Different researchers traced their research problems from different angles. For instance, while some trace it to the source/ cause of a situation/ behaviour, others identify it with the penultimate consequence of the situation/ behaviour. While some others state the ultimate consequence of a situation/ behaviour to be the problem statement, others consider the penultimate consequence of a situation/ behaviour to be the problem statement. Which of the following angles do you find most appropriate and why?
Actually, the "meaningful angle" is what the researcher brings to the whole of learning about the topic at hand. In other words, what is it that is new to what is already known? To use the approaches mentioned, if we know the consequences/outcomes of some action or issue at hand, perhaps, we need to find out what are causal factors. And vice -versa. More to the point of "meaningful angle," an issue may be researched from a pov (angle) of a particular field, sociological, anthropological, public health, political- economical, etc. In sum, as others have said, the "angle" depends on YOU, as researcher.
All of the 'angles' you mentioned are legitimate and viable ways to initiate a research problem. As Osazuwa mentioned..it all depends on the purpose/objective of the research. I prefer to begin with the context of the problem then the consequences and finally the magnitude of it which warrants a probe..a research!
Dear Dennis,
I love to explore the problems and identifies the causes. I believe that problems happen for certain reasons and are not the result of chance. I like to put problems into broader approaches (systemic view). I also like to examine the program theories (where the problem is a program or project) explicit or implicit guiding the program (much like this approach to public policy, mainly). But I would insist that a problem and something rational and as such should be understood and studied. A problem has multiple causes and multiple dimensions and actors. So knowing all this is part of the understanding of the problem. My preferred approach, then, is to act on the problems (causes) and not the consequences.
See you later,
S.
Generally, recognizing and seperating "hard science" from "soft social science" would be helpful in the dimention and angle of a research- plan, (based on Elements of Creativity and Priciples of Design). The next, would be the choice of planning qualitative, or quantitative style of research, in which they are EQUALLY valuable, and effective in the outcomes and results of any research.
Actually, the "meaningful angle" is what the researcher brings to the whole of learning about the topic at hand. In other words, what is it that is new to what is already known? To use the approaches mentioned, if we know the consequences/outcomes of some action or issue at hand, perhaps, we need to find out what are causal factors. And vice -versa. More to the point of "meaningful angle," an issue may be researched from a pov (angle) of a particular field, sociological, anthropological, public health, political- economical, etc. In sum, as others have said, the "angle" depends on YOU, as researcher.
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