The document discusses the process of identifying and formulating a research problem, emphasizing its significance as the first step in research. Key considerations for selecting a research problem include the researcher's skills, interests, theoretical value, and the availability of relevant data. It categorizes research problems into solvable and unsolvable types, highlighting the characteristics that distinguish them.

1. CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING
THE PROBLEM

2. introduction
A research problem is a question that researcher wants to answer
or a problem that a researcher want to solve .
Identification & formulation of a research problem is the first step
of the research process .
Selection of research problem depends on several factors such
as researchers knowledge , skills , interest , expertise , motivation
and creativity with respect to the subject of inquiry .
It is believed that most of the good research studies need lots of
time for selection of a research problem .
20XX presentation title 2

3. Definition
According to Kerlinger . ‘ A problem is an
interrogative sentence or statement that
asks what relation exists between two or
more variable . The answer to question will
provide what is having sought in the
research .
20XX presentation title 3

4. Considerations in selecting the problem
20XX presentation title 4
• Is the problem significant? Are there enough variables to be investigated? Will the
solution of the problem make a significant difference in current psychological,
educational and social theories or practices.
• Can the problem be solved by the process of research? Is the problem such that
relevant data can be gathered and an answer to the problem be found?
• Is the problem a new one?
• Has the problem theoretical value? Will the problem fill the gap in the literature? Will
contribute to the development of a theory?
• Is the problem Workable?
• Am I competent to carry out the research on the selected problem? Will I have enough
time to complete the research? Will I have adequate financial resources to complete the
research? Will I be getting the cooperation of subjects on the proposed research
problem?
• Is the problem such that pertinent data is made available? Are good date collecting
instruments available?

5. WAYS IN WHICH THE RESEARCH PROBLEM IS MENIFESTED
There are at least three ways in which a problem is said
to be manifested.
A noticeable gap in the results of investigations.
Contradictory results of investigations.
Isolated fact in the form of unexplained information.
20XX presentation title 5

6. 1.Noticeable gap in the results of investigations .
A problem arises when there is a lack of noticeable gap or absence of
information . suppose a community or group intends to provide psychiatric
services , then 2 questions arises;
i.What type of psychotherapy they should offer
ii.Which one of the different forms of therapeutic methods is most effective
for a given type of mental diseases
These questions are highly important , but there are only a few scientific
studies which provide answers to these questions .therefore , a noticeable
gap in the knowledge exists . hence , there is the need for the collection of
necessary data and their explanation for filling the gap .
20XX presentation title 6

7. 2.CONTRADICTORY RESULTS OF INVESTIGATIONS
When many tests done in the same area are not consistent and
therefore , sometimes contradictory , then a problem is to find a
new answer and settle dispute.
3.Isolated fact in the form of unexplained information
When the researcher possesses a fact and at the same time is interested
in seeking the answer to the question , “WHY THIS IS SO” , he becomes
aware of a problem .
Putting in the other word , a fact which exists in isolation from the rest of
our knowledge , demands an explanation . in fact anything in itself
presents no problem , bit if it does not fit in with the existing knowledge a
problem is said to be manifested .
In such a situation , collection of new information becomes necessary so
that eventually the researcher can expect that the new fact will be related
to the additional information in such a way that it will be adequately
explained .
20XX presentation title 7

8. TYPES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
“RESEARCH PROBLEM CAN BROADELY BE
CATEGORIZED INTO 2 TYPES”
1.Solvable problem
2.Unsolvable problem
20XX presentation title 8

9. 20XX presentation title 9
A solvable problem is one that raises a
question which can be answered with
the use of our normal capacities .
A unsolvable problem is one that raises
question which can’t be answered with
our normal capacities .

10. 20XX presentation title 10
i. A solvable problem can be solved by empirical method . an
empirical method is one which depends upon observation of
natural events .
ii. In case of Solvable problem , it is possible to advance a suitable
hypothesis as a tentative solution to it .
SOLVABLE PROBLEM HAS THE FOLLOWING 2 FEATURES ;

11. 20XX presentation title 11
Unsolvable problem has 3 characteristics which help the researcher in
recognizing it and making it distinct from a solvable problem .these
characteristics are as follow :
i. An unsolvable problem possesses the trait of unstructuredness . such a problem
remains unstructured because the interest of the researcher is not clear and the area
it refers to is so unorganized that it longer remains possible for the researcher either to
specify the relevant observations or to relate the observations to these vague formulation.
Eg ; can human nature be change ? is an example of such unsolvable problem in which
sufficient degree of unstructuredness exists .

12. 20XX presentation title 12
ii.An unsolvable problem has inadequately defined terms
and the operational definition of such a problem contains
vagueness ,and its variables are such that cant be defined
operationally .
iii.The third characteristic of an unsolvable problem is that
relevant data cant be collected . sometimes a problem is
structured and its terms are operationally defined yet the
researcher can’t collect relevant data .

13. 20XX presentation title 13
Thank you