Problem Formulation

in Applied Social Research

Where Do Research Topics Come From?

● Practical problems in the field

Where Do Research Topics Come From?

● Practical problems in the field

● Literature in the field
Where Do Research Topics Come From?

● Practical problems in the field

● Literature in the field
● Your own thinking
 Is the Study Feasible?

● Tradeoff between rigor and practicality

● How long it will take
● Ethical constraints
● Needed cooperation
● Costs
 The Literature Review

● Review the scientific literature

● Do the review early
● The review can help you
– See if your idea has been tried
– Include all relevant constructs
– Select instruments
– Anticipate common problems