Problem Formulation

Problem Formulation in Applied Social Research

Where Do Research Topics Come From?

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Practical problems in the field

Where Do Research Topics Come From?

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Practical problems in the field Literature in the field

Where Do Research Topics Come From?

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Practical problems in the field Literature in the field Your own thinking

Is the Study Feasible? ● ● ● ● ●

Tradeoff between rigor and practicality How long it will take Ethical constraints Needed cooperation Costs

The Literature Review

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Review the scientific literature Do the review early The review can help you – See if your idea has been tried – Include all relevant constructs – Select instruments – Anticipate common problems