Chapter No 2 Formulation and Selection of Research

Chapter No. 2 Formulation and Selection of Research Problems

Identification of Problems from previous related research; he can also locate references of periodicals, articles, research reports, bibliographies, journals, research guides, research databases. • Review of previous research: Researcher can acquire ideas • Identification from the surroundings: Researchers can identify a problem from his surroundings. For example, classrooms, schools, courts, grounds, gymnasiums, tracks, etc. Communication with athletes, players, students and sports coaches can help in the generation of new ideas.

Identification of Research Problems • Questioning attitude: Attitude of asking 'why', 'how', 'where', 'when', and 'what' is a fundamental prerequisite for the problem identification. Discussions: Interaction with other researchers, experts, attending conferences, seminars, classroom discussions, exchanging ideas and thoughts, consulting with guides, fellow research scholars, etc. can be very effective in the problem identification.

Criteria of good research problem • The significance of problem: Problem should have its worth in the field. It should be directed towards improvement in the concerned field. • Researcher's interest: The problem should be selected according to the interest of the researcher; not for reward, benefits or promotion. • Researcher’s capability: Problem should be according to the researcher’s understanding level. For example subjects like Anatomy and physiology are highly specialized in nature, so it is worthless for a physical educator to select a problem from these subjects. • Novelty: Research problem should be new and inventive in nature and free from duplication.

Pre – considerations before selecting a problem • Accessibility of data: Researcher should ensure in prior the availability of data that study demand. For instance, if a researcher wants to conduct a case study research on an eminent sportsperson, he must make sure that whether the subject will have sufficient time for the researcher or not. • Availability of guidance: Researcher should ensure whether he will get the essential guidance or supervision. • Cooperation: The process of research demands support from different authorities, institutions and individual and subjects. • Financial requirements: Research process requires a sufficient financial budget so that the researcher can easily meet the expenses required for data collection, purchasing apparatus, test material, travel, postage, and computer expenses, etc.

Pre – considerations before selecting a problem • Time feasibility: Problem should be such that it can be studied and completed in stipulated time. • Administrative feasibility: Researcher should be able to administer the specific tests, equipment, and there should be an availability of specialized workforce. • The aim of investigation: The problem should be selected according to desired objectives of the research. • Practical application: Problem will be worthless if it does not have any contribution to the field. The experience of the field: Researcher should have a thorough theoretical knowledge and practical experience in his area of research.

Sources of Research Problems 1. Research Literature (Locate key papers in the Abstracts. – – – Introductory texts Second-level or area texts Annual Review / review articles Special topic text / symposium reports Journal articles) 2. Web Site 3. Physical Education nfo 4. Dictionary of Sports Sciences (Physical Education)

Sources of the Research Problems 1. 2. 3. 4. Card catalog Psychological Abstracts Current Contents Citation Index (find subsequently-published related articles) 5. Reference sections of relevant papers (find previously-published related articles) 6. Knowledgeable people

Criteria in Selecting Research problems 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Area of Interest To identify the concept Identify Variable Delimitated the problems Variable must be measured Available data Available finance Expert/Qualified staff

Purpose of Literature Review 1. To demonstrate your familiarity and knowledge of the subject. 2. To provide an outline of the relevant theories and concepts important within your research. 3. To Focus the research question. 4. To determine the extent of past research into the subject matter. ;

Purpose of Literature Review 1. To develop hypothesis 2. To identify methodologies and methods that have been successfully utilized in the past. 3. To help ensure all relevant variables are identified 4. To allow comparison of your findings with the findings of others.

Sources of Literature • • Books Peer-reviewed Journals Conference papers The Internet Past Thesis News papers / magezines Trade Journals