Guidelines for Stating a Research Problem - Essay Example

There is no use for a research problem that cannot be done. Precision in words used is at the core of a good research statement, with the problem being expressed in the initial few words. Editing of writing includes careful choice of words, clarity of expression, expression of thoughts in full with minimal word use, use of a thesaurus, maintaining short sentences, and rewriting as often as required with alertness for modification. (1).

2. Describe three benefits of conducting a thorough review of existing literature prior to writing a research proposal.

          The first additional benefit that a thorough is that it boosts confidence through several factors. These factors include enhanced knowledge of the subject and the understanding that there have been others who have demonstrated interest in the topic through the investment of time, effort, and resources in studying it. Another benefit is that it reveals sources of data that may not have crossed the mind. An example of this is that in going through articles on the subject the literary references provide additional sources that may not have been considered. Among the difficult areas of research are the methodological and design issues. A third benefit of a thorough review of existing literature is that how similar studies handled these issues could be the means to resolving methodical and design issues.      

3. Sometimes students believe that taking the time to prepare a complete and carefully designed research proposal is something to be preached, but not really practiced. Identify at least two different problems related to research design that are commonly encountered when doing research. For each problem, explain how a complete and detailed research proposal would help the researcher avoid the problem.

          Employing improper data collection tools and the lack of application to ethical issues are two commonly occurring problems related to research design. There are several data collection tools like questionnaires, interviews, and the like, which may be also in several forms. Employing the right tool is critical to the collection of correct data. A complete and detailed research proposal provides the means to employ the right data collection tool. Ethical issues are an essential component of any research. A detailed research proposal spells out the steps that would be taken to address ethical considerations that need to be taken into account before, during, and after the research.