RESEARCH PROBLEM AND OBJECTIVES

A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved,

a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory,
or in practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation.
In some social science disciplines the research problem is typically posed in the form of a
question. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad
proposition, or present a value question.

The research process should begin with a definition of the research problem and the
establishment of specific research objectives. The major difficulty here is converting a series of
often ambiguous business problems into tightly drawn and achievable research objectives. In this
initial stage, researchers often embark on the research process with only a vague grasp of the
total problem.

This first, most crucial step in research is more critical in foreign markets because an
unfamiliar environment tends to cloud problem definition. Researchers either fail to anticipate
the influence of the local culture on the problem or fail to identify the self reference criterion
(SRC) and so treat the problem definition as if it were in the researcher’s home environment. In
assessing some foreign business failures it is apparent that research was conducted, but the
questions asked were more appropriate for the US market than for the foreign one.

Other difficulties in foreign research stem from failures to establish problems limits broad
enough to include all relevant variables. Information on a far greater range of factors is necessary
to offset the unfamiliar cultural background of the foreign market. Consider proposed research
about consumption patterns and attitudes hot milk based drinks. In the United Kingdom, hot milk
based drink are considered to have sleep inducing restful and relaxing properties and are
traditionally consumed prior to bedtime. People in Thailand, however drink the same hot milk
based drinks in the morning on their way to work and see them as being, invigorating energy
giving and stimulating. If one’s only experience is the United States, the picture is further clouded
since hot, milk based drinks are frequently associated with cold weather either in the morning or
the evening or for different reasons each time of day. The market researcher must be certain the
problem definition is sufficiently broad to cover the whole range of response possibilities and not
be clouded by his or her self reference criterion.

Once the problem is adequately defined and research objectives established the
researcher must determine the availability of the information needed, If the data are available
that is, if they have been collected already by some other agency the researcher should then
consult these secondary data sources.
The Research Problem

The problem statement should frame your research problem in its particular context and
give some background on what is already known about it.

5 factors to consider to determine that a problem is researchable:

1. The problem existing in the locality or country but no known to the problem.
2. The solution can be answered by using statistical methods and techniques.
3. There are probable solutions but they are not yet tested.
4. The occurrence of phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at precise
solution.
5. Serious needs/problems of the people where it demands research.

Purpose of the problem statement:

1. Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied. The reader is oriented
to the significance of the study and the research questions or hypotheses to follow.
2. Places the problem into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be
investigated.
3. Provides the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary
to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information.

Characteristics and Source of Research Problem Specific

The problem should be specifically tested:

Measurable: It is easy 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.

Sources of Research Problem

There four sources of research problems:

1. Specialization of the research.

2. Current and past researchers
3. Recommendation from theses.
 4. Original and creative ideas of the researcher based on the problems met in the locality
and country.

Identification of research problem

Identification of research problem is the first step in a scientific method for conducting a
research. To initiate a research, there should be pre-occurred ideas that generate the necessity
for the research to be carried out. The ideas are developed while going through literatures,
discourses with experts and continuation of activities related to the subject matter. This ideas
develop into some specific topics that will be interesting or rewarding if investigated. This topics
generally called problems. Some guidelines for selecting problems: (a) The problem should be
such in which the researcher may be deeply interested; (b) The problem selected should not
necessarily be new one. It may be old problem or one on which work has already been done i.e.,
verification of old problem may be equally useful; (c) The problem should be within manageable
limits i.e., it should not be too comprehensive.

Process in Formulating a problem statement:

1. Contextualize the Problem

The problem statement should frame your research problem in its particular context and
give some background on what is already known about it.

Practical Research Problem

For practical research, focus on the concrete details of the situation:

 Where and when does the problem arise?

 Who does the problem affect?
 What attempts have been made to solve the problem?

Example:

Voter turnout in region X has been decreasing steadily over the past ten years, in contrast
to other areas of the country. According to surveys conducted by organization Y, turnout
is lowest among under-25s and people on low incomes. There have been some effective
attempts at engaging these groups in other regions, and in the last two elections parties
A and B increased their campaigning efforts in region X, but these interventions have yet
to have any significant effect on turnout.
Theoretical research problems
For theoretical research, think about the scientific, social, geographical and/or historical
background:

 What is already known about the problem?

 Is the problem limited to a certain time period or geographical area?
 How has the problem been defined and debated in the scholarly literature?

2. Show the importance of the problem statement

The problem statement should also address the relevance of the research: why is it
important that the problem is solved?
This doesn’t mean you have to do something groundbreaking or world-changing. It’s more
important that the problem is researchable, feasible, and clearly addresses a relevant issue in
your field.

Practical Research Problems

Practical research is directly relevant to a specific problem that affects an organization,

institution, social group, or society more broadly. To make it clear why your research problem
matters, you can ask yourself:

 What will happen if the problem is not solved?

 Who will feel the consequences?
 Does the problem have wider relevance (e.g. are similar issues found in other contexts)?

Example:

Low voter turnout has been shown to have negative associations with social cohesion and
civic engagement, and is becoming an area of increasing concern in many European
democracies. When specific groups of citizens lack political representation, they are likely
to become more excluded over time, leading to an erosion of trust in democratic
institutions. Addressing this problem will have practical benefits for region X and
contribute to understanding of this widespread phenomenon.

Theoretical research problems

Sometimes theoretical issues have clear practical consequences, but sometimes their relevance
is less immediately obvious. To identify why the problem matters, ask:
  How will resolving the problem advance understanding of the topic?
 What benefits will it have for future research?
 Does the problem have direct or indirect consequences for society?

Example:

In the past ten years, the “gig economy” has become an increasingly important segment
of the labour market. Under-30s are more likely to engage in freelance, contracted or
zero-hour work arrangements instead of traditional full-time jobs. Research on the
reasons for and consequences of this shift has focused on objective measures of income,
working hours and employment conditions, but there has been little work exploring
young people’s subjective experiences of the gig economy.

3. Set the aims and objectives

Finally, the problem statement should frame how you intend to address the problem. Your
goal should not be to find a conclusive solution, but to seek out the reasons behind the problem
and propose more effective approaches to tackling or understanding it.

The aim is the overall purpose of your research. It is generally written in the infinitive form:

 The aim of this study is to determine…

 This project aims to explore…
 I aim to investigate…

The objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim:

 Qualitative methods will be used to identify…

 I will use surveys to collect…
 Using statistical analysis, the research will measure…

Research Objectives

The final part of clarifying your research project involves thinking in more detail about
your research objectives. Research objectives should be closely related to the statement of the
problem and summarise what you hope will be achieved by the study. For example, if the
problem identified is low utilisation of antenatal care services, the general objective of the study
could be to identify the reasons for this low uptake, in order to find ways of improving it.
Determining of Objectives

Objective is clear concern and declarative sentence which provide direction to investigate
solution or variable.

 Are the steps you are going to take to answer your research questions or a specific list of
tasks needed to accomplish the goals of the project
 Emphasize how aims are to be accomplished
 Must be highly focused and feasible
 Address the more immediate project outcomes
 Make accurate use of concepts and be sensible and precisely described
 Are usually numbered so that each objective reads as an 'individual' statement to convey
your intentions

For each specific objective you must have a method to attempt to achieve it. The
development of a realistic time schedule may help to prioritize your objectives and help to

minimize wasted time and effort.

Characteristics of Objective

The objectives of a project should be “SMART”. They should be:

Specific: clear about what, where, when, and how the situation will be changed;

Measurable: able to quantify the targets and benefits;

Achievable: able to attain the objectives;

Realistic: able to obtain the level of change reflected in the objective; and

Time bound: stating the time period in which they will each be accomplished.

Types of Objectives

Broad objectives or general objectives states what is to be achieved by the study in

general terms. Usually only one per study related to core problem and topic of the study. It shows
target population and place.

Example: To develop a time machine.

Specific objectives, it is short in term and small to focus general objective can be broken
into small. General objective completed by specific objective and describe the variables that are
measured by the study.

Example: To determine the effectiveness of the time machine.

 To determine the factors affecting the time machine.

Steps in Selecting research question