In the broadest sense of the
word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information
and facts for the advancement of knowledge. Research
must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid standard protocol. These rules are broadly similar but may vary slightly between the different fields of science. Scientific research must be organized and undergo planning, including performing of past research and evaluating what questions need to be answered[1].
must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid standard protocol. These rules are broadly similar but may vary slightly between the different fields of science. Scientific research must be organized and undergo planning, including performing of past research and evaluating what questions need to be answered[1].
Research problem refers to some
difficult which a researcher experiences in the context of either or theoretical
or practical situation and want to obtain a solution for the same. Thus, a
research problem is one which requires a researcher to find out the best
solution for the given problem, for instance to find out by which course of
action the objectives can be attained optionally in the context of a given
environment.
Choosing a research question is
the central element of both quantitative and qualitative research and in some cases it
may precede construction of the conceptual framework of study. In all cases, it
makes the theoretical assumptions in the framework more explicit, most of all
it indicates what the researcher wants to know most and first. Once, the
research is complete and the researcher knows the probable answer to the
research question, writing can begin. In term papers, the answer to the
question is normally given in summary in the introduction in the form of a thesis
statement[2].
The topic a person to research
has a great influence on how well a person succeed in carrying out the
investigation and writing up his or her work. A crucial factor is whether a
person has a genuine interest in the subject matter. This will motivate a person
to complete the task to the best possible standard. A person may have found his
or her topic, but within that topic must
find a question, which identifies what will hope to learn. Finding a question
sounds, but research questions need to be shaped and crafted. This section
examines the factors that go into creating a good research topic or problem.
A
research is a comprehensive task and it requires great effort as a researcher
on your part. The first thing that determines the success of your research is
your research topic. A good research topic should have the following qualities
such as clarity, well-defined,
and the language[3].
Topic
must be original: Original
research
is research that is not exclusively based on a summary, review or synthesis of
earlier publications on the subject of research. This material is of a primary source
character. The purpose of the original research is to produce new knowledge,
rather than to present the existing knowledge in a new form, for example
summarized or classified; the
originality of a topic first and foremost eliminates duplication. A duplicated
research study amounts to waste of energy, time, material and financial
resources, because solution to that problem has already been provided. An
original topic adds new knowledge which contributes to educational advancement.[4]
The topic must be educational in nature; the
educational nature of a topic implies that the topic must be such that is
geared towards providing a solution to an educational problem. It must also
satisfy one of the major objectives of educational research extension of knowledge and making a meaningful
contribution in the teaching - learning process.[5]
The topic to be selected must be of interest
to the researcher. A person's interest in a topic provides the motivation that
will enable the researcher complete the investigation. Interest also makes for
dedication and commitment in the course of the study. This is one of the
reasons; the supervisor should not select a topic for students. One cannot be
committed to a study that has no personal meaning to him.[6]
Topic must be researchable, a topic is said to
be researchable if it lends itself to investigation through the collection and
analysis of objective and relevant data. It employs a systematic data gathering
procedure for testing its theory and arriving at the solution to the problems.
for example does God answer prayers? God cures diseases or not?[7].
Availability of time and financial resources:
the topic must be such that can be completed within the time and money
availability to the researchers. Excuses relating to time and financial
handicaps are not tolerated in research. Many research studies are abandoned
due to lack of time and financial resources.[8]
Availability of data, the topic must be one in
which the researcher can easily identify his subjects and means of collecting
data from the subjects. Subjects in research may be human being, objects, events
and structures such as buildings.[9]
Facilities for data collecting must be
available; refers to the device used to collect data,
such as a paper questionnaire or computer assisted interviewing system such facilities like the libraries,
computer and information centers. This is important for review of literature
and analysis of data[10].
Topic
must be significant: it must be capable of adding to new knowledge thereby
providing solution to some knotty educational and social problems. Its findings
must benefit some individuals. A critical consideration of most of the above
principles will make topic selection as easy task for researchers[11].
Read through background information, taking a few minutes to read about
your topic in a specialized encyclopedia, dictionary or handbook may be one of
the most effective and time saving research tips on this list. You will
probably refine and refocus your topic several times before you finalize it.
The books are good places to start your research when you know little about a
topic, when you need an overview of a subject, or when you want a quick summary
of basic ideas. They are also useful for discovering the names of important
people, and can familiarize you with the vocabulary of the field[12].
Finding the ideal research
problem does not mean simply selecting a topic from possibilities presented by
your adviser or having such a topic assigned to you, attractive as this may
first appear. It means going through the process of discovering and then
developing a topic with all the initial anxiety and uncertainty such a choice
entails. This is how you develop your capacity for independent thought. There
are a number of factors to consider when selecting a research area. Some of
them have to do with your particular interests, capabilities, and motivations.
Others center on areas that will be of greatest interest to both the academic
and private sectors.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Adedayo,
A.(1989). Selection of Resaerch Problem.
University of Ilorin
.
Creswell, J. W. (2008). Education Research
Planning Conducting and Evaluating Quantitative
and Qualitative Research.
Upper SaddleRiver: Pearson
Hay,
A. (1984). Tactics in Presenting a
Research Propososal Area
Kombo,
D. & Tromp, D. (2006). Proposal and
Thesis Writing an Introduction. Pauline’s
Publication Africa Nairobi GPO
Kenya
Osuala,
C. (1982)Introduction to Resaerch Methodology. Onitsha: African Fep Publishers
Limited
http//wwwWikipedia
The Free Encyclopedia.com
Retrieved on 2nd December 2013.
htt//
www. Experiment-Research.com.
Retrieved on 2nd December 2013.
TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION
·
Definition of research
·
Meaning of research problem
MAIN
BODY
·
Factors to consider in selecting
research topic
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
[1]
Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Quantitative and
Qualitative Research.
[4]
http// Www. Experiment-Research.com..
[5]
.Ibid
[6]
.Ibid
[7]
Adedayo, A.(1989).
Selection of Resaerch Problem. University of Ilorin.
[8]
Hay, A. (1984). Tactics
in Presenting a Research Propososal Area.
[9].
Ibid
[11]
.Ibid
[12]
Kombo,
D. & Tromp, D. (2006). Proposal and
Thesis Writing an Introduction.
Atleast, you have gone to the reality ma friend
ReplyDeleteGood try
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