UNIT 2

RESEARCH PROBLEM

 A research problem is a question that a researcher wants to answer or a problem that a researcher wants

to solve.
 A research problem is an issues or a concern that an investigator / researcher presents and justifies in a

research study.
 A research problem helps you identify the approach you must take for the research activity.
 It helps in the identification of each step you must take to do your research – the sampling strategy, the

research design, the research analysis, and the research instruments to be used

SELECTING THE PROBLEM

• Identify a General Area of Interest

• Review Existing Literature

• Define the objectives

• Define the Research Questions

• Evaluate Feasibility

• Consider Your Skills and Interests

• Narrow Down the Choices

• Preliminary Research

• Define Your Research Problem

• Formulate Research Objectives

NECESSITY OF DEFINING THE PROBLEM

 A research problem should be clear, concise, and specific enough to guide the process and contribute to

the definition of research project objectives, methods, and outcomes.

 It is the foundation of any research project, and a well-formulated research problem is required for any

research study to be successful.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT

 It must address the gap in knowledge and help in further research.

 It must be significant to the extent that it contributes positively to the research.
 The collected empirical data confirm the clarity and understandability of the research problem.
 It must be in the researcher’s interest should and suit his/her time, practical knowledge, research skills

and resources.
 The problem-solving approach must be ethical and customary research methods can be applied.
 Clarity: The problem statement should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should avoid

ambiguity and clearly express the central issue or question the research aims to address.
 Specificity: The statement should be specific and focused, addressing a particular aspect of the broader

topic. Vague or broad problem statements can lead to unclear research objectives and methodologies.
 Relevance: The problem statement should be relevant to the field of study and contribute to the existing

body of knowledge. It should demonstrate why the research is important and how it fills a gap in the

current literature.
 Researchable: The problem statement should lead to research that is feasible and can be investigated

using appropriate methods. It should be realistic and achievable within the constraints of time, resources,

and ethical considerations.

 Originality: While building on existing knowledge, the problem statement should highlight a unique or

underexplored aspect of the topic. It should contribute something new to the field.
 Measurable and Observable: The problem should be framed in a way that allows for the measurement

and observation of variables. This enables the researcher to gather empirical data to address the research

question.
 Contextualization: The problem statement should provide context by explaining the background and

context of the research issue. It helps readers understand the significance of the problem and its

relevance in a broader context.

 Purpose: Clearly articulate the purpose of the research. The problem statement should explain why the

study is being conducted and what the researcher aims to achieve.

 Testability/Hypothesis Formation: The problem statement should lend itself to the formulation of

hypotheses or research questions that can be tested through empirical investigation. It should guide the

development of a clear research design.

 Limitations: Acknowledge the limitations and constraints of the study. This includes any potential

challenges, ethical considerations, or practical constraints that may affect the research.
 Logical Flow: The problem statement should follow a logical flow, presenting a clear sequence of ideas.

It should start by introducing the general topic, narrowing down to the specific problem, and concluding

with the purpose of the research.

 Stakeholder Consideration: Consider the perspectives and interests of stakeholders who may be affected

by or interested in the research problem. This can help in framing the problem in a way that addresses

relevant concerns.
 Ethical Considerations: Address any ethical considerations associated with the research problem,

including the protection of human subjects, privacy, and the responsible conduct of research.

TECHNIQUES INVOLVED IN DEFINING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

 Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature to identify gaps, unresolved issues,

or areas where further research is needed. This helps in ensuring that your research contributes to

existing knowledge.
 Observation: Direct observation of a phenomenon or a situation can help identify issues that need

further exploration. This technique is often used in qualitative research.

 Experience: Personal or professional experiences may provide insights into potential research problems.

Researchers often draw on their own observations or encounters to identify relevant issues.
 Expert Consultation: Seeking advice from experts in the field can help identify key problems and

challenges. Experts may provide valuable perspectives based on their knowledge and experience.
 Brainstorming: Gather a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to brainstorm

potential research problems. This collaborative approach can generate a variety of perspectives.
 Surveys and Questionnaires: Administering surveys or questionnaires to a target audience can help

identify common issues or concerns within a specific population.

 Pilot Studies: Conducting small-scale pilot studies can help identify potential problems and challenges

in the research process. These preliminary investigations can inform the refinement of the research

problem.
 Stakeholder Analysis: Identify and analyze the various stakeholders related to the research topic.

Understanding their perspectives and concerns can help in defining a relevant research problem.
 Concept Mapping: Use concept mapping techniques to visually represent the relationships between

different concepts and identify areas that require further exploration.

 Problem Tree Analysis: This technique involves creating a visual representation of a problem and its

causes and consequences. It helps in understanding the complexity of the issue and identifying key

aspects for research.

 SWOT Analysis: Analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated

with a particular situation or phenomenon can help in pinpointing research problems.

 Delphi Technique: Involve a panel of experts in iterative rounds of discussion to converge on a

consensus about the key research problems. This structured communication method can help refine and

define the problem.

 Focus Groups: Conducting focus group discussions with a representative sample of the target

population can reveal insights into their concerns and issues, helping to define a relevant research

problem.
 Problem Statement Formulation: Clearly articulate the problem statement by specifying the

population, setting, and nature of the problem. This involves being precise and concise in describing the

issue that the research aims to address.

FRAMEWORK OF RESEARCH

 The theoretical framework often inspires the research question based on previous theories' predictions or

understanding about the phenomena under investigation.

 A conceptual framework then emerges from the research question, providing a contextualized structure

for what exactly the research will explore.

 Theoretical and conceptual frameworks also play distinct roles in data analysis. Theoretical frameworks

provide the lens for interpreting the data, informing what kinds of themes and patterns might be relevant.
 Conceptual frameworks, however, present the variables concepts and variables and the relationships

among them that will be analyzed.

 Conceptual frameworks may illustrate concepts and relationships based on previous theory, but they can

also include novel concepts or relationships that stem from the particular context being studied.

DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK IN RESEARCH

A conceptual framework is typically a visual representation (although it can also be written out) of the

expected relationships and connections between various concepts, constructs or variables. In other words,

a conceptual framework visualises how the researcher views and organises the various concepts and

variables within their study. This is typically based on aspects drawn from the theoretical framework, so

there is a relationship between the two. A conceptual frameworks are used to visualise the potential
causal relationships and pathways that the researcher expects to find, based on their understanding of

both the theoretical literature and the existing empirical research. Therefore, the conceptual framework

is often used to develop research questions and hypotheses.

An example of a conceptual framework to make it a little more tangible. You’ll notice that in this specific

conceptual framework, the hypotheses are integrated into the visual, helping to connect the rest of the

document to the framework.

The conceptual framework is a critical component of research as it provides the theoretical foundation for

your study. It helps in shaping your research questions, guiding your data collection and analysis, and

providing a framework for interpreting your findings. Here's a step-by-step guide on developing a

conceptual framework in research:

 Identify Your Research Problem or Topic: Clearly define the research problem or topic you are

investigating. What are the key issues or questions you want to address?
 Review Existing Literature: Conduct a thorough literature review to understand the existing theories,

concepts, and models related to your research topic. This step helps you identify gaps in the current

knowledge and informs the development of your conceptual framework.

 Define Key Concepts and Variables: Identify and define the key concepts and variables in your study.

These are the building blocks of your conceptual framework. Ensure that these concepts are clearly and

precisely defined.
 Establish Relationships Between Concepts: Determine the relationships and connections between the

key concepts and variables. This involves understanding how one variable may influence or be

influenced by another. Use arrows or other visual aids to illustrate these relationships.
 Select a Theoretical Framework: Choose a theoretical framework or perspective that aligns with your

research. This could be a well-established theory or a combination of theories that help explain your

phenomena of interest. The chosen framework should guide your thinking and provide a lens through

which you view your research.

 Develop Hypotheses or Propositions: Based on your literature review and conceptual framework,

formulate hypotheses or propositions. These are testable statements that predict the relationship between

variables.
 Create a Conceptual Diagram or Model: Develop a visual representation of your conceptual framework.

This can be a diagram or model that illustrates the relationships between key concepts and variables.

This visual aid helps communicate your theoretical framework to others.

 Refine and Test Your Framework: Discuss your conceptual framework with peers, mentors, or advisors.

Get feedback on the clarity and logic of your framework. Refine it based on the feedback and consider

pilot testing to ensure that your framework is practical and applicable.

 Align with Research Design and Methods: Ensure that your conceptual framework aligns with your

chosen research design and methods. The framework should guide your data collection and analysis

strategies.
 Review and Revise as Needed: Throughout the research process, periodically review and revise your

conceptual framework as needed. As you gather data and analyze results, your understanding of the

relationships between variables may evolve, leading to adjustments in your framework.

The conceptual framework is a dynamic aspect of your research that may evolve as you delve deeper into

your study. It provides a roadmap for your research and contributes to the overall coherence and theoretical

foundation of your work.

DEVELOPMENT OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK IN RESEARCH

A theoretical framework (also sometimes referred to as a foundation of theory) is essentially a set of

concepts, definitions, and propositions that together form a structured, comprehensive view of a specific

phenomenon.
In other words, a theoretical framework is a collection of existing theories, models and frameworks that

provides a foundation of core knowledge – a “lay of the land”, so to speak, from which you can build a

research study. For this reason, it’s usually presented fairly early within the literature review section of a

dissertation, thesis or research paper.

An example to make the theoretical framework a little more tangible. If your research aims involve

understanding what factors contributed toward people trusting investment brokers, you’d need to first lay

down some theory so that it’s crystal clear what exactly you mean by this. For example, you would need to

define what you mean by “trust”, as there are many potential definitions of this concept. The same would

be true for any other constructs or variables of interest.

The theoretical framework is a crucial component of research that helps guide the entire study by providing

a foundation for understanding the phenomena under investigation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to

develop a theoretical framework in research:

 Identify the Research Problem: Clearly articulate the research problem or question that you aim to

address. What is the main issue or phenomenon you want to study?

 Conduct a Literature Review: Review existing literature relevant to your research problem. Identify key

theories, concepts, and models that have been used by other researchers in the field. This will help you

understand the existing knowledge and potential gaps in the literature.

 Define Key Concepts and Variables: Clearly define the key concepts and variables related to your

research. Ensure that these definitions align with the theories and literature you have reviewed. Be

precise and unambiguous in your definitions.

 Select a Theoretical Perspective or Framework: Choose a theoretical perspective or framework that

aligns with your research problem. This could involve selecting a well-established theory or integrating

multiple theories to create a comprehensive framework. Theoretical frameworks could be drawn from

various disciplines, depending on the nature of your research.

 Articulate Assumptions and Propositions: Clearly state any assumptions underlying your chosen

theoretical framework. Additionally, develop propositions or hypotheses based on the theory. These are

statements that predict relationships between variables and guide your research questions.
 Illustrate Relationships: Use diagrams, charts, or tables to illustrate the relationships between key

concepts and variables within your theoretical framework. This visual representation can enhance

understanding and communication of your theoretical model.

 Link Concepts to Existing Theories: Demonstrate how your chosen theoretical framework builds upon or

extends existing theories in the field. Clarify the contributions your study makes to the broader

theoretical landscape.
 Justify Your Choice: Provide a rationale for why you have chosen a particular theoretical framework.

Explain how it is well-suited to address your research problem and how it enhances the overall

understanding of the phenomenon you are investigating.

 Consider Alternative Perspectives: Acknowledge and discuss alternative theoretical perspectives.

Explain why you have chosen one framework over others and discuss the limitations or potential

critiques of your chosen theory.

 Integrate with Research Design and Methods: Ensure that your theoretical framework aligns with your

chosen research design and methods. The framework should guide the formulation of research questions,

the selection of variables, and the design of data collection and analysis procedures.
 Review and Revise as Necessary: Periodically review and revise your theoretical framework as your

research progresses. If new insights emerge or if your data challenges certain aspects of the theory, be

open to refining your framework.

The theoretical framework is a dynamic aspect of your research, and it may evolve as you gain a deeper

understanding of your topic. It serves as the intellectual foundation of your study and helps situate your

research within the broader scholarly context.

LITERATURE REVIEW IN RESEARCH

PURPOSE OF A LITERATURE REVIEW:
 Identify Gaps: Determine what is already known about the research topic and identify gaps or areas

where further research is needed.

 Contextualize the Research: Provide a context for your research by demonstrating how it fits into the

existing body of knowledge.

 Highlight Methodologies: Understand the methodologies used in previous studies, helping you make

informed decisions about your own research design.

 Build a Theoretical Framework: Identify and evaluate theories relevant to your research, forming the

theoretical foundation for your study.

 Avoid Redundancy: Ensure that your research contributes something new and does not replicate studies

that have already been conducted.

STEPS IN CONDUCTING A LITERATURE REVIEW:

 Define the Scope: Clearly define the scope and objectives of your literature review. What specific

aspects of the topic will you cover?

 Search for Relevant Literature: Use academic databases, libraries, and other resources to search for

peer-reviewed articles, books, conference proceedings, and other scholarly publications.

 Select Relevant Sources: Evaluate the relevance and credibility of the sources. Choose those that

directly contribute to your understanding of the research topic.

 Read and Summarize: Read each selected source thoroughly and summarize key findings,

methodologies, and theoretical frameworks.

 Identify Themes and Patterns: Organize your summaries into themes or categories. Identify patterns,

trends, and debates within the literature.

 Critically Analyze Sources: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each source. Consider the

methodology, sample size, research design, and other relevant factors.

 Synthesize Information: Synthesize the information from different sources to draw connections,

identify contradictions, and highlight gaps in the existing literature.

 Provide a Conceptual Framework: Develop a conceptual framework that illustrates how different

studies and theories relate to one another and contribute to your research.

WRITING A LITERATURE REVIEW:

 Be Organized: Organize your literature review in a logical and systematic way. You can use

chronological, thematic, or methodological structures.

 Maintain Objectivity: Remain objective in your analysis. Avoid personal opinions and biases. Base

your assessments on evidence and scholarly discourse.

 Cite Properly: Provide accurate citations for each source you reference. Follow the citation style

specified by your academic institution or publication.

 Be Critical: Critically evaluate the quality of each source. Consider the study's methodology, sample

size, limitations, and relevance to your research.

 Update Regularly: Literature is dynamic. Regularly update your literature review to include the most

recent publications and ensure that your work remains current.

 Be Selective: Be selective in your choice of sources. Focus on high-quality, peer-reviewed publications

that are directly relevant to your research.