This ppt covers the Formulation of Research Problem in that many sub themes are covered. What is a Research Problem Definition of Research Problem Problems May Arise from Characteristics of Good Research Problem Components of Research Problem Criteria for Selecting a Research Problem Importance of formulating a research problem Technique Involved in Defining a Problem Subscribe to Vision Academy https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjzpit_cXjdnzER_165mIiw

2. What is a Research Problem
A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty
which a researcher experiences in the context of either
a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain
a solution for the same.

3. Definition of Research Problem
 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.
 R.S. Woodworth defines problem as ‘a situation for
which we have no ready & successful response by
instinct or by previous acquired habit. We must find out
what to do’, i.e. the solution can be found out only after
an investigation.

4. Problems May Arise from
 A Concern with some social problem
 An interest in some general theme or pattern of
behaviour – Individual/Group
 Some body of research – Conceptual Research
 Some personal inclination or interest
 From your Surroundings – Media, Expert, Research
articles etc.

5. Characteristics of Good Research
Problem
 Interesting – Throughout the research process
 Researchable – Investigate through collection and
analysis of data
 Significant – Contributes to the improvements
 Manageable – Needed resources, time restriction and
limitation of study
 Ethical – doesn’t embarrass or harm participants

6. Components of Research
Problem
 There must be an individual or a group which has some difficulty
or the problem.
 There must be some objective(s) to be attained at. If one wants
nothing, one cannot have a problem.
 There must be alternative means (or the courses of action) for
obtaining the objective(s) one wishes to attain.
 There must remain some doubt in the mind of a researcher with
regard to the selection of alternatives.
 There must be some environment(s) to which the difficulty
pertains.

7. Criteria for Selecting a Research
Problem
 Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen, for it will be a
difficult task to throw any new light in such a case
 Controversial subject should not become the choice of an average
researcher
 Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided.
 The subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible so that the
related research material or sources of research are within one’s reach.
 Discuss with the colleague, guide and expert in the research, so that make
all possible efforts in selecting a problem
 Study the related theories, articles and books to be more familiar

8. Criteria for Selecting Problem (2)
Before selection of a problem, a researcher must ask himself for
the following questions:
 Whether he is well equipped in terms of his background to
carry out the research
 Whether the study falls within the budget he can afford
 Whether the necessary cooperation can be obtained from those
who must participate in research as subjects
 Importance of the subject and time factor

9. Importance of formulating a research
problem
 Formulation of a research problem is the first and most important
step of the research process.
 It is like the identification of a destination before undertaking a
journey.
 In the absence of a clear research problem, a clear and economical
plan is impossible.
 Therefore a research problem is like the foundation of a building.
 The type and design of the building is dependent upon the
foundation
 If the foundation is well designed and strong you can expect the
building to be also.

10. Technique Involved in Defining a
Problem
 Statement of the problem in general way
 Understanding the nature of the problem – its origin and
nature – who raised it first
 Surveying the available literature – Concerning to the
problem – before defining the research problem – theories,
reports and records
 Develop the ideas through discussion
 Experience Survey – Subject Expert and Research expert
 Rephrasing the Research Problem – into
analytical/operational terms

11. Technique Involved in Defining a Problem
(2)
Research
Area
Research
Topic
General
Research Q
Specific
Research
Q
Data
Collectio
n Q

12. Technique Involved in Defining a Problem
Example
Step 1:Service Quality in India
Step 2:Service Quality in Insurance Business in India
Step 3:Service Quality in Life Insurance Business in India
Step 4: Service Quality in Public and Private Life Insurance Business in India
Step 5: Service Quality in Public and Private Insurance Companies in India
Step6: Service Quality in Public and Private Insurance Companies in Karnataka
State
Step 7: Service Quality in Public and Private Insurance Companies in Mysore
District of Karnataka State
Step 8: Perceptions of ……*…..towards Service Quality in Public and Private
Insurance Companies in Mysore District

13. Technique Involved in Defining a Problem
Example (2)
Step 1: Demonetization
Step 2: Demonetization in India
Step 3: Demonetization in Karnataka
Step 4: Demonetization in Mysore District
Step 5:Socio-Economic Impact of Demonetization in Mysore
District
Step 6:Socio-Economic Impact of Demonetization in Mysore
District: A Study of Perceptions of Rural and
Urban Communities/….

14. Reference
 Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology:
Methods and Techniques. New Age
International.