The document discusses key aspects of defining a research problem and designing a study. It notes that a research problem should be carefully selected, clearly defined, and narrowed through literature review and discussions. The problem statement should be rephrased into operational terms with assumptions and scope stated. The research design lays out the conceptual structure, including what/why is being studied, data collection methods, sample design, and data analysis procedures. A good design maximizes reliability and information while minimizing bias and errors.

1. RESEARCH PROBLEM &
DESIGN
J. JANARDHAN

2. RESEARCH PROBLEM
• Researcher experiences either in a theoretical or practical
• Researcher wants a solution for problems
• Difficulties/ problems in individual or institutional levels
• There must be some objectives to be attained
• The research problem is to find out the best solutions

3. SELECTING THE PROBLEM
• The research problem must be carefully selected
• Guidance may be taken from the experts
• Subject which is overdone shouldn’t be chosen
• Controversial subject shouldn’t be choice
• Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided
• Subject must be familiar and feasible

4. EFFORTS
• The importance of the subject
• Qualifications and the training of researcher
• Cost of the project
• Deadline
• Whether he is well equipped ?
• Whether the study falls within the budget?
• Whether necessary cooperation can be obtained

5. DEFINING THE PROBLEM
• Clearly stated problem is half solved
• It must be defined unambiguously
• It enables the researcher to be on the track
• It will enable to be on the track the ill-defined problems
What data is to be collected?
What characteristics of data are relevant?
What techniques to be used

6. TECHNIQES IN DEFINING A
PROBLEM
• It involves the task of laying down boundaries
• The statement of the problem in a general way
• Understanding the nature of the problem
• Surveying the available literature
• Develop the idea through discussion
• Rephrasing the research problem into a working title

7. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
• SoP should be stated in a broad general way
• Immerse himself thoroughly in the subject matters
• Field observation
• Pilot Survey
• Narrow down & the phrase the problem in operational
terms
• Discuss it with those who raised first

8. SURVEY THE LITERATURE
• Available literature must be surveyed and examined
• Well familiar with relevant theories
• Must be devoted sufficient time to review literature (RL)
• Knowing what data is available often serves to narrow
• RL helps to find the research gaps

9. DISCUSSIONS
• It produces useful information
• Various new ideas can be developed
• Its also known as experience survey
• Discussions sharpen the focus of attention on specific
aspects

10. REPHRASING THE PROBLEM
• Must be rephrased the problem into a working propositions
• Once rephrase, the environment has to be defined
• Examine the problem into analytical or operational terms
Technical terms must be used in the statement
Basic assumptions should be clearly stated
A straight forward statement should be provided
The scope of the investigation must be mentioned

11. RESEARCH DESIGN
• It is the arrangement of conditions
• It is conceptual structure
• It includes the collecting the data, measurement and
analysis of the data
• Design decision has to respect of:
What is the study about? Why is the study being made?
Where will the study be carried out? What type of data is required ?
Where can be found the required data? What is the deadline?
What is the sample design? What is the data collection tech?
How will be the data analysed? What is the style sheet of the
report?

12. RESEARCH DESIGN
• The sample design
• The observational design
• The statistical design
• The operational design
• It must be contain the clear statement
• Procedures & techniques to be used
• Population to be studied
• Methods to be used in processing & analyzing data

13. FEATURES OF GOOD DESIGN
• Characterized by flexibility, appropriate, efficient &
economical
• Minimizes the bias & Maximizes the reliability of the data
• Smallest experimental error is best design
• Design must be resulted maximal information
• Single design cannot serve the purpose of all types

14. DIFFERENT CONCEPTS
• Dependent and independent variable
• Extraneous variable
• Control
• Research Hypothesis
• Experimental & Non-expt. Hypothesis

15. THANK YOU