The problem of the question again!

As I struggle to conceptualise Assignment 2 – I took a step back and tried to find a copy of a "Research Design Report" using Google Scholar – I did find this reference –

Leedy, P. D. and J. E. Ormrod (2001). The Problem: The heart of the Research Process. Practical research: planning and design. Upper Saddle River, N.J, Merrill Prentice Hall.

           

I am seeing the change with regards books now. It is too time consuming to actually call up a refernce for a book, go to the library to get it and scan (read) all the pages manually. I want to call up an electronic version, immediately, and be able to use my PDF annotation tool.

On Sydney Library there was only chapter 3 available electronically and not in .pdf format – ok, maybe good enough.

This Chapter informs us that the first step is to Define the Research Problem Question.

The question should be:

1. Important – the answer should make a difference
2. It should advance – the frontiers of knowledge

I had thought that my Research Problem could be the fact that I did not have a clear enough understanding of DBR and research could advance MY frontiers of knowledge–

WHAM

First page the authors knocked that out of the window

1. Research projects should not be a ruse for achieving self-enlightenment

They suggest

Read the literature: to find out what is already known and what needs to be.

Attend Professional conferences

Seek the advice of experts.

The experts have suggested I do a study of DBR – but with the level of my understanding and knowledge of the subject matter at the moment – any topic I chose I would feel that I am being presumptious!!!

The literature is vast!!!  The debate and research has been gong on for years. I have to immerse myself in following the evolution to be secure enough in my knowledge to presume the ability to highlight issues that need to be further researched???

The other students can so it must be a problem in me???

Leedy suggests the following steps to clarify once a problem question has been found.

1. State the problem clearly and completely – (I will have to come back to this one)
2. Think through the feasibility of the project that the problem implies ( time issue once again rears its head with the Masters!!!!- okay so it is not a COMPLETE research project) – look at limits and focus!
3. Say precisely what you mean (I have a problem with doing this I must be clearer in my mind to be able to formulate things clearly)
4. Edit your words – to converge on a clear, conscise problem statement – "sharpening a thought to a gemlike point"

Define subproblems vs pseudosubproblems:

I should be aiming at the setting of the problem:

1. Stating the hypothesis and or / research question

- this will provide guidance for the kids of the data that should be collected and how to go about analyzing and interpreting them. Normally a one to one mapping between questions and subproblems. Cant set about trying to prove an hypothesis – it can only be supported or not by the data

2. Delimiting the research

and stick to these limits, no matter how enticing or interesting other aspects may be

3. Defining the terms

each term must be defined operatively

a formal definition contains 3 parts a) the term to be defined b) the genera, general class to which the concept being defined belongs and c) the differentia, the specific characteristics/traits that distinguish it from all other members of the general classification.

Avoid circular definitions

5. Stating the assumptions

All assumptions that have a material bearing on the problem should be explicitly stated.

To determine ones assumptions ask "What am I taking for granted with respect to the problem"

General formats of Research proposals

1. First Chapter

Present the problem and its setting

Hypothesis or questions concerning the subproblems are stated

The settings of the problem are presented – statement of the delimitations, definitions of the terms, assumptions , the importance of the study.

2. Review of the Related Literature

A discussion of investigations that others have done.

The chapter provides a checklist to evaluate the draft proposal pg 66-67.

For fine tuning:

Complete the necessary background search – do I know enough about the topic that I can ask important questions?

Try to see the problem from all sides – what is good/not about the potential project

Think through the process – from the lit review, through implementation, data collection, data analysis, interpretation. Pay close attention to bottlenecks and pitfalss that could cause problems later on.

Use all available tools and resources at your diposal – allow time for larning about new tools or how to use old tool sin new ways – NO KIDDING!!! (.pdf annotations, googledocs, endnotes……

Discuss your research problems with others, especially peers – pity we don't really have that set up. People are distanced and so stressed to get their own done.

Hold up your project for other to examine and comment on – have to rely on supervisors for that and Lina always does a great job.

Actively seek information and constructive criticism that may help you accomplish your task

Remember that your project will take time -  I never forget this