Astana IT University

1.

Astana IT University
Department of General Education Disciplines
Academic Writing
Week 3
Lecture 1: Introduction to Research Context,
Problem and Research Question
Lecture 2: Defining Research Aim and
Objectives
Seminar 1: Practice: Formulating Research Aim and
Questions
Seminar 2: Developing Research Context
Seminar 3: Language focus: Paraphrasing and Summarizing

2.

Understanding the importance of research context,
problem identification, and research questions;
Objectives of
Lecture 1 and
Lecture 2:
Practicing the formulation of research problems and
refining them through seminars;
Developing the skills to define research aim and
objectives;
Identifying characteristics of a good research question.

3.

Week 3 task
In groups, find at
least 5 articles
relevant to your
research context
before Seminar
sessions.

4.

Components of Introduction section of
your mini research:
•Topic of your research;
•Research context and research problem;
Research aim and objectives;
Research question(s);
Significance of research (we will discuss this in future lectures);

5.

What is the difference between different
components of Introduction section?
Research topic is the broad subject matter addressed by the study.
Example: The usage of augmented reality filters by users (19-35 years old).

6.

What is the difference between different
components of Introduction section?
The research context is crucial in providing background information and
setting for a study.

7.

What is the difference between different
components of Introduction section?
Research problem is a general issue, concern, or controversy addressed in
research that narrows the topic.
Example: The lack of research in the field of AR filters. There are no studies
that investigate why people use AR filters. ( why?)

8.

What is the difference between different
components of Introduction section?
Purpose statement/Research Aim is the major intent of the study used to
address the problem.
Example: To study motivations behind the use of AR filters (what for? )
True to the name, research aims usually start with the wording “this research aims to…”, “this research seeks to…”,
and so on.
They are NOT hyper-specific or action-oriented, but they are clear about what the study’s focus is and what is
being investigated.

9.

Research Objectives: What are they?
The research objectives take the research aims and make them
more practical and actionable. In other words, the research objectives
showcase the steps that the researcher will take to achieve the research
aim.
The research objectives need to be far more specific (higher resolution)
and actionable than the research aims.

10.

What is the difference between different
components of Introduction section?
Research questions narrow the purpose into specific questions
Example: What motivations drive users when overlaying social media AR face
filters on themselves?
Cresswell, 2014

11.

Parts of Introduction section
TOPIC
RESEARCH PROBLEM
PURPOSE STATEMENT (AIM)
The usage of augmented reality filters by users (19-35 years old).
There are no studies that investigate why people use AR filters
To study motivations and impact of use of AR filters
OBJECTIVES
-To identify and analyze the various motivations that drive individuals to use
AR filters on social media platforms.
-To understand the potential impact of AR filter usage on self-esteem, body
image, and social media engagement.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What motivations drive users when overlaying social media AR face filters
on themselves?
Adapted from Javornik et al., 2022

12.

Another example: Topic: Pros and Cons of online gaming in adolescents
Research Problem:
A lack of evidence on the positive and negative health outcomes of competitive
online gaming and esports, particularly among young people and adolescents
Purpose Statement (Aim): The research addresses a deficit of empirical knowledge on the well-being
outcomes associated with gaming competitively, whether recreationally or
intensively, among young people (casual gamers, non-gamers, heavy gamers).
Objectives:
-To investigate the association between competitive gaming and well-being
outcomes among young people, including casual gamers, non-gamers, and heavy
gamers.
-To determine if casual gamers exhibit fewer harmful well-being outcomes
compared to heavy gamers.
-To assess if non-gamers experience less detrimental well-being outcomes than
heavy gamers.
-To examine if casual gamers demonstrate fewer negative well-being outcomes
than non-gamers.
Research Questions:
Will casual gamers exhibit less harmful well-being outcomes than heavy gamers?
Will non-gamers exhibit less harmful well-being outcomes than heavy gamers?
Will casual gamers exhibit less harmful well-being outcomes than non-gamers?
Adapted from Javornik et al., 2022

13.

Components of Introduction section of
your mini research:
•Topic of your research;
•Research context and research problem;
Research aim and objectives;
Research question(s);
Significance of research (we will discuss this in future lectures);

14.

Research Context
Warm up activity
What do you need for a
treasure hunt?
You might need a Map, Tools and
Knowledge.

15.

Questions to consider for Research Context
What is known about the broad
topic?
What are the gaps or missing links
that need to be addressed?
What is the significance of
addressing those gaps?

16.

Research Context
Research Problem
The research context helps situate the current study
within the broader scholarly conversation by providing
background information, outlining the broader subject
area of the study.
A research problem is a specific issue, gap, or
challenge within the context that the researcher aims to
address or solve.

17.

Discuss. How to come up with a Research Problem?
Personal experiences (Think critically
about your own experiences/frustrations
with an issue facing society, your
community and so on.
Formal and informal discussions with
experts in the field, such as
teachers, social workers, health care
providers to identify "real-world" problems
that might be ignored within academic
circles
Reviewing relevant literature and theories

18.

Defining a Research Problem from the
literature:
What is already known about
the problem?
How has the problem been
defined and debated in the
scholarly literature?
How will resolving the
problem advance
understanding of the topic?
What benefits will it have for
future research?
Does the problem have
direct or indirect
consequences for society?

19.

• Serves as the foundation of a research study:
What is
the importance
of Research
Problem?
-the type of study design;
-the type of sampling strategy;
-the research instrument;
-the type of analysis.
Cresswell, 2014

20.

Task 1. (7 min)
Match language chunks to their meaning
Language chunks
1.X is a major problem in ...
a.Identifying a controversy within the field of study
2.There is an urgent need to address the safety problems caused by …
3.One of the greatest challenges...
4.There is little published data on …
b.Referring to previous work to establish what is already known
5.Data about the X is limited.
6.Up to now, far too little attention has been paid to …
7.The variations observed in existing literature emphasize the need
for investigation into …
c.Phrase on establishing the importance of the topic as a problem
to be addressed
8.Disparities across the literatures call for the ongoing study of...
9.To date there has been little agreement on what …
10.Latest evidence suggested that ...
11.There are a number of theories that might explain
12.Several attempts have been made to clarify...
d.Phrase on identifying the paucity or lack of previous research

21.

Task 1
Answers

22.

Task 2 Identify the Research Problem. 10 min
You are given one sample research context. You need to identify the research problem and explain why
that problem is researched.
Sample Research Context:
…
Hence, this study can help expand the literature in
the field of technological entrepreneurship and
make a relationship with the innovative
nanotechnology industry. It will also indicate that
technology, peripheral knowledge, resources and
collaborations can lead to the enhancement of
businesses. This study highlights the potential
relationship between technological entrepreneurship
and the concept of business. The authors can also
claim that there is no similar study on the mediating
role of contextual elements in this relationship. Thus,
this study aims to identify the influential factors in
the successful performance of technological
entrepreneurship in small and medium enterprises
among Iranian nanotechnology-based corporates.
Choose an appropriate reason from the
following list and justify your answer:
The problem is researched …
•because the study will fill a gap or void in the
existing literature;
•because the study replicates a past study but
examines different participants and different re
search sites;
•because the study extends past research or ex
amines the topic more thoroughly;
•because the study gives voice to people silenc
ed, not heard, or rejected in society;
•because the study informs practice.

23.

Task 2 Identify the Research Problem.
You are given one sample research context. You need to identify the research problem and explain why
that problem is researched.
Sample Research Context:
…
In the rapidly evolving field of renewable energy
technology, there is a growing interest in
understanding the factors that influence the success
of entrepreneurial ventures. This study aims to
contribute to the literature by examining the
mediating role of institutional factors in the
relationship between entrepreneurial activities and
business performance in the context of renewable
energy startups in India. Renewable energy
entrepreneurship has the potential to drive
sustainable development and mitigate climate
change. Despite the importance of these institutional
factors, there is a lack of research focusing on how
they mediate the relationship between
entrepreneurial activities and business outcomes. By
addressing this gap, the study seeks to uncover how
institutional factors influence the performance of
renewable energy startups.
Choose an appropriate reason from the
following list and justify your answer:
The problem is researched …
•because the study will fill a gap or void in the
existing literature;
•because the study replicates a past study but
examines different participants and different re
search sites;
•because the study extends past research or ex
amines the topic more thoroughly;
•because the study gives voice to people silenc
ed, not heard, or rejected in society;
•because the study informs practice.

24.

Task 2
Identify the Research Problem
Research
Problem –
Gap in the
literature
Hence, this study can help expand the literature in the field of technological
entrepreneurship and make a relationship with the innovative nanotechnology
industry. It will also indicate that technology, peripheral knowledge, resources and
collaborations can lead to the enhancement of businesses. This study highlights the
potential relationship between technological entrepreneurship and the concept of
business. The authors can also claim that there is no similar study on the
mediating role of contextual elements in this relationship. Thus, this study aims to
identify the influential factors in the successful performance of technological
entrepreneurship in small and medium enterprises among Iranian nanotechnologybased corporates.
Reason: The problem is researched because the study will fill a gap or void in the existing literature.

25.

Task 2
Identify the Research Problem
Research
Problem –
Gap in the
literature
In the rapidly evolving field of renewable energy technology, there is a growing
interest in understanding the factors that influence the success of entrepreneurial
ventures. This study aims to contribute to the literature by examining the mediating
role of institutional factors in the relationship between entrepreneurial activities and
business performance in the context of renewable energy startups in India.
Renewable energy entrepreneurship has the potential to drive sustainable
development and mitigate climate change. Despite the importance of these
institutional factors, there is a lack of research focusing on how they mediate the
relationship between entrepreneurial activities and business outcomes. By
addressing this gap, the study seeks to uncover how institutional factors influence
the performance of renewable energy startups.
Reason: The problem is researched because the study will fill a gap or void in the existing literature.

26.

Components of Introduction section of
your mini research:
•Topic of your research;
•Research context and research problem;
Research aim and objectives;
Research question(s);
Significance of research (we will discuss this in future lectures);

27.

What are Research Aim and Objectives?
Research aim/ purpose refers to a broad statement
indicating the general purpose of your research
project.
Objectives - more specific than research aim and
indicate the particular focus and approach of your
project.
One research aim - several research objectives
Kumar, 2010

28.

Steps in Forming Research Aim and
Objectives
Your research aim should reflect your research problem and should be relatively
broad.
Break down your aim into a limited number of steps that will help you resolve
your research problem. What specific aspects of the problem do you want to
examine or understand?
Once you’ve established your research aim and objectives, you need to explain
them clearly and concisely to the reader.

29.

This study provides new insights into
The present research explores, for the first
time, the effects of …
Task 3. 5 min
Match Language
chunks to their
meaning
There are several important areas where
this study makes an original contribution to
…
The specific objective of this study was to …
This study set out to investigate the
usefulness of …
The purpose of this investigation is to
explore the...
introducing the purpose of
the study
explaining the significance
of the current study

30.

Language chunks
for presenting the
significance and
purpose of the
study
This study provides new insights into
explaining the significance of the current
study
The present research explores, for the first time,
the effects of …
explaining the significance of the current
study
There are several important areas where this
study makes an original contribution to …
explaining the significance of the current
study
The specific objective of this study was to …
introducing the purpose of the study
This study set out to investigate the usefulness
of …
introducing the purpose of the study
The purpose of this investigation is to explore
the...
introducing the purpose of the study
The University of Manchester

31.

Research Questions
Research questions are fundamental inquiries that a research study aims to answer. They
serve as the core focus of the research project, guiding the research process and setting the
pace for the investigation.
Checklist for Research Questions:
FOCUSED ON A SINGLE
PROBLEM OR ISSUE
McCombes, 2023
RESEARCHABLE USING
PRIMARY AND/OR
SECONDARY SOURCES
FEASIBLE TO ANSWER
WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME
AND PRACTICAL
CONSTRAINTS
SPECIFIC ENOUGH TO
ANSWER THOROUGHLY
COMPLEX ENOUGH TO
DEVELOP THE ANSWER
OVER THE SPACE OF A
PAPER OR THESIS
RELEVANT TO YOUR FIELD
OF STUDY AND/OR
SOCIETY MORE BROADLY

32.

Central research question should work together with your
research problem, aim and objectives.
Research
RESEARCH
question
QUESTION
criteria:
MUST BE
Focused and
FOCUSED
ON
A
researchable
SINGLE
PROBLEM OR
ISSUE
Research Problem:
-The increasing reliance on cloud computing services; the
consequential importance of understanding their impact on data privacy
and security.
Research Aim and Objectives:
-To identify how cloud computing impacts data privacy and security.
-To examine how security measures and privacy of data are ensured.
-To assess potential threats that can breach data privacy and security.
Example
Central Research Question:
How does the adoption of cloud computing impact data privacy and
security in organizations?​
Additional questions:
How do organizations ensure data privacy and security
when transitioning their operations to cloud computing environments?​
What are the key challenges and vulnerabilities associated with cloud
computing that can compromise data privacy and security?​

33.

• Enough time and resources;
• Narrow down questions to be more specific;
RESEARCH
QUESTION
Feasible and
MUST specific
BE
FEASIBLE AND
SPECIFIC
• Clear meanings;
• Avoid vague language, jargon, and too-broad ideas;
Examples
What effect does social media have on people’s minds?
What effect does daily use of Twitter have on the
attention span of 16-year-olds at your local high school?

34.

RESEARCH
Complex
QUESTION
and
MUST BE
arguable
COMPLEX AND
ARGUABLE
• Closed-ended, yes/no don’t provide enough scope
for robust investigation and discussion
• RQ requires original data, synthesis of multiple
sources, and original interpretation and
argumentation
Examples
Has there been an increase in those experiencing
cyber-attacks in the US in the past ten years?
How have technological advancements and changing
threat landscapes influenced the patterns of
cybersecurity breaches and incidents in the IT industry
over the past ten years?

35.

RESEARCH
Relevant
QUESTION
and
MUST BE
original
RELEVANT AND
ORIGINAL
Focus on addressing a
problem or gap in the
existing knowledge.
Contribute to an existing
and current debate in the
field or in society at large.
Your question should have
some aspect of originality.
For example, you can focus
on a specific location, or
explore a new angle.

36.

Alignment between Research Problem, Research Aim and Research Questions

37.

Alignment between Research Problem, Research Aim and Research
Questions
Research Aim
To measure the effectiveness
of a new teaching method in
improving student
performance
Research question
What are the teacher
satisfaction levels?
• If a research aims to investigate the effectiveness of a new teaching
method in improving student performance, but the research
questions focus on teacher satisfaction levels without linking to
student outcomes, the lack of alignment lack of focus and direction.
• MISALIGNMENT leads to IRRELEVANT FINDINGS.

38.

Task 4. 10 minutes
Read research questions and choose a good and a bad research
question. Justify your answers
• How does social media affect people's behavior?
• What effect does the daily use of YouTube have on the attention
span of children aged under 16?
• Has there been an increase in childhood obesity in the US in the
past years?
• How have school intervention programs and parental education
levels affected the rate of childhood obesity among 1st to 6 thgrade students?

39.

Task 4
Choose Good and Bad Research Questions
• The first RQ is considered bad because of the vagueness of "social media" as a concept and the
question's lack of specificity.
A good RQ should be specific and focused, and its answer should be discovered through data col
lection and analysis. You can also hone your ability to construct wellworded and specific RQs by improving reading skills.
In the second example, the first RQ is not ideal because it's too simple,
and it's easily answerable by a "yes" or "no". The second RQ is more complicated; to
answer it, the researcher must collect data, perform in-depth data analysis, and form an
argument that leads to further discussion.

40.

Task 5
Identify the elements of
Introduction section of
Research
15 minutes
Work in groups. All groups are given one
research article. Students need to identify the
following 4 elements based on the article and
write their answers on Microsoft
Notes/Padlet/Teams:

41.

Correct answers
Topic: Online Learning with 2-D Virtual Spaces
Research Problem: While such tools have been used in education — for example, the
game Minecraft has been used to address barriers to entry in the computing field — they
have not been examined in the context of synchronous virtual classrooms (lack of
research).
Purpose statement: The research focuses on examining students’ perception about their
learning experience when using a video calling tool that features a 2-D virtual space versus
one that does not.
Research Questions: (1) How do students perceive their learning experience when using a
video calling tool that utilizes 2-D virtual spaces in synchronous online course delivery?
(2) How do students perceive the use of a video calling tool that utilizes 2-D virtual spaces
in synchronous online course delivery influences their learning?

42.

Draft your research outline now. 15 min

43.

Draft your research outline now. 15 min

44.

Reminder:
Week 3 task
In groups, find at
least 5 articles
relevant to your
research context
before Seminar
classes.

45.

Reflection
Choose the statements that you agree with
1. I know different elements of Introduction section and I can
differentiate them.
2. I know how to use language chunks to establish research context
and research problem(s) in my paper.
3. I know how to use language chunks to present the significance and
purpose of our research.
4. I know how implement criteria to create good research questions.

46.

References
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Boston, MA:
Pearson.
Javornik, A., Marder, B., Barhorst, J. B., McLean, G., Rogers, Y., Marshall, P., & Warlop, L. (2022). ‘What lies behind the filter?’ Uncovering
the motivations for using augmented reality (AR) face filters on social media and their effect on well-being. Computers in Human
Behavior, 128, 107126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.107126
Kumar, R. (2010). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. United Kingdom: SAGE Publications.
McCombes, S. (2023, May 31). Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved June 22, 2023, from
https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2022, November 02). How to Define a Research Problem | Ideas & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved May 23, 2023,
from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-problem/
The University of Manchester (n.d.). Academic Phrasebank. https://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/introducing-work