This document discusses selecting and defining a research problem. It explains that a research problem needs to be clearly defined and operationalized using measurable variables. The selection process involves evaluating potential problems based on criteria like the researcher's background and available resources. Problems should be novel, solve a current issue, and allow further research. The document provides guidance on refining broad topics into narrow, specific research problems suitable for different research methods like historical, descriptive or experimental studies.

1. SELECTION OF A RESEARCH
PROBLEM
By
Dr.Shazia Zamir

2. Contents
SELECTION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- Definition of a Problem
- Selection of the Problem
- Evaluation of the Problem
• Refinement of the Research Problem

3. Identification of Research Problem
Identify the
Research
Problem
Review the
Literature
Specify a
Research
Purpose
Collect Data
Report and
Evaluate
Research
Analyze and
Interpret
Data

4. The Process of Research:
Identify the Research Problem

5. Research Topic
Research
Problem
Research Topic to Research Problem
 Idea
brainstorming
 Literature review
 Identify the variables
for study
 Formulate research
problems and
questions/hypotheses

6. Sources of the Problems
 Previous researches/dissertations/studies/etc
 Books/reports
 Resource persons/professors/
 Brainstorming
 Newspapers/TV/radios/medias
 Seminars, workshops/conferences
 Relations organizations/research centers/research institutes
 Encyclopedia
 Own critical observations
 Discussions with fellows, colleagues, friends, etc
 Dinning tables
----------------------------

7. Definition of Research Problem
A research problem is the situation that causes the researcher to
feel apprehensive, confused and hard.
Operationalization is then used to give some indication of the
exact definitions of the variables, and the type of scientific
measurement used.
Operationalization is the process of strictly defining variables
into measurable factors. The process defines ambiguous concepts
and allows them to be measured, empirically and quantitatively.
For example, intelligence may be measured with IQ and human
responses could be measured with a questionnaire from ‘1-
strongly disagree’, to ‘5 - strongly agree’.

8. Selection of Research Problem
First step in research process is the choice of a suitable problem
Enlist the specific questions like WHO,WHAT, WHERE,
WHEN and WHY of the problem.
A problem well defined is half solved
The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its
solution.
The actual reasons (possible causes) for the discrepancy between
what is (current situation) and what is desired (e.g. lack of
motivation among students)

9. Selection of Research Problem
Criteria/Factors of selecting the problems
 Academic background of the researcher
 Researcher's experiences, aptitudes, ability , values , behavior
etc
 Researcher's training and orientation
 Researcher's purpose and objectives
 Originality and Utility of the research
 Direction of the organization where the researcher works
 Availability of data and information – primary and secondary
sources
 Access to the study area
 Resource availability – money, manpower

10. Selection of Research Problem
 Time factor
 Supervisor’s time, qualification, experiences, interest, etc
 Nature of the problems – need oriented, problem solving, etc
 Controversial topic
 Nor too narrow/vague
 Cooperation of the stakeholders
 Avoidance of the troubles
 -----------------------------

11. Evaluation of The Research Problem
 Is the problem of current interest? Will the research results have
social, educational or scientific value?
 Will it be possible to apply the results in practice?
 Does the research contribute to the science of education?
 Will the research opt new problems and lead to further research?
 Is there enough scope left within the area of research (field of
research)?
 Will it be possible for another researcher to repeat the research?

12. Evaluation of The Research Problem
 Will it have any value? and are you motivated to undertake the research?
 Do you have the necessary knowledge and skills to do the research? Are
you qualified to undertake the research?
 Do you have the necessary funds for the research?
 Do you have access to the administrative, statistic and computer
facilities the research necessitates?
 Will it be practically possible to undertake the research?
 Is the research free of any ethical problems and limitations?
 -----------------------------------------

13. Evaluation of the Research Problem
In short
• Is the problem researchable?
• Is the problem new?
• Is the problem significant?
• Is the solution to this problem helpful for the development of
further knowledge?
• Is the problem feasible for researcher?
• Research competencies
• Interest and enthusiasm
• Financial consideration
• Time requirements
• Administrative considerations

14. Refinement of Research Problem
• Refine problem under three methods of research; Historical,
Descriptive and Experimental
• Historical
• Role of education policies in development of literacy
• Refined: An analysis of the role of education policies in the
development of literacy in Pakistan.
• -------------------
• Descriptive
• A study on the impact of self financing scheme on the development
of education
• Refined: A survey study on the impact of self financing scheme on
the education of MBA students of National University of Modern
Languages, Islamabad.
• ------------------------------

15. Refinement of Research Problem
• Experimental
• Comparison of the integrated curriculum and traditional
curriculum of primary level
• Refined: A comparative study of the effectiveness of the
integrated curriculum and traditional curriculum of class III.
• ------------------------------

16. Class/Library Activity
1) Your Research Problem
• What is your area of interest?
• Where could you look for help in deciding upon a specific
research problem?
• What criteria will you apply when deciding upon a specific
research problem?
• How could you narrow down your research problem from
research topic?
2) Library Activity