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Developing Social Problems into Research Problems

Developing Social Problems into Research Problems. Melanie Brown, PhD Dissertation Editor Walden University Writing Center. Session Objectives. Identify the difference between social and research problems Recognize how research problems connect to work in your graduate program

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Developing Social Problems into Research Problems

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  1. Developing Social Problems into Research Problems Melanie Brown, PhD Dissertation Editor Walden University Writing Center

  2. Session Objectives • Identify the difference between social and research problems • Recognize how research problems connect to work in your graduate program • Practice using a model for developing research problems

  3. Differences between problems Social problem • An undesirable situation in your community • May not require much research to solve Social problem: County water supply is low Solution: Enforce a water-use ban to replenish supply Research problem • A topic you study to understand • Study can lead to options for resolution Research problem: Teacher turnover rate in local district is high. Solution: Analyze and resolve teachers’ reasons for leaving.

  4. Research problems: Courses to capstone Course papers: Main point = thesis; research supports thesis Rakka’s (2011) theory of participatory leadership is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning. Capstone proposals: Main point = research problem; research contributes to discipline This qualitative study was designed to explore small business owners’ perceptions of how to increase their online sales while construction adversely affects sales onsite.

  5. Connecting problem to paper Background (social problem)  Thesis (research problem)  Support and analysis  Conclusion

  6. Connecting problem to proposal Background (social problem)  Problem statement (research problem)  Questions/hypotheses  Method  Data collection and analysis

  7. Research problems: Read the literature • Learn debates (“sides” of the issue) • Learn history (major studies, breakthroughs, changes over time) • Learn context (aspects of the issue studied by other researchers) • Identify gaps

  8. Research problems: Gaps Emerge from a gap • PhD dissertation: Gap in literature • Researchers have explored high turnover rates among novice teachers but not among midcareer teachers • DBA/EdD doctoral study: Gap in practice • Weak mentoring programs in school or workplace could be contributing to high turnover rates

  9. Problem matrix Study it as a research problem to identify solutions Identify a social problem in community Apply solutions to resolve problem in community

  10. Problem statement: Proposal Quantitative studies • Problem includes at least two variables (e.g., demographic—age, socioeconomic status, gender, etc.) • Problem statement describes conjectured relationship between variables (hypotheses) Qualitative studies • Problem includes issue or phenomenon that needs understanding • Problem statement describes exploration of perceptions (no hypotheses)

  11. Research problem: Practice 1. Topic: I am studying . 2. Question: because I want to find out what/why/how . 3. Significance: in order to help my reader understand . Source: Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (1995). The craft of research. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, p. 56

  12. Research problem: Practice I am studying the role of nurses in hospitals because I want to find out why students who study nursing at this college move to other cities rather than pursue jobs here in order to help my reader understand the advantages of developing strong relationships between hospitals and college nursing programs. Practice only; do not use this informal formatting in your paper or proposal.

  13. Research problem: Practice I am studying leadership styles because I want to find out how leadership actions of project managers who display introvert characteristics differ from those who display extrovert characteristics in order to help my reader understand the importance of diverse ways of interacting among leaders and employees in the workplace. Practice only; do not use this informal formatting in your paper or proposal.

  14. Resources Course papers • Thesis construction Capstone proposals • Literature reviews • Capstone template Any project • Writing Center webinars • Library webinars • Center for Research Quality webinars

  15. Questions Now: Use the Q&A box onyour screen Later: Email writing questions Course papers/KAMS: writingsupport@waldenu.edu Capstone proposals/studies: editor@waldenu.edu

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