Identification, Analysis and Problem

Statement

Michael Kiwanuka(PhD)
UMI
Think about it!

1. What is a problem?

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2. How does a problem becomes a social
Problem?

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3. When does social problem becomes a
Research problem?

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Research problem
• The heart of any research project is the problem.
• The very first, and the most important step in

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research.
• Identification of a good research problem is a

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discovery itself.
• Research is usually carried out because of a
deficiency identified.
• The deficiency/need characterize a research
problem.
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 Definitions of Research Problem:
• A situation that needs a solution;
• An incongruence; a discrepancy between

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what is and what ought to be.
• The gap in knowledge that needs to be filled. 

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• An issue which needs to be addressed.

Refers to what a researcher has identified as

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2. Ojacor cited in Odiya (2009) looks at research
problem as a challenge posed or something
detected that requires a solution.

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• Generally, a RP is a need or discrepancy that can
only be solved through collection and analysis of
data.
In business for example, symptoms like declining sales,
profit, market share, or customer loyalty, are indicators of a
research problem 5
Problem Identification states:

• Who ? - would need it

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• What ? - is needed
• When ? - is it needed

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• Where ? - is it needed
• Why ? - is it needed
• How Many ? - are needed

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Steps in identifying a research problem:

1. Identify the broad area of one’s interest.

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2. identify a specific problem within that
area that will form the basis of the

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research study.
narrowing down from a broad area to a
specific problem

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Note!
• Selection of a research problem depends on
several factors such as: researcher's knowledge,

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skills, interests, motivation and creativity with
respect to the subject of inquiry
• A good problem should be as broad as posible

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but specifically limited in scope so as to be
manageable.
• It should also be clearly stated, feasible, and
significant.
• A problem statement can be written in a
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declarative, question or discursive forms
Tips in writing a problem st’t
1. Frame the ideal situation; ie- the expected
relationship between your study variables.
2. State what is in place (target population) to

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support that ideal relationship(eg policies,
systems, structures & institutions, etc)

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3. Describe the actual situation (problem) prevailing
in your research area or context.
4. Provide evidence of the intensity and magnitude
(scope) of the existing problem.
5. State the observed/likely implications of the
current situation.
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6. State what needs to be done
Effective motivation of employees is increasingly becoming a
central factor for retaining employees in the corporate world.
Indeed, in Uganda, corporate organizations are attaching at
most efforts towards employee motivation as a strategy of
retaining their talented employees

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Nkoni Brewers ltd, has in the recent past developed a number
of motivation strategies including: car loan schemes;
performance allowances, and employee training opportunities.

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These are intended to motivate the employees and give them
a high sense of identity and belonging
In spite of all the above, employee retention in Nkoni is still a
distant reality. Between 2012/2013 and 2013/2014, for
example, labor turn over among management and
administrative staff (at all levels) rose to 25% (Report, 2015).
This failure to retain staff is not only failing the smooth 10
operations of the organization, but also threatening her
corporate image and consequently eroding the competitive
Note
• it significantly clarifies the current situation by
specifically:

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 identifying the problem and its severity,
location, and financial impact.

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• It also serves as a great communication tool, helping
to get buy-in and support from others.
• When problem statements are well written, people
readily grasp and understand what you’re trying to
accomplish
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Note cont’d
• Write the problem statement with the audience
in mind

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• you don’t want to spend your precious time
explaining over and over what you’re trying to

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accomplish
• A problem statement is just one statement (with
several paragraphs of elaboration)

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A Well-Stated Problem:
• Clarifies what exactly is to be solved or
determined.

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• Contains the variables and the target
population.

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• Is feasible i.e. it is amenable to research.
• It addresses ethical issues.
• It is original or novel.
• It is significant or important.
• It leads to an advancement of knowledge 13