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Research Methodology
(Module 3)
Problem Formulation in Research
Understanding the Process of Problem Formulation
The process of formulating a research problem is critical because it defines the
direction, scope, and methodology of the study. However, the way you
approach problem formulation depends on several factors:

1. Your expertise in research methodology – If you are a beginner, you need

to carefully follow each step. Experienced researchers, however, can take
shortcuts.

2. Your knowledge of the subject area – A deep understanding of the field

helps in identifying meaningful research problems.

3. Your understanding of the issues to be examined – Clear knowledge of the

topic enables you to frame precise research questions.

4. The extent to which the focus of your study is predetermined – If the topic
is already defined, you may focus on refining the research problem.

If you are new to research or lack clarity on what you want to study, every step
in this chapter should be carefully followed. However, if you already have a

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 well-defined research topic, your main task is to ensure that it is researchable.

What is a Research Problem?

A research problem is a question you want answered or an
assumption/assertion you want to investigate. It is the foundation of a
research study. However, not all questions can be transformed into research
problems due to feasibility, lack of data, or difficulty in measurement.

Challenges in Formulating a Research Problem

Formulating a research problem requires deep knowledge of both the
subject and research methodology.

It might seem simple at first, but as you explore further, you realize the
complexity of making an idea researchable.

Research experts (e.g., Powers, Meenaghan & Twoomey, 1985) emphasize

that potential research questions often arise, but formulating them
meaningfully is difficult.

New researchers may find this step confusing and challenging, but
confusion is part of the process and leads to clarity.

Why is Formulating a Research Problem Important?

1. Foundation of the Study – Just as a strong foundation is essential for a
sturdy building, a well-formulated research problem is key to a successful
study.

2. Guides the Research Direction – A clearly defined research problem helps

in determining:

The research design to be used.

The sampling strategy to employ.

The research instruments required.

The type of analysis to perform.

3. Avoids Inefficiency – Without a clear research problem, the study lacks

direction, leading to wasted time, effort, and resources.

4. Influences Research Outcomes – The quality of research findings depends

on how well the problem is formulated. "Garbage in, garbage out" applies

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 here – if the problem is poorly framed, the research findings will be weak or
misleading.

Quote by Kerlinger (1986:17)

"If one wants to solve a problem, one must generally know

what the problem is. It can be said that a large part of the
problem lies in knowing what one is trying to do."

The Role of Clarity in Research Problem Formulation

Be clear about what you want to study, rather than focusing on what you
think you should find.

Research problems can range from simple to complex; however, the way
you formulate the problem affects:

The study design (e.g., experimental, descriptive, exploratory).

The sampling approach (who or what will be studied).

The data collection method (surveys, interviews, observations).

The data analysis techniques used.

Confusion is normal in the beginning – it is a sign of progress. Take your

time in defining the research problem because clarity at this stage makes
the entire research process easier.

Key Takeaways
1. Problem formulation is the most crucial step in the research process.

2. It requires careful thought, subject knowledge, and methodological

understanding.

3. A poorly framed problem leads to weak research and unreliable results.

4. The research problem determines all subsequent steps in the study,

including design, sampling, data collection, and analysis.

5. Clarity is essential – spending time in problem formulation saves effort

later.

Research Methodology (Module 3) 3

 Sources of Research Problems
If you are struggling to select a research topic and do not know where to start,
understanding the sources of research problems is crucial. Most research in
humanities and social sciences revolves around four major sources, known as
the Four Ps:

1. People

2. Problems

3. Programs

4. Phenomena

While some studies focus primarily on one P, most research involves a

combination of two or more.

The Four Ps as Sources of Research Problems

Each P represents a different aspect of research:

1. People

Involves the study of individuals, groups, organizations, and

communities.

Research may focus on people's behaviors, attitudes, experiences, or

characteristics.

Example: Studying the impact of social media on teenagers' mental

health.

2. Problems

Focuses on issues, challenges, or concerns affecting society,

industries, or specific groups.

Aims to explore or identify relationships between variables.

Example: Investigating the link between unemployment and street

crime.

3. Programs

Evaluates interventions, policies, or initiatives in various fields (e.g.,

education, health, social welfare).

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 Can analyze effectiveness, structure, consumer satisfaction, or
outcomes.

Example: Assessing the effectiveness of a government-funded drug

rehabilitation program.

4. Phenomena

Studies cause-and-effect relationships, patterns, or trends.

Focuses on scientific or social occurrences and their implications.

Example: Exploring the relationship between smoking and lung cancer.

Study Population vs. Subject Area

Every research study has two key aspects:

Aspects of a
About Study of
Study

People (Individuals, Groups, Provides the data for the

Study Population
Organizations, Communities) research

- Problem (Issues, Situations,

Subject Area
Associations, Needs)

Program (Effectiveness, Structure, Satisfaction, Attributes)

Phenomenon (Cause-and-Effect Relationships, Scientific/Social Events) |

Determines what information needs to be collected |

A study population refers to the group from which data is collected, while the
subject area is the specific issue being investigated.

For example:

If researching student satisfaction with online learning, the students are

the study population, and online learning experience is the subject area.

If evaluating a new vaccine’s effectiveness, the patients receiving the

vaccine are the study population, and the vaccine's effectiveness is the
subject area.

Finding a Research Problem in Your Field

You can apply the Four Ps framework to any academic discipline or
profession. Here’s how different fields might generate research problems:

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 Health Sciences
Effectiveness of immunization programs.

Impact of diet and exercise on diabetes.

Public perception of mental health awareness programs.

Education
Relationship between home environment and academic performance.

Student satisfaction with online vs. traditional learning.

Attributes of effective teachers.

Business & Management

Impact of customer service programs on brand loyalty.

Effectiveness of remote work policies.

Market trends in consumer behavior.

Social Sciences
Influence of poverty on crime rates.

Effectiveness of government welfare programs.

Trends in social media usage and mental health.

How to Select a Research Problem

1. Identify a topic of interest in your field.

2. Determine if the topic relates to People, Problems, Programs, or

Phenomena.

3. Refine the topic by defining the study population and subject area.

4. Ensure that data can be collected and analyzed effectively.

By following this structured approach, you can narrow down your research
focus and choose a topic that is both relevant and researchable.

Key Takeaways

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 1. Research problems typically emerge from People, Problems, Programs, or
Phenomena.

2. Every study has two key aspects: the study population (data source) and
the subject area (research focus).

3. Research problems can be identified in any discipline, from health and

education to business and social sciences.

4. A strong research problem should be specific, measurable, and relevant to

your field.

5. To find a research topic, start with a broad interest, then refine it using the
Four Ps framework.

Considerations in Selecting a Research Problem

When choosing a research problem, several key factors must be considered to
ensure that the study is manageable, relevant, and ethically sound. These
considerations help researchers stay motivated, avoid unnecessary obstacles,
and conduct research that is meaningful and feasible.

1. Interest
Most important consideration in selecting a research problem.

Research is a time-consuming process involving hard work, challenges,

and unexpected difficulties.

Selecting a topic that genuinely interests you will help sustain motivation
throughout the study.

Without genuine interest, researchers may lose focus, delay completion, or

produce low-quality work.

Example: If you are passionate about mental health, selecting a topic on

the impact of social media on anxiety may keep you more engaged than a
topic on financial markets.

2. Magnitude
The scope of the research problem must be realistic and manageable.

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 Even if a topic is important, it should be narrowed down to fit within
available time and resources.

Researchers must visualize the amount of work involved before finalizing

their topic.

Example:

Instead of studying "The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture",

narrow it to "The Effect of Rising Temperatures on Wheat Production
in California."

3. Measurement of Concepts
If your research involves abstract concepts, ensure they can be measured
accurately.

Clearly define indicators and measurement criteria for the key concepts in
your study.

Example:

If studying "the effectiveness of a health promotion program", define

effectiveness (e.g., reduction in disease rates, increased awareness).

Develop a measurement approach before starting the research, but

adjustments can be made during the study.

4. Level of Expertise
Ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct the
research.

Recognize that learning and guidance from supervisors and mentors will
be part of the process.

However, the majority of the research must be carried out independently.

Example: If your research requires complex statistical analysis, you should

have basic knowledge of statistics or be willing to learn.

5. Relevance
The topic should be relevant to your academic field or professional
background.

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 It should contribute to existing knowledge, fill gaps in research, or help
inform policies.

A relevant topic will not only keep you engaged but may also benefit your
career.

Example:

A medical student may study "The Role of AI in Diagnosing Early-

Stage Cancer", as it aligns with future career goals in healthcare.

6. Availability of Data
Before finalizing the topic, ensure that data sources are available.

If relying on secondary data (e.g., government records, census data,

medical reports), verify that they are accessible and in the required format.

If conducting primary research, ensure that the target population is

available and willing to participate.

Example:

A study on "The Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity"

would require access to employee surveys, company records, or
interviews with workers.

7. Ethical Issues
Ethical considerations must be addressed when formulating the research
problem.

The study should not harm participants physically, emotionally, or

psychologically.

Ethical concerns may include:

Privacy and confidentiality (ensuring sensitive data is protected).

Informed consent (participants must agree to be involved in the study).

Avoiding exploitation (participants should not be treated as mere

experimental subjects).

Example:

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 If studying "The Effects of a New Drug on Mental Health Patients",
ensure that participants are fully informed of potential risks and not
deprived of necessary medical care.

Key Takeaways
1. Interest: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you to maintain motivation.

2. Magnitude: Ensure the topic is manageable within available time and

resources.

3. Measurement of Concepts: Clearly define how key concepts will be

measured.

4. Level of Expertise: Select a topic that matches your skills and knowledge,
allowing for learning.

5. Relevance: Ensure the study contributes to knowledge and has practical

significance.

6. Availability of Data: Confirm data sources are accessible before starting.

7. Ethical Issues: Address privacy, informed consent, and harm prevention.

By carefully considering these factors, researchers can select a research

problem that is feasible, ethical, and meaningful.

The formulation of a research problem is a critical step in any research

project, as it sets the foundation for the entire study. This process consists of
several structured steps, ensuring that the research is focused, manageable,
and relevant. Below is a breakdown of the steps mentioned in your write-up:

Steps in Formulating a Research Problem

1. Identify a Broad Subject Area of Interest

Choose a general field that aligns with your professional aspirations or

academic interests.

Example: A social work student may be interested in youth welfare,

refugees, or domestic violence, while a marketing student may prefer
consumer behavior.

2. Dissect the Broad Area into Subareas

Break down the broad subject into specific themes or aspects.

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 Example (for domestic violence):

Profile of victims

Profile of perpetrators

Causes of domestic violence

Impact on children

Available services and their effectiveness

3. Select the Most Interesting Subarea

Narrow down the subareas to what interests you the most and is
feasible for research.

Consider:

Available time

Your expertise

Required resources

4. Raise Research Questions

Formulate questions that will guide your research within your chosen
subarea.

Example (for consumer behavior):

"How does social media influence consumer purchasing

decisions?"

"What factors impact brand loyalty among millennials?"

5. Formulate Objectives

Convert research questions into clear research objectives using action-

oriented words.

Example:

"To examine the impact of social media on consumer buying

behavior."

"To determine the key factors influencing brand loyalty."

6. Assess the Feasibility of Objectives

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 Evaluate whether your research objectives are achievable given your
available time, financial resources, and expertise.

Adjust objectives if necessary to ensure they are practical.

7. Double-Check Everything

Reflect on your enthusiasm for the topic and ensure you have the
necessary resources.

Ask yourself:

"Am I genuinely interested in this study?"

"Do I have enough resources (time, data, funding) to complete it?"

Final Considerations
Once the research problem is finalized, you must also determine the study
population—the group from whom you will collect data.

Clearly defining your population ensures relevant and reliable data

collection.

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