw valid conclusions and contribute to the advancement of knowledge