Formulation of research problems

1. FORMULATION OF RESEARCH
PROBLEMS
M Pragnashree
Department of Management Studies

2. Research Problem and Steps
To Formulate One
1. Creating a research problem is an important step in the
research process and can help outline the process of a
study.
2. There are several types of research problems to choose
from, and understanding how they differ may help decide
which approach is best for the process.

4. What is a research problem?
1. A RESEARCH PROBLEM IS A STATEMENT THAT ADDRESSES A GAP
IN KNOWLEDGE, CHALLENGE OR CONTRADICTION IN THE FIELD.
2. SCIENTISTS USE RESEARCH PROBLEMS TO IDENTIFY AND DEFINE
THE AIM OF THEIR STUDY AND ANALYSIS.
3. ONE MAY DECIDE TO CONDUCT RESEARCH BASED ON A PROBLEM
IF ONE IS INTERESTED IN CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIAL OR
SCIENTIFIC CHANGE OR ADDING ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO
AN EXISTING TOPIC.
4. A RESEARCH PROBLEM MAY ALSO HELP IDENTIFY KEY CONCEPTS
AND TERMS, OVERARCHING QUESTIONS AND VARIABLES.

5. Characteristics of a research problem
Research problems have various characteristics that are important during the
experimental process. Understanding these aspects of a research problem can help
identify and create a new one. Some characteristics include:
•Reflecting on issues or required knowledge in a particular field
•Relying on evidence and data
•Being practical and manageable for the researchers involved in data collection and
analysis

6. DEFINITION OF THE PROBLEM
1. The definition of a problem amounts to specifying it in detail and narrowing it
down to workable size. Each question and subordinate questions to be
answered are specified at this stage and the scope and limits of investigation
are determined.
2. Formulation of the problem includes: i) stating the problem in the form of
statements or questions which make the problem clear and understandable, ii)
identification and operationalisation of the variables concisely, and iii)
evaluating the problem in terms of its significance, novelty and feasibility.

7. 1. A good statement of a problem must clarify exactly what is to be determined or solved
or what is the research question.
2. It must restrict the scope of the study to specific and workable research questions. So,
it is required to describe the background of the study, its theoretical basis and
underlying assumptions, and specify the issues in concrete, specific, and workable
questions.
3. All questions raised must be related to the problem. Each major issue or element
should be separated into its subsidiary or secondary elements, and these should be
arranged in a logical order under the major divisions.

8. Types of research problems
1. Theoretical research problems
1. Theoretical research problems allow us to contribute to the overall information and
knowledge in an area of study.
2. These kinds of research problems are exploratory and provide basic meaning about
the problem's nature or areas of informational gaps. T
3. Theoretical research problems can address contradictions between two or more
perspectives or address an unresolved question.
4. Researchers develop their hypotheses for these problems according to a particular
theory, typically stemming from social philosophy.

9. 2. Applied research problems
1. Applied research problems, or non-systematic problems, involve the practical use of
theoretical knowledge.
2. Meaning that scholars may use a particular theoretical framework to gain information.
3. It also includes an exploratory hypothesis and tests to verify the accuracy of the
hypothesis.
4. Social scientists typically use applied research problems in studies where the objective
is to provide practical and applicable solutions to help individuals and groups if they
encounter challenges.

10. 3. Action research problems
1. Similar to applied research problems, action research problems also aim to provide
solutions for problems but are more time-sensitive and immediate.
2. Action research problems can also be part of a larger reflective ongoing process that
combines research, analysis and action.
3. Researchers develop and implement a research strategy to create innovative solutions
and discoveries as soon as possible. For example, an action research problem in
education might include finding a solution for a district-wide problem impeding
student success.
4. This may include school staff members working together and using district-wide
research data to find a solution.

11. How to formulate a research problem
Identify a general area of interest
1. As we determine an area of study, consider areas that are under-explored or
present challenges within the field.
2. Assess how you might address the area of concern and whether you can develop a
research problem related to this issue.
3. If your research is action-based or applied, consider reaching out to those who
work in a relevant field to get feedback about problems to address, or follow up on
research that others have already started.

12. •Contradictions between two or more theoretical perspectives
•Situations or natural relationships that are not well investigated
•Processes in an institution or organization that you and your research team
could improve
•Areas of concern by individuals who work or are experts in a particular
industry

13. Evaluation of the Problem
What are the questions that we should ask?
1. Is the problem researchable?
There are certain problems that cannot be effectively solved through the process
of research. A researchable problem is always concerned with the relationship
existing between two or more variables that can be defined and measured. The
problem should be capable of being stated in the form of workable research
questions that can be answered empirically.

14. Evaluation of the Problem
2. Is the problem new?
There is no use in studying a problem which has already been adequately investigated
by other researchers.
To avoid such duplication, it is essential to examine very carefully the literature
available in the field concerned.
The problem should be selected only when you are convinced that it is really a new
problem which has never before been investigated successfully.
However, it must be noted that a researcher may repeat a study when he/she wants to
verify its conclusions or to extend the validity of its findings in a situation entirely
different from the previous one.

15. 3. Is the problem significant?
The problem should be such that it is likely to fill in the gaps in the existing knowledge,
to help to solve some of the inconsistencies in the previous research, or to help in the
interpretation of the known facts.
The results or findings of a study should either become Formulation of Research
Problems a basis for a theory, generalizations or principles.
Besides, they should lead to new problems for further research or have some useful
practical applications.

16. SOURCES OF IDENTIFYING A PROBLEM
Professional experience
Professional experience of a researcher is one of the most fruitful resources which
could suggest research problems. For example, if you are a classroom teacher, or
academic counselor or working in any distance learning institute, you must be
confronted with a number of problems in your day-to-day academic activities. In
the classroom, there is a dynamic interaction between you as the teacher and your
learners, between learners themselves, and between learners and learning
materials. Such interaction provides you with a variety of problems to be solved
through research.

17. Professional Literature
The study of professional literature will not only expose you to pressing research problems but will
also suggest the way in which research is conducted.
Research reports, bibliographies of books and articles, periodicals, research abstracts, yearbooks,
dictionaries, research guides etc. would suggest areas in which research is needed. Some
specialized sources are:
• Encyclopedia of Educational Research,
• Dissertation Abstracts International,
• Psychological Abstracts, and similar publications are rich sources of research problems.
Some journals are: • Open Learning • The Journal of Distance Education • The American Journal of
Distance Education • Indian Journal of Open Learning

18. Inference from Theories and Other Sources
For example, the application of general principles involved in various theories to specific problems of Distance
Education makes an excellent starting point for research in this area.
Various theories of personality, intelligence, motivation, etc. are helpful in identifying problems pertaining to
classroom situations and practices. It is only through research that you can profitably test the validity, scope, and
practicability of various theories in educational situations.
Technological and social changes, and curricular developments constantly give rise to new problems and issues
for research. Such innovations as teaching by television, programmed instructions, computers, and other
hardware and software techniques need to be carefully evaluated through the research process.

19. Takeaway for Research Problems
•Having a well-defined and practical research problem is important to help create a focused
and comprehensive project.
•A research problem may help to ensure that the research project is innovative and unique
and that we are conducting research with an intentional purpose and justification.
•Research problems help create a plan for contributing relevant and new insights about a
particular challenge or issue.
•It's also important because it can help identify steps to take in the data-collection process
and outline the research procedure.