Chapter 3: Selecting & Defining Research Problems

 This is the beginning activity of the research process, and it is

often the most difficult.
 The problem must be identified with adequate specificity. It is at
this point in many studies that hypotheses are generated.
 Variables must be identified and defined adequately so that
necessary data can be identified in preparation for data
collection.
 Like a medical doctor, a researcher must examine carefully all the
symptoms concerning the problem before suggesting a solution.
 That is why quite often we all hear that a problem clearly stated
is a problem half solved.
 WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM?
 A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a
researcher experiences in addressing actual propblems in the
context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to
obtain a solution for the same.
 The individual or the organization can be said to have the
problem only if the individual or the organization does not know
what course of action is best, i.e. the individual or the
organization must be in doubt about its solution.
 The components of the research problem:
1. There must be an individual or a group which has some
difficulty or the problem
2. There must be some objective(s) to be attained. If one wants
nothing, one cannot have a problem
3. There must be alternative means (or the courses of action) for
obtaining the objective(s) one wishes to attain. If a researcher
has no choice of means, he can not have a problem
4. There must remain some doubt in the mind of a researcher with
regard to the selection of alternatives. This means the research
must answer the question concerning the relative efficiency of
the possible alternatives.
5. There must be some environment(s) assessment to which the
difficulty pertains
 Thus, a research problem is one which requires a researcher to
find out the best solution for the given problem, i.e., to find out
by which course of action the objective can be attained
optimally in the context of a given environment.
 SELECTION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM
 The first step in the problem identification involves selecting a
research topic. It is then from a research topic that a specific
statement of the problem is generated
 The research problem undertaken for the study must be carefully
selected.
 Every researcher must find out ones own solution as research
problems cannot be borrowed.

 In these process, the following points may need to be observed

by a researcher in selecting a research problem or a subject for
research.
1. Avoid overdone subject, it should not be normally chosen, for it
will be a difficult task to throw any new light in such a case.
2. Controversial subject should not be the choice of an average
researcher.
3. Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided
4. The subject selected for research should be familiar and
feasible so that the related research material or sources of
research are with in one’s reach
5. The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the
training of a researcher, the costs involved, and the time factor
are few other criteria that must also be considered in selecting a
problem.
6. When the field of inquiry is relatively new, the selection of a
problem must be preceded by a preliminary study.
 The problem to be investigated must be defined unambiguously
for that will help to discriminate relevant data from the
irrelevant ones
 The selection of a research problem involves reading, discussing,
and conceptualizing
 A proper definition of a research problem will enable the
researcher to be on the 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.
 In fact, formulation of a problem is often more essential
than its solution
 TECHNIQUES IN DEFINING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
 Defining a problem involves the task of laying down boundaries
within which a researcher shall study the problem with a pre-
determined objective in view (e.g., inflation, unemployment,
poverty, power outage, drought, corruption, ……. focus on one &
find specific aspect even within one)
 It is a task that must be tackled intelligently to avoid the
perplexity encountered in a research operation.
 Defining the research problem properly and clearly is a crucial
part of a research study and must in no case be accomplished
hurriedly
 The research problem should be defined in a systematic manner,
giving due attention to all relating points.
 The technique for this purpose involves the following general
steps.
Defining Problem involves the following general steps.
1) Statement of the problem in a general way:
2) Understanding the nature of the problem, analyze it
3) Surveying the available literature
4) Developing the ideas through discussions
5) Rephrasing/refining the research problem
1. Statement of the problem in a general way:
 First of all the problem should be stated in a broad general way,
keeping in view either some practical concern or some
scientific or intellectual interest.
 It is sometimes advisable to do some sort of observation and
preliminary survey or what is often called pilot survey
2. Understanding the nature of the problem, analyze it
 The next step in defining the problem is to understand its
origin and nature clearly
 The best way of understanding the problem is to 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
 T researcher should consider once again all those factors that
inducing the general statement concerning the problem
 He can enter into discussion with others those who have a good
knowledge of the problem concerned or similar other problems
 The researcher should also keep in view the environment with in
which the problem is to be studied and understood.
3. Surveying the available literature
 All available literature concerning the problem at hand must
necessarily be surveyed and examined before a definition of the
research problem is given.
 Surveying literature would also help a researcher to know if;
• there are certain gaps in the theories
• The problem has already been addressed in some ways or another
• whether the existing theories applicable to the problem under study
are inconsistent with each other.
• whether the findings of the different studies are consistent with the
theories expectations and so on.
 Studies on related problems are useful for indicating the type of
difficulties that may be encountered in the present study as also
the possible analytical shortcomings.
 At times such studies/literature may also suggest useful and
even new lines to the present problem.
 In reviewing literature, it is important to begin with the most
recent publications and work backwards
 It is important to read literature not only for what it says about
technical issues and problems, but also for what it says about the
views and interests of other researchers as well as decision
makers, program managers, and communities.
4. Developing the ideas through discussions
 Discussions with others concerning a problem often produces
useful information.
 Various new ideas can be developed through such an exercise.
 Hence, a researcher must discuss his problem with his colleagues
and others who have enough experience in the same area or in
working on similar problems
 This is known as an experience survey.
 Discussions with experienced persons should not only be
confined to the formulation of the specific problem at hand, but
should also be concerned with the general approach to the given
problem, techniques that might be used, possible solutions, etc.
 Thus, discussions must be made not only with those who have
a research experience but also with potential users of the
research results.
5. Rephrasing/refining the research problem
 Finally, the researcher must rephrase/refine the research
problem in to a working proposition
 Rephrasing the problem into analytical or operational terms is
not a difficult task, but need to be done carefully
 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
 Assignment 1
(a) Formulate a Research Problem around Ethiopia's
macroeconomic issues (max one and half pages, 11 or 12
pts font)
(macro-economic problems & problems in related
literatures)
(b) Literature Review about Macroeconomic policies
developed over time (globally) including the problems
that led to their developments & timeline/when (max
three pages)

You can do in group of two people