Selection and formulation Selection and formulation of a research problemof a research problemLang, G & Heiss, G.D.Lang, G & Heiss, G.D.

研究方法論課程指導老師 : 任維廉教授報告人 : 余惟茵

自我介紹自我介紹姓名：余惟茵出生地：台北市系級：運管所博一學歷：交大運管 碩士 成大交管 學士研究：航空業營運以及能源問題興趣：旅遊、閱讀、印象派

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OutlineOutlineSource for ideasCriteria for selecting a research

problemDelimiting the research problemResearch and value judgmentsAppendix B

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SOURCE FOR IDEASSOURCE FOR IDEAS

How to locate a researchable problem?

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Source for ideasSource for ideasThe problems encountered in your

daily life or profession could be sources for questions or hypotheses.◦experience + observation + needs +

interests = research problemRead professional literature of your

field systematically.◦ Suggestions from investigators◦ Magazines

Perusal of recent convention programs of your professional organization.

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CRITERIA FOR CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEMRESEARCH PROBLEM

Sustained motivation Adequate training and personal predilections Feasibility Importance to your profession

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Criteria for selecting a research Criteria for selecting a research problemproblemSustained motivation →You should be highly motivated

to embark upon a research study.

◦ Are you really interested in the topic which you have chosen?

◦ Are you really excited about what you wish to study?

◦ Will this topic have some practical value in helping you in your future career?

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Criteria for selecting a research Criteria for selecting a research problemproblem

Adequate training and personal predilections →Is it right in light of your training and personal preferences?

◦ Do you have enough training to undertake a certain study?

◦ Research design◦ Manage most of your research study by yourself.

◦ Which type of research appeals to you?◦ Historical, descriptive, experimental research…◦ Observation, interview, questionnaire, test…

◦ Are you impatient to get fairly immediate results or do you have patience to wait?

◦ How high is your frustration tolerance?2011/4/13 8

Criteria for selecting a research Criteria for selecting a research problemproblemFeasibility →Is it feasible for you?◦ Do you have sufficient time to carry it out?

◦ Meet the deadlines at your school or job.

◦ Do you have access to subjects?◦ Available equipment and research tools◦ Institutional sponsorship and cooperation◦ Gathering data◦ The need to protect privacy of individual◦ A problem may be too complex

◦ Can you offer examples of intriguing and important problems which seem too difficult to be solved via research at the present time? →Not all the problems are researchable!

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Criteria for selecting a research Criteria for selecting a research problemproblem

Importance to your profession →Is it important to your profession?

◦ Is the proposed project of some value to your profession?

◦ Original study◦ Make contribution by replicating a study

◦ Does it add to our store of information?◦ Does it provide fresh insights for some of your

colleagues?◦ The results may be helpful to guidance counselors. →Make a contribution to your field!

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DELIMITING THE DELIMITING THE RESEARCH PROBLEMRESEARCH PROBLEMTo narrow a general idea down to one that is manageable by you.

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Delimiting the research Delimiting the research problemproblemThe way to accomplish this task:

◦Read extensively in the literature related to your field of interest.

◦Seek assistance from your instructor.◦Notice the difference between

delimitation and limitation. Delimitation: a premeditated limitation

that the researcher narrows down. Limitation: a weakness in the study

which becomes apparent during or after its completion.

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Delimiting the research Delimiting the research problemproblemCategories of delimitations:

1.The number of observations, subjects or cases

2.Time and geographic location3.The selection of sources (especially

in historical-documentary research)→It is helpful to narrow down the topic by telling what the study is not.

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RESEARCH AND RESEARCH AND VALUE JUDGMENTSVALUE JUDGMENTSThe selection of a problemThe selection of methodsThe interpretation of dataThe reporting of findingsConcern for the application of findings

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Research and value Research and value judgmentsjudgmentsThe ethical considerations enter into:

◦ The selection of a problem →By focusing on one area rather than

another, the researcher makes a value judgment.

◦ The selection of methods →the selection of proper methods for

investigation that is regulated by professional codes

◦ The interpretation of data →Researchers may be temped to interpret

their data selectively.2011/4/13 15

Research and value Research and value judgmentsjudgmentsThe ethical considerations enter into:

◦ The reporting of findings → Researchers may choose whether or not to report their findings to fellow professionals and to laymen.

◦ Concern for the application of findings → Researchers may or may not feel responsible for the ultimate application of their findings.

→A researcher should not operate within a social vacuum and cannot avoid making value judgments!

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APPENDIX BAPPENDIX BFormat of the proposal for a research project

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APPENDIX BAPPENDIX B1. Title : state the tentative title of your proposal.2. Problem-Introduction : discuss the

importance or significance of the problem selected.

3. Related research: present a critical review of related research.

4. Operational definitions : clearly define the key variables, concepts and terms.

5. Assumptions-Delimitations : make explicit the assumptions underlying various phases of your study.

6. Hypothesis or Questions : clearly state the hypothesis and questions to be investigated.

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APPENDIX BAPPENDIX B7. Method → State clearly and fully the methods to be

used in gathering data to test hypotheses or to answer questions posed in section 6.

Subjects: indicated nature, sources, characteristics, and size of population and sample to be used.

Techniques-Instruments: indicated techniques to be used.

Research steps: list all research steps. Data Analysis: state appropriate methods

of analyzing your data.

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APPENDIX BAPPENDIX B8. Results, Conclusions, Generalizations,

Implications, Limitations and Suggestions Results and conclusions: state probable

findings and conclusions. Generalizations: indicate the extent to

which your results and conclusions may apply to other populations and samples.

Implications: the course of action indicated in your study.

Limitations: the deficiencies of your study. Suggestions for further research:

indicated avenues for future research.9. References or bibliography

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THANK YOUTHANK YOU

Q & AQ & A

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