Research Problem
Dr. Muhammad Mubushar
Class: BBA After 14 Years
Pros & Cons Template
Definition of Research Problem
1. Definition of Research Problem
A research problem may be defined as an area of concern, a gap in the existing knowledge, or a
deviation in the norm or standard that points to the need for further understanding and investigation
(Bwisa, 2018). • Although many problems turn out to have several solutions (the means to close the
gap or correct the deviation), difficulties arise where such means are either not obvious or are not
immediately available. This then necessitates some research to reach a viable solution.
2. What is a Research Problem
It is the topic we would like to address, investigate, or study, whether descriptively or experimentally.
•It is the focus or reason for engaging in our research. •It is typically a topic, phenomenon, or challenge
that we are interested in and with which we are at least somewhat familiar with its applications.
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Definition of Research Problem
3. Source of Research
Problem Potential sources of research problems include: •School library (reading through literature
or archival material) •Community (consultations or narrations or public participation processes)
•Own experiences (observations) •Classroom lectures (narration and disputation) .
2. Other Source of Research
• Seminars/workshops/paper presentations (narrations, disputations, argumentation) • Internet
(narrations or observations) • Research reports and term papers (investigations) • Theory of one’s own
interest • Daily problems • Technological changes • Unexplored areas • Discussions with other people
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Guidelines for Selecting a Research Problem
3. Guidelines
1) The research problem should be such (or one) in which researcher may be deeply interested. 2)
The research problem should be focused in the sense of being related to the researcher’s overall
logic. A diffuse and unfocused problem reduces the efficiency of the effort put in a research project.
3) The problem selected should not necessarily be a new one. It may be old problem or one on which
work has already been done. 4) The problem should be within meaningful limits, i.e., it should not be
too comprehensive
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Considerations in Selecting
1. A Research Problem
1. Interest: a research endeavor is usually time consuming, and involves hard work and possibly
unforeseen problems. One should select topic of great interest to sustain the required motivation. 2.
Magnitude: It is extremely important to select a topic that you can manage within the time and
resources at your disposal. Narrow the topic down to something manageable, specific and clear. 3.
Level of expertise: Make sure that you have an adequate level of expertise for the task you are
proposing since you need to do the work yourself.
4. Relevance: Ensure that your study adds to the existing body of knowledge, bridges current gaps and
is useful in policy formulation. This will help you to sustain interest in the study. 5. Availability of
data: Before finalizing the topic, make sure that data are available. 6. Ethical issues: How ethical
issues can affect the study and how ethical problems can be overcome should be thoroughly examined
at the problem formulating stage
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Criteria of a Good Research Problem
1. Criteria
1) Novelty: It should be original. It should not involve duplication of prior research. 2) Interest: The
problem should be interesting for the researcher and their team. 3) Importance: If the research is not
worthwhile, if neither adds to knowledge nor leads to any improvements in the current practices then
it should not be done. 4) Immediate Application: The investigator should ask himself the question,
will my research help in solving an urgent or practical problem. 5) Feasibility
2. Availability
a) Availability of data required for a meaningful research. b) Potential of cooperation from participants
and relevant institutions. c) Availability of expertise and guidance in the field of research. d)
Availability of requisite research facilitates and instruments. e) Experience and creativity of the
researcher or research team. f) Coverage or scope of the research and confidence of the researcher in
embarking on the research.
Pros & Cons Template 6
What is the Statement of the Problem
1. Statement
•A statement of the problem is used in research work as a claim that outlines (or points to) the
problem addressed by a study. •The statement of the problem briefly addresses the question: What is
the problem that the research will address? .
2. Goals of Statement
What are the Goals of a Statement of the Problem? •The ultimate goal of a statement of the problem is
to transform a generalized problem (something that bothers you; a perceived lack) into a targeted, well-
defined problem; one that can be resolved through focused research and careful decision- making
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How to Write a Research Statement
1. Writing a Statement
•Writing a statement of the problem should help you clearly identify the purpose of the research
project you will propose. •Often, the statement of the problem will also serve as the basis for the
introductory section of your final proposal (i.e., research project), directing your reader’s attention
quickly to the issues that your proposed project will address and providing the reader with a concise
statement.
•A statement of problem need not be long and elaborate: one page is more than enough for a good
statement of problem.
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Characteristics of Research Statement
1. Key Characteristics
A good research problem should have the following characteristics: [Link] should address a gap in
knowledge. [Link] should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research. 3. It
should lead to further research. 4. The problem should render itself to investigation through
collection of data. 5. It should be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time, and
resources. 6. The approach towards solving the problem should be ethical.
2. Format of Statement
A persuasive statement of problem is usually written in three parts. Part A (The Ideal): Statement 1 •It
describes a desired goal or ideal situation; •It explains how things should be. Part B (The Reality):
Statement 2 •It describes a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value in Part A from being achieved
or realized at this time; •It explains how the current situation falls short of the goal or ideal. Part C (The
Consequences): Statement 3 •It identifies the way you propose to improve the current situation and
move it closer to the goal or ideal
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THANKYOU
Pros & Cons Template