International Journal of Economics, Commerce & Management. United Kingdom. Vol.

V Issue 8,August 2017

http://ijecm.co.uk. P. 631-640

THE IMPORTANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM: A DIDACTIC DISCUSS

By

Augustine. E. Akhidime. PhD

(Associate Professor)
Department of Accounting
Benson Idahosa University, Benin-City.
E-mail:[email protected]

Abstract

This paper aims at assisting budding researchers in the social and management sciences to have better approach
to handling doable research projects. The paper provides a lucid and practical discussion on the importance and
simple strategies involved in the identification and development of researchable problems; a process that is
considered to be a cornerstone and precursor for a successful research effort. The paper relies on extant
literature and basic teaching methodology in presenting in very simple form a narrative of the systematic
building blocks of research problem development which begins with the explanation of the concept of research,
research cycle, sources of research problem, statement of research problem, questions, objectives and
hypotheses. The paper concludes that the importance of research problem lies in the fact that the entire
research efforts begins with the articulation and formulation of problem from the research topic from which the
research problem is developed into questions, objectives, and hypotheses which are tested to produce
results/findings that address the objectives and essence of the research.

Keywords: Research problems; research projects; research cycle; knowledge-gap; research hypotheses

1.0 Introduction

The importance and development of research problem can best be articulated from having first, a clear

understanding of what research is all about. Research is credited to produce the required spring board for human,

societal, technological advancement and development in countries that recognize its value and prioritise its

importance. Research has been defined and explained in various forms by various scholars and authorities. From

an informal approach, the simple explanation of research can be deduced from its compound wording-‘re’ and

‘search’. The word,‘re’ implies ‘continuity’ and the word ‘search’ implies among other meanings: inquiry,

investigation, examination, ‘experimentation’ or effort towards finding out or discovering something hitherto

unknown of unfound. Piecing the two words together, a research therefore represents a continuous search,

inquiry, investigation, examination, experimentation of required knowledge or information that could lead to the

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discovery of appropriate solution to a particular problem. The search becomes continuous as new found solution

to a particular problem over time develops another set of problems that would necessitate further research for new

set of solutions. For example, the search for a better lighting led to the discovery of the electric bulb. Electric bulb

over time generated its own sets of problems in the form of high electricity power consumption and generation of

intense heat among others. A further search (research) for solution to these new sets of problems from the electric

bulb led to the discovery of Fluorescent bulbs. Soon the fluorescent bulb was found to require certain minimum

level of electricity voltage without which it begins to dysfunction. Further search for solution over the new problem

from the Fluorescent bulb led to the discovery of variants of better performing energy-saving lightings that are

further being improved upon by continuous research. Every research begins with the identification of a problem

and ends with solution that eventually creates further problem for yet another research concern. Research is not a

one-off set of activity, but a process that consists of series of systematic and interrelated activities that are aimed

at obtaining solution to particular problem.

Fig 1.Research Cycle

Problem (Knowledge-Gap (Better product or process)

Solution New Knowledge (New/improved product/process)

Problem Knowledge Gap (Limitations in the new product/discovery)

Taken from a formal angle, research can be described as a process that consists of the identification and

definition of problem, the formulation and testing of hypothesis through the collection, organisation and evaluation

of data, the making deductions and reaching of conclusion from the test results of the hypotheses.

From the foregoing, research is essentially problem driven as most researches are undertaken to provide solution

to an identified problem. This problem for pure research, could be in the form of an unknown phenomenon or

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knowledge; or in an applied research, about a practical problem whose solution would enhance the quality of

human life.

1.1 Concept and Importance of Research Problem

A research problem could present itself as a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty or deficiency to be

overcome, or a gap in knowledge that exists in scholarly literature that is to be filled, or theory that requires

meaningful understanding. It could also concern a body of knowledge or views held in different clime that requires

validation or confirmation for local application.

The formulation of research problem constitutes the starting point and the most important phase of any research

process. The importance of research problem cannot be over emphasized as it serves as the foundation of a

research effort and upon which the success or failure of the research undertaking well depends on the

appropriateness in both the selection and formulation and development of the research problem.

Research problem provides direction and defines the purpose(s) of any particular research, which could be one

or combination of the followings:

i. The filling of existing knowledge gap in knowledge

ii. Knowledge of the relationship among different aspects of nature or phenomenon

iii. Testing and verification of new or old body of knowledge, theories or beliefs.

iv. The need for theory construction

v. Resolution and clarification of contradictory findings or classical problems

vi. Informing changes in present practice?

The importance of research problem is underscored by the way its recognition has been in the academic world.

For example synopsis is accepted as a formalized version of research problem, as most post graduate research

programmes require a synopsis that accentuates the research problem. Also researchers seeking for grant from

research funding organisations are required to submit a project proposal, which is a statement of carefully

articulated research problem and the proposed ways or methods at solving it.

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Formulated, feasible and appropriate research problem provides the basis for research questions, objectives and

hypotheses development and testing, the result of which constitute the findings on which conclusion on the

attainment of the research objectives and its contributions to knowledge rest.

1.2 Formulation and Development of Research Problem

1.2.1 Sources of research problem

Discussion on the formulation of research problem should begin from knowing about some of the sources of

finding research problem.

Based on existing practices and literature, research topics that embed research problems can be sourced from
the followings:

1.2.2 Collaboration with Research supervisor.

Students who are desirous of pursuing research for a degree are generally expected to suggest at least three

tentative research topics from which feasible research problems are to be developed. The student research

supervisor is expected to review each of the research topics with the student and together select a particular

one, and the student is eventually made to develop a research proposal on the chosen topic in order to

ascertain the researcheability of the topic.

1.2.3. Students’ independent effort.

While students are allowed to produce a number of research topics for the supervisor’s review and approval, the

question that then arises is: “where do the students source for their research topics”? Students’ common source of

research topics for development into research problem is the internet. There are internet addresses that with a

click can roll out research topics from virtually all fields of knowledge. The second source is perhaps the physical

or virtual library which stores copies of previous research works of graduated students.

In all the active involvement and participation of students in the choice of their research problem would engender

and sustain their interest in the research work as against forcing a research problem on them to handle.

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1.2.4. Research literature

One of the outstanding purposes or desired benefits against which the value of a research effort is weighed is its

categorical contribution to knowledge. The body of knowledge a research is expected to contribute or add value to

consist of previous studies as espoused in the literature. This is why literature review is regarded as a very

important phase in the articulation of research problem.

Literature on related previous studies on the researcher’s area of interest holds great promises for the articulation

of research problems. The nature of research problems that evolve from literature whose findings are considered

as contribution to knowledge can be categorized as follows:

a) Knowledge Gap/ Gap in literature: One of the features of a good research problem is that it

should evolve from existing literature. No research as previously demonstrated is absolutely

conclusive hence the need for researchers to indicate the limitations of their study as well as

suggest further areas of study. Gaps in existing literature could manifest in any of the following

areas:

i. Need for a larger sample or longer period.

ii. Need to replicate present study using different methodology or examining different participants and
different research sites?

iii. Need to replicate the study in a different clime (e,g if previously done in developed countries to be

repeated in developing countries)

iv. Need to replicate the research using different industry

v. Need to mitigate or avoid the stated limitations in the previous study.

b) Contradictory findings: Where literature on previous studies show contradictory findings from

studies on the same problem, the need for further researches to confirm or explain the rationale

behind the contradiction becomes imperative.

c) Research funding agencies.

As a furtherance of the town and gown connectivity and in the pursuit of research and development or

even humanitarian goals, a good number of research problems. are generated and researches on them

are funded by corporate bodies and government agencies.

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 c) Others sources

Research problems can also be sourced from other uncommon sources such as some prevailing social

problem of interest, pattern of behavior, some body of theory or from personal experience inclination or interest.

1.3 Research problem, Research topic and Research title

There is a nexus between research problem, research topic and research title. While research topic is the area of

study or subject matter of interest on which the problem rests or is derived from, research title provides the

operational expression of the research problem in a manner suggestive of the scope, required methodology in

terms of the research design, required data , data collection and method of analysis for investigating or solving

the research problem. Research problem is embedded in a particular chosen area of study (topic) while the

research title clarifies what the problem is all and provides the specifications and directions for solving the

problem.

Table.1 Linking Research Problem with Research Topic and Research Title
BROAD RESEARCH AREA OF INTEREST ACCOUNTING
*(Financial Accounting & Corporate
*(Subject Area) Financial Reporting, Management accounting,
Taxation, Auditing and Investigation, Forensic
Accounting, Financial Management)
SPECIFIC ISSUE/MATTER OF CONCERN *ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL
(TOPIC) FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS
RESEARCH TITLE *‘Effect of International Reporting
Standards Adoption on Corporate
Performance’
Author’s illustration (2017)

*The research topic and title flow from Financial Accounting & Corporate Financial Reporting subject/course

Fig. 2 Research Problem formulation

BROAD RESEARCH AREA OF INTEREST: (ACCOUNTING)

*(Subject Area in the Area of interest(Specific Course) Financial Accounting- Corporate Financial
Reporting),

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SPECIFIC ISSUE/MATTER OF CONCERN (Topic) Adoption of International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS)

RESEARCH TITLE (Research Problem- Effect of International Reporting Standards

Adoption
Defined) on Corporate Performance’

The development and formulation of a research problem begins with the identification of the broad discipline or

area of study, followed by the specific course in the broad area of study. From the specific course of study a topic

which forms the basis of the problem for research is identified, and thereafter a title which represents an

operational expression of the research problem.

From Table 1 and fig.2 above, the broad subject area of research interest is accounting discipline. The specific

accounting course of research interest is Financial Accounting and Corporate Reporting. A topic of interest,

‘Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards’ which envelopes the research problem is articulated,

and thereafter, a title, ‘Effect of International Reporting Standards Adoption on Corporate Performance’ is

formulated as the operational expression of the problem to be researched.

1.4 Development of the Research Problem

In the course of undertaking a full study of the research problem as espoused in the research title, the research

problem is further developed further to facilitate its detailed and conclusive study.

1.4.1 Statement of the Research Problem

A statement of the research statement could be derived from the very source(s) from where the problem

evolved. Often the source of the research problem, such as literature, practical experience or other factors is

taken to provide justification for the research problem. Where for example a research problem emanated from a

gap in literature, then it becomes imperative to provide sufficient information on the knowledge gap that

constituted or provided authenticity to the research problem as object of study.

1.4.2 Research Question

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Research questions set out the framework and the specific terms of inquiry needed to address the research

problem. Research questions are drawn to reflect the nature of the research problem under study. Quantitative

or empirical research problems are closing ended the required research questions are along the following

patterns:

i. Probable cause/effect. ( E.g: Does the adoption of IFRS have significant effect on corporate

performance?

ii. Use of theories i.e. why did it happen in view of an explanation or theory? (E.g: ‘ Does the adoption of

IFRS have significant effect on the comparability of corporate financial statement ?’)

iii. Assess differences and magnitude. (E.g, ‘Has the adoption of IFRS received significant acceptance

among Nigerian banks?’)

Qualitative research questions are open ended and have the following characteristics:

i. Interpretive: assessment of perception about events.E.g: ‘Do companies consider the adoption of

IFRS important?

ii. Process oriented. E.g: Did the attitude of Companies over the adoption of IFRS improve over time

over time?

On the whole Quantitative research and the associated questions attempt to explain or predict the effect of

variables on one another (how independent variable influence dependent variable while qualitative research

questions tries to explore or understand how external forces shape and are shaped by the dependent variable

(a central phenomenon).

A typical research question begins with a central overarching question that is to be further explored in the study.

Subsequent part of the question flows from the breakdown of the central question into smaller specific questions,

thereby narrowing the focus of the central question into specific issues.

1.4.3 Research Objectives

Research Objectives or Purposes of the research are built and made to align with the research

questions (as shown on Table 2 below ). A research objective opens with a statement of broad

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 objective of the research, a statement such as: “The broad objective of this study is to determine the

level of adoption of IFRS by Nigerian banks”; this is followed by specific objectives whose numbers

and subject matter are same with the research questions. The set objectives of the research provide

the basis for arriving at informed decision on the conclusion arrived at the end of the study.

1.4.4 Research Hypothesis

Hypotheses frame the terms of inquiry in terms of tentative answers to each of the earlier stated

research questions (as shown on Table 2). They are expressed as expected but unconfirmed

relationships between two or more variables. Hypotheses are to be stated in such a way as to be

amenable to testing. Hypotheses speculate on the form or the direction of the relationship. Like

research questions that hypothesis address, it can also be categorized into ‘master’ hypothesis and

‘subsidiary’ hypothesis. Hypotheses can be stated either in the null or alternative form. For example

where it is in the null form it is stated in a categorical negative form such as: “The adoption of IFRS

does not significantly affect corporate performance” and in the alternative form: “The adoption of

IFRS significantly affect corporate performance”. However, in whatever form hypothesis is stated, it is

expected to be expressed in such a way as to be testable. Hypotheses frame the variables of the

research problem for empirical evaluation. The results of the evaluation of the hypotheses form the

bases of the research findings, and the research findings provide basis for arriving at the conclusion

over the attainment of the objectives of the research. From the conclusion is drawn both the

recommendations and the extent to which the research contributes to knowledge.

Table 2. Example of Alignment amongst Research Questions, Objectives and Hypothesis.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS RESEARCH OBJECTIVES RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS( In

Null Form)
1. Did IFRS adoption receive 1. To investigate the extent to Ho1. listed Nigerian Companies did
wide compliance from listed which IFRS adopted was not significantly comply with the
Nigerian companies? complied with by listed adoption of IFRS
Nigerian Companies
2. Did the adoption of IFRS 2. To examine the effect of the Ho2.The adoption of IFRS does not
affect reported corporate adoption of IFRS on reported have significant effect on the
performance? corporate performance of reported corporate performance of
Listed Nigerian Companies listed Nigeria Companies.
3. To what extent did the 1. To determine the extent to Ho3 The adoption of IFRS have no
adoption of IFRS affect the which the adoption of IFRS significant effect on the Audit
Audit timeline of listed affected the Audit timeline timeline of listed Nigerian
Nigerian companies? of listed Nigerian Companies
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 Companies
Author’s illustration(2017)

2.0 Conclusion

The importance of research problem lies in the fact that the entire research efforts which began with the

articulation and formulation of the research problem from the research topic have been driven by the further

development of the research problem into questions, objectives and hypotheses that were tested to eventually

arrive at a conclusion, still on the determination of the research problem it began with.

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