Research Problem

What is Research Problem?
Purpose of Research Problem.
Formulation of Research Problem.
Necessary Condition of Formulation of Research Problem.

Research Problem

A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question.

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.

Conventional sense: a problem is a set of conditions needing discussion, a solution, and information.

Technical meaning: implies the possibility of empirical investigation, that is, of data collection and analysis

 

Research starts with delineating the research problem, i.e. what we want to solve and what questions we want to answer.

It is not only forming the problem but also its selection which presupposes experience and overview in the given area. The research problem should ripe and appear gradually. The final form of the problem must be preceded by studying literature and mapping what has already been found out and how.

Purpose of a Research Problem 

- Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied. The reader is oriented to the significance of the study and the research questions, hypotheses, or assumptions to follow.

- Place the topic into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be investigated.

- Provide the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information.

Formulation of Research Problem

The formulation of the problem consists in making various components of the problem explicit.

Says John Dewey: It is a familiar and significant saying that a problem well put is half- solved. To find out what the problem or problems are which a problematic situation presents…. Is to be well along in inquiry. To mistake the problem involved is to cause subsequent enquiry to be irrelevant. With out a problem there is blind grouping in the dark.

There are three principle components in the formulation of a problem.

- The originating questions (what one wants to know?)

- The rational- theoretical or practical (why one wants to have the questions answered?)

- The specifying questions (possible answers to the originating) questions in term of that satisfy the rationale.)

The Originating Questions

- Represent the beginning of certain difficulties or challenges

- Are formulated in such specific indicate where exactly the answers to them can be searched for.

- Constitute the initial phase in the process of problem formulation.

- May be formulated in terms of broadly delimited categories of social variable but do not indicate specifically which particular variables in each class might be germane to the issues.

- Usually derive from a general theoretical orientation rather than a definite theory.

Rationale of Questions

- Is the statement of reasons why a particular question is worth putting a cross .

- States what will happen to other parts of knowledge or practice if the question posed is answered, i.e., how the answer to the question will contribute to theory and/ or practice.

- Helps to effect a discrimination between scientifically good and scientifically trivial questions.

Specifying Questions

- Culminate the process of formulating a research problem

- Involve the breaking down of originating question in to several specifying questions related to particular aspects and their consequences.

Necessary Conditions for Formulating a Research Problem

We may now list some of the conditions that experience has proved to be conducive to formulation of significant research problems.

Systematic Immersion in the Subject matter through first hand observation

The researcher must immerse him/her self in the subject matter area with I which he/ she wishes to pose specific problem. This exercise helps a great deal in suggesting to the researcher the specific questions that may be posed for the study to answer. This process is know as pilot survey, preliminary survey or exploratory study.

Study of Relevant Literature on the Subject

This would help the researcher to know if there are certain gaps in the theories (his/her research will then be to bridge this gap) or whether the prevailing theories applicable to the problem are in consistent with theoretical expectations and so on. This is also an aspect of exploration.

Discussions with persons having rich practical experience in the filed of study

This is often known as an experience survey, which again is an exercise at exploration. These people help in sharpening the focus of attention on specific aspects with in the field.

Sources of Research Problem

The research problem may be selected from the following sources:

-theory of ones own interest

-daily problems

-technological changes

-un explored areas

-discussions with other people