Sources of Research Problems
Ideas for research problems or topics can arise from a range of sources such as personal or professional experience, a theory, the media, or other research studies.
Personal or professional experience
Everyday personal or professional experience may lead us to identify a problem for which we would like a solution. Alternatively, we may encounter a question or questions that we would like to try and answer.
For example, on a personal level, you may prefer the taste of organically produced vegetables and thus wonder if people in general prefer the taste of organically produced vegetables to those produced non-organically. The research topic is a study into taste preferences and the question 'do people in general prefer the taste of organically produced vegetables to those produced non-organically?' Alternatively, for example, as a professional nature reserve warden you may want to encourage the establishment and spread of a particular plant species because you know it is a food source for a rare butterfly. The research problem may be, 'how do I encourage the spread of the plant species of interest?'
Theory
Theories are ideas about how things relate to each other. Theories may be general, commonly held beliefs (such as, domestic cats are the cause of a decline in bird numbers in UK gardens) or more technical ideas (for example, that global warming is causing a change to the timing of the seasonal responses of the flowering cherry tree in the UK).
There are many ways of expressing theories, some are very formal, others are informal. Here are some examples:
• Keynes' statement that ... 'men are disposed as a rule and on average, to increase their consumption as their income increases, but not as much as the increase in their income ...' is a theory.
• The idea that distance learners have different needs than on-campus students is a theory.
• A hunch that crossing two particular strains of maize will produce a more drought-tolerant variety is a theory.
• The assumption that every species has a fundamental niche, is a theory.
Theories may be useful in suggesting interesting questions and generally guiding fieldwork, but should not restrict us from exploring alternative explanations. The end result of the research process is knowledge.
Literature and the media
There are many sources of literature, such as books, journal articles, and newspapers. When searching and reading literature it is possible to encounter gaps in information and knowledge, and problems for which there is currently no solution. These may provide a good basis for research. We are also flooded with information presented by the media, such as television, which again might give rise to research ideas.
Ideas for research problems or topics can arise from a range of sources such as personal or professional experience, a theory, the media, or other research studies.
Personal or professional experience
Everyday personal or professional experience may lead us to identify a problem for which we would like a solution. Alternatively, we may encounter a question or questions that we would like to try and answer.
For example, on a personal level, you may prefer the taste of organically produced vegetables and thus wonder if people in general prefer the taste of organically produced vegetables to those produced non-organically. The research topic is a study into taste preferences and the question 'do people in general prefer the taste of organically produced vegetables to those produced non-organically?' Alternatively, for example, as a professional nature reserve warden you may want to encourage the establishment and spread of a particular plant species because you know it is a food source for a rare butterfly. The research problem may be, 'how do I encourage the spread of the plant species of interest?'
Theory
Theories are ideas about how things relate to each other. Theories may be general, commonly held beliefs (such as, domestic cats are the cause of a decline in bird numbers in UK gardens) or more technical ideas (for example, that global warming is causing a change to the timing of the seasonal responses of the flowering cherry tree in the UK).
There are many ways of expressing theories, some are very formal, others are informal. Here are some examples:
• Keynes' statement that ... 'men are disposed as a rule and on average, to increase their consumption as their income increases, but not as much as the increase in their income ...' is a theory.
• The idea that distance learners have different needs than on-campus students is a theory.
• A hunch that crossing two particular strains of maize will produce a more drought-tolerant variety is a theory.
• The assumption that every species has a fundamental niche, is a theory.
Theories may be useful in suggesting interesting questions and generally guiding fieldwork, but should not restrict us from exploring alternative explanations. The end result of the research process is knowledge.
Literature and the media
There are many sources of literature, such as books, journal articles, and newspapers. When searching and reading literature it is possible to encounter gaps in information and knowledge, and problems for which there is currently no solution. These may provide a good basis for research. We are also flooded with information presented by the media, such as television, which again might give rise to research ideas.
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