ABSTRACT
Most beginning students should identify two or three broad problem areas in which they might wish to conduct research. These are broad areas in which many different types of specific research projects may be undertaken. Examples that illustrate what is meant by broad problem areas include the following:
• Attitudes toward mathematics • Alcohol abuse • Homelessness
Among the sources of ideas for broad problem areas are textbooks that were used in previous courses. Often, the authors of textbooks point out areas in which there is controversy or areas that are not fully fleshed out. For example, in the first chapter of his textbook on educational and psychological measurement, Thorndike1 identifies "some current issues in measurement," which include "testing minority individuals" and "invasion of privacy." In a later chapter, he discusses "current and emerging issues" in the assessment of exceptional children. In yet another chapter, he discusses "problems with personality and interest measures." In each of these sections, the textbook author identifies several broad areas in need of additional research.
