SELECTION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM:

 

The first step in the research process is the selection of an appropriate problem for investigation. Research begins with a problem. This is the time when there is a difficult situation and there is a need to solve the problem.

 

Identifying a research problem is always difficult but an important step in the entire research process. It requires a lot of time, energy and logical thinking on the part of the researcher to choose a broad field within which the researcher should be deeply interested. A complete understanding of the known facts and theories in the field or area in which the researcher is interested, first in choosing a problem and if the researcher knows about his most important studies, then he will find the problems that remain unsolved. Research reports conclude with suggestions for further research. Surveys are generally helpful for the researcher in assessing particular areas of educational research.

After selecting a broad area, the researcher must narrow it down to a very specific research problem. It should list the specific questions that need to be answered by the scientific method. The best source of problem for a beginning researcher is his own experience as a professional educator in the classroom, always teacher-student, student-to-student, and student-to-student interaction. This interaction raises many questions for educational research. Classroom lectures and discussions suggest solving many, stimulating problems. A student's behavior can be analyzed in terms of his achievement, interest, attitude, intelligence, motivation and personality. He can study the effectiveness of a particular teaching method so that classroom instruction can be based on empirical evidence rather than on his biased perceptions. Likewise, the teacher has to decide on the teaching objectives and then evaluate whether these objectives have been achieved. In the case of the teacher can investigate the flaws in the formulation of objectives 10 also contradiction planning and/or organization of learning experiences, and the process of self-evaluation.

 

The classroom is not the only source of problems for the  teacher. Students' experiences, their behavior, home environment, peer influences, socioeconomic status, and motivation levels provide rich sources of problems.

Planning and or learning experiences can be a self-assessment process.

Educational administrators find and relate research articles related to decision-making, teacher appointment, instructional supervision and any other issues

 

Problem definition:

 

After selecting the problem, the next task is to define it in a workable form for research. The burden of research is reduced by a clear and precise definition of the problem. The following principles are the ultimate definition of a research to the researcher

 

I. Make sure that the topic chosen is neither vague nor too broad in scope.

 

ii. To make the problem more clear and understandable, frame it as a question with a definite answer

 

iii. Carefully define the boundaries of the problem, all aspects and factors. which should not be considered.

 

iv. Define any special terms that should be used in the problem statement.

 

In the formal definition of the problem, the background of the researcher, its theoretical basis and basic assumptions and the statement of the problem in concrete specific and actionable questions need to be described.

 

 

There is no agreement whether the problem is presented as a question or in the form of a statement. However, the question format is preferred because it guides the researcher to work for the task in hand. The problem should be defined in such a way that it identifies two or more variables. It should avoid philosophical issues, values or judgment questions that cannot be answered by scientific investigation.

 

  Evaluation of the problem:

Before the researcher starts researching a problem, he needs to ask a series of questions about it. These questions for a researcher are very helpful in Understanding research in education helps in assessing the problem based on the personal suitability of the researcher and the social value of the problem and all these questions must be answered affirmatively before starting the study.

 

Below are the questions included;

 

Is the problem researchable?

 

There are some problems that cannot be solved efficiently by the research process. As the question of whether it is appropriate to give secondary schools. The question and its answer is only the basis of value judgment. The answer cannot be given by scientific research. Science cannot answer philosophical and ethical questions. A reasonable problem or relationship between two more variables is concerned, to be defined and measured.

 

Is the problem new?

 

There is no need to study a problem, which has already been adequately researched by other researchers. Ignorance A researcher does such a study. Which is neither new nor original, so it wastes time unnecessarily on a problem already researched by someone else. To avoid, it is important to check very carefully the records of previous studies completed in a particular field, a problem should be chosen rough when the researcher has not fully researched the subject. However, a researcher may want to test the validity of one's findings first, in a completely different situation, when one wants to confirm one's findings were studied before.

 

Is the problem important?

 

The significance of the study being conducted defines what a researcher expects to achieve in a particular study. The researcher tries to show that the study is likely to fill the gap in the current knowledge, to remove some contradictions in the previous research and to reinterpret the known facts. The researcher also helps identify its users and beneficiaries in the coming days

 

Is the solution to this problem helpful for further knowledge development?

A problem should not lead to a dead-end  street; Rather it should be an avenue that opens up new territory.

 

A school system designed to address some local problems is unlikely to be met. Such readings, although not necessarily, should be given some weight in the literature review.

Is this problem feasible for the researcher?

 

A problem may be good from the point of view of the above criteria, but nevertheless in view of the personal circumstances of the researcher.

 Research competency:

The problem should be in an area in which the researcher is qualified and competent. A competent  Value should be familiar with existing theories, concepts and laws to identify a problem. He/she should also possess the necessary skills and abilities required to develop, administer and interpret data collection instruments. He should be equipped with skills in research design and statistical methodology.

 

Interest and Enthusiasm:

The researcher should be interested in the problem to be studied. This being meaningful should arouse the researcher's curiosity in the problem, but it will be a waste of time and activity of the researcher.

 

Financial Considerations:

The problem should be financially feasible. If the research problem is an expensive one, the researcher explores the possibility of obtaining financial support from the University Grants Commission donor agencies or some other agencies. If he succeeds in getting help, he should work on it, otherwise he should find another financial problem.

 

Time requirement:

problem should be one that can be studied and completed within time. The problem should be of such a nature that research can be done with less time and energy. Planning time for research instrument development and administration, data processing and analysis, and research report writing Advantage If the problem is a large one, it is important to explore the possibility of taking it on as a team project.

 

Administrative considerations. Apart from this, personal finance and according to the requirements of the time, the researcher should consider the types of data, equipment, personnel and management facilities necessary to complete the study properly. The researcher must know whether the relevant data are available and accessible to him/her, he/she must also know whether the school will allow contact, teachers, interviews, and access to M records and documents.

 

Refinement of research problems topics:

 

The best way to choose a research problem is to focus on questions that arise in the researcher's mind. A list of research questions should be drawn up as they strike his mind. The stage of their refinement The following  outline some research questions/problems, followed by the three methods of research, namely historical, descriptive and experimental.

Historical:

Better Allocation and Utilization of Funds for Education in Five-Year Plans:

A Study of Allocation and Utilization of Funds for Teacher Education in Five-Year Development plans.

 

 

Continuity of Education Goals in Education Policies.

A Study on Continuity in Education Policies Beginning of Primary Education

 

Role of Education Policies in Literacy Development.

Better Analysis of the Role of Education Policies in Literacy Development.

 

Descriptive:

 

A study on availability of physical facilities in the secondary schools.

 

A comparative study of availability of physical facilities in urban and rural schools.

 

Experimental:

Comparison of the integrated curriculum and traditional curriculum of primary level.

Refined:  A comparative study of the effectiveness of the integrated curriculum and traditional curriculum.

Effect of A.V AIDS on the teaching of physics.

Refined: A study on the effects of audio visual aids effects on the teaching of physics.

 

Evaluation of topics on given criteria:

 

Before the proposed research problem can be considered appropriate, several research questions should be raised. Only when these questions are answered in the affirmative, the problem can be considered as a good and worthy research.  These may be;

Is the problem new?

 

Is the answer already available? Prior studies, scholarly to a student by another researcher first. Although novelty or originality is important, the fact that one has been researched does not mean that it is not worth studying. There are times when it is appropriate to replicate a study to confirm its findings and to extend the validity of the findings to a different setting or population.

 

Can this type of problem be solved by effective research methods?

 

Can relevant data be collected to test the theory or find an answer to the question at hand?

 

Is the problem important?

 

Is there an important principle involved? Will this solution make any difference as far as educational theory or practice is concerned? If not, there are undoubtedly more important issues waiting to be investigated.

 

Is it possible to research the problem?

 

After evaluating a research project, the problem of suitability for a particular researcher should be asked: Although the problem may be good, is it a good problem for me to bring it to a successful conclusion?

 

Some of the issues/topics in the following lines have been evaluated on the following criteria

 

Is it new and free of prior claims?

 

Is it important?

 

Is the method clear to you?

 

How will you collect data?

 Is it feasible in terms of time and cost?

 

Subject 1:

 

A comparative study of the availability of physical

 

Facilities in urban and rural schools.

 

Assessment:

 

It appears to be a new one. Done by someone else on the same topic in the recent past.

 

The study will be useful for the planners to address the disparity in provision of physical facilities in urban and rural schools. In the light of the findings of the study, the planners will find themselves in a better position to do justice to the provision of facilities irrespective of the area.

 

The method is very clear. Population of secondary schools will be counted. 10 boys and 10 girls. Selection of villas for urban and rural population.

 

Yes, studies can be completed within the time available to complete the degree program. No big cost involved.

 

Data will be collected from primary and secondary sources through a questionnaire on heads of institutions. and school office records

 

Subject 2:

 

A review study of the performance of the Chief Executive Literacy Commission regarding the development of adult education during the last 10 years

 

Assessment:

 

The topic is new. No such study has been conducted so far to assess the performance of the Chief Executive Literacy Commission.

 

 

This study is for planners of adult education in the country. It will be useful to be aware and plan for the future. It will also be useful for the Commission authorities to evaluate their programmes.

 

The method is very clear. This is a review as well as a case study. Evaluated performance using the commission's objectives as criteria. will

 

Yes, studies can be completed within the time available to complete the degree program. There is no major cost involved.

 

Data should be collected from primary and secondary sources

 

Office records of institutions and commissions

 

Subject 3:

 

A Study of Allocation and Utilization of Funds for Teacher Education in Five Year Development Plans in Pakistan

 

Assessment:

 

This is a new study. Until now, no such research has been done on such an important topic.

This study will be done by planners and others.

 

Future: Responsible for making development plans. In light of the findings of the study planners find themselves in a better position to do justice to the sub-sector of teacher education.

 

The method is very clear. This will be a documentary study. All development projects should be reviewed

 

Yes, the study should be completed within the time available to complete the degree programme. There is no major cost involved m development projects will be specially reviewed.

 

Responsible for reference of teacher education

 

Development plan makers will also be interviewed.

 
Subject 4:

 

An analysis of the role of education policies in the development of literacy.

 

Assessment:

 

This is a new study. No such study has yet been conducted to analyze educational policies.

 

This study will be useful to the planners and others who are to formulate future education policies. Better position by suggesting strategies for literacy development in the planning country in the light of the findings of the study.

 

 All educational policies will be specially reviewed.

 

Interviews will also be conducted with those responsible for making educational policies regarding the development of literacy.

 

Subject 5:

 

A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Integrated Curriculum and Traditional curriculum of intermediate part one class.

 

No such comparison has been made between integrated and traditional curriculum.

 

The study will be useful to the curriculum planners and teachers who will be responsible for the implementation of the curriculum in the light of the findings of the study in order to achieve the set objectives of the curriculum planners.

 

The method is very clear. There will be an experimental and a control group to compare.

 

Yes, studies can be completed within the time available to complete the degree program. There is no major cost involved.

 

The experimental and control groups will be taught for a specific period of time. They will be tested through a test designed for this purpose. The performance of the two groups will be compared and the significance of the difference tested statistically.