Problem Selection in Research

Research Methodology Research, Evaluation and Testing

EPM 522 EDU 521
EPM (Education) MA (Education)
3rs Semester 3rs Semester
Morning / Afternoon Morning / Afternoon

Dr. Quratul Ain Hina

Department of Education
National University of Modern Languages,
Islamabad
 Topic of Discussion

1. RESEARCH

2. SELECTION OF A RESEARCHABLE

PROBLEM/TOPIC

3. REFINEMENT OF THE PROBLEM/TOPIC

 SOME DEFINITONS OF RESEACRH

Research is
• “Systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation
of natural phenomena guided by theory and hypotheses
about the presumed relations among such phenomena.”
Kerlinger (1986)

• “a systematic process of collecting and analyzing

information (data) for some purpose.” McMillan and
Schumacher (1997)

• “The systematic study of materials and sources in order to

establish facts and reach new conclusions.” Oxford English
Dictionary (2002)

• “formal, systematic application of the scientific method to

the study of problems” (Gay, 2000)
 WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Process of Research starts with a
………………….
in our……………

Process of Research starts with a

…PROBLEM….
in our…DAILY LIFE…..
Selection of Research Problem/
Topic
Novel Idea??
Mother of All Successful
Proposals
Where do we get our ideas
from?
 Advisor/ Committee
members/ colleagues
 Reading
literature/publications
 Library/internet
 Conferences/seminars
 Look what has been
funded, who gets funded
and by whom?
 Draw inspiration from
anywhere you can
 What is a great idea?
Where do we get our ideas from?
• Personal experience
• Curiosity based on something in the
media
• The state of knowledge in a field
• Social premiums
• Personal values
Factors to consider in Selecting a
Research Problem
• The topic should be important (significant)
More Factors to Consider…
• Consider the feasibility of the project.
– How much time do you have available
• Do you really want to do a longitudinal study that will
take 3 years to complete for a MS thesis?
– How difficult is it. Are data available?
– How much will it cost?
More Factors…
• Make sure the topic is ethical to study.
Factors to Consider in Selecting a
Research Problem
• You should have a personal interest in
the topic.
– By the time you are done, you may really
be tired of the topic
More Factors to Consider…
• The “newness” of the topic may hold
you interest longer, however there is
some value in repeating previous
research
More Factors…
• Make sure the research
Objective/question is clear.
 ACTIVITY

Select an area and a

researchable problem from your
field of choice.

15 Mints
 ACTIVITY

Apply the selected topic on the

checklist provided

10 Mints
 CHECKLIST FOR TESTING THE FEASIBILITY OF THE
RESEARCH PROBLEM
• Is the problem of current interest?  Will the research results have social, educational or scientific
value?
• Will it be possible to apply the results in practice?
• Does the research contribute to the science of education?
• Will the research opt new problems and lead to further research?
• Is the research problem important?  Will you be proud of the result?
• Is there enough scope left within the area of reseach (field of research)?
• Can you find an answer to the problem through research?   Will you be able to handle the research
problem?
• Will it be practically possible to undertake the research?
• Will it be possible for another researcher to repeat the research?
• Is the research free of any ethical problems and limitations?
• Will it have any value?
• Do you have the necessary knowledge and skills to do the research?  Are you qualified to
undertake the research?
• Is the problem important to you and are you motivated to undertake the research?
• Is the research viable in your situation?  Do you have enough time and energy to complete the
project?
• Do you have the necessary funds for the research?
• Will you be able to complete the project within the time available?
• Do you have access to the administrative, statistic and computer facilities the research
necessitates?
Refinement of the topic

WHO/WHAT,
WHERE,
WHEN,
WHY. 
1.WHO: people or interest groups
involved

2.WHAT: a particular component of the

subject

3.WHEN: a specific time period

4.WHERE: a geographic area or location

5.WHY: its relation to other things

Refinement of the topic
1. Theoretical approach:
2. Aspect or sub-area:
3. Time:
4. Population group:
5. Geographical location:
 ACTIVITY

Apply the selected topic on the

process of refinement

15 Mints
THANK YOU