Lesson Three

Identification of
Research Problem
Problem definition
 A research problem is a specific issue or gap in
existing knowledge that you aim to address in
your research. You may choose to look for
practical problems aimed at contributing to
change, or theoretical problems aimed at
expanding knowledge.
 Research problems
A. The need to communicate what will be studied
in clear, concise, and unambiguous term
B. One or more sentences indicating the goal,
purpose, or overall direction of the study
C. General characteristics
 Implies the possibility of empirical investigation
 Identifies a need for the research
 Provides focus
 Provides a concise overview of the research

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 Practical research problems
 Practical research problems could be identified
by reading reports, following up on previous
research, or talking to people who work in the
relevant field or organization. Several sources
are;
• Issues with performance or efficiency
• Processes that could be improved
• Areas of concern among practitioners
• Difficulties faced by specific groups of people

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Examples for practical research
problems

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 Theoretical research problems
 Theoretical research problems could be identified by
reading existing research, theory, and debates on
your topic to find a gap in what is currently known
about it. Some sources are;
• A phenomenon or context that has not been closely
studied
• A contradiction between two or more perspectives
• A situation or relationship that is not well understood
• A troubling question that has yet to be resolved

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Examples for theoretical research
problems

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How is a research problem selected?

 Researchers interest in a topic

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 Steps in defining research problems
1. Identify a broad topic
2. Identify a narrow topic within the
broad topic
3. Raise questions
4. Formulate objectives
 Use action-oriented words - To
demonstrate; To evaluate; To measure…

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Identifying Broad Topics
 Think of the BIG PICTURE
 What is the problem you are trying to solve?
 Think of something you like to learn more
about
 Consult text books, journal or your supervisor
 Pick one based on:
 Interest and relevance
 Magnitude of work involved
 Level of expertise
 yours and your advisors

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From Broad Topic to Narrow Topic
 When selecting a narrow topic think
how it can contribute towards
solving the BIG PROBLEM!

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Sources of research problems
 Casual observation
 Deductions from theory
 Related literature
 Current social and political issues
 Practical situations
 Personal interests and experience
 Replication of previous studies
 Clarification of contradictory
research results
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 Two ways of stating the problem
 Research problems:
 typically a rather general overview of the problem
with just enough information about the scope and
purpose of the study to provide an initial
understanding of the research

 Research questions:
 more specific, focused statements and questions that
communicate in greater detail the nature of the study

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 Examples
 General research problem

 Questions

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Researchable and non-researchable
problems
 Researchable problems imply the
possibility of empirical investigation
 What is the relationship between teachers'
knowledge of assessment methods and their
use of them?
 Non-researchable problems include
explanations of how to do something,
vague propositions, and value-based
concerns
 Is democracy a good form of government?
 Can crime be prevented? 15
Writing research questions

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 Research Objectives

Objectives are more generally

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 SMART test - Research Objectives
 Specific
 What precisely do you hope to achieve from undertaking the
research?
 Measurable
 What measures will you use to determine whether you have
achieved
 Achievable
 Are the targets you have set for yourself achievable given all
the possible
 Realistic
 Given all the other demands upon your time, will you have the
time and energy to complete the research on time?
 Timely
 Will you have time to accomplish all your objectives in the time
frame you have set?
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Phrasing research questions as research
objectives
Research Question Research Objective

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 Problem Tree – Keep asking Why?
Unskilled Labor Inefficient Irrigation
Low Labor
Productivity

Unsuitable Climate Inefficient Water harvesting

Water Scarcity Lack of crop varieties

Unsuitable Crops Farming Patterns do not

Low Land Farmers can’t afford fertilizers

Poor Soil Farmers unaware of