Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering major concepts in formulating a research focus, selecting a research topic, crafting the background of the study, understanding research gaps, and writing effective research titles.

Research Focus

A narrowed aspect of a broad topic that guides research questions, design, data collection and analysis.

Broad Topic

A general subject area of interest, e.g., “Mental Health,” from which a specific research focus is derived.

Research Topic

The general area you intend to investigate, chosen for its relevance, interest, manageability, available resources, and appropriateness.

Relevance

The extent to which a research topic addresses the needs or importance of its target audience or daily life issues.

Interest

The factor describing how appealing a topic is to both researchers and readers, motivating sustained inquiry.

Manageability

Feasibility of completing a study within given abilities, scope, and time limits.

Availability of Resources

The sufficiency of literature, data, and financial means needed to undertake a study.

Highly Technical/Sensitive Topics

Subjects with limited references or potential to offend; advised to avoid when selecting a topic.

Background of the Study

Section that introduces context, establishes the research gap, and situates the study within existing knowledge.

Research Gap

An issue or aspect within a field that has not been fully addressed by previous studies.

Current State of the Field

Component of the background that explains why the broader field remains significant and actively researched.

Research Problem

Specific issues or concerns the study aims to address, outlined within the background section.

Current and Conventional Practices

Existing methods used by researchers or practitioners to tackle the identified issues, with their merits discussed.

Contribution of the Present Study

Explanation of how a study fills the research gap—through new methods, perspectives, or theories.

Research Title

A concise statement summarizing the main idea of a study; the most noticeable part of the paper.

Overly General Title

A vague title (e.g., “Exercise”) that fails to specify variables, scope, or context; should be avoided.

Abbreviations in Titles

Short forms that should be avoided unless widely recognized (e.g., DNA); they can cause ambiguity.

Declarative Title

A title that states the relationship or main finding straightforwardly, used more commonly than questions.

Question-Form Title

A less common title style that poses the main research inquiry as a question.

Independent Variable

The factor manipulated or examined for its effect, specified in a precise research title.

Dependent Variable

The outcome influenced by the independent variable, also identified in the research title.

Guidelines for Research Titles

Seven recommended practices: specificity, no unnecessary abbreviations, avoid wordy phrases, specify variables, omit study year, choose declarative/question form appropriately, and use current terminology.