Defining Research Problem
RESEARCH PROBLEM
A research problem may be an issue or a collection of issues that a researcher may observe while
conducting a detailed literature study about a topic of his interest. It may also be a shortcoming in
the already existing solutions of a research problem. It can be a difficulty a researcher experiences
in a practical situation. Thus in broader sense a research problem refers to some difficulty/issue or
shortcoming which a researcher experiences/observes in the context of either a theoretical or
practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same. A research problem requires a
researcher to find out the best solution which facilitates the accomplishment of the objectives that
can be attained optimally in a given environment.
Components of a research problem:
Components of a research-problem are given under:
A stack holder which faces an issue, difficulty or problem. The stack holder may be an
individual, group or an organization.
An environment/ circumstances to which the difficulty pertains.
Objectives which need to be attained.
Alternative means for obtaining the objectives otherwise there cannot be problem to solve.
A doubt about the relative efficiency of the alternative methods for attaining the objectives
of the research issue.
1. An Issue/ difficulty faced by an individual/
group/ organization
2. An environment/ circumstances to which the
difficulty pertains
3. Objectives to be attained
4. Alternative Methods of obtaining objectives
5. Relative efficiency in terms of time, cost of
alternative methods
Components of a Research Problem
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Difficulties in research problem:
The various difficulties in a research problem are
Change of the environment which may affect either the efficiencies of the alternative means
of action or the values of the outcomes or both;
Large number of alternative solutions.
Effect on non-participating Humans: Human beings, not involved in making the decision,
may be affected by proposed solutions and may react to it favourably or unfavourably and
other factors
All such elements (or at least the important ones) may be thought of in context of a research
problem.
SELECTING THE PROBLEM
The research problem undertaken for study must be carefully selected. The task is a difficult one,
although it may not appear to be so. A researcher need to observe following points while selecting
a problem or a subject for research study:
A researcher may as well read articles published in current literature available on the subject
and may think how the techniques and ideas discussed therein might be applied to the solution
of other problems. He may discuss with others what he has in mind concerning a problem. In
this way he should make all possible efforts in selecting a problem.
A researcher should contact an expert or a professor in the University who is already engaged
in research.
Help may be taken from a research guide in this connection. However the researcher has to
think about a problem himself and a research guide can at the most only help him to choose a
broader subject.
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.
Controversial subject should not become the choice of an average researcher.
Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided.
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.
The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the costs
involved, the time factor and cooperation of the participants involved in the research subject
area must be considered while selecting a research problem.
The selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary study about its feasibility.
A researcher must own the problem and he should have zest for work and be ready to undertake
all pains needed for carrying forward the research.
If the subject for research is selected properly by observing the above mentioned points, half the
work is done.
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NECESSITY OF DEFINING THE PROBLEM
Formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution. Defining a research problem
properly is a prerequisite for any study and is a step of the great importance. A clearly stated
problem is a problem half solved. This statement signifies the need for defining a research problem.
The problem to be investigated must be defined unambiguously for that will help to
discriminate relevant data from the irrelevant ones.
A proper definition of research problem will enable the researcher to be on the track whereas
an ill-defined problem may create hurdles.
A carefully stated problem can help in carrying out smoothly all the consequential steps
involved while doing research.
TECHNIQUE INVOLVED IN DEFINING A PROBLEM
A research problem should be defined in a systematic manner, giving due weightage to all relating
points. The technique for the purpose involves the undertaking of the following steps generally
one after the other:
Statement of the problem in a general way;
Understanding the nature of the problem;
Surveying the available literature
Developing the ideas through discussions; and
Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition. This implies that
(a) Technical terms and words or phrases, with special meanings used in the statement of the
problem, should be clearly defined.
(b) Basic assumptions or postulates (if any) relating to the research problem should be clearly
stated.
(c) A straight forward statement of the value of the investigation (i.e., the criteria for the
selection of the problem) should be provided.
(d) The suitability of the time-period and the sources of data available must also be considered
by the researcher in defining the problem.
The scope of the investigation or the limits within which the problem is to be studied must be
mentioned clearly and explicitly.
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