Research problem is a question that a researcher wants to answer or a problem that a researcher wants to solve. Identification and formulation of a research problem is the first step of the research process. However, it is considered as one of the most challenging and difficult phases of any research project. It is believed that selection of a good research problem is a discovery in itself. Selection of a research problem depends on several factors, such as researcher's knowledge, skills, interest, expertise, motivation, and creativity with respect to the subject of inquiry. In addition, a researcher needs to ensure that a selected problem has high significance and implication for his or her profession as well as it should be a suitable, feasible, testable, and solvable research problem. It is believed that most of the good research studies need lots of time for selection of a research problem. Initially, every researcher faces the predicament of identifying, selecting, and formulating a good research problem. This chapter will answer these pertinent questions.

1. PRESENTED BY:
MS.M.SHANMUKHADEVI
M.SC NURSING,
ASST.PROFESSOR,
DEPT.OF MENTAL
HEALTH NURSING.

2. INTRODUCTION
Research problem is a question that a researcher wants to answer or a problem that
a researcher wants to solve. Identification and formulation of a research problem is the first
step of the research process.
However, it is considered as one of the most challenging and difficult phases of any
research project. It is believed that selection of a good research problem is a discovery in
itself.
Selection of a research problem depends on several factors, such as researcher's
knowledge, skills, interest, expertise, motivation, and creativity with respect to the subject
of inquiry.
In addition, a researcher needs to ensure that a selected problem has high
significance and implication for his or her profession as well as it should be a suitable,
feasible, testable, and solvable research problem.
It is believed that most of the good research studies need lots of time for selection
of a research problem. Initially, every researcher faces the predicament of identifying,
selecting, and formulating a good research problem. This chapter will answer these
pertinent questions.

3. DEFINITIONS
A research problem is an enigmatic, troubling area or topic that
needs an enquiry to get better understanding or ultimate solution.
For example, solution of female feticide in India could be an enigmatic
or troubling topic of the present time, and it could become one of the
important research problems; however, there could be many more such
problems that researcher may consider to study.
According to Kerlinger, ‘A problem is an interrogative sentence
or statement that asks what relation exists between two or more
variables. The answer to questions will provide what is having sought in
the research.
In other words, ‘a research problem is an area of concern where
there is a gap in the knowledge base needed for professional practices’.

4. • The research problem and problem statement are frequently seen as synonymous, but
these two aspects are really quite different.
• A problem statement is not merely a research problem or purpose of the study, but it is a
well-structured formulation of what actually the problem is, what is not well understood,
and what is lacking which is to be discovered to solve the problem
• Problem statement, especially in quantitative studies, generally has six components:
1.Relevance of the study
2.Title of the study
3.Operational definitions of the variables
4.Objectives of the study
5.Delimitations of the study
6.Scope and limitation of the study
The problem statement actually articulates the problem to be addressed and
indicates the need for a study through the development of an argument. In other words, the
problem statement presents the topic under study, providea a rational for the choice of topic,
represents a synthesis of fact and theory, and directs the selection of design

5. IDENTIFICATIONOF RESEARCH PROBLEM
 Identification of a research problem is the first and most important
step in research process.
 Generally, a broad area is selected and then a broad topic is delimited
or narrowed down to a specific one-sentence statement of the problem.
This step of the research process is considered as the most difficult and
challenging, and needs lots of time.
 A research problem may come from several sources; however,
basically it depends on the interest of the researcher.
 It is generally believed by researchers that their research topics are
to be thought of by themselves.
 However, that is not true; since no one lives in a vacuum, we would
expect that the ideas a researcher collects to identify a research problem are
influenced by variety of sources.

7. SOURCES
Personal
experiences
Practical
experience
Critical
appraisal of
literature
Previous
research
Existing
theories
Consumer
feedback
Performance
improvement
activities
Social
issues
Brainstorming
Intuition
Folklores
Consultations
with experts
Exposure
to field
situations

8. Sources of Research Problem
The common sources from which a researcher may find ideas to identify and
formulate a research problem include
1.Personal experiences: Day-to-day
personal experience of a researcher may
serve as good source of ideas to formulate a
research problem.
For example, a researcher observed
domestic violence suffered by wives of
alcoholic husbands. This experience may
provide ideas to identify several research
problems related to domestic violence against
women. There may be so many such life
experiences of a researcher which could be
used to develop a research problem.

9. 2.Practical experience: Nurses get plenty of
ideas to formulate research problems from
their clinical experiences. Every curious
nurse has several questions to be answered
that are encountered during clinical
experience.
For example, a nurse finds that unrestricted
visiting hours in surgical wards reduced the
analgesic demand among postoperative
patients.
In another instance, a nurse observed
that application of ice at the site of heparin
injection reduced the chances of
ecchymosis.
Such clinical experiences could be
rich sources of ideas to identify a
significant research problem.

10. 3.Critical appraisal of literature: When we critically study books and articles
relating to the subject of our interest, including research reports, opinion
articles, and summaries of clinical issues, pertinent questions may arise in our
mind. These may strike reader's mind indirectly by stimulating imagination and
directly by stating what additional research is needed.
For example, a nurse reads an article on the prevalence of the pin site
infection among patients with external fixators. While reading this article,
she learns that there is lack of consensus about pin site care. This information
may serve as a basis to formulate a research problem.
Another type of literature that acts as a source of good research ideas is the
requests for proposals (RFPs) that are published by government agencies and
some companies. Typically, the RFPs describe the problems that need
addressing, the contexts in which they operate, the approach they would like
you to take to investigate and to address the problem, and the amount they
would be willing to pay for such research.

11. Critical appraisal of literature

12. 4. Previous research: A body of
knowledge should be developed on a
sound foundation of research findings.
Usually, at the end of a research, further
research problems are suggested, based
on the shortcomings of previous
research, which can be investigated.
In nursing profession, not much
research has been yet done; therefore, this
profession needs researchers who are
willing to replicate or repeat other studies
on different samples and settings where
all the essential elements of the original
study are held intact.
Further refinements may be made
in the experimental treatments, or more
appropriate outcome measures may be
identified.
Previous

13. 5.Existing theories: Research is a
process of theory development and
theory testing. Nurses use many theories
from other disciplines in their practices.
If an existing theory is used in
developing a researchable problem, a
specific statement from the theory must
be isolated.
Generally, a part or parts of the
theory are subjected to testing in the
clinical situation. The testing of an
existing theory is definitely needed in
nursing; therefore, they serve as good
sources of research problems.

14. 6.Consumer feedback: Research problems
may be generated from the results of
activities aimed to solicit (ask) patient
feedback.
For example, at the time of discharge of
patient after angiography, a nurse
obtained a feedback from the patient.
Patient verbalized that it was a wonderful
experience except discomfort during
removal of pressure dressing at the
femoral puncture site.
This feedback provided a concept for
nurse to research on efficacy of available
alternative means of dressing at puncture
site to minimize the discomfort among
patient undergoing angiography.

15. 7.Performance improvement
activities:
The performance improvement
activities, also known as quality
improvement activities, are used to
improve processes and outcomes to
meet regulatory requirement.
In the process of performance
activities, several issues immerge
that require answers through
research.
Thus performance improvement
activities also serve as an important
source of research problem.

16. 8. Social issues: Sometimes, topics
are suggested by more global
contemporary social or political
issues of relevance to the health care
community.
For example, HIV/ AIDS, female
feticide, sexual harassment, domestic
violence, and gender equality in health
care and in research are some of the
current social and political issues of
concern for health care professionals.
An idea for a study may stem
from a familiarity with social concerns
or controversial social issues.

17. 9.Brainstorming: Brainstorming
sessions are good techniques to
find new questions, where an
intensified discussion among
interested people of the
profession is conducted to find
more ideas to formulate a good
research problem.
For example, ideas for studies
may emerge from reviewing
research priorities by having
brainstorming session with other
nurses, researchers, or nursing
faculty.

18. 10.Intuition: Traditionally, intuitions are
considered good sources of knowledge as
well as sources to find new research
problems. It is believed that the reflective
mind is a good source of ideas, which
may be used to formulate a good research
problem.
11.Folklores: Common beliefs could be
right or wrong.
For example, it is generally believed that
studying just before the test decreases the
score. We believe we should not study just
before test to relax our mind. Researchers
can conduct a research study on whether
one should study before the test or not.

19. 12.Exposure to field situations:
During field exposure,
researchers get variety of
experiences, which may provide
plenty of ideas to formulate
research problems.
For example, while working in
field, a researcher observed a
specific traditional practice for
cure of a disease condition,
which can be used as research
problem to investigate its
efficacy.

20. 13. Consultations with experts:
Experts are believed to have
sound experience of their
respective field, which may
suggest a significant problem to
be studied.
In addition, experts may
help in finding a current problem
of discipline to be solved, which
may serve as basis for
formulation of research problem.

21. Criteria
for
Selecting a Good
Research Problem

22. Criteria for Selecting a Good Research Problem
One commonly used acronym to define the criteria for a good
research problem or question is FINER, where
• F stands for feasible,
• I for interesting,
• N for novel,
• E for ethical, and
• R for relevant.
However, there are many factors that should be considered
while deciding credibil ity of a particular research question for a
scientific investigation.

23. Criteria for Selecting a
Good
Research Problem
Significance to
nursing profession Original
Feasible
Time
Cost
Equipment
and supplies
Administrative
support
Peer
support
Availability
of subjects
researcher's
competence Ethical
considerations
Solvable/
Researchable
Current Interesting

24. • Some of the most essential factors are discussed below:
• 1.Significance to nursing profession: A problem that a researcher is
selecting should have significance to nursing profession or it will not serve
any purpose. A research problem is significant for nursing profession when
it is directed to develop or refine the body of professional knowledge.
A research problem could be considered significant for nursing
profession if it fulfils the following criteria:
• Benefits nursing profession and patients, nurses, and health care fraternity
through the study.
• Improves clinical nursing practices through the results.
• Promotes nursing theory development or testing.
• Provides solutions of current nursing practice needs.
• Generates information to get practical implications for nursing profession.

25. 2. Original: It is fundamentally considered that every research problem
should be new and unique in itself. Therefore, it is the key responsibility
of a researcher that an innovative knowledge is used for selecting a
research problem, so as to extend the growth of existing body of
knowledge in a profession.
3. Feasible: Feasibility is an essential consideration of any research
project. Regardless of payable show significant or researchable a problem
maybe, the feasibility of research being problem in reference to time,
availability of subjects, facilities, equipment and money, done and ethical
considerations should be checked. It will help the researcher to decide
whether selected problem is appropriate or inappropriate and study can be
actually carried out or not.

26. I.Time: A nurse might be interested in studying sibling relationships
among quintuplets. Knowledge of the incidence of quintuplet births would
certainly discourage anyone considering research on this particular
population unless the researcher plans to make this a lifetime project. So,
time is always a factor to be considered. It is wise to allow more time than
seems to be needed because unexpected delays frequently occur
II. Cost: All research projects cost money; some studies are much more
expensive than others. The researcher must consider realistically the
financial resources available.
III. Equipment and supplies: All research projects require some type of
resources. Therefore, before making the final decision to conduct a study,
an accurate determination of the needed equipment and supplies should be
ensured.

27. Some questions that should be answered before beginning a research project include:
• What is the equipment that will be needed?
• Is this equipment available and in proper working order?
• Is there a qualified operator of the equipment?
• Are the necessary supplies available or can they be obtained?
If the researcher takes into consideration equipment and supplies in the early
phases of a research project, there are less chances of the project to be revised or
discarded later because of equipment or supply problems.
IV. Administrative support: Many research projects require administrative support.
The nurse researcher may find it very difficult to conduct research independently.
Financial as well as psychological support from administration is very helpful.
Knowing that your superiors support your research efforts can be a very powerful
motivating force.
The nurse researcher may find it very difficult to conduct research independently.
Financial as well as psychological support from administration is very helpful.
Knowing that your superiors support your research efforts can be a very powerful
motivating force.

28. V. Peer support: Many research ideas have never been developed because
potential researchers received no support from their peers. One of the best
ways to determine a researchable problem is through interactions and
discussions with other nurses. A climate of shared interest in nursing
research is essential among the members of the nursing profession.
VI. Availability of subjects: A researcher may believe that study subjects
are readily available for the study. But this may not be the case. Potential
subjects may not meet the study criteria, may be unwilling to participate,
ormayalready be participating in other studies. Therefore, availability of
subjects must be ensured well in advance.
VII.researcher's competence: a research problem can only be feasible if
it is in accordance with researchers competence, where researcher is
capable to handle a given research problem.

29. VIII. Ethical considerations: A researcher must ensure that the research
problem can be considered by the ethical committee without undue hurdles. A
very important topic of research cannot be considered feasible unit unless it is
in accordance with ethical guidelines.?
4.Solvable/Researchable: Problem selected is considered good only if it is
solvable so that chances of insolvabiliteit problem should be minimized. Thus,
it will enhance relevant results.
For example, a researcher selects a research problem to know the existence of
God in this universe. These sorts of problems are ambiguous and impossible to
solve. Therefore, the researcher must ensure that a research problem selected
for the study is solvable.?
5.Current: A good research problem must be based on the current problems
and needs of a profession, so that results generated will be of more use.
Furthermore, more number of the professionals will be interested in the
research conducted on the current issues of their profession.

30. 6.Interesting: A research problem can only be considered good if it is in
accordance with researcher's field of interest. A research problem must be as
per the motivation of the researcher and should be fascinating to the
researcher, so that research is conducted with full enthusiasm and not merely
for its accomplishment.

31. FORMULATION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM:
• Formulation of research problem is a complex and long process, which
includes following steps (Steps for formulation of research problem along
with specific example are also illustrated in figure):
1.Selection of a research area/ topic
2.Reviewing literature and theories
3.Delimiting the research topic
4. Evaluating the research problem
5. Formulating the final statement of the research problem.

32. FORMULATION
OF
RESEARCH
PROBLEM
Selection of a
research area/
topic
Reviewing
literature and
theories
Delimiting
the
research
topic
Evaluating
the
research
problem
Formulating
the final
statement of
the research
problem

33. 1.Selection of a research area:
Formulation of a research problem begins with
selection of a broad research topic from personal
experience, literature, previous research, and theories in
which researcher is interested and has significance for
nursing profession.
For example, a researcher gets an idea to conduct a
study on the female feticide. Therefore, he or she
initially begins with such broad research topic.

34. 2.Reviewing literature and theories:
After getting a broad idea for research, he or she
needs to review the nursing literature and theories.
Literature is reviewed to know what has already been
done in this selected area of research.
Therefore, a researcher can plan a research topic to
further expand the existing body of knowledge in
respective area of research.
Review of nursing theories provides an opportunity
for nurse researcher to plan a research problem to
contribute towards either testing or development of a
theory / conceptual model.

35. • 3.Delimiting the research topic:
• In this step, researcher proceeds from a general research area
of interest to more specific topic of research to conduct a
study.
• For example, initially a researcher decides to conduct a study
on female feticide; later, in this stage, the researcher limits it
to a specific research topic: A study on perception of women
about causes and prevention of female feticide in selected
rural communities of district Shimoga, Karnataka.
• In this stage, the researcher clearly identifies variables,
population, and setting of research study. Further more, at this
stage, the researcher is quite clear about the phenomenon to
be studied where, and on whom.

36. 4.Evaluating the research problem:
Once researcher is clear about the specific research
problem, next the research problem must be carefully
evaluated for its significance, researchability, and
feasibility.
Feasibility of the research problem should be evaluated
for time, cost, availability of subjects and resources,
administrative and peer support, ethical consideration, and
researcher’s competence and interest.
Guidelines for evaluations of research problem may be
referred.

37. 5.Formulating the final statement of the research problem:
After establishing the significance, researchability, and
feasibility, the researcher finally formulates a final statement of the
research problem.
A statement of research problem could be in declarative or
interrogative format.
Declarative format: In this format, a research problem is stated in
declarative statement. For example
1.A descriptive study on prevalence of bedsores among unconscious
patients admitted in intensive care units of PGIMER, Chandigarh.
2.An exploratory study on contributing factors of maternal mortality
in selected rural communities of district Ludhiana, Punjab.

38. Interrogative format: In interrogative format, a
research problem is stated in question form. For
example.
1.What is the influence of the level of haemoglobin on
pin site infection among patients with external skeletal
fixators admitted in orthopaedic wards of AIIMS, New
Delhi?
2.What is the effect of ginger on morning sickness
symptoms on pregnant women in selected urban
communities of district Hissar, Haryana?

39. The choice of either of these two types of format for
formulation of a research problem depends on the researcher’s
preference and institutional policies; however, declarative format
is much popular among researchers. However, for the formulation
of a research problem, it is preferable if it fulfils the following
features:
Research problem is clearly, precisely, and concisely articulated.
It clearly states the variables, population, and research setting
under study.
Variables are expressed in measurable terms.
The type of study also may be included in the statement of
research problem.

40. Example of a Well-Formulated Research Problem:
• ‘A descriptive study on the prevalence of pin site infection among
patients with external skeletal fixation admitted in orthopaedic
wards of Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh.’
• It is an example of declarative form of the statement of problem, where it
is precisely and concisely stated and includes most of the required
components of a research statement.
Some of these components are listed below:
• Research study design: Descriptive
• Variable(s): It has only one research variable 'prevalence of pin site
infection’
• Population: Patients with external skeletal fixation.
• Research setting: Orthopaedic wards of Nehru Hospital, PGIMER,
Chandigarhya tho than event

41. Selection of a research topic
Reviewing the literature and
theories
Delimiting the research topic
Evaluating the research
problem
Formulating the final
statement of the research
problem
Initially a researcher selects a broad area for study,
such as Hospital-Acquired Infections
To know what already has been done in this area, and to
develop an original and unique research problem, an extensive
review of literature and theories is done at this stage
HAI is very broad area, so at this stage, researcher delimits
the topic from Hospital Acquired Infections to the incidence
of VAP
At this stage, researcher evaluates the research problem for
feasibility, substantive, methodological, and ethical
dimensions.
Finally, a statement of problem is formulated keeping in
mind basic components of research problem. Example, 'A
descriptive study on incidence of VAP among patients on
MV admitted in ICU of AIIMS, Rishikesh‘

42. Guidelines
for
Evaluation of a
Research Problem

43. Guidelines for Evaluation of a Research Problem
1.SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES
• Does the problem have significance to the nursing profession?
• Does the problem spell out the purpose of conducting study?
• Does the problem have any relationship with existing theories and models?
• Does the problem flow from prior scientific information and/ or experience
in topic area.
2. METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
• Does the problem statement clearly identify the research variables in
measurable terms?
• Does the problem identify the nature of population which is to be studied?
• Does the problem clearly define about type or design of study?
• Does the problem describe about research setting, place, and time?
• Does the problem comprise appropriate phrases?

44. 3.STYLISTIC ISSUES
• Is the problem statement complete, concise, and clear in a declarative
form and clearly suggesting answers to be questioned?
• Was the problem statement introduced promptly?
4.ETHICAL ISSUES
• Does the research problem require the use of human subject?
• Does the problem imply potential risks for those subjects?
5.PRACTICAL ISSUES
• Has the researcher appropriately delimited the scope of the problem,
or is the problem too big or complex for a single investigation?
• Is the researcher able to manage the resources, man, money, material,
and appropriate permissions from authorities?