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CHAPTER 3: Preliminary Information Gathering & Problem Definition -…
CHAPTER 3: Preliminary Information Gathering & Problem Definition
3.1 Broad Problem Area (BPA)
The general or entire situation where research and problem–solving might be needed
Existing issues an organization needs to address
Areas a person wants to improve
Theoretical or conceptual issues that need more study to understand certain phenomena
Research questions a basic researcher wants the answer empirically
Can be identified in ways such as
Recognition of existing problems;
Desire to improve the status quo, and
Planning for the future.
3.2 Preliminary Information Gathering (PIG)
Early stage of soliciting information regarding the problem of interest to enable a researcher gain a wider understanding and perspective of the problem
Through interviews (unstructured/structured) and literature review search.
3.3 Literature Review
What is LR?
“Literature” in a general context - novels, stories, poetries
In research context - the term “literature” means the “published or unpublished research articles that others have conducted in the areas that are relevant to one’s study”.
These articles are consulted in order to understand and investigate one’s research problem.
Purpose LR
To enhance one’s knowledge about the topic in order to clearly identify and limit the scope of the problem
To provide the researcher with a broader and deeper understanding of what is known and not known related to a specific problem
To identify the “gap” in the research that the researcher’s work will address hence produce a rationale or justification for the study
To convey to the reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic and what are the strengths and weaknesses
To demonstrate that the problem needs investigation and is unique in some way
To identify variables that may influence the problem
To provide insights into possible procedures, techniques and instrumentation to be used in the study (developing the method)
To help explain how the question to be investigated fi ts into the larger picture and why the researcher has approached the topic the way he/she has
To discuss the relevance of each reviewed item to the researcher’s topic
To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of known solutions that are relevant to the researcher’s problem
To avoid unnecessary duplication of research
To identify promising procedures and instruments
Sources of Literature
Journal articles
Books
Conference proceedings
Government and corporate reports
Newspapers
Theses and dissertations
Internet (electronic journals)
CD-ROM
Magazines
3.4 Defining the Problem
Elements
Clear statement with sufficient contextual detail to justify its importance.
The method of solving the problem, often stated as a claim or a working thesis.
The purpose, statement of objective and scope of the document the researcher is preparing.
Guidelines in Creating a Good Problem Statement
The problem is clearly and unambiguously defined – addressing the what, where , when etc.
Quantify the extent or size of the problem.
Emphasize the consequences if the problem identified is not overcome, why it is considered as a problem.
Criteria in Assessing the Quality of a Good Problem Statement
Relevant- from both managerial perspective
Feasible- able to execute and complete it within constraints and limitations
Interesting – research is a long process, make sure it is interesting to sustain interest through out
3.5 Ethical Issues
Principles, values and standards of conduct followed by researchers in the process of planning, conducting and reporting a research
Includes
Maintain objectivity and integrity in conducting a research – avoid “deception” by omission or commission.
Avoid invasion of the privacy of subjects and respect the dignity of respondents.
Bring no harm to individuals or groups, the research discipline or to society in general