2. INTRODUCTION
• a research problem is a statement regarding an area of concern, a
circumstances to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated or a
troubling question that exist in scholarly literature, in theory or in
practice that point to the need for meaningful and deliberate
investigation.
• A research problem does not state how to do something, it offers a
vogue or broad proposition or present a value of question.
3. Definition of research problem
• Research problem refers to the situation where a gap exists between
the actual and desired state. The problem an be generated either by
an initiating idea or by a perceived problem area.
• A research problem Is defined as an area of concern that requires a
meaningful understanding of a specific topic, a condition, a
contradiction, or a difficulty. In other words finding the answers to a
questions or strengthening gap to solve problems.
4. Statement of research problem
• A research problem statement is defined as an issue that needs to be
addressed. It is described as the gap in knowledge about a particular
problem or issue. A functional research problem helps close the gap
in knowledge in a field that can lead to more research. An accurate
statement to the problem helps you identify the motive of the
research project.
5. Identifying and selection of the problem
• Identification of a research problem refers to the sense of awareness
of a prevalent social problem, a social phenomenon or a concept that
is worth studying. The research identifies such a research problem
through his power of observation, knowledge, general awareness of
the surrounding and research- related skills. It is indeed an intuitive
process to arrive at ideas for a research problem. Research may find
certain areas, for which no clear explanations exist or the existing
explanations are not enough.
6. The sources for identification of a research
problem
• The subject area of the researcher.
• Knowledge of the current social trends – issues and situations
• Knowledge of political and economics trends – issues and situations
• On-going programs and initiatives – evaluation of their effectiveness.
• Deep observation
• Cause- effects relationship of phenomena
• Awareness of the social surrounding
• Reading research articles in journals
• Personal experience – situation faced by the researcher
7. Consideration for the selection of a research
topic
• A unique topic to avoid duplication of the studies
• Researcher’s interest in the topic
• Subject area and expertise of the researcher
• The urgency to address the problem
• Significance of the topic
• Resource availability – time and monetary resource
• Availability of enough data on the data – for initial theoretical
understanding
• Applicability of the methodology in the specific context
• Ethical considerations of the topic.
8. Evaluating the research problem
• Once researcher is clear about the specific research problem, next the
research problem must b carefully evaluated for its significance,
research ability & feasibility.
• A research problem is deemed appropriate when it is supported by
the literature, and considered significant, timely, novel, specific and
researchable. Stronger research problem are more likely to succeed in
publication, presentation and application.
9. Criteria for research problem
• The subject on which the research is carried on amply should not be
normally chosen as there will not be a new dimension to reveal.
• Too narrow and too vague problems should be avoided.
• The researcher should be familiar with the subject chosen for
research. The researcher should have enough knowledge,
qualification and training in the selected problem area.
• The resources needed to solve the problem in term of time, money,
efforts, manpower requirement should be taken into account before
embarking on a problem.
• The subject of research should be familiar and feasible so that related
research material or resource can be obtained easily
• The selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary study.
10. Source of problems of research
• Personal experience
• Literature
• Expert opinion
• Government publication
• Internet resources
• Innovative and technological changes
• General problems with education
• Replications
• theory
11. Process of defining the research problem
• Identify the broad research area :- To starting with, identifying the
broad area based on the interest, specialty, profession, expertise and
knowledge. This area must possess some kind of significance
regarding the knowledge, interest and specialty.
• Divide the broad area into sub- areas :- after choosing the broad area
to study, drill down to a specific topic that is manageable and
researchable . To do this, break down the broad area into sub- areas
and choose a specific topic.
• Choose the sub- area :- its not possible to study all the sub areas due
to time and money constraints. The area which is getting selecting
must have some research significance and must be significant to the
research knowledge, in other words its should be manageable and
feasible for you.
12. • Formulate research question :- After you choose a specific sub –
area, think about the area, think about the areas you must explore
and research about. Start noting down important question that deem
important for the research study. Choose the most important and
impactful questions. The length of the research depends on the
number of questions you formulate.
• Set research objectives :- the objectives of the research study help to
identify the research question. There is difference is the way they are
written. Research question generally consist of interrogative tone
whereas, research objective are aim – oriented.
