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ENGL 101 - Robinson - Fall 2024: Problem-Based Research

Problem-Based Research: An Overview

What is Problem-Based Research?

A research problem is a definite, clear expression or statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation.

A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question. In certain fields, such as the social and behavioral sciences, studies are most often framed around examining a problem that needs to be understood and resolved in order to improve society and the human condition.

What is a Research Problem's Purpose?

The purpose of a research problem statement is to:

  •     Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied. The reader is oriented to the significance of the study.
  •     Anchor the hypothesis/thesis, assumptions, and research to follow. It offers a concise statement about the purpose of your paper.
  •     Place the topic into a particular context. It defines the parameters of what is to be investigated.
  •     Provides the framework for reporting the results of your research.

General Types of Research Problems

There are four general "types" of a research problem:

  •     Casuist Research Problem -- this type of problem relates to the determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of general rules and the careful distinction of special cases. Ex. "Should journalists publish sensitive information about a public figure that could potentially harm their family?" Public's right to information VS safety of individuals.
  •     Difference Research Problem -- typically asks the question, “Is there a difference between two or more groups or treatments?” This type of problem statement is used when the researcher compares or contrasts two or more phenomena. Ex. "Are there notable differences in public opinion regarding climate change between urban and rural populations in the United States?"
  •     Descriptive Research Problem -- typically asks the question, "what is...?" with the underlying purpose to describe the significance of a situation, state, or existence of a specific phenomenon. This problem is often associated with revealing hidden or understudied issues. Ex. "What is the current attitude towards climate change among the rural population in the United States?"
  •     Relational Research Problem -- suggests a relationship of some sort between two or more variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to investigate specific qualities or characteristics that may be connected in some way. Ex. "How does neighborhood socioeconomic status influence the likelihood of an individual suffering from obesity?" Relationship between socioeconomic status and health problems.

Castellanos, Susie. Critical Writing and Thinking. The Writing Center. Dean of the College. Brown University; Ellis, Timothy J. and Yair Levy Nova Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem. Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline 11 (2008); Thesis and Purpose Statements. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Thesis Statements. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

 

So What?

In many academic fields, the research problem establishes the means by which you must answer the "So What?" question. This declarative question refers to a research problem surviving the relevancy test (basically, is the research problem worth researching). Note that answering the "So What?" question not only shows that you have reviewed the available literature, but that you have thoroughly considered the significance, or relevance, of the research problem and its implications applied to creating new knowledge or ways of thinking of a topic in a meaningful way.

To survive the "So What" question, problem statements should possess the following attributes:

  •     Clarity and precision (a well-written statement does not make sweeping generalizations and irresponsible statements)
  •     Demonstrate a researchable topic or issue (i.e., feasibility of conducting the study is based upon access to information that can be effectively acquired, gathered, interpreted, understood, and reported on)
  •     Identification of what would be studied (such as key concepts and terms)
  •     Identification of an overarching question and key concepts
  •     Perhaps include clearly defining boundaries or limits of the study if applicable (time period, location, population, etc)
  •     Why the study is important, its benefits, and/or justification (regardless of the type of research, it is important to demonstrate that the research is not trivial)
  •     Does not have unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentence constructions
  •     Include more than just the gathering and reporting of data points from your research. Include your own interpretation of the data, your opinion, something of your personal thoughts and opinions on the matter that the data backs up.

 

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Additional Info

What makes a good research statement?

A good problem statement begins by introducing the broad area in which your research is centered, gradually leading the reader to the more specific issues you are investigating. The statement need not be lengthy, but a good research problem should incorporate the following features:

1.  Compelling Topic
The research problem should involve a topic(s) that you are interested in. However, simple curiosity is not a good enough reason to pursue a research study because this does not indicate significance. The problem that you choose to explore must be important to you, but it ideally should also be viewed as important by your readers that could be impacted by the results of your study (So What?). Try to frame your paper in a way that describes why your research is important.

2.  Supports Multiple Perspectives
The problem must be phrased in a way that supports the generation and exploration of multiple perspectives. A good research problem is one that would generate a variety of viewpoints from an audience made up of reasonable people, and it is up to you to address why your perspective is valid (and is backed up by your research).

3.  Is it researchable?
This represents an important aspect of creating a good research statement. It seems a bit obvious, but you don't want to find yourself in the middle of an assignment and realize that you do not have enough prior research to draw from for your analysis. There's nothing inherently wrong with original research, but you must choose a research problem that can be supported, in some way, by the resources available to you. If you are not sure if something is researchable, don't assume that it isn't if you don't find information right away--seek help from a librarian!

NOTE:  A research problem is a bit different from a research topic. A topic is something to read and obtain information about, whereas a problem is something to be solved or framed as a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution, or explained as a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation. In short, a research topic is something to be understood; a research problem is something to be investigated.