Stating the Research Problem
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This document discusses how to properly state a research problem. It begins by outlining the general steps, which include identifying the variables and structuring the problem statement. The document then discusses where the problem statement should be located. It focuses on defining different types of variables like independent, dependent, categorical, and extraneous variables. Examples are provided to illustrate each variable type. Guidance is also given on structuring the problem statement for clarity and using the correct structure. The key aspects covered are identifying variables and properly outlining the research problem.
Stating the Research Problem
- 1. D R . H E T A P A T E L ( P T ) P H . D . S C H O L A R STATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
- 2. Generally follows the steps: Identifying the variable Structuring the problem statement
- 3. Where to state the problem? Follows the introduction Point out the Literature review in the introductory sections Proceed to formal statement of the problem
- 4. Identifying the variables What is variables? A variable is a characteristic or feature that varies, or changes within a study. How to identify the variable? In an experimental example: if a study is investigating the differences between males and females, gender would be a variable.
- 5. How to identify the different types of variables? Independent variables Dependent variables Categorical variables Extraneous variables
- 6. Independent variables Experimental or treatment variable – cause In experimental research: an investigator manipulates one variable and measures the effect of that manipulation on another variable. The variable that the researcher manipulates is called the independent, or grouping variable.
- 7. Example A study in which the investigators want to determine how often an exercise must be done to increase strength.
- 8. These investigators decided to compare 3 groups, one group participate in a set of specific exercises 4 times per week; a second group would do the same exercises, but only twice per week a control group would participate in stretching exercises that would have no impact on strength.
- 9. The variable that differs between these 3 groups that are compared is an Independent Variable. This particular independent variable has 3 LEVELS of the SINGLE independent variable - in this example: type of exercise.
- 10. Dependent variables What is measured to assess the effects of independent variables – Effects The outcome variable measured in each subject, which may be influenced by manipulation of the independent variable. Changed or influenced by the independent variable
- 11. Example Study title: Effects of a new tooth paste (YummyTooth) on incidence of caries in 1st grade children. The intervention group was given YummyTooth toothpaste, while the control group was given an identical toothpaste that did not contain the secret ingredient in YummyTooth.
- 12. Subjects were observed brushing their teeth 3x per day with the assigned toothpaste (by teacher or parent). 6 months later, dental appointments were scheduled, and the number of dental caries present in each child was reported. No of cries is the dependent variable.
- 13. Categorical variables Moderator variables It is kind of independent variable except that it cannot be manipulated; such as age, gender To determine the changes in cause and effect relationship of dependent and independent variables.
- 14. Example Study: the effects of synchronous and asynchronous movement to music. One group performed an exercise in synchronization to background music One group exercised with background music that was not synchronized to the pace of exercise One group exercised with no background music
- 15. Independent variable: background music condition 3 level of variables : synchronous music, asynchronous music, and no music Dependent variable : endurance of music – amount of time participant could exercise
- 16. Comparison of men and women endurance performance under 3 different music conditions. Gender represents the categorical variables.
- 17. Extraneous variables Factors which affect the relationship between independent and dependent variables But are not included or controlled Influence of this variable in the discussion section
- 18. Some difference of men and women endurance under 3 different condition of music – women’s reluctance to exhibit maximum effort in the presence of male experimenter. Probably this could be extraneous variable.
- 19. Structuring the Problem Statement 2 important aspects 1) Clarity in the statement 2) Statement structure
- 20. Example Observe the difference in meaning AIM: “to compare sprinters and distance runners on anaerobic power, as measured by velocity in running up a flight stairs” Or “to compare the anaerobic power of sprinters and distance runners while running up a flight stairs”
- 22. Task to be performed.. Read the recent articles up to introduction section Identify the different types of variables Recognize the problem statement Frame the statement from your perspectives PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE…..