Characteristics of a good problem statement

STATING THE PROBLEM

A research study starts with a brief introductory section. The researcher introduces briefly the general area of study, and then narrows down to the specific problem to be studied.

Characteristics of a good problem statement

Ø  It should be written clearly and in such a way that the reader’s interest is captured immediately.

Ø  The specific problem identified in the problem statement should be objectively researchable

Ø  The scope of the specific research problem should be indicated

Ø  The importance of the study in adding new knowledge should be stated clearly

Ø  The problem statement must give the purpose of the research.

STATING THE PURPOSE

The purpose of a study crystallizes the researcher’s inquiry into a particular area of knowledge in a given field. If the purpose is accurately expressed, the research process will be carried out with ease. The purpose of the study should meet the following criteria:

Ø  It must be indicated clearly, unambiguously and in a declarative manner.

Ø  The purpose should indicate the concepts or variables in the study.

Ø  Where possible, the relationships among the variables should be stated.

Ø  The purpose should state the target population.

Ø  The variables and target population given in the purpose should be consistent with the variables and target population operationalised in the methods section of the study.

In stating the purpose of the study, the researcher should choose the right words to convey the focus of the study effectively. Use of subjective or biased words or sentences should be avoided.

Examples

Biased	Neutral
To show To prove To confirm To verify To check To demonstrate To indicate To validate To explain To illustrate	To determine To compare To investigate To differentiate To explore To find out To examine To inquire To establish To test

STATING THE OBJECTIVES

Research objectives are those specific issues within the scope of the stated purpose that the researcher wants to focus upon and examine in the study.

Characteristics of a good objective

Ø  Specific:

Ø  Measurable

Ø  Achievable

Ø  Reliable

Ø  Time bound

Objectives guide the researcher in formulating testable hypotheses.

In stating the objectives of the study, the researcher should choose the right words to convey the focus of the study effectively. Use of subjective or biased words or sentences should be avoided.

FORMULATING HYPOTHESES

A hypothesis is a researchers prediction regarding the outcome of the study. It states possible differences, relationships or causes between two variables or concepts. Hypothesis are derived from or based on existing theories, previous research, personal observations or experiences. The test of a hypothesis involves collection and analysis of data that may either support or fail to support the hypothesis. If the results fail to support a stated hypothesis, it does not mean that the study has failed but it implies that the existing theories or principles need to be revised or retested under various situations.

Purpose of hypothesis

Ø It provides direction by bridging the gap between the problem and the evidence needed for its solution.

Ø It ensures collection of the evidence necessary to answer the question posed in the statement of the problem.

Ø It enables the investigator to assess the information he or she has collected from the standpoint of both relevance and organisation.

Ø It sensitizes the investigator to certain aspects of the situation that are relevant regarding the problem at hand.

Ø It permits the researcher to understand the problem with greater clarity and use the data to find solutions to problems.

Ø It guides the collection of data and provides the structure for their meaningful interpretation in relation to the problem under investigation.

Ø It forms the framework for the ultimate conclusions as solutions.

Characteristics of a good hypothesis

A sound review of literature or of existing theories often leads to good hypothesis.

1.      Should state clearly and briefly the expected relationships between variables.

2.      Must be based on a sound rationale derived from theory or previous research or professional experience.

3.      Must be consistent with common sense or generally accepted truths.

4.      Must be testable.

5.      Must be related to empirical phenomena. Words like ought, should, bad should be avoided since they reflect moral judgment.

6.       Should be testable within a reasonable time.

7.      Variables stated in the hypothesis must be consistent with the purpose statement, objectives and operationalised variables in the method section.

8.      Must be as simple and as concise as the complexity of the concepts involved allows.

9.      It must be stated in such a way that its implications can be deduced in the form of empirical operations with respect to which relationship can be validated or refuted.

Assumptions and Limitations

Ø  An assumption is any fact that a researcher takes to be true without actually verifying it. It puts some boundary around the study and provides the reader with vital information, which influences the way results of the study are interpreted.

Ø  A limitation is an aspect of a research that may influence the results negatively but over which the researcher has no control. A common limitation in social science studies is the scope of the study, which sometimes may not allow generalizations. Sample size may also be another limitation.