This document discusses the importance of formulating a research problem and outlines the steps to do so. It states that formulating the research problem is the first and most critical step of the research process. Some key points discussed include identifying the broad field of study, narrowing it down to subareas of interest, considering factors like relevance and feasibility when selecting a problem, and formulating clear objectives to focus the study. The document provides guidance on sources of research problems, aspects to consider, and a 7-step approach to properly formulating the research problem.

1. RESEARCH
FORMULATION
V.Harini
2nd MSC Zoology

2. content
Introduction
Importance of formulating a Research problem
Sources of research problem
Identification of research problem
Consideration in selecting research problem
Steps in formulation of research problem
Formulation of objectives and functions

4. INTRODUCTION
The central aim of research formulation is the RESEARCH PROBLEM
FORMULATION OF RESEARCH refers to state the problem to a
researchable manner. It means to portray the topic in a way that it becomes
ready for scientific investigation.
WHAT IS RESEARCH PROBLEM?
A problem is a question proposed for a solution generally speaking a
problem exists when there is no available answer to same question.
“ PROBLEM IS THE OBSTACLE IN THE PATH OF SATISFYING OUR
NEEDS”
It refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of
either in a THEORETICAL OR PRACTICAL SITUATION and wants to
obtain a solution for the same.

5. IF THERE IS NO
PROBLEM …..
THERE IS NO RESEARCH

6. IMPORTANCE OF FORMULATING A
RESEARCH PROBLEM
 Formulation of research problem is the first and most important step of
the research process.
 Identification of a destination before undertaking a journey.
 In the absence of a clear research problem, a clear and economic plan is
impossible.
 Foundation of building
 According to KERLINGER
IF ONE WANTS TO SOLVE A PROBLEM,ONE MUST GENERALLY
KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.IT CAN BE SAID THAT A LARGER
PART OF THE PROBLEM LIES IN KNOWING WHAT ONE IS TRYING
TO DO.

7. SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
RESEARCH
Study population
Subject areas
P people
p
p
p
problem
programme
phenomena

8. ASPECTS OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
ASPECTS OF
STUDY
ABOUT STUDY OF
STUDY
POPULATION
PEOPLE Individuals
,organisations,
groups,communities.
Information that you
need to collect to find
answers to your
service research
questions
SUBJECT AREA PROBLEM Issues, situations,
association, needs,
population
composition,profiles
etc,..
PROGRAMME Contents, structure,
outcomes, attributes,
satisfaction,etc.,,
PHENOMENON Cause & effects,
relationships, the
study of a
phenomenon itself
etc

9. •
 Determine the field of research in which a researcher is keen to do the
reseach work
Researcher should develop the mastery on the area or the should be the field
of his specializations.
He should review the research conducted in area to know the recent trend &
studies are being conducted in the area.
On the basis of review , he should consider the priority field of the study.

10. Should draw an analog & insight in identifying the problem or employ
his personal experience of the field in locating the problem. He may take
help of supervisor or expert of the field.

11. CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING THE
RESEARCH PROBLEM

12. Consideration in selecting the research
problem
interest
magnitu
de
ethics
Data
availabilit
y
Concept
measure
s
relevance expertise

13. STEPS IN FORMULATING RESEARCH
PROBLEM
STEP 1
Identify broad
field
STEP 2
Dissect to
subareas
STEP 3
Select interested
sub-areas
STEP 6
Assess objective
STEP 5
Formulate
objectives
STEP 4
Raise questions
STEP 7
Double check

15. Formulation of research objectives
• OBJECTIVE
a clear and specific goals you set out to attain in your study.
objectives
Main objectives subobjectives

16. •
Main objectives sub objectives
Overall statement of the trust of
your study
Specific aspects of the topic that
you want to investigate within
the framework of your study

17. • Clear
• Complete
• Specific
• Main variables
• Direction
FUNCTIONS
• Focus the study
• Organize the study in clearly defined parts or phases
Characteristics and function of objectives

18. REFERENCE
• RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (methods and techniques) – KOTHARI
CK
• RESEARCH METHODOLOGY- TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES BY
DR.PRABHAT PANDEY, DR. MEEW MISHRA RANDEY
• https://www.studyandexam.com> - formulation of research
• RESEARCH METHODS THE BASICS – NICHOLAS WALLIMAN

19. THANK YOU