Chapter 4: Formulating a Research Problem

Question 1

Formulating a research problem

Answer 1

• foundation of the research study
• determines the following steps:
  1. study design
  2. sampling strategy
  3. types of analysis

Question 2

Considerations in selecting a research problem

Answer 2

1. Interest
2. Magnitude: manageable withing resources
3. Measurement of concepts
4. Level of expertise
5. Relevance
6. Availability of data
7. Ethical issues

Question 3

Steps in formulating a research problem

Answer 3

1. identify a broad field of interest
2. dissect broad field into subareas
3. select what is of most interest
   - process of elimination
4. raise research questions
5. formulate objectives out of the research questions
6. assess your objectives
7. double check for interest and practicability

Question 4

Descriptive Studies

Answer 4

describe a phenomenon

- example: describe types of psychotherapy provided for depression

Question 5

Correlational Studies

Answer 5

relationship between two variables

- example: to confirm the influence of parenting styles on depression

Question 6

Hypothesis-Testing Studies

Answer 6

indicate the direction of the relationship being tested

- example: to demostrate that a treatment with psychotherapy will reduce depression

Question 7

Characteristics of the Study Population

Answer 7

• needs to be chosen before starting the research process
• clear, specific and well defined
• from global to specific
• more flexible in qualitative than in quantitative studies

Question 8

Formulating Research Question in Quantitative Research

Answer 8

• specificity is fundamental

- established framework

Question 9

Formulating Research Question in Qualitative Research

Answer 9

• important to keep flexibility

- not necessary to be specific