Research problem

1. RESEARCH PROBLEM
-Formulation of Research problem
- Identification & selection
-Defining & delimitation

2. RESEARCH PROBLEM?
• 1st step in R is selecting & properly defining
research problem.
• “A RP, in general, refers to some difficulty
which a researcher experiences in the context
of either a theoretical or practical situation &
wants to obtain a solution for the same”

3. How to proceed?
• Problem blindness
• No dearth of problems
In the discovery of the problem:
• Select own field of specialization
• Study critically the available research
literature
• Accept difficulties as a challenge
• Acquaint with research, trends of particular
field

4. The sources of Problems
1. The classroom, school, home, community &
other agencies of education.
J. W. Best, “Teachers will discover acres of
diamonds in their own backyards, and the
possessor of the inquisitive & imaginative mind
may translate one of these problems into a
worthwhile & practicable research project”.

5. 2. Development in technology & society
3. Record of previous research
4. Discussions, seminars & exchange of ideas
with faculty members
5. Questioning attitude
6. Consultation

6. Criteria of a Good R.P.
• Novelty
• Interesting
• Importance
• Feasibility
• Availability of data
• Availability of cooperation
• Availability of guidance
• Availability of other facilities

7. • Applicability
• Level of Research
• Experience & creativity
• Courage & confidence

8. Formulating & stating the problem
• After the problem has been selected-
formulate & state the problem
• It serves as a guide in planning the study &
interpreting its result.
• Problem should be stated in precise terms.

9. Definition of the problem
• It implies separation of the problem from the
complex difficulties & needs
• It means to put a fence around it.
• “To define a problem means to specify it in
detail & with precision.” W.S.Monroe &
D.Engelhart

10. Common errors in selecting & formulating a
Research problem
1. Naming a broad field/area of the study
instead of a specific problem.
2. Stating it in such a way that investigation is
impossible.
3. Narrowing/localizing a topic.
4. Including in it terms of an unscientific,
emotional or biased nature.
5. Lack of precision in the instruments.

11. Don’t
• Choose subject/topic overdone, difficult to
throw new light in such a case
• Controversial problem
• Too narrow or too vague
• Over costly
• Time limit