Research Problem

The Research Problem

The main problem or question is the anchor of the research. It clarifies the goals of the research project and keeps the researcher off of wandering.

• Area of concern
• Condition to be improved
• Questioning theories

A Good Research Problem is…

• Specific in terms of subject, scope, and goals
• Researchable
• Achievable, manageable, carefully limited

Let’s Identify the Variables!

• Identify the different variables within the problem
• Dependent variable: factor that is measured in effect
• Independent variable: factor that can be manipulated

Let’s Break It Down! Make Sure Each Question:

• Is researchable
• Is measurable
• Can be interpreted adds up to the totality of the problem