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Identifying a topic, choosing a problem area within that topic and defining a narrow purpose for a single study ( appropriately limited in scope and scale) is an ITERATIVE PROCESS. That is, you will cycle through the following list of items several times to accomplish the task of defining the purpose of your study. This activity points up the meaning of "successive approximations" in defining and clarifying your research.
1. Identify Large Topic Area (related to problem)
2. Enlarge, determine what is attached. Make a Conceptual Map identifying related topics.
3. What part do I wish to explore Now?
4. Identify Problem Area. (Fence off place in Conceptual Map)
5. What part is most Important?
6. Identify 'Real' Problem Area.
7. What is most important and Possible relative to scope and scale for Immediate exploration?
8. Identify Purpose Area.
9. What Question most interests me about the purpose area that meets the requirements of #7?
10. What Method will best assist me in answering #9?
11. What areas remain attached? Construct Refined Conceptual Map.
12. Test for scope, scale, time available for execution, etc. Is it Possible? If it is, you can write a good two sentence brief purpose statement, and begin your search for significant and collateral literature.
13. If yes = Source of Literature Review, begin looking at literature for further refinement.
If no, Recycle from#1 forward
#4 forward
#7 forwardDepending on Need to reduce scope, scale, time of execution, etc.
SIGNIFICANT LITERATURE | COLLATERAL LITERATURE |
1. Full Reference | 1. Full Reference |
2. Description | 2. Description |
3. Value to this Study | 3. Evaluation |
Valuable |
|
Some Value |
|
Little Value |
Files may be kept in databases, notebooks, charts or other formats as you desire.
Resources |