Problem, goal, and research questions for the study

The Importance of Research Problem

The readings give readers a clearer grasp of how to conduct research studies. The research issue must, according to the readings, demonstrate that a problem exists, provide proof of the problem’s existence, and highlight a discrepancy between reality and the desired outcome. This is accomplished through preliminary work, knowledge, and analysis of the issue. It also involves precisely defining terms and ideas as well as outlining the goals and assumptions of the study. The definition of a research issue calls for choosing a topic of interest, drawing on one’s prior knowledge, addressing a need that is felt, having sufficient materials, and being justified in terms of policy, social, and scientific grounds (O’Sullivan et al., 2017). The research problem should clearly show the knowledge gap that is to be filled by the research.

The Purpose Statement in Research

The formulation of the purpose statement should provide the reader with the direction and overall focus of the study. The statement, “the purpose of this study” is used to depict the purpose statement in a research study. The purpose statement should be stated in a clear, direct and unambiguous manner and includes the study design by highlighting the target population, variables, and the possible relationship between the variables (Rudestam & Newton, 2015).

Formulating Research Questions

The formulation of research questions is guided by the research gap and emanates from the research problem. The questions should be in line with the objectives of the study hence each question asked will form an objective in the study (Trochim, n.d.).

Alignment of Research Problem, Purpose, and Research Questions

The research problem, purpose, and research questions are aligned to achieve rigor and quality in a research. The problem offers a basis for the development of the research purpose while the research questions should be aligned to the purpose statement by narrowing down the purpose to specific questions to be answered by the study. The research questions are parts of the purpose statement and provide the research direction and allow for efficiency in undertaking the research. Proper formulation of the research problem, purpose, and research questions provides an effective basis for undertaking quality and rigorous research.

References

O’Sullivan, E., Rassel, G. R., Berner, M., & Taliaferro, J. D. (2017). Research methods for public administrators (6th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Rudestam, K. E., & Newton, R. R. (2015). Surviving your dissertation: A comprehensive guide to content and process (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 978-1-4522-6097-6

Trochim, W. M. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 2nd Edition. Internet WWW page, at URL: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/index.php