Research problem
Research problem is an educational issue, concern, or controversy that the investigator presents and justifies in a research study. In a research report, the investigator introduces this problem in the opening paragraphs of a study in a section called the “statement of the problem.” It may consist of a single or several sentences.
Creswell ,2008 , p.76
distinguish between the research problem and other parts of the research
The research problem is distinct from the topic of a study, the purpose, and the research questions. The topic is the subject matter of the study, the purpose statement sets forth the intent of the study, and the research questions raise questions that the researcher will answer based on data collected in the study.
Creswell, 2008, p.76
how to decide whether the research problem should be studied
- is there access to people and sites?
- is there time, resources, skills necessary to complete the research?
- will the study contribute to knowledge and practice?
- is there a match between the problem and the approach (quant or qual) chosen?
5 elements of the “Statement of the Problem” section
- educational topic
- research problem
- justification for the problem based on past research and practice
- deficiencies or shortcomings of past research or practice
- The importance of addressing the problem for diverse audiences.
paradigm
“basic set of beliefs that guides action”
Guba, 1990
worldviews
paradigms brought to the process of research by the investigator
(Creswell and Plano Clark, 2011)
theories / theoretical orientations
found in the literature and they provide a general explanation as to what the researcher hopes to find in a study or a lens through which to view the needs of participants and communities in the study.
(Creswell & Poth, 2018)
4 philosophical assumptions
- ontology
- epistemology
- axiology
- methodology
ontological
philosophical assumption with implications for practice
- What is the nature of reality?
- Reality is multiple as seen through many views.
- The researcher reports different perspectives as themes develop in the findings.
epistemological
philosophical assumption with implications for practice
- What counts as knowledge?
- What is the relationship between the researcher and what’s being researched?
- How is knowledge justified?
- Subjective evidence is obtained from participants
- The researcher relies on quotes as evidence, as well as becomes the “insider.”
axiological
philosophical assumption with implications for practice
- What is the role of values?
- The research is value-laden and biases are present
- The researcher openly discussed values that shape the narrative and includes own interpretation.
methodological
philosophical assumption with implications for practice
- What is the process of research?
- What is the language of research?
- Inductive logic to study the topic and uses emerging design.
- The researcher works with particulars (details) before generalizations describe in detail the context of the study, and revises questions from experiences in the field.
Interpretive frameworks
Paradigm:
- post-positivist
- social constructivism
- transformation
- postmodernist
- pragmatist
- feminist theories
- critical theory and critical race theory
- queer theory
- disability theories
characteristics of qual research
why it may “fit” for the study in the example
- conducted in the natural setting (field)
- relies on the researcher as key instrument in data collection
- involves multiple methods
- involves complex reasoning (inductive to deductive then deductive to inductive, and then over again).
- focus on participants’ multiple perspectives and meanings
- situated within the context or setting of participants or sites
- emergent and evolving design
- reflective and interpretive of the researcher’s background influences
- presents a holistic, complex picture
process of research in qual
Flowing from:
1. philosophical assumptions
2. interpretive lens
to
3. procedures to study social or human problems
then
4. A framework exists for those procedures (like gt, phenomenology, ethnography).
why use qualitative research?
- problem or issue needs to be explored
- need to study a group or population
- identify variables that can’t be easily measured
- hear silenced voices
- need to understand a complex, detailed understanding of the issue
- need to empower individuals to share their stories
- minimize the power relationships that often exist between the researcher and the participants
what qual study will require of the researcher?
- commitment to extensive time in the field
- engageement in complex, time-consuming process of data analysis
- writing lengthy and descriptive passages
- embracing dynamic and emergent procedures
- attending to anticipated and developing ethical issues
verisimilitude
writing persuasively so that the reader experiences “being there”
writing clearly, in a captivating, believable, realistic style
rigor
Quality of the research PROCESS that translates into the integrity of the research.
Rigorous research is research well done (following the flow of design, using the congruent methodology, justifying the problem well, and justifying using qual approach, paying attention to the trustworthiness and the researcher’s bias).
Rigour is about how well the research is crafted.
Trustworthiness is about the quality of the message. The two concepts are connected but not synonymous.
rigorous research features
- transparency
- maximal credibility
- maximal dependability
- maximal transferability
- maximal confirmability
- reflexivity
Interpretive standards for conducting qual research (Richardson & St. Pierre, 2005)
- Substantive contribution (must be meaningful and enriching the already existing knowledge)
- Aesthetic merit (must be satisfying, creative, complex)
- Reflexivity (self-awareness, and self-exposure of the researcher)
- Impact (must affect the audience emotionally or intellectually)
