Research Problem Formulation

This week’s topics

Research Problem Formulation

1. Framing doctoral-level problem statements
2. Defining project scope and parameters
3. Establishing rationale for empirical inquiry
4. Defining contributions to body of knowledge
5. Doctoral Contribution to Knowledge: What is “enough” for a qualitative PhD?
6. Writing a Problem/Purpose statement (PPS&Q) for a Comprehensive Literature Review

What you will be able to do

• 1.2 Identify a problem that can be solved within a stipulated time.
• 1.3 Develop problem statement and justify the need for further investigation.
• 4.1 Define an area of research by providing a clear rationale, scope and express it in terms of contribution to wider body of knowledge.

Activity

Start with this week’s 2 videos, then: Seminar, guided reading and a short written task: identify a problem that can be solved within a stipulated time.

Study materials

Videos

• Doctoral Contribution to Knowledge: What is “enough” for a qualitative PhD? · YouTube · Degree Doctor · 11 min · for registered students
• Writing a Problem/Purpose statement (PPS&Q) for a Comprehensive Literature Review · YouTube · cecile badenhorst · 15 min · for registered students

Further resources

• MIT OpenCourseWare 15.347 Doctoral Seminar in Research Methods I (Fall 2004) · Reading · MIT OpenCourseWare, course · for registered students
• Principles of Sociological Inquiry, ch. 4: Beginning a Research Project · PDF · Saylor Academy, textbook chapter; pp. 37–50 · for registered students