Don't Understand the Dissertation Problem Space? Watch THIS! || PhD/EdD Chapter 2 Literature Review

Summary

This video lesson delves into the concept of the 'problem space' in academic research, emphasizing its importance as the foundation for justifying a study's necessity. It illustrates how to identify and articulate a problem space by comparing existing literature with gaps in knowledge. The speaker uses personal research experiences to demonstrate the process of uncovering a unique research area, highlighting the significance of synthesizing literature findings and ensuring that the problem space is current and relevant within the last five years. The video also advises on preparing for discussions with instructors and the importance of envisioning the impact of successful research.

Takeaways

• 📚 The problem space is the argument for the necessity of a study, based on literature gaps.
• 🔍 Identifying the problem space involves comparing what is known from literature with what is not known and needs to be explored.
• 📈 A compelling argument for a study's necessity comes from demonstrating a unique aspect or difference that hasn't been addressed in existing literature.
• 🎯 The importance of synthesizing literature to show what has been proven in one context may not have been in another, thus justifying the need for further research.
• 📝 Empirical articles from the last five years are crucial for establishing a current and relevant problem space.
• 📉 Literature older than five years may not be defendable due to rapid changes in various fields and could question the researcher's expertise.
• 📐 It's essential to have at least 75% of the literature references within five years of the expected graduation date.
• 📋 Keeping track of literature percentages and dates can prevent last-minute revisions and ensure the problem space remains valid and up-to-date.
• 💡 The problem space should highlight future research directions or limitations from other studies to argue for the need of the proposed study.
• 🌟 Adding potential outcomes of a successful study can help demonstrate its value to practitioners and researchers in the field.
• 👨‍🏫 Engaging with instructors and being prepared to discuss the problem space with identified articles and clear arguments is key to refining the research direction.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video lesson on the problem space?

The main focus of the video lesson is to delve deeper into the concept of the problem space, which is the argument for the need for a study based on literature review, and how to identify and articulate it.

What is the significance of the problem space in academic research?

The problem space is significant as it identifies a gap in the literature that needs to be addressed, thus justifying the necessity of the research and making a case for its importance.

How does the video lesson illustrate the concept of the problem space using the example of PBIS in rural Mississippi?

The lesson uses the example of a student investigating the effectiveness of PBIS in rural Mississippi to illustrate the need for a compelling argument that differentiates the study area from other similar contexts, such as rural North Carolina.

What is the role of literature review in identifying the problem space?

The literature review plays a crucial role in identifying the problem space by comparing what is known with what is not known, and by highlighting the gaps or areas that require further research.

Why is it important to compare studies from different areas when forming an argument for a study?

Comparing studies from different areas helps to identify unique aspects or differences that may justify the need for research in a specific context, thus refining the problem space and the argument for the study.

What is the significance of the recommendation and limitations sections in articles for identifying the problem space?

The recommendation and limitations sections in articles provide insights into what has been done and what needs to be done, which can help in identifying future research directions and contributing to the need for the proposed study.

Why should the problem space articles be from recent literature?

Recent literature is important because it reflects the most current state of knowledge and ensures the relevance and timeliness of the research topic, given the rapid changes in various fields.

What is the recommended percentage of recent literature in the problem space?

A good target is to have 75 percent or more of the references in the problem space from within the last five years of the expected graduation date.

Why is it essential to ensure that the problem space articles are empirical?

Empirical articles, which involve actual data collection, provide concrete evidence and findings that are necessary for establishing a solid foundation for the problem space and the research argument.

How can synthesizing literature from different fields contribute to identifying the problem space?

Synthesizing literature from different fields allows for a broader understanding of the topic and can reveal gaps or inconsistencies that may not be apparent when looking at a single field, thus helping to identify the problem space.

What is the final step suggested in the video lesson to strengthen the problem space argument?

The final step is to add a few sentences that describe how things might look if the study is successful, highlighting its potential impact on practitioners, researchers, and the field in general.