Unit 2 – Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts from Unit 2: Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem.

Defining and Justifying the Research Problem

The critical step of pinpointing a specific issue that needs investigation and explaining its importance through evidence and reasoning (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).

Research Problem

The particular issue a study will address, identifying variables and discussing their relationships.

Identifying the Research Problem

Selecting and stating what is to be investigated, including variables and their relationships.

Preliminary Research

Initial information-gathering using available resources to explore potential research issues.

Concept Map

A visual tool for generating, synthesizing, and organizing ideas gathered during preliminary research.

Problem Statement (Statement of the Problem)

A formal assertion of the issue a study aims to address.

Components of a Good Problem Statement

(1) Clear explanation and causes of the problem, (2) evidence of its existence, (3) definition of relevant concepts.

Research Questions

Questions that refine the research problem and specify what the study intends to answer.

General Research Question

Broad question derived from the main problem; avoids factual words like who, when, or where and uses terms linked to quantitative research.

Specific Research Question

Detailed questions anchored on the general question; include variables and subjects to guide data collection and analysis.

Descriptive Research Question

A specific question that seeks to describe frequencies, proportions, or averages (e.g., “How often…?”).

Correlational Research Question

A question examining relationships between two or more variables (e.g., “What is the relationship between…?”).

Ex Post Facto Research Question

A question exploring differences or characteristics based on existing conditions or groups.

Quasi-Experimental / Experimental Research Question

A question assessing effects of interventions or comparing control and treatment groups.

Research Hypothesis

A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables; used in correlational, ex post facto, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies.

Null Hypothesis (H₀)

States there is no relationship or effect between variables.

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁)

States there is a relationship or effect between variables.

Directional Hypothesis

Predicts the direction (positive or negative) of a relationship or effect.

Non-Directional Hypothesis

Predicts a relationship or effect without specifying its direction.

Guidelines for Formulating a Hypothesis

(1) Identify independent and dependent variables, (2) ensure falsifiability, (3) express a clear variable relationship.

Significance of the Study

Section detailing how the research will benefit individuals, organizations, academia, or society; may be topical or enumerated.

Scope and Delimitation

A description of the study’s parameters and boundaries.

Components of Scope and Delimitation

Topic, objectives/issues, time frame, respondent characteristics, and response format.

Directional vs. Non-Directional Hypothesis

Directional specifies positive/negative relation; non-directional indicates a relation without direction.

Steps to Identify a Research Problem

(1) Conduct preliminary research, (2) create a concept map, (3) choose a general research problem.

Evidence in a Problem Statement

Data or literature that demonstrates the existence and relevance of the identified issue.