Educational Research : Research Problem and Hypothesis

Research Problem : Selecting and Defining Problems

Selection :

~ Identify a general problem area that is related or relevant to your area of expertise and of particular interest to you. e.g. the interference of L1 in L2 pronunciation, the use of reviews to increase retention, and bilingualism

~ Narrow down the general problem area to specific researchable problem. A well defined, manageable problem will result in well-defined, manageable study, the second problem may be generated into “ the comparative effectiveness of immediate vs. delayed review on the retention of structure concepts”, and “the effect of review games on the retention of vocabulary words by second graders.

Source :

The most meaningful problems are generally derived from theory

~ A major source of non-theoretical problems is the researcher’s personal experiences

~ Studies that can be replicated.

~ The literature; Overviews, summaries, and specific studies

Characteristics :

~ it is interesting, holding the research’s the interest throughout the research process

~ it is researchable, can be investigated through collection and analysis data

~ it is significant, having theoretical and practical significance in improving and understanding education.

~ it is ethical, not involving practices that might embarrass or harm participants.

~ it is manageable, must be a good problem for you that you can adequately investigate given (1) your current level of research skill,(2) available resource and (3) time and other restriction

 

Formulating and Stating Hypothesis

* Hypothesis is the researcher’s prediction of the research findings, still need to be proven

* Hypothesis are typically derived from theories or the knowledge gained while reviewing the literature. Usually state after literature review because it comes from the theory that finds in literature review

*Characteristics of Good Hypothesis 

~ Based on sound reasoning consistent with related theory

~ Provides a reasonable explanation for the predicted outcome

~ Clearly states the expected relationship between defined variables

~ Testable within a reasonable time frame

* A hypothesis is based on a sound rationale.

* A good hypothesis states as clearly and concisely as possible the expected relationship or difference between measureable variables.

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