Video Notes: Statement of the Problem & Types of Research Questions

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on stating the problem and the types of research questions.

Statement of the Problem

The process of clarifying the main task, major variables, participants, specific setting, date, and intended outputs of a study.

Main task

The central objective or task that the study aims to accomplish.

Major variables

The key factors the study will measure or examine.

Participants

The individuals or groups included in the study.

Specific setting

The particular context or environment where the study takes place.

Intended outputs

The expected results or outcomes of the research.

Specific Problems

The precise issues the study seeks to answer to address the general problem.

Population

The entire group of interest from which data are drawn.

Sample

A subset of the population selected for study.

Variables being studied

The specific factors or characteristics that are measured or observed.

Empirically testable

Able to be tested through observation or experiment.

Non-researchable questions

Questions that cannot be answered through research, often answered with yes or no.

Researchable questions

Questions that can be investigated through study, often using who, what, where, when, why, and how.

Population & sample (concepts)

Population is the whole group of interest; a sample is the portion selected for analysis.

What is a Factor-Isolating Question?

A question that names, isolates, describes, or identifies factors and situations.

Factor-Isolating Questions

Questions focused on identifying and naming specific factors or situations.

Factor-Relating Questions

Questions that seek the relationship between identified factors; used for non-experimental research.

Situation-Relating Questions

Questions like 'What will happen if…?' used to explore relationships by changing variables to test hypotheses.

Situation-Producing Questions

Questions like 'How can I make it happen?' used to establish goals, develop plans or methods, and specify conditions needed for goal attainment.