2. Why define the Research Problem?
Defining your destination before
beginning a journey.
It determines,
what
you will do,
will it withstand scientific scrutiny,
how you will do it, and
what you may achieve!
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3. How is a research problem selected?
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Researchers interest in a topic
National or agency priorities
Urgency of an issue
Availability of research funds
Availability of supervision
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4. Steps in defining research problems
1.
2.
3.
4.
Identify a broad topic
Identify a narrow topic within the
broad topic
Raise questions
Formulate objectives
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Use action-oriented words - To
demonstrate; To evaluate; To measure…
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5. Identifying Broad Topics
Think of the BIG PICTURE
What is the problem you are trying to solve?
Think of something you like to learn more
about
Consult text books, journal or your supervisor
Pick one based on:
Interest and relevance
Magnitude of work involved
Level of expertise
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yours and your advisors
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6. Examples of Broad Topics
Optimizing
productivity of land and
water resources
Ensuring Food Safety & Security
Sustaining Agricultural & Marine
Environments
Iodine deficiency in some regions
Resistance seen for anti TB agents
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7. From Broad Topic to Narrow Topic
Examples of a narrow topic:
Liver
disease in diabetes
Greenhouse Agriculture
Milk Quality
Teratogenecity in pregnant women
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When selecting a narrow topic think
how it can contribute towards
solving the BIG PROBLEM!
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8. TECHNIQUE FOR DEFINING PROBLEM
Defining a research problem properly and clearly is a
crucial part of a research study and must to be
accomplished
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State the problem in general way
Understand the nature of problem
Literature survey
Develop the ideas through discussion
Rephrase the problem
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9. NECESSITY OF DEFINING THE PROBLEM
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A problem clearly stated is a
problem half solved
It enables researcher to be on track
It helps to discriminate the relevant
data
Thus,defining research problem is
the prerequisite for any study amd
a step of highest importance
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10. Problem Tree – Keep asking Why?
Unskilled Labor
Inefficient Irrigation
Unsuitable Climate
Inefficient Water harvesting
Water Scarcity
Lack of crop varieties
adapted to climate
Unsuitable Crops
Farming Patterns do not
Return nutrients
Low Labor
Productivity
Food Insecurity
Low Land
Productivity
Farmers can’t afford fertilizers
Poor Soil
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Farmers unaware of
best practices
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