The Research Problem and Objective
The Research Problem and Objective
Research Problem
- is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be
eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in a
practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate
investigation.
- is a specific issue, difficulty, contradiction, or gap in knowledge that you will aim to
address in your research.
- is a question that a researcher wants to answer or a problem that a researcher wants to
solve.
1. The problem exists in the locality or country but no known solution to the problem.
2. The solution can be answered by using statistical methods and techniques.
3. There are probable solutions but they are not yet tested.
4. The occurrence of phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at a precise solution.
5. Serious needs/problems of the people where it demands research.
1. Interesting. An interesting research problem attracts the attention of the researcher and
other people to conduct the research project even without incentive or research grant at all.
2. Innovative. Though replicability in conducting research is allowed, it is advisable that a
research problem is something novel, original, and unique to attract the attention of the people
and contribute to the economic development of the country.
3. Cost-effective. A good research problem should be economical and effective in solving the
needs and problems of the society; it should also augment socioeconomic and health conditions
of the people and many others.
4. Relevant to the needs and problems of the people. Researchers must keep in mind that
they conduct research not for personal aggrandizement but to solve the needs and problems of
the people.
5. Relevant to government’s thrusts. A research problem must respond to the government’s
thrusts.
6. Measurable and time-bound.
Research Objectives
- are specific results that a person or system aims to achieve within a time frame and with
available resources. It is the aim of the work, the overall purpose of the study, should be
clearly and concisely defined.
- Description of what is to be achieved by the study
- Core of the entire research
- Summarize what is to be achieved by the study
- Overview of the expected solution to the problems
The objectives of research should be closely related to the problem statement, giving way to
specific and achievable goals.
The objectives of research should address the underlying purpose of investigation and analysis.
It should outline the steps you’d take to achieve desirable outcomes. Research objectives help
you stay focused and adjust your expectations as you progress.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
Also known as secondary objectives, general objectives provide a detailed view of the aim of a
study.
- states what is to be achieved by the study in general terms.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Specific objectives define the primary aim of the study. Typically, general objectives provide the
foundation for identifying specific objectives.
- When general objectives are broken down into smaller and logically connected
objectives, they’re known as specific objectives. They help define the who, what, why,
when and how aspects of your project. Once you identify the main objective of research,
it’s easier to develop and pursue a plan of action.