E-mail me
Subproblems
"A fact in itself is nothing. It is valuable only for the idea attached to it, or for the proof which it furnishes." - Claude Bernard
The subparts of the main research problem are called subproblems. By viewing the main problem through the subproblems, a researcher can get a better view of the entire project and its endeavor. Requirements of Subproblems are:
- 1. each subproblem should be a completely researchable unit in and of itself (in other words, subproblems are not procedural questions)
2. interpretation of data should be apparant
3. subproblems must add up to the totality of the problem statement
Things to keep in mind when creating subproblems:
- be aware of unrealistic goals
- study the main problem statement and determine which areas require further research
- think of subproblems as mini-problem statements, and write them in a similar format
- avoid "pseudosubproblems" (see next section for clarification)
What is a "pseudosubproblem"?
- A pseudosubproblem are not researachable problems. They are procedural or process questions that many people mistake to be subproblems. An example of a pseudosubproblem is something like "What is the best way to choose a sample" or "What instruments or methods should be used to gather the data"? Since these questions can be answered without extensive research or interpretation of data, these are not valid subproblems.
Steps in Creating Subproblems
1. Take the Problem Statement you created and isolate the possible subproblem areas, places where you can conduct research. It might help to highlight or somehow mark these areas on paper.
2. Write a subproblem for each subproblem area, keeping in mind the same guidelines as used in writing the Problem Statement.
3. Submit the subproblems to be edited by your peers and your teacher. After peer editing, edit your subproblems.
4. Now you have your Subproblems! These are going to prepare you for the next steps of the research proposal. Now, you can create your Definitions.
Example
This is my problem statement. One area of the problem that I thought could be expanded into a subproblem is italicized below:
"How has the popularity of Japanese animation in the U.S. from 1999-2000 affected the content of pre-teen cartoons (aimed at children aged 10-14) produced in 2000-01 in the U.S.?"
This is an example of one subproblem that I created in response to the question of "popularity":
"What common characteristics exit in a preteen popular cartoon in the U.S.?"
This page is created and maintained by Jennifer Tam. Copyright 2001.