The Pathfinderscience Network Discussions | Research | Site Index | Search | Supporters  
    My Own Research: Research Questions     
the KanCRN Collaborative Research Network


My Own Research
  Home
  Research Question
  Background Info
  Research Methods
  Data Submission
  Results of Study
  Data Analysis
  Conclusion
  Further Research
  Research Values


Student
 Research

  Publish
  View

My Own Research, Research Question:

Research problems can be found everywhere and anywhere. But the researcher must be careful in choosing a topic. The research must ask important questions as well as create new information. Before beginning any research: look around, do background seeking, look in reference books or on the Internet for a topic that interest you and would present a good topic to research.

Once you have chosen a topic, make sure you fully understand what the question is and what you expect to find. Language is very important when writing the research. Be direct, simple and clear when stating the research problem. Limit your study to a manageable size.

Often, when writing the paper, you will have to rewrite it several times. Each rewrite will make your words clearer and paper more concise. Using a computer to type your paper will be a big help. Spell-check, grammar check, storage and retrieval, and easy changes will help in the speed and correctness of your paper.

Each research problem can be broken down into smaller subproblems. Each of these subproblems will add up to the research statement. Be clear with each subproblem and the interpretation of the data presented.

WHERE ARE RESEARCH PROBLEMS FOUND?
.. everywhere
.. must ask important questions
.. create new knowledge

KEEPING THE RESEARCH PROCESS IN FOCUS
.. heart of the research project is the problem
.. must articulate an acceptable problem
.. formulate a problem that is carefully phrased and that represents the single goal of the research effort

STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
.. define the purpose
1.  do not use a problem in research as a ruse for achieving self-enlightenment
2.  a problem whose sole purpose is to compare two sets of data is not a suitable research problem
3.  finding a coefficient of correlation between two sets of data to show a relationship between those data sets is not acceptable as a problem for research
4.  problems that result in a yes or no answer are not suitable for research

STATE THE PROBLEM CLEARLY AND COMPLETELY
..  "Always state the problem in a complete grammatical sentence in as few words as possible."
..  be specific
..  limit areas studied so that the study is of manageable size

THINK, CONSIDER, AND ESTIMATE
..  be sure of the feasibility of your study

SAY PRECISELY WHAT YOU MEAN
..  say precisely what you mean in your research problem
..  problem is stated in the very first words

EDIT YOUR WRITING
..  choose your words carefully
..  clarify your writing
..  rewrite, rewrite, rewrite
..  express thought fully with as few words as possible
..  use a thesaurus
..  keep your sentences short
..  look at each thought as it stands on the paper
..  be alert to modification

THE WORD PROCESSOR AS A TOOL FOR THE RESEARCHER
..  important features of word processing
1.  editing features
2.  formatting features
3.  special assisting features
4.  document storage and retrieval features

SUBPROBLEMS
..  most problems too large or complex
..  subparts of main problem called subproblems

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUBPROBLEMS
..  each subproblem should be a completely researchable unit
..  each subproblem must be clearly tied to the interpretation of the data
..  subproblems must add up to the totality of the problem
..  proliferation of subproblems is circumspect
..  beware of unrealistic goals

HOW TO IDENTIFY SUBPROBLEMS
..  begin with the problem itself
..  write the problem, than box off the subproblem areas

EVERY PROBLEM NEEDS FURTHER DELINEATION
..  eliminate any possibility of misunderstanding
..  give full disclosure of what you intend to do and not do
..  give the meanings of all terms used
..  state the assumptions
..  state the hypotheses and/or research question

RESEARCH IDEAS (READ, SUBMIT, AND COMMENT)


View the Next 20 Submissions | View the Best 20 Submissions

Keyword     



      I have a research idea to submit.

      My Name 

      Title 

      My Research Idea and My Comments About it - separate paragraphs with <p>

      Optional Related Link URL: (include the http://)

      Link Title:




      Optional path to your .gif or .jpg graphic for upload:

      Source of graphic (give credit):

      or 

      1999, KanCRN Collaborative Research Network   
    >>