Understanding Research Variables and Problem Identification
Think of research variables like characters in a story - each one plays a specific role! The independent variable is your "cause" (like hours of studying), while the dependent variable is your "effect" (like test scores). Don't forget about extraneous variables - these are the sneaky factors you need to keep constant so they don't mess up your results.
Your background of the study is like setting the stage for your audience. It gives readers the context they need to understand why your research matters. This is where you identify the research gap - basically, what's missing from current knowledge that your study will fill.
To find your research gap, ask yourself: What do we already know? What's still a mystery? Why does closing this gap matter? These questions help you build a strong foundation for your entire study.
Good research questions need to tick four boxes: they should be feasible (doable with your resources), clear (no confusing language), significant (actually important), and ethical (won't harm anyone). Remember, your research questions are like sub-problems that break down your main research problem into manageable pieces.
Pro Tip: Different research types need different question styles - descriptive research observes and describes, correlational research looks for relationships, and experimental research involves manipulating variables!