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1.4- RESEARCH PROBLEM

A research problem refers to a difficulty faced by a researcher that requires a solution, involving components such as objectives, alternatives, and environmental context. Sources for research ideas include newspapers, journals, and discussions with peers, while a good research problem should be focused, researchable, and based on prior research. The formulation of a research problem involves defining the problem, understanding its nature, reviewing literature, discussing ideas, and refining the problem statement.

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Dia Bhatnagar
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15 views9 pages

1.4- RESEARCH PROBLEM

A research problem refers to a difficulty faced by a researcher that requires a solution, involving components such as objectives, alternatives, and environmental context. Sources for research ideas include newspapers, journals, and discussions with peers, while a good research problem should be focused, researchable, and based on prior research. The formulation of a research problem involves defining the problem, understanding its nature, reviewing literature, discussing ideas, and refining the problem statement.

Uploaded by

Dia Bhatnagar
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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RESEARCH PROBLEM

DEFINITION

 A research problem, in general refers to some difficulty which a researcher


experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and want to
obtain a solution for the same.
 The following are the components of research problem:
 1. there must be an individual or a group which has some difficulty or the problem
 2. There must be some objective(s) to be attained at.
 3. There must be alternative means (or the course of action) for obtaining the
objectives one wish to attain.
 4. There must remain some doubt in the mind of researcher with regard to the
selection of alternatives. This means that researcher must answer the question
concerning the relative efficiency of the possible alternatives
 5. There must be some environment(s) to which the difficulty pertains.
SOURCES OF IDEAS FOR RESEARCH
PROBLEM
 Newspaper Editorials
 Journals
 Current Affairs
 Peer Group
 Teachers
 Seminar participation
 Funding agency’s themes of research
 Interviews of scholars, academicians and political-social activists
GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM

 Focused
 Researchable
 Empirical
 Clear
 Based on prior research or theory
 intuitive appeal
SELECTING THE PROBLEM

 Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen, for it will be a


difficult task to throw any new light in such a case
 Controversial subject should be avoided preferably
 Too vague or too narrow problems should be avoided
 The selected subject should be familiar and feasible so that the related
research material or sources of the research are within one’s reach.
 Other criteria like the time required, trained researchers, cost involved, etc.
must be considered in selecting a research problem
 The selection of problem must be preceded by a preliminary study
especially when it is relatively new study or exploratory study
STEPS IN THE FORMULATION OF A
RESEARCH PROBLEM
1. Statement of the Problem:
1. Define the research problem clearly and concisely. Identify the main issues or questions you aim to address in your research.

2. The statement of the problem sets the stage for the entire research process. It helps in framing the research objectives and hypotheses.

2. Understanding the Nature of the Problem:


1. Delve into the background of the problem to gain a comprehensive understanding. Understand the context, scope, and significance of the issue at hand.

2. Identify the key variables and factors that contribute to the problem.

3. Surveying the Available Literature:


1. Conduct a thorough review of existing literature related to your research problem. This involves exploring academic journals, books, conference proceedings,
and other relevant sources.

2. Summarize the findings from previous studies and identify gaps, controversies, or areas where further research is needed.

4. Developing Ideas through Discussions:


1. Engage in discussions with peers, mentors, and experts in the field. Share your ideas and gather feedback to refine and strengthen your research objectives.

2. Discussing your ideas with others can provide valuable insights and perspectives that may not have been considered initially.

5. Rephrasing the Research Problem:


1. Based on the insights gained from the literature review and discussions, refine and rephrase the research problem. Ensure that the problem statement aligns
with the current state of knowledge and the gaps identified in the literature.
Research Problem vs Research
Questions
 Research Problem: The research problem is a broad statement that outlines
the overarching issue or gap in knowledge that your research aims to
address. It provides the context and motivation for your study and helps
establish its significance and relevance. The research problem is typically
stated in the introduction section of your research proposal or thesis.
 Research Questions: Research questions are specific inquiries that you seek
to answer through your research. These questions are derived from the
research problem and help guide the focus of your study. They are often
more detailed and narrow in scope compared to the research problem.
Research questions are usually listed in the methodology section of your
research proposal or thesis.
Difference Between a Research
Problem and a Research Topic
 Research Problem: A research problem is a specific issue, gap, or question that requires
investigation and can be addressed through research. It is a clearly defined and focused
problem that the researcher aims to solve or explore. The research problem provides the
context and rationale for the study and guides the research process. It is usually stated as a
question or a statement in the introduction section of a research proposal or thesis.
 Example of a Research Problem: “What are the factors influencing consumer purchasing
decisions in the online retail industry?”
 Research Topic: A research topic, on the other hand, is a broader subject or area of
interest within a particular field of study. It is a general idea or subject that the researcher
wants to explore in their research. The research topic is more general and does not yet
specify a specific problem or question to be addressed. It serves as the starting point for
the research, and the researcher further refines it to formulate a specific research
problem.
 Example of a Research Topic: “Consumer behavior in the online retail industry.”
 In summary, a research topic is a general area of interest, while a research problem is a
specific issue or question within that area that the researcher aims to investigate.
EXAMPLE- Source-Ranjit Kumar(2014)

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