Chapter 3

The Research Topic

 Introduction
• A topic is the subject to be researched, analyzed
and interpreted.
• It is a thematic statement of what the research
is all about.
• Typically, a researcher selects a research topic by
identifying a wide area of interest or concern.
• Then narrows that area to a manageable set of
research questions.
• One of the most difficult phases of any research
project is the identification of a suitable problem.
• The heart of every research is the problem.
• The identification of a good research problem
should be considered a discovery in itself.
• A research problem is a terminology for a topic
that has been narrowed down and refined
appropriately for research.
• It is the why of the study.
• It is a hypothesis or a question of interest to a
researcher which can only be tested or
answered through the collection and analysis
of fresh data.
• A research problem goes beyond surface
problems which do not demand collection and
interpretation of data.
• Research is usually conducted because a
deficiency or a need has been identified.
 Problem Identification
• One of the most difficult tasks for researchers is how
to identify a research problem.
• A research problem is different from ordinary or
general problems.
• it is a need or a discrepancy that can only be solved
through collection and analysis of data.
• Some of the common pointers to research problems
are issues which attract attention and may need
investigation, unanswered questions, etc.
• To identify a research problem, a researcher
should answer YES to the following questions:
 Is there a perceived inconsistency or
discrepancy between “what is” (the actual)
and “what should be” (the ideal)?
 Is there a question about why there is a
discrepancy?
 Are there possible and reasonable solutions or
answers to the discrepancy?
• A research problem can be conceived from
several angles:
 An interrogation
 An issue of concern
 Unanswered question
 Missing links
 Imbalances
 Unsatisfactory state of affairs
 Technological challenges
 Characteristics of a problem
• To ensure that one’s problem is appropriate, it
should have four basic qualities, namely:
1. It should be researchable or verifiable
2. It must have theoretical/practical significance
3. It should be clear
4. It should be ethical
 Sources of problems
• Theory and experiences are the two major
sources of problems but some others are:
• Textbooks
• Consultation with the course instructor
• Literature review
• Practical issues
• Discussions, workshops, seminars
 Research Background
• A research background is not just a story
about the problem or the topic.
• It is as the name suggests, the background or
more precisely, the foundation of the study.
• It must introduce the status and the
theoretical orientations of the study.
• A research background should portray the
history and the character of the problem.
 Historical Background
• It brings to picture the area or institution of
study, the popultn in question & its characters
• It traces back the history of the problem being
investigated.
• It leads by the other scholars to deal with the
problem and their findings.
• Form the basis of the whole study.
 Theoretical Background
• It seeks to clearly state the basic theoretical
orientations (assumptions) about variables.
• It should be rooted in known theories of the
phenomenon under investigation.
• For example, mgt style and the participation
of staff in organizations.
• An appropriate mgt theory that justifies the
linkages should be identified.
 The Conceptual Background
• The researcher conceptualizes the study
variables by identifying and stating the basic
elements that constitute the study variables.
• Its also shows how such variables are related
and are to be used in the study.
• Conceptual linkages are usually illustrated by
using diagrams.
 The Contextual Background
• The researcher indicate how research maps on
the general area of interest.
• This part compares what should be against
what is on the ground.
• The researcher then identifies the knowledge
gaps by highlighting the variance b/w what is
ideal and what is real.
• The responsible elements are also identified.
 Problem Statement
• A well-written statement of a problem should
indicate the variables of interest to the study.
• It must shows, the specific relationship b/w
those variables.
• It clearly specifies the gaps in existing
knowledge of the problem, the existing
controversy and the non-conclusive evidence.
• Its important that the statement is presented
logically.
 Purpose of the Study
• The purpose or goal of the study elaborates
the information implied in the topic of the
study, and presents a quick overview of the
study.
• It incorporates the problem, target popultn,
the design, and broad expectations of the
study in ambitious and largely immeasurable
terms.
 Objectives
• Objectives state the immediate intentions of
the study, indicate the variables which will be
examined and measured.
• They constitute promises by the researcher
that certain activities will take place, that
certain specific variables will be examined,
and certain specific targets will be realized.
 Why State Objectives?
• They provide focus for the study by specifying
its intended outcomes.
• They narrow the scope of the study to specific
issues.
• This helps the researcher to generate specific
hypotheses and to develop researchquestions.
• They enable the researcher to select a research
design or method and proper tools.
• They enable the researcher to evaluate the
outcomes of the study.
 Research Questions
• Schloss & Smith (1999) argue that research
question asks about the rel/ship b/w 2 or
more variables.
• Research questions and hypotheses are
usually used alternately.
• A researcher poses questions when he or she
is not sure of the possible solutions to the
research problem.
 Research Hypotheses
• A research hypothesis is a proposal about a
solution to the problem.
• It is an “intelligent” or an “educated” guess, or a
tentative solution to a problem.
• A hypothesis is some prediction of some sort,
regarding the possible outcomes of the study.
• Its stated if the researcher has an idea of the
possible solutions to the problem and verifying.
 Types of Hypothesis
1. Research or Alternative Hypothesis (H1)
- states that there is an effect of the IV on the
DV or that two variables related.
eg: There is relationship b/w student’s attitudes
and their performance in mathematics.
2. Statistical or Null Hypothesis (Ho)
- states that there is no effect of IV on the DV
eg: There is no relationship b/w student’s attitudes
and their performance in mathematics.
 Scope of the Study
• This specifies the boundaries of the research.
i. The geographical scope defines the location or
site of the study.
ii. The theoretical scope defines the issues to be
covered.
iii. The content scope defines the factors and
variables to be considered.
 Significance of the Study
• This provides the justification of the study.
• It spells out who the probable beneficiaries of
the research findings.