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Chapter Two
Defining the Research
Problem
Defining the Research
Problem
WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM?
A research problem, in general, refers to some
difficulty which a researcher experiences in the
context of either a theoretical or practical
situation and wants to obtain a solution for it.
A research problem does exist if the following
conditions are met with:
A. There must be an individual or a group which has some
difficulty or the problem
B. There must be some objective(s) to be attained
C. There must be alternative means (or the courses of
action) for obtaining the objective(s) one wishes to attain.
D. There must remain some doubt in the mind of a
researcher with regard to the study issue.
E. There must be some environment(s) to which the
difficulty pertains.
considerations in Selecting a research
problem
Subject which is overdone should not be normally
chosen,
Controversial subject should not become the choice
of an average researcher.
Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided.
The subject selected for research should be familiar
and feasible
Consider the costs involved & the time factors
NECESSITY OF DEFINING THE PROBLEM
A problem clearly stated is a problem half solved.
The problem to be investigated must be defined
unambiguously for that will help to discriminate
relevant data from the irrelevant ones.
A proper definition of research problem will
enable:
What data are to be collected?
What characteristics of data are relevant
and need to be studied?
What relations are to be explored b/n
variables?
What techniques are to be used for the
purpose?
Defining a research problem………….
Defining a research problem properly is a prerequisite for any
study and is a step of the highest importance. In fact,
formulation of a problem is often more essential. It is only on
careful detailing the research problem that we can work out
the research design and can smoothly carry on all the
consequential steps involved while doing research.
TECHNIQUE INVOLVED IN DEFINING A PROBLEM
1. Identifying statement of the problem in a
general way;
2. understanding the nature of the problem;
3. surveying the available literature
4. developing the ideas through discussions
5. Rephrasing the research problem into a
working proposition.
Techniques in defining R. problem…..
(i) Statement of the problem in a general way:
– the problem should be stated in a broad general
way, keeping in view either some practical concern
or some scientific or intellectual interest.
– In case of social research, it is advisable to do
some field observation, some sort of preliminary
survey or what is often called pilot survey.
– Then the researcher can himself state the problem
or he can seek the guidance of the guide or the
subject expert in accomplishing this task.
Techniques in defining R. problem…..
(ii) Understanding the nature of the problem:
– Understand its origin and nature clearly
– discuss it with those who first raised it, in order to find out how
the problem originally came about and with what objectives in
view
– A discussion with those who have a good knowledge of the
problem concerned or similar other problems.
– The researcher should also keep in view the environment within
which the problem is to be studied and understood.
Techniques in defining R. problem…..
(iii) Surveying the available literature:
– All available literature concerning the problem must necessarily
be surveyed and examined
• It will be well-conversant with relevant theories in the field, reports
and records
• To find out what data and other materials -- “Knowing what data are
available often serves to narrow the problem itself as well as the
technique that might be used.”
• If there are certain gaps in the theories, or whether the existing
theories applicable to the problem under study are inconsistent with
each other, or whether the findings of the different studies do not
follow a pattern consistent with the theoretical expectations and so
on.
• for indicating the type of difficulties that may be encountered in the
present study as also the possible analytical shortcomings.
Techniques in defining R. problem…..
(iv) Developing the ideas through discussions:
– often produces useful information
– Various new ideas can be developed
– Discuss problem with colleagues and others who have
enough experience in the same area or in working on
similar problems --- known as an experience survey.
– People with rich experience are in a position to enlighten
the researcher on different aspects of his proposed study
and their advice and comments are usually invaluable to
the researcher --- sharpen his focus of attention on specific
aspects within the field.
Techniques in defining R. problem…..
(v) Rephrasing the research problem:
Through rephrasing, the researcher puts the research
problem in as specific terms as possible so that it may
become operationally viable and may help in the
development of working hypotheses
the following points must also be observed
while defining a research problem:
Technical terms and words or phrases, with special meanings
used in the statement of the problem, should be clearly defined.
Basic assumptions or postulates (if any) relating to the research
problem should be clearly stated.
A straight forward statement of the value of the investigation
should be provided.
The suitability of the time-period and the sources of data
available must also be considered
The scope of the investigation or the limits within which the
problem is to be studied must be mentioned explicitly .
CHECKLIST FOR TESTING THE FEASIBILITY OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
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