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Research Methodology 2

This document discusses defining the research problem. It explains that a research problem refers to a difficulty a researcher wants to solve in a theoretical or practical situation. Defining the problem involves laying boundaries for studying it with a predetermined objective. This includes stating the problem broadly, understanding its nature by discussing it with relevant parties, surveying available literature on related problems, and developing ideas through discussions with experienced colleagues. Properly defining the problem enables the researcher to study it effectively and answer relevant questions.

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22 views11 pages

Research Methodology 2

This document discusses defining the research problem. It explains that a research problem refers to a difficulty a researcher wants to solve in a theoretical or practical situation. Defining the problem involves laying boundaries for studying it with a predetermined objective. This includes stating the problem broadly, understanding its nature by discussing it with relevant parties, surveying available literature on related problems, and developing ideas through discussions with experienced colleagues. Properly defining the problem enables the researcher to study it effectively and answer relevant questions.

Uploaded by

Druthi Gs
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chapter 2

Defining the Research Problem


What is a Research Problem?
• The first and foremost step happens to be that of selecting and
properly defining a research problem.
• A researcher must find the problem and formulate it so that it
becomes susceptible to research
• A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a
researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or
practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same
Components of a 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 at. 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. This means that there must be at
least two means available to a researcher for if he has no choice of means,
he cannot have a problem.
4. There must remain some doubt in the mind of a researcher with regard to
the selection of alternatives. This means that research must answer the
question concerning the relative efficiency of the possible alternatives.
5. There must be some environment(s) to which the difficulty pertain
Selecting The Problem
The research problem undertaken for study must be carefully selected
The following points may be observed by a researcher in selecting a
research problem or a subject for research:
1. Subject which is overdone 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 become the choice of an average
researcher
3. Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided
Selecting The Problem Contd..
4. The subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible so
that the related research material or sources of research are within
one’s reach.
5. The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of
a researcher, the costs involved, the time factor are few other
criteria that must also be considered in selecting a problem
6. The selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary study
Necessity of Defining the Problem
• A problem clearly stated is a problem half solved. A proper definition
of research problem will enable the researcher to be on the track
whereas an ill-defined problem may create hurdles.
• What data are to be collected?
• What characteristics of data are relevant and need to be studied?
• What relations are to be explored?
• What techniques are to be used for the purpose?
Formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution
Technique Involved In Defining a Problem
What does one mean when he/she wants to define a research
problem?
The answer may be that one wants to state the problem along with the
bounds within which it is to be studied
OR
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
1. Statement of the problem in a general way
• Problem should be stated in a broad general way, keeping in view
either some practical concern or some scientific or intellectual
interest
• Social research, it is considered advisable to do some field
observation and as such the researcher may undertake some sort of
preliminary survey or what is often called pilot survey
• Researcher can himself state the problem or he can seek the guidance
of the guide or the subject expert in accomplishing this task
• Feasibility of a particular solution has to be considered and the same
should be kept in view while stating the problem
2.Understanding the nature of the problem
• 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
• If the researcher has stated the problem himself, he should consider
once again all those points that induced him to make a general
statement concerning the problem
• The researcher should also keep in view the environment within
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
• Sufficient time must be devoted in reviewing of research already
undertaken on related problems
• Knowing what data are available often serves to narrow the problem
itself as well as the technique that might be used
4.Developing the ideas through discussions
• Discussion concerning a problem often produces useful information.
• 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 quite often known as an experience survey

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