Session 03: Formulating the Research Problem

Topics

What problem and question do you want to study?

1. Situating the problem

2. Grounding the problem in reality

3. Diagnosing the problem

4. Problem solving by formulating the crucial question

Video Clips

• Research Problem Formulation part 1: What is a problem?

• Diagnosing a Problem

• Problem Selection and Exercises

Reading

• Engaged Scholarship, Chapter 3

• Supplementary Readings:

  • Davis, "That's Interesting," (1971) and "That's Classic!" (1986).

  • Eden & Jones (1983) “Messing About in Problems,” pp. 39-59.

  • Edmondson, Crossing Boundaries to Investigate Problems in the Field, 2011

    • Van de Ven & Delbecq, "The Nominal Group as a Research Instrument…" AJPH, 1972.

Notes

• Class Slides on Problem Formulation

Exercise

• • Complete this Problem Formulation Exercise, and bring to class for discussion.

Submit your questions/comments about video lectures and readings for Session 4, Research Problem