This document discusses research methodology and formulating a research problem. It covers reviewing existing literature, developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and determining research objectives and operational definitions. The key steps in formulating a research problem are to: 1) identify a broad area of interest and narrow it down, 2) raise research questions, 3) formulate objectives to answer the questions, and 4) establish clear operational definitions. A literature review establishes the theoretical background, identifies gaps in knowledge, and helps integrate new research findings. The research problem provides the foundation for the entire study.

1. Research Methodology by Ranjit Kumar
Reviewing the
Literature
Formulating a
Research Problem
&
By: Naim Tahir Baig

2. Reviewing the Literature
The place of the Literature review in research

3. The place of the Literature review in research
A literature review has the following functions:
• Theoretical background
• Establish the links between what you are proposing to examine and what
has already been studied.
• Contribution to the existing body of knowledge
• Integrate your research findings

4. How to review the literature
• Review the literature in your broad area of interest with the aim of
gradually narrowing it down
• Focus around research problem
• Four steps involved in conducting a literature review:
1) Searching for the existing literature in your area of study.
2) Reviewing the selected literature.
3) Developing a theoretical framework.
4) Developing a conceptual framework.

5. Searching for the existing literature
• Search parameters for the search
• Compile a reading list
• Start with
(a) books
(b) journals
(c) the Internet

6. Reviewing the selected literature
• Note whether the knowledge relevant to your theoretical framework has been
confirmed beyond doubt.
• Note the theories put forward, the criticisms of these and their basis, the
methodologies adopted (study design, sample size and its characteristics,
measurement procedures, etc.) and the criticisms of them.
• Examine to what extent the findings can be generalised to other situations. Notice
where there are significant differences of opinion among researchers and give
your opinion about the validity of these differences.
• Ascertain the areas in which little or nothing is known – the gaps that exist in the
body of knowledge.

7. Developing a theoretical framework
• The problem you wish to investigate has its roots in a number of theories
• Develop a focus in your literature search
• Sort information into main themes and theories
• Literature may deal with two types of information
1. universal
2. more specific (i.e. local trends or a specific programme).

8. Developing a conceptual framework
• It stems from the theoretical framework and usually focuses on the
section(s) which become the basis of your study.
• Conceptual framework grows out of the theoretical framework and relates
to the specific research problem.

9. Writing the literature review
• Identify and describe various theories relevant to your field
• Specify gaps in existing knowledge in the area
• Recent advances in the area of study
• Current trends and so on
• contextualising the findings of your study
• Quote from studies

10. Chapter # 4
Formulating a Research Problem

11. The research problem
• Any question that you want answered and any assumption or assertion that
you want to challenge or investigate can become a research problem
• It is essential for the problem you formulate to be able to withstand
scrutiny in terms of the procedures required to be undertaken

12. The importance of formulating a research problem
• The formulation of a research problem is the most important step in the
research process.
• It is the foundation, in terms of design, on which you build the whole
study.
• Any defects in it will adversely affect the validity and reliability of your
study.

13. Sources of research problems
• People
• Problems
• Programmes
• Phenomena

14. Considerations in selecting a research problem
• Interest
• Magnitude
• Measurement of concepts
• Level of expertise
• Relevance
• Availability of data
• Ethical issues

15. Steps in formulating a research problem
• Identify a broad field or subject area of interest to you.
• Dissect the broad area into subareas.
• Select what is of most interest to you.
• Raise research questions.
• Formulate objectives.
• Assess your objectives.
• Double-check.

16. The formulation of research objectives
• Objectives are the goals you set out to attain in your study.
• Objectives should be listed under two headings:
• Main objectives
• Sub objectives.

17. Establishing operational definitions
• In a research study you need to define these clearly in order to avoid
ambiguity and confusion.
• Operational definitions may differ from day-to-day meanings as well as
dictionary or legal definitions.
• Operational definitions give an operational meaning to the study
population and the concepts used.
• This enhances clarity about the issues you are trying to find out about and
about the study population you plan to gather information from.
• It is important that you operationalise both the main variables you are
proposing to study and the study population.

18. Formulating a research problem in qualitative research
• Formulation of a research problem in qualitative research follows a
different path.
• You do not predetermine the exact nature and extent of the research
problem you propose to find answers to.
• You continue to modify it as you start finding out more about it.
• It will help you if you develop a conceptual framework of the different
aspects of a problem to serve as a backdrop for issues to be discussed with
potential respondents.

19. Thank You