What is a research problem?

A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement]

about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a
difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in
scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that
points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate
investigation. A research problem does not state how to do
something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value
question.

A research problem is an area of concern where there is a gap in

the knowledge base needed for practice.

A research problem is significant when it has the potential to

generate or refine knowledge or influencing nursing practice or
both.

In a published study the research problem:

Identifies an area of concern for particular population

Indicates the significances of the problem
Provides a background for the problem
Outlines the need for additional study in a problem statement
SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
• Social problems like unemployment, crimes, female
genital mutilation, etc.
• Theory deduction / Theories
• Funding agencies
• Past researches and literature review
• Casual observation
• Related literature
• Current social and economic issues
• Personal interest and experience
• Replication of previous studies
• Clarification of contradictory research results
• Peer interaction
• Clinical Practice
Examples of Research Problems:
Describe the spread of bird flu and its potential influence on
global health.
Examine the relationship among the variables minutes of
exercise per day, types of food, and children’s weight.
Explore the experiences of clinical practices.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
PROBLEM
• The variables in the problem must be clear
• It should be limited in scope and should be specific,
• It must have a goal
 • It should be free from ethical constraints
• Good research problem must be researchable.
Characteristics of Research Problem

• Specific: The problem should be specifically tested.

• Measurable: It is easy to measure by using research
instruments, apparatus or equipment.
• Achievable: The data are achievable using correct
statistical tools to arrive at precise results.
• Realistic: Real results are attained because they are
gathered scientifically and not manipulated or
maneuvered.
• Time-bound: Time frame is required in every activity
because the shorter completion of the activity, the better.

Errors in selecting a research problem:

• 1. Population Specification
• Population specification errors occur when the
researcher does not understand who they should survey.
This can be tricky because there are multiple people who
might consume the product, but only one who purchases
it, or they may miss a segment looking to purchase in the
future.
• Example: Packaged goods manufacturers often conduct
surveys of housewives, because they are easier to
contact, and it is assumed they decide what is to be
purchased and also do the actual purchasing. In this
 situation there often is population specification error.
The husband may purchase a significant share of the
packaged goods, and have significant direct and indirect
influence over what is bought. For this reason, excluding
husbands from samples may yield results targeted to the
wrong audience.
• How to avoid this: Understand who purchases your
product and why they buy it. It’s important to survey the
one making the buying decision so you know how to
better reach them.
• 2. Sampling and Sample Frame Errors
• Survey sampling and sample frame errors occur when
the wrong subpopulation is used to select a sample, or
because of variation in the number or
representativeness of the sample that responds, but the
resulting sample is not representative of the population
concern.
• Unfortunately, some element of sampling error is
unavoidable, but sometimes, it can be predicted. For
instance, in the 1936 presidential election between
Roosevelt and Landon, the sample frame was from car
registrations and telephone directories. The researchers
failed to realize that the majority of people that owned
cars and telephones were Republicans, and wrongly
predicted a Republican victory.
• Example: Suppose that we collected a random sample of
500 people from the general U.S. adult population to
gauge their entertainment preferences. Then, upon
analysis, found it to be composed of 70% females. This
sample would not be representative of the general adult
 population and would influence the data. The
entertainment preferences of females would hold more
weight, preventing accurate extrapolation to the US
general adult population. Sampling error is affected by
the homogeneity of the population being studied and
sampled from and by the size of the sample.
• How to avoid this: While this cannot be completely
avoided, you should have multiple people reviewing
your sample to account for an accurate representation of
your target population. You can also increase the size of
your sample so you get more survey participants.
• 3. Selection
• Selection error is the sampling error for a sample selected
by a non-probability method. When respondents choose
to self-participate in a study and only those interested
respond, you can end up with selection error because
there may already be an inherent bias. This can also
occur when respondents who are not relevant to the
study participate, or when there’s a bias in the way
participants are put into groups.
• Example: Interviewers conducting a mall intercept study
have a natural tendency to select those respondents who
are the most accessible and agreeable whenever there is
latitude to do so. Such samples often comprise friends
and associates who bear some degree of resemblance in
characteristics to those of the desired population.
• How to avoid this: Selection error can be controlled by
going extra lengths to get participation. A typical survey
process includes initiating pre-survey contact requesting
cooperation, actual surveying, and post-survey follow-
 up. If a response is not received, a second survey request
follows, and perhaps interviews using alternate modes
such as telephone or person-to-person.
• 4. Non-responsive
• Nonresponse error can exist when an obtained sample
differs from the original selected sample.
• This may occur because either the potential respondent
was not contacted or they refused to respond. The key
factor is the absence of data rather than inaccurate data.
• Example: In telephone surveys, some respondents are
inaccessible because they are not at home for the initial
call or call-backs. Others have moved or are away from
home for the period of the survey. Not-at-home
respondents are typically younger with no small
children, and have a much higher proportion of working
wives than households with someone at home. People
who have moved or are away for the survey period have
a higher geographic mobility than the average of the
population. Thus, most surveys can anticipate errors
from non-contact of respondents. Online surveys seek to
avoid this error through e-mail distribution, thus
eliminating not-at-home respondents.
• How to avoid this: When collecting responses, ensure
your original respondents are participating, and use
follow-up surveys and alternates modes of reaching
them if they don’t initially respond. You can also use
different channels to reach your audience like in person,
web surveys, or SMS.
• 5. Measurement
• Measurement error is generated by the measurement
process itself, and represents the difference between the
information generated and the information wanted by
the researcher. Generally, there is always some small
level of measurement error due to uncontrollable
factors.
• Example: A retail store would like to assess customer
feedback from at-the-counter purchases. The survey is
developed but fails to target those who purchase in the
store. Instead, the results are skewed by customers who
bought items online.
• How to avoid this: Double check all measurements for
accuracy and ensure your observers and measurement
takes are well trained and understand the parameters of
the experiment.
• While not all of these errors can be completely avoidable,
recognizing them is half the battle. Next time you’re
starting a research project, use this blog as a checklist to
ensure you’re doing everything you can to avoid these
common mistakes.
Research Purpose:
It is a concise, clear statement of the specific goal or aim
of the study that is generated from the research problem.
In the research process, the purpose is usually stated
after the problem, because the problem identifies the gap
in knowledge in a selected area and the purpose.
Th purpose usually indicates the type of study
(quantitative, qualitative, outcomes, or intervention).
Key phrases for research purpose – Little is known
about….
Findings of previous studies are conflicting….
Few studies of this have done………
Research Objectives:
What the researchers wants to get?
A research objective is clear, concise, declarative
statement that is expressed in the present tense.
To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new
insights into it.
To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or a group.
To determine the frequency with which something
occurs or with which it is associated with something else.
 To test a hypothesis of a causal relations between
variables.
Criteria of a Good Research Problem

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: Through 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 the 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: