Chapter 3 - Statements of the Problem

Question 1

To understand any research study, you need to locate the ____ _ _ _____ to learn why __ _____ __ _____.

Answer 1

statement of the problem

the study was conducted.

Question 2

A statement of the problem is:

Answer 2

an argument at the beginning of a research report that justifies why the research study was needed.

Question 3

When the argument is not done well, then:

Answer 3

the reasons why the study was even conducted remain unclear.

Question 4

At the heart of any research study’s statement of the problem is :

Answer 4

the identification of a research problem

Question 5

A Research problem is:

Answer 5

the issue, controversy, or concern that guides the need for a study.

Question 6

When identifying the research problem, ask yourself :

Answer 6

“Why is that a problem?” as a check

Question 7

A common pitfall is to confuse a study’s research problem with its:

Answer 7

topic or purpose

Question 8

place in order, from more general to more specific:

RESEARCH PROBLEM, TOPIC, PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH STUDY

Answer 8

topic (general)
Research problem
purpose of the research study (specific)

Question 9

This purpose for research indicates what the researchers actually intend:

Answer 9

to do by collecting and analyzing data in the study.

Question 10

five basic reasons why research studies are needed to provide new knowledge about these problems:

Answer 10

to fill gaps in knowledge, 
to replicate past results, 
to extend past results, 
to include voices that have been previously excluded and unheard, 
to improve practice.

Question 11

Quantitative Research Is Used When the Research Problem Calls for:

Answer 11

explanation

Question 12

Qualitative Research Is Used When the Research Problem Calls for:

Answer 12

Exploration

Question 13

When reading a study’s statement of the problem, it is helpful to observe that researchers tend to address a common set of elements in their statements of the problem. These elements include:

Answer 13

1. The topic
2. The research problem
3. Evidence for the importance of the problem
4. The knowledge about the problem that is missing
5. The audiences that may benefit from the new knowledge

Question 14

Examples of topics are:

Answer 14

leadership, bullying, world language education, drug use, and family relationships

Question 15

individuals and groups who the authors expect will read and potentially benefit from the new knowledge provided in the research article

Answer 15

Study’s audience

Question 16

the five elements that are typically included in a statement of the problem passage that introduces a research study:

Answer 16

the topic, the research problem, evidence for the importance of the problem, deficiencies in what is known about the problem, and audiences.