Research problem-

A research problem is a definite, 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. In the social and
behavioral sciences, studies are most often framed around examining a problem that needs to be
understood and resolved in order to improve society and the human condition.

A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in
your research given by Shona Mc Combes and Tegan George .

R .L . Ackoff” s analysis affords considerable guidance in identifying a problem for research.

He visualizes five components of a problem

 Research- consumer- There must be an individual or a group which has some difficulty.
For most problems there are other participants.

 Research- consumer objectives- The research consumer must have something he wants
to get end or some ends he desires.

 Alternative means to meet the objective- The research consumer must have available
alternative means for obtaining the objectives he desires.

Characteristics of an effective research problem

• There are several factors that ensure a research problem is clear, well-defined and easy to
follow throughout the duration of a study. Understanding these aspects of a research
problem can help as you identify and create your own. Some characteristics to consider
when aiming to define a research problem include:

• Reflecting on issues or required knowledge in a particular field prior to conducting a

study

• Ensuring that the topic you aim to examine has a sufficient amount of relevant data

• Relying on reputable evidence and data and disregarding information that you can't verify

• Remaining practical, manageable and communicative with researchers involved in data

collection and analysis

• Adhering strictly to a budget and timeline

3 Types of research problems

Here are three types of research problems that can help you decide on the best format to use:

1. Theoretical research problems

2. Applied research problems

3. Action research problems

1. Theoretical research problems

Theoretical research problems allow you to contribute to the overall information and knowledge
in an area of study. These kinds of research problems are exploratory and provide basic
definitions of a problem's overarching nature or areas of informational gaps. Theoretical research
problems can address contradictions between two or more perspectives or address an unresolved
question. Researchers develop their hypotheses for these problems according to a particular
theory, typically stemming from social philosophy. For example, Albert Einstein's theory of
relativity began as a theoretical research problem before he eventually proved it in the early 20th
century.

2. Applied research problems

Applied research problems, or nonsystematic problems, involve the practical use of theoretical
knowledge, meaning that scholars may use a particular theoretical framework to gain
information. It also includes an exploratory hypothesis and tests to verify the accuracy of the
hypothesis. Social scientists typically use applied research problems in studies where the
objective is to provide practical and applicable solutions to help specific individuals and groups
if they encounter challenges. For example, a marketing company may define an applied research
problem of how to better market its services to a particular audience.

3. Action research problems

Similar to applied research problems, action research problems also aim to provide solutions for
problems but are typically more time-sensitive in nature. Action research problems can also be
one component of a larger reflective process that combines ongoing research, analysis and
action. 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. This may
include school staff members working together and using district-wide action research data to
find a solution.

Necessary Conditions for Formulation of Research Problem

 Systematic immersion in the subject matter through first hand observation.

 Study of relevant literature on the subject.

  Discussion with researchers having rich experience in field of the study.

Systematic immersion in the subject matter through first hand observation

 The researcher must immerse himself thoroughly in the subject matter area within which
he wishes to pose a specific problem. For example, if the researcher was interested in the
general area of juvenile delinquency, it would serve him well if he visited remained
homes, juvenile centres, juvenile courts etc., the families of delinquents and the locality
where the incidence is high. · This exercise helps a great deal in suggesting to the
researchers that may be posed for the study to answer. This process is known by various
names, e.g. pilot survey, preliminary survey etc.

Discussion with researchers having rich experience in field of the study.

 Similarly, discussion with persons having rich practical experience in the field study also
helps the researcher to organise has study, sharpen his 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 one’s own interest.

 Daily problems.

 Technological problem.

 Unexplored areas.

 Discussion with supervisor.

 Assignments like reading of books, research reports, scientific journals discussion

research paper, participation in meeting/conference/workshop.

(i) Theory of one's own interest

A researcher may select a problem for investigation from a given theory in which he has
considerable interest. In such situations the researcher must have through knowledge of that
theory and should be sufficiently inquisitive to explore some unexplained aspects or assumptions
of that theory.

(ii) Daily Problem

Research problem can also be selected on the basis of daily experience of a researcher. Every
day problem constantly present something new and worthy of investigation and it depends on the
sharpness of the researcher's intellect to knit has daily experiences into a research problem.

(iii) Technological Changes

Technological changes in a fast changing society are constantly bringing forth-new problems and
new opportunities for research. What has been the impact of a changed technology on the
existing socio-economic set up always interests the researcher and tempts him to undertake such
studies.

(iv) Unexplored Areas

Research problems can both abstract and of applied nature. These may also be selected from
these areas which have not been explored so far, such areas may be theoretical or empirical in
nature.

(v) Discussion with Supervisor

Sometimes the researcher, while discussing the interests with the proposed supervisor may come
across a problem that can be researched by the investigator. Similarly, reading assignments in
text books, special assignments, research reports or term papers may also suggest some
additional areas of needed research. Many research articles suggest problems for further
investigation that may prove fruitful.

Criteria for a good research Problem-

(i) Novelty

(ii) Interesting

(iii) Importance

(iv) Feasibility or Amenability

(v) Availability of Data

(vi) Availability of cooperation

(vii) Availability of Guidance

(viii) Availability of other facilities

(ix) Immediate Application

(x) Aim of Research

 (xi) Level of Research

Criteria for Good Research

Before the proposal research problem can be finalised, several conditions and considerations
have to be satisfied. Although there are no standard rules to guarantee the suitability of a
research problem, a number of criteria in the form conditions might be listed for guidance in the
selection of a topic.

1.Novelty

It should be sufficiently original so that it does not involve objectionable duplication. · While
originality is an important consideration the fact that a problem has been investigated in the past
does not mean that it is no longer fit for study.

2. Interesting

The problem should be interesting for the investigator himself. He should have a strong inherent
motivation for it to enable him to face and overcome the obstacles.

3. Importance

It should be significant enough and involve an important principle or practice. If it is not

worthwhile, it neither adds to knowledge nor leads to any improvements in current practices, it
would be in vain. No research project should be undertaken unless its consequences give promise
of improving significantly in that area.

4. Feasibility or Amenability

The suitability of the problem for a particular research worker is the matter of its feasibility. It
may be a very good problem, but it should be good for the investigator. He should be able to
carry it to its successful conclusion. He should possess the required competence, understanding
and knowledge

5. Availability of Data

The researcher worker should ensure the availability of valid and reliable data gathering devices
and procedures. In case the study demands a confidential sensitive and classified information,
will it be possible for him to obtain?

6. Availability of cooperation

The study may require cooperation from various institutions, authorities and individuals. The
investigator must make sure that necessary permission and cooperation with be readily available.

7. Availability of Guidance
Every research activity needs the patronage of a guide and the approval and sanction of a
competent authority.

8. Availability of other facilities

The investigator should be able to meet them expenses involved in data gathering equipments,
printing, test materials, travel, computerisation, clerical help, postage, preparation of reports etc.
If the project is expensive in nature, he should explore the possibility of obtaining financial help
from other sources.

9. Immediate Application

Will the research help in solving an urgent problem? Supposing the research is on eradication of
unfair means in the examinations how is this work helpful? If the research is not able to provide
the solution to it, then the whole purpose of research is a sheer waste.

10. Aim of Research

The aim of the research should also influence the selection of the problem. If it is producer
research, the problem will be studied to enhance existing knowledge for its own sake. If it is
consumer type, the results should be fit for immediate application.

11.Level of Research

The nature and scope of a study will be determined in the light of levels like Master's degree, M.
Phil Degree and Ph.D. It may simply be an action research or a research to produce a research
paper or an experimental project.

Formulating and Stating the Problem

After the problem has been selected, it must be definitely formulated and stated. The type of
statement to be employed depends on the preference of the worker and the nature of the problem.

There are two different ways of stating a problem:

 Posing question/questions
 Making declaration statement/statements
1. Identify the Broad Study Area

The first and foremost step in the formulation of a research problem is understanding the subject
area that interests you. For example, if you are pursuing politics as your course, you should
choose research areas within politics. You may analyse political parties, a country's foreign
policy, ideology, and human rights issues. If you are studying psychology or sociology, you may
cover areas like cognitive psychology and societal issues like unemployment, respectively.

2. Narrow down Your Focus

Dissect your broader research area and make it specific to some subareas. For example, if your
topic is the foreign policy of a country, then narrow it down further. You can compare two
countries' foreign policies, such as the UK and the US. The topic could be further narrowed
down to one country, such as geopolitical considerations in the foreign policy of the USA.

If you are a psychology student and writing your research paper on the topic of cognitive
psychology, you may narrow it down to “cognitive psychology and online gaming addiction.” If
you opted to study sociology, you could dissect the topic of unemployment into the “role of
unemployment in increasing crimes.”

3. Highlight Your Interest

Even if you identify sub-areas, it becomes quite difficult to study everything in them. You should
narrow down the issues that interest you further. It enables you to find the focus of your study
and helps you formulate a precise research problem. Remember, your interest should be the
major component of selecting a research problem. It is a lengthy and challenging process;
without selecting a topic you are passionate about, you might not be able to complete it.

4. Review the Context of the Research Problem

You can further dissect the research problem based on the variables. There are some
environmental variables or contextual variables that will help you provide enough information
about the findings of your research problem. Determining all the environmental or contextual
variables that can affect your research project would be best. After finding these variables, you
will be better positioned to formulate a research problem.

5. Form & Study Your Research Question

The next step requires you to form a research question and study it thoroughly. You can now
create a research question after you have marked your interest and decided on the variables to
narrow it further down. If you had selected politics as an area of research, your research question
could be. “ How do the geographics of the UK determine foreign policy?”

Next, you must study the research question, its historical background, and current trends. While
exploring the topic, consider only reputed and credible sources. You can also consult your
supervisor to help you find relevant sources to formulate a research problem.

6. Set Your Study Objectives

After you have studied the relevant literature, you should be able to determine your research
objective. But remember, these objectives have to be categorised as primary and sub-objectives.
For example, take the example of cognitive psychology if your research question
is “Fundamentals of cognitive psychology of entrepreneurship and its impacts.” Then, determine
the objectives of exploring this topic.

The objective of this research question can be “Impact of cognitive psychology of

entrepreneurship on a society”, and the sub-objective might be “Impact of cognitive psychology
of entrepreneurship on an individual.”

7. Evaluate Your Objectives

Now, that’s the time to assess the possibility of meeting your research objectives. You need to
evaluate your aims in terms of available time for the research process, availability of resources,
and your expertise in the topic or research methodology. You need to be realistic while
determining your research aims and whether you will be able to meet them within the given
deadline and available resources. If your research question meets this criterion, you are good to
go; if not, you must re-determine your objective/aims.

8. Track Back the Process

This is the final stage of formulating your research problem. In fact, you have already defined it;
you just need to give it a reality check to see if your problem is solvable and if you have the
required resources to complete it within the deadline. If yes, congratulations, you have
formulated your research problem successfully. Remember, you can always re-assess your
problem and objectives if required, or you can buy research papers online.

How to Formulate a Research Problem? Types, Characteristics, & Examples

Written by Julie Shearer

What Factors Must Be Considered Finalising the Research Problem

There are many factors that you must use to set the criteria for the selection of a research
problem. Some critical factors for choosing a worth-solving research problem include:

1. The number of people affected by it.

2. The necessity to improve a situation.

3. Existing theories to give theoretical evidence for your claims.

4. The latest research trends in your particular discipline.

5. Your personal preferences and limitations.

6. The availability of resources.

Types of Research Questions

• Research questions can be categorized into different types, depending on the type of
research to be undertaken.

• Qualitative questions concern broad areas or more specific areas of research and focus on
discovering, explaining and exploring. Types of qualitative questions include:

• Exploratory Questions, which seeks to understand without influencing the results. The
objective is to learn more about a topic without bias or preconceived notions.

• Predictive Questions, which seek to understand the intent or future outcome around a
topic.

• Interpretive Questions, which tries to understand people’s behavior in a natural setting.

The objective is to understand how a group makes sense of shared experiences with
regards to various phenomena.

• Quantitative questions prove or disprove a researcher’s hypothesis and are constructed to

express the relationship between variables and whether this relationship is significant.
Types of quantitative questions include:
 • Descriptive questions, which are the most basic type of quantitative research question and
seeks to explain the when, where, why or how something occurred.

• Comparative questions are helpful when studying groups with dependent variables where
one variable is compared with another.

• Relationship-based questions try to answer whether or not one variable has an influence
on another. These types of question are generally used in experimental research
questions.

“Types of Research Questions “by Literature searching university of Minnesota Searching

How Is the Research Problem Different From the Research Question?

1. Research Problem

It is also called a phenomenon in many forms of qualitative research. It is a statement on the

topic you want to address, investigate or study. Also, it could be either a descriptive or
experimental study. Further, it provides the rationale for conducting your research. The research
problem establishes the importance of the topic and sparks readers' interest. A research problem
does not imply solutions, and it has broad applicability.

2. Research Question

A research question is an interrogative statement that seeks to investigate and learn more about
the research topic. It aims to define the research problem. After you choose the research problem,
you can narrow it down to a specific research question.

• Research questions break down the research problem into smaller questions. It helps you
to find solutions for the problem you want to address. Research questions for a particular
study can be more than one. It depends on the type of study you are doing and the
problem you want to address. Research questions are clear and specific, and they refer to
the research problem.

• Research questions are answerable and simple; for example, the problem statement is that
climate change is causing rising sea levels and severe weather events. A research
question with an implied hypothesis could be: “How will electricity-generated
automobiles help stabilise the harmful effects of climate change?” Now this implies a
solution to your problem statement.

References -

• Identifying and Formulating the Research Problem." Research in ELT: Module 4

(October 2018)
• “Formulation of research problem” Govind Ballabh pant social science institute .

• “How To Define a Research Problem in 6 Steps (With Types) “ Written by Indeed

editorial team.

• “Lecture notes on Research methodology for social sciences” by Dr . D P Malik

Professor and Head CCSHAU Hisar Haryana .

• How to Formulate a Research Problem? Types, Characteristics, & Examples

Written by Julie Shearer

• Types of Research Questions “by Literature searching university of Minnesota .

• Research Problem Madhu, D. M*., Hanumanthappa, R., Rosalin Geetha, I. And Kota
Karuna Sri.