Problem Formulation and Techniques
Completion requirements
- This Unit will discuss the key steps involved in identifying research problem, hypothesis formulation and testing, and most importantly developing a research proposal and plan. By following these steps, researchers ensure that their study is thorough, valid, and reliable, leading to meaningful contributions to knowledge in their field.
1. Problem formulation: Identifying research problems and formulating research questions.
1.4. Common Pitfalls in Formulating Research Questions
When developing a research question, it is crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that can hinder the clarity and effectiveness of your inquiry. Recognizing these pitfalls can help ensure that the research question is robust and well-positioned to guide your study effectively.
- Overly Broad Questions: One of the most frequent mistakes is crafting a research question that is too broad or vague. Such questions can lead to unfocused research and make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. Aim for specificity by clearly defining the scope and parameters of your study.
- Lack of Feasibility: It is essential to ensure that your research question is feasible given your resources, time constraints, and access to data. Questions that are overly ambitious or complex may not be practical to investigate thoroughly.
- Ambiguous Language: Using vague or ambiguous terms can lead to misunderstandings about the intent and focus of your research. Strive for precision in your wording to enhance clarity and facilitate effective communication with your audience.
- Neglecting Existing Literature: Failing to review existing literature before formulating your research question can result in redundancy or the pursuit of questions that have already been adequately addressed. Conducting a thorough literature review is vital to identify gaps in knowledge and inform your research focus.
- Ignoring Ethical Considerations: Research questions should always consider ethical implications, especially when involving human subjects or sensitive topics. Questions that could lead to unethical research practices or harm to participants should be carefully reconsidered.