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Techniques Involved in Defining A Problem

i. The document outlines techniques for defining a problem, beginning with stating the problem in general terms with the help of subject experts, checking for ambiguity and feasibility. ii. It then discusses understanding the nature and origin of the problem by discussing it with related parties to understand objectives and context. iii. All available literature on the problem is then reviewed to identify available data, techniques, difficulties and analytical shortcomings. iv. Discussions with colleagues are then used to generate new ideas, identify different aspects of the problem, and gain advice on approaches and possible solutions. v. Finally, the problem is rephrased into a working proposition stated in specific, feasible and analytical terms to allow development of

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9K views

Techniques Involved in Defining A Problem

i. The document outlines techniques for defining a problem, beginning with stating the problem in general terms with the help of subject experts, checking for ambiguity and feasibility. ii. It then discusses understanding the nature and origin of the problem by discussing it with related parties to understand objectives and context. iii. All available literature on the problem is then reviewed to identify available data, techniques, difficulties and analytical shortcomings. iv. Discussions with colleagues are then used to generate new ideas, identify different aspects of the problem, and gain advice on approaches and possible solutions. v. Finally, the problem is rephrased into a working proposition stated in specific, feasible and analytical terms to allow development of

Uploaded by

ArihantAskiGoswami
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Techniques Involved in

Defining a Problem-7
marks
i. State the problem in a general way:
First state the problem in general terms with respect to some practical, scientific or
intellectual interest. For this, the researcher may himself read the concerned subject
matter thoroughly or take the help of the subject expert. Often, the guide states the
problem in general terms; it depends on the researcher if he/she wants to narrow it
down to operational terms. The problem stated should also be checked for ambiguity
and feasibility.
ii. Understand the nature of the problem:
The next step is to understand the nature and origin of the problem. The researcher
needs to discuss the problem with those related to the subject matter in order to clearly
understand the origin of the problem, its nature, objectives, and the environment in
which the problem is to be studied.
iii. Survey the available literature:
All available literature including relevant theories, reports, records, and other relevant
literature on the problem needs to be reviewed and examined. This would help the
researcher to identify the data available, the techniques that might be used, types of
difficulties that may be encountered during the study, possible analytical shortcomings,
and even new methods of approach to the present problem.
iv. Go for discussions for developing ideas:
The researcher may discuss the problem with his/her colleagues and others related to
the concerned subject. This helps the researcher to generate new ideas, identify
different aspects on the problem, gain suggestions and advices from others, and
sharpen his focus on certain aspects within the field. However, discussions should not
be limited to the problem only, but should also be related to the general approach to the
problem, techniques that might be used, possible solutions, etc.
v. Rephrase the research problem into a working proposition:

Finally, the researcher must rephrase the problem into a working proposition.
Rephrasing the problem means putting the problem in specific terms that is feasible and
may help in the development of working hypotheses. Once the researcher has gone
through the above steps systematically, it is easy to rephrase the problem into analytical
and operational terms.

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