1. What is a Research Problem?

Defining a research problem is the fuel that drives the scientific process, and is the foundation of
any research method and experimental design.
Research Problem: A situation or circumstance that requires a solution to be described, explained,
or predicted.
The components of a research problem can be:
 There must be an individual or a group which has some difficulty or a problem.
 There must be some objectives to be attained.
 There must be alternative means for obtaining the objectives one wishes to attain.
 There must remain some doubt in the mind of a researcher about the selection of alternatives.
This means that research must answer the question concerning the relative efficiency of the
possible alternatives.
 There must be some environments to which the difficulty pertains.
 The research problem undertaken for the study must be carefully selected.
 If there is a knowledge gap in an area that needs to be investigated, the research problem
identifies the gap.
 Most researchers find selecting a research problem so difficult.
 This difficulty arises not because there is a limited range of reachable problems in science
but the inability to locate the socially relevant topic without duplicating earlier studies.
2. Criteria for Selecting a Research Problem
Details of the aspect of problem selection criteria are listed below:
 The problem must be significant in the sense that its solution should contribute to the body of
organized knowledge in the field represented. The researcher should demonstrate that the
selected topic is likely to add information to existing knowledge by making more reliable
knowledge available. Furthermore, the problem should have either theoretical or practical
implications or both.
 The problem should be a researchable one. Many problems are related to questions that can
only be subjected to philosophic rather than scientific investigation. Researchable problems
must be concerned with the relationships between two or more variables that can be defined
and measured or explained.
 The problem should be one that will lead to new problems and to further research. This
criterion implies that in so far as researchers often relate their problems to existing
knowledge in the field involved, attention should be given to the selection of a problem
whose solution is likely to raise several other questions for further research.
 The problem must be suitable for the researcher in several respects:
o The problem should arouse the researcher's genuine interest. The research must be
personally important to the researcher and enhance his competence.
o The problem should be in an area about which one has both knowledge and
experience. The researcher must have a clear understanding of the theoretical,
conceptual, and practical aspects of the area of interest.
 The problem should be sufficiently original. One needs to posses personality attributes of
creativity, flexibility, and foresight to be able to select a research problem that does not
involve blind and objectionable duplications.
 The research problem must be feasible.
 The research problem must be investigated and completed within the allocated time limit.
 An overdone subject should not be normally chosen.
“If we knew what it was, we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?”
 Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided.
 In general, the importance of the subject, the qualifications, and the training of a researcher,
the cost involved, and the time factor are a few other criteria that must also be considered in
selecting a problem.
In summary, the characteristics of a very good research problem are listed below:
 The problem is significant.
 The problem will lead to further research.
  The problem is researchable (it is interesting and suits the researchers’ skills and available
resources.
 The problem is ethical (it will not cause harm to subjects).
3. Evaluation of the Research Problem
 Will the research results have social, educational, or scientific value?
 Will it be possible to apply the results in practice?
 Will the research opt for new problems and lead to further research?
 Is there enough research gap left within the area of research?
 Will it be possible for another researcher to repeat the research?
 Are you motivated to undertake the research?
 Do you have the necessary knowledge and skills to do the research?
 Do you have the necessary funds for the research?
 Do you have access to the administrative, statistical, and computer facilities the research
necessitates?
 Is the problem new?
 Is the solution to this problem helpful for the development of further knowledge?
 Is the problem feasible for the researcher?
4. Necessity of Defining the Problem
 Quite often we all hear that a problem clearly stated is a problem half solved.
 A proper definition of the research problem will enable the researcher to be on track whereas
an ill-defined problem may create hurdles.
 Thus, defining a research problem properly is a prerequisite for any study and is a step of the
highest importance.
5. The technique involved in Defining a Problem
The techniques involved are:
 Statement of the problem in a general way
 Understanding the nature of the problem
 Surveying the available literature
 Developing the ideas through discussions
 Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition.
6. Problem Statement
 A concise wording of the problem to be tackled.
 Your research problem statement is the foundation and focus of your research report.
 It is a clear, stand-alone statement that makes explicit what it is you are aiming to discover or
establish. A good problem statement is specific.
 Many researchers have difficulty formulating a concise problem statement.
At a minimum, a problem statement should include?
 What is the problem or defect?
 The magnitude of the problem?
 Where is the problem?
 Why is it important to work on this problem?
Example:
Pizza Delivery Times: Pizza delivery times at the Westside location have been averaging 38
minutes on Friday and Saturday nights (high volume methods). As a result, 20% of the pizzas are
being delivered late (past 30 minutes). Delivering pizza in less than 30 minutes is crucial to
increase revenue and customer satisfaction.
 What is the problem or defect: High defect rates
 The magnitude of the problem: 4.5% of production.
 Where is the problem: Assembly Line 1.
 Why is it important: Reducing defects is critical to improve customer satisfaction.