Evaluating the Research Problem
1. Write a clear statement of a problem for research.
2. Review your written statement and ask yourself the following questions:
Is the problem stated in one or more complete, grammatical sentences?
Is it clear how the area of study will be limited or focused?
Is it clear that you have an open mind about results that the research effort might yield?
3. On the basis of your answers to the questions in Item 2, edit your written statement.
4. Look at your edited statement and reflect on the following questions:
Does the answer to this problem have the potential for providing important and useful answers and information?
Will the result be more than a simple exercise in gathering information, answering a yes-or-no question, or making a simple comparison?
Is the problem focused enough to be accomplished with a reasonable expenditure of time, money, and effort?
5. Looking at the statement once more, consider this: Is the problem really what you want to investigate?
6. Show some of your colleagues or fellow students your work. Ask them to consider the questions listed in Items 2 and 4 and then to give you their comments. With your compiled feedback, edit and rewrite your problem statement once again:
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