This document outlines a 4-step process for formulating a research problem: 1) Conceptualization which involves determining if a problem is worthwhile, timely, and solvable. 2) Gathering background information from experience, literature, and experts to identify gaps. 3) Rereading literature to find specific gaps. 4) Formulating the actual problem statement and justifying it by showing deficiencies in previous work. The example problem formulation examines how learning management systems can be used to foster writing skills at the tertiary level, justifying this by citing previous studies showing current teaching practices are insufficient and technology may provide collaborative learning opportunities.

1. Research Problem- 4 Step Process
 Conceptualization
 Gathering background information
 Reading specific literature
 Formulating a problem

2. Conceptualization
Can it be enthusiastically pursued?
Can you sustain it?
Can you solve it? (with in the timeframe)
Is it timely? Original?
Do you have the grounding to solve it?

3. Gathering background knowledge
Your experience
Everyday observations
Research groups
Reviewing recent literature
Government reports
Discussion with experts
Synthesis of all the above
Make a list of possible areas
Identify the gap

4. Reread
Find the gap
Make a list of possible areas
Study narrow
Choose one area
Dig Narrow and deep
List out unresolved problems

5. Formulation
Actual
Problem
There has always been debates and controversies regarding
pedagogical strategies for fostering writing skills.
Justification of
the problem.
Previous empirical studies have suggested that the current teaching
practices in a L2writing classroom do not lead to the desired learning
outcomes.(Rod Ellis,2013) A judicious mix of technology and pedagogy
is necessary in today’s context (McCann, 2005)
Deficiency
with proof
However, very little attention has been paid to achieving learning
outcomes in a L2 writing classroom using learning management systems.
To the researcher’s knowledge, there are only two studies concerning
this issue at tertiary level. Zulich (2019) showed that there is no
conclusive evidence on the positive impact of technology integration in a
writing classroom. Graham (2020) argues that technological intervention
provide a collaborative space to foster writing skills. There were no
studies at tertiary level .
“Therefore, this research was aimed at investigating how students at

6. Worksheet
Actual
Problem
Justification of
the problem.
Deficiency
with proof

7. Recap
 Conceptualization
 Gathering background information
 Reading specific literature
 Formulating a problem