How to Define a Research Problem |

Ideas & Examples

Published on November 2, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George.

A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in
your research. You may choose to look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change,
or theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge.

Some research will do both of these things, but usually the research problem focuses on one or
the other. The type of research problem you choose depends on your broad topic of interest and
the type of research you think will fit best.

This article helps you identify and refine a research problem. When writing your research
proposal or introduction, formulate it as a problem statement and/or research questions.

Why is the research problem important?

Having an interesting topic isn’t a strong enough basis for academic research. Without a well-
defined research problem, you are likely to end up with an unfocused and unmanageable project.

You might end up repeating what other people have already said, trying to say too much, or
doing research without a clear purpose and justification. You need a clear problem in order to do
research that contributes new and relevant insights.

Whether you’re planning your thesis, starting a research paper, or writing a research proposal,
the research problem is the first step towards knowing exactly what you’ll do and why.

Step 1: Identify a broad problem area

As you read about your topic, look for under-explored aspects or areas of concern, conflict, or
controversy. Your goal is to find a gap that your research project can fill.

Practical research problems

If you are doing practical research, you can identify a problem by reading reports, following up
on previous research, or talking to people who work in the relevant field or organization. You
might look for:

 Issues with performance or efficiency

 Processes that could be improved
 Areas of concern among practitioners
 Difficulties faced by specific groups of people
Examples of practical research problems

Voter turnout in New England has been decreasing, in contrast to the rest of the country.

The HR department of a local chain of restaurants has a high staff turnover rate.

A non-profit organization faces a funding gap that means some of its programs will have to be
cut.

Theoretical research problems

If you are doing theoretical research, you can identify a research problem by reading existing
research, theory, and debates on your topic to find a gap in what is currently known about it. You
might look for:

 A phenomenon or context that has not been closely studied

 A contradiction between two or more perspectives
 A situation or relationship that is not well understood
 A troubling question that has yet to be resolved

Examples of theoretical research problems

The effects of long-term Vitamin D deficiency on cardiovascular health are not well understood.

The relationship between gender, race, and income inequality has yet to be closely studied in the
context of the millennial gig economy.

Historians of Scottish nationalism disagree about the role of the British Empire in the
development of Scotland’s national identity.

Step 2: Learn more about the problem

Next, you have to find out what is already known about the problem, and pinpoint the
exact aspect that your research will address.

Context and background

 Who does the problem affect?

 Is it a newly-discovered problem, or a well-established one?
 What research has already been done?
 What, if any, solutions have been proposed?
 What are the current debates about the problem? What is missing from these
debates?

Specificity and relevance

  What particular place, time, and/or group of people will you focus on?
 What aspects will you not be able to tackle?
 What will the consequences be if the problem is not resolved?

Example of a specific research problem

A local non-profit organization focused on alleviating food insecurity has always

fundraised from its existing support base. It lacks understanding of how best to target
potential new donors. To be able to continue its work, the organization requires
research into more effective fundraising strategies.

Next steps
Once you have narrowed down your research problem, the next step is to formulate
a problem statement, as well as your research questions or hypotheses.

Writing Strong Research Questions |

Criteria & Examples
Published on October 26, 2022 by Shona McCombes. Revised on December 7, 2022.

A research question pinpoints exactly what you want to find out in your work. A good research
question is essential to guide your research paper, dissertation, or thesis.

All research questions should be:

 Focused on a single problem or issue

 Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
 Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
 Specific enough to answer thoroughly
 Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
 Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You will usually write a single research question to guide your progress in a research paper
or academic essay. Your answer then forms your thesis statement—the central assertion or
position that your paper will argue for.A bigger research project, such as a thesis or dissertation,
may necessitate multiple research questions or problem statements. However, they should all be
clearly connected and focused around a central research problem.
Table of contents

1. How to write a research question

2. What makes a strong research question?
3. Using sub-questions to strengthen your main research question
4. Research questions quiz
5. Frequently asked questions about research questions

How to write a research question

You can follow these steps to develop a strong research question:

 Choose your topic

 Do some preliminary reading about the current state of the field
 Narrow your focus to a specific niche
 Identify the research problem that you will address

The way you frame your question depends on what your research aims to achieve. The
table below shows some examples of how you might formulate questions for different
purposes.

Research objectives Research question formulations

Describing and exploring  What are the characteristics of X?

 How has X changed over time?
 What are the causes of X?
 How has X dealt with Y?

Explaining and testing  What is the relationship between X and Y?

 What is the role of X in Y?
 What is the impact of X on Y?
 How does X influence Y?

Evaluating and acting  What are the advantages and disadvantages of X?

 How effective is X?
 How can X be improved?

Using your research problem to develop your research question

Example research problem Example research question(s)

Teachers at the school do not have the skills to recognize or What practical techniques can teachers use
properly guide gifted children in the classroom. to better identify and guide gifted children?

Young people increasingly engage in the “gig economy,” rather What are the main factors influencing
than traditional full-time employment. However, it is unclear why young people’s decisions to engage in the
they choose to do so. gig economy?

Note that while most research questions can be answered with various types of
research, the way you frame your question should help determine your choices.

What makes a strong research question?

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time
refining them. The criteria below can help you evaluate the strength of your research
question.

Focused and researchable

Criteria Explanation

Focused on a single Your central research question should work together with your research problem to
topic keep your work focused. If you have multiple questions, they should all clearly tie back
to your central aim.

Answerable Your question must be answerable using quantitative and/or qualitative data, or by
using credible reading scholarly sources on the topic to develop your argument. If such data is
sources impossible to access, you likely need to rethink your question.

Not based on value Avoid subjective words like good, bad, better and worse. These do not give clear
judgements criteria for answering the question.

 Is X or Y a better policy?
 How effective are X and Y policies at reducing rates of Z?

Feasible and specific

Criteria Explanation

Answerable within Make sure you have enough time and resources to do all research required to answer
practical constraints your question. If it seems you will not be able to gain access to the data you need,
consider narrowing down your question to be more specific.

Uses specific, well- All the terms you use in the research question should have clear meanings. Avoid vague
defined concepts language, jargon, and too-broad ideas.

 What effect does social media have on people’s minds?

 What effect does daily use of Twitter have on the attention span of 16-year-olds
at your local high school?

Does not demand a Research is about informing, not instructing. Even if your project is focused on a
conclusive solution, practical problem, it should aim to improve understanding rather than demand a ready-
policy, or course of made solution.
action
 What should the government do about low voter turnout?
 What are the most effective communication strategies for increasing voter
turnout among those aged 18-30?

Complex and arguable

Criteria Explanation

Cannot be answered Closed-ended, yes/no questions are too simple to work as good research questions—
with yes or no they don’t provide enough scope for robust investigation and discussion.

 Has there been an increase in those experiencing homelessness in the US in

the past ten years?
 How have economic and political factors affected patterns of experiencing
homelessness in the US over the past ten years?

Cannot be answered If you can answer the question through a single Google search, book, or article, it is
with easily-found facts probably not complex enough. A good research question requires original data,
synthesis of multiple sources, and original interpretation and argumentation prior to
providing an answer.
Relevant and original
Criteria Explanation

Addresses a relevant Your research question should be developed based on initial reading around your topic.
problem It should focus on addressing a problem or gap in the existing knowledge in your field
or discipline.

Contributes to a The question should aim to contribute to an existing and current debate in your field or
timely social or in society at large. It should produce knowledge that future researchers or practitioners
academic debate can later build on.

Has not already been You don’t have to ask something that nobody has ever thought of before, but your
answered question should have some aspect of originality. For example, you can focus on a
specific location, or explore a new angle.