The document discusses defining a research problem and its importance. It outlines several key steps: 1) Identifying potential problems from various sources like literature, observations, or discussions with experts. 2) Stating the problem generally at first and narrowing it down through preliminary surveys and discussions. 3) Understanding the nature and origins of the problem by discussing it with knowledgeable others. 4) Surveying existing literature, theories, data and materials to assess gaps and applicability to the problem. 5) Developing ideas through further discussions and experience surveys to finalize the problem into a clear, specific working proposition.

1. Chapter – 3
Research Problem –
Identification and Formulation

2. 2
Contents
 Research Problem – Meaning
 Selecting a Research Problem – A Point of
Caution
 Research Problem – Sources of
identification
 Defining the Research Problem – Steps
Involved

3. 3
Research – Starting Point
Ending Point
( Solution)
Starting Point
( Problem)
Research forms a cycle, starts with a problem
and ends with a solution to the problem
ResearchResearch

4. 4
A research problem is the demarcation
of a problem area within a certain
context involving the WHO or WHAT,
the WHERE, the WHEN and the WHY
of the problem situation.
Research Problem - Meaning

5. 5
Selecting a Research Problem
– A Point of Caution
 Subject/theme which is overdone should
not be normally chosen (difficult to add any
new light).
 Too narrow problem/theme should be
avoided.
 Subject without any relevance to the field
of research should not be considered.

6. 6
 Subject familiar to the researcher should
be selected.
 Sources of research material are within
the reach of the researcher.
 Background of the researcher, costs
involved and time factor should be
considered.

7. 7
Research Problem – Sources
of Identification
Problems can be conceptualized at a
number of levels
- Research problem from reading the literature
(Research problems capture the interest of the
researcher while reading).
- Research problem from a conflicting results
- Research problem from own observation/
experience/insight.

8. 8
- Research problem from experience of
others.
- Research problem from informal
discussion with others.
- Research problem from the ideas of
experts.
- Research problem from own knowledge of
the researcher.

9. 9
Defining the Research
Problem
“A problem clearly stated is a problem half
solved”
 Formulation of a problem is often more
essential than its solution.
 Researcher needs to work directly on an
explicitly identified problem.
 Unless the researcher is working directly on the
problem, he is not doing research, but is simply
gathering information.

10. 10
Defining Research Problem
 Defining a problem involves the task of
laying down boundaries within which a
researcher shall study the problem with a
pre-determined objective in view.

11. 11
Benefits of a well defined
Research Problem
 Helps in developing the research design
properly.
- What data are to be collected?
- What sample size is to be decided?
- How to identify the sample units?
- What relations are to be explored?
- What techniques are to be used to analyze the data?
etc.

12. 12
Steps involved in Defining a
Research Problem
 State the problem in a general way.
 Understand the nature of the problem.
 Survey the available literature.
 Develop the ideas through discussions.
 Finalize the research problem.

13. 13
State the Problem in a
General Way
 Problem should be stated in a broad
general way.
 Undertake some sort of preliminary survey
(pilot survey).
 Narrow the problem to specific issues.
 Thinking and rethinking over the problem
will clear several ambiguities.

14. 14
Understand the Nature of the
Problem
 Understand the origin and nature of the
problem.
 Discuss the problem with others having a
good knowledge of the problem concerned.

15. 15
Survey the Available
Literature
 Must be well-conversant with relevant theories in
the field.
 Reports and records be surveyed.
 Review research already undertaken on related
problems.
 Find out the data and materials available for
operational purposes.
 Assess gaps in theories and how far the existing
theories applicable to the problem.

16. 16
Develop the Ideas through
Discussions
 Discuss about the problem with others
having enough experience in the same
area – experience survey.
 Focus attention on specific aspects.
 Discussions should also be on the
techniques and possible solutions, etc.

17. 17
Finalize the Research
Problem
 Finalize the research problem into working
proposition.
 Develop the problem in as specific terms
as possible for developing working
hypotheses.

18. 18
Additional Points in Defining
Problem
 Basic assumptions relating to the problem should be
clearly stated.
 Criteria for the selection of the problem should be
provided.
 Suitability of the time-period and sources of data
must be considered.
 Scope of the investigation must be mentioned.
 Limitations within which the problem is to be studied
must be stated in defining research problem.

19. 19
Setting objectives and framing
research questions
Group Activity