Module Summary

Type of Research
Definition Example How to Address
Gap
Insufficient empirical Lack of clinical trials Conduct new studies or
Evidence Gap data or research to involving diverse experiments to provide
support conclusions populations missing data
Certain aspects of a
Limited research on Perform exploratory
topic remain
Knowledge Gap understudied systems research to uncover
unexplored or poorly
or geographic areas missing insights
understood
Organizational
Lack of conceptual Propose new or adapt
behavior theory that
Theoretical Gap frameworks or failure existing theories to fit
works in one context
of existing theories new contexts
fails in another
Research findings have Test theoretical
A technology works in
Practical / not been applied or findings in real-world
the lab but is not yet
Application Gap tested in real-world scenarios or pilot
tested in industry
settings projects
Certain methods are
Over-reliance on Introduce or refine
overused, or current
Methodological Gap qualitative methods in methodologies to
methods are outdated
product studies improve research
or flawed
Expand research to
Mental health studies
Population / Sample Focus on limited include
focusing only on
Gap demographic groups underrepresented
adults, not children
groups
Air pollution studies
Conduct research in
Research concentrated based mostly on urban
Geographical Gap underrepresented
in certain regions areas in developed
geographical areas
countries
Existing studies are
Social media research Update research to
outdated or do not
Temporal Gap focused on platforms reflect new trends or
reflect current
from five years ago technologies
conditions
HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT

01. Understand What a Research Problem Is

A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, contradiction, or gap in knowledge that you
aim to address. It should be:

• Clear
• Researchable
• Focused (not too broad)
• Significant (has theoretical or practical implications)

02. Identify the Context and Background

Provide a brief introduction to the topic. This includes:

• Why the topic matters

• Key concepts and terminology
• What is already known
• Key sources
• Use recent literature to frame the context
03. Define the Problem Clearly

Articulate the core issue the research aims to address. You can structure this as:

• A problem statement
• A description of the existing issue or gap

Be specific and evidence-based. Show:

• Decline or change in patterns

• Gaps in prior research
• Unresolved contradictions
• Practical challenges

04. Justify the Need for the Study

Explain why the problem is important to solve. You may:

• Link to practical implications (policy, industry, education)

• Highlight theoretical contributions
• Show consequences of not solving the problem

05. State Your Research Objectives or Questions

Conclude the statement by clearly outlining your main research aim and specific objectives.
These should be:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound (where applicable)
 How to Use 5W1H in Research Writing

WHAT

• What is the research problem or gap?

• What is already known and what is missing?
• What are the key variables or concepts?
• What will this study contribute?

WHY

• Why is this problem important?

• Why does it matter theoretically?
• Why is it relevant practically or socially?
• Why is this study needed now?
WHO

• Who is the target population or sample?

• Who are the key stakeholders?
• Who benefits from the findings?
• Who are the main scholars in this area?

WHERE

• Where is the study conducted (place, country, sector)?

• Where does the research gap exist in the literature?
• Where does the study position itself theoretically?

WHEN

• When did this problem emerge or become significant?

• When were key theories or models developed?
• When is the data collected and why this period?

HOW

• How will the research be conducted (methodology)?

• How will data be collected and analyzed?
• How are variables measured?
• How does the study ensure rigor and validity?
• How will findings be presented?

Best Use in a Research Paper

Section 5W1H Focus
Introduction WHAT, WHY, WHEN
Literature Review WHAT, WHY, WHO, WHERE
Methodology HOW, WHO, WHERE, WHEN
Discussion/Conclusion WHAT, WHY, HOW
 How to Use AI Ethically for Your University Coursework
Framework: The guidelines are structured using the acronym ETHICAL.

E – Embrace Awareness

• Understand AI tools’ capabilities and limitations.

• Stay informed about how AI is evolving in academic contexts.

T – Transparency is Key

• Clearly disclose any use of AI in your coursework.

• Be honest and accurate about how AI contributed to your work.

H – Highlight Your Creativity

• Ensure your own intellectual and creative input is evident.

• AI should support—not replace—your original thinking.

I – Integrity Always

• All submitted content must be your own unless properly cited.

• This includes AI-generated material, which must be referenced appropriately.

C – Cultivate Understanding

• Use AI to enhance learning, not bypass it.

• Focus on demonstrating your personal comprehension of the subject.

A – Append AI Usage

• Include an AI Appendix with every assignment.

o Detail the AI tools used, their purpose, and prompts given.
o If no AI was used, explicitly state that.

L – Learn to Discriminate

• Develop judgment about when AI use is appropriate.

• Avoid unethical or prohibited applications of AI in academic work.