RESEARCH PROBLEM SELECTION AND FORMULATION
Research Problem The first and foremost step in the research process consists of problem identification. A research problem refers to some kind of problem which a researcher experiences or observes in the context of either a theoretical or practical solution. Once the problem is identified, the same has to be understood thoroughly and then reframed into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view. Formulation of the problem means defining the problem precisely. A problem well defined is halfsolved.
Characteristics of a Good Research Problem [Link] and unambiguous clarity in the research problem selected. It should not give scope for divergent expressions and thus become confusing. 2. Logical and systematic : research is guided by logic or reasoning. The problem must be amenable for study in a specified step or in a specified sequence, in accordance with the well defined set of rules and methods. 3. Empirical: Research is always related to one or more aspects of real situations and hence deals with concrete data that provides a basis for external validity to research results. Therefore, the problem should be such as to take realities into consideration.
4. Relation between variables: The problem selected for study should express a relation between the variables contained in the study. The problem under study must be in a position to highlight the nature, extent and implications of such relation existing among variables of the study. 5. Verifiable: Verifiability is said to be the chief characteristic of physical and natural sciences. Even in social science, the problem chosen for study should not look absurd. [Link]: The problem selected for study must be interesting to the researcher and to the society at large.
Sources of research problem How does research problem arise? The topics of research may be based on a number of considerations which may be practical or theoretical and of intellectual interest. Generally a research problem originate from the following three sources. 1. Contemporary interest 2. Own interest 3. Gaps in the field
[Link] interest: A research problem may be selected from the burning problems of the time. Contemporary issues in economics, commerce and management can be identified into meaningful research problems. 2. Own interest: A researcher may select a problem for investigation of a given theory in which he has considerable interest. Choose a topic where the researcher can show his originality and ability. Guided by intellectual curiosity, researcher can find topic which is relatively unknown among the people of his profession. 3. Gaps in the field: A research problem may arise to fill the gaps in the research already conduced. Researcher can identify the unexplored areas of research and can modify, revise or alter the existing theories or principles
Selecting the research Problem: Some Guidelines In selecting a research problem, the following points may be observed by a researcher. 1. Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen. 2. Controversial subject should not become the choice of an average researcher. 3. Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided. [Link] subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible so that the related research material or sources are within one s reach. 5. The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the costs involved, the time factor are few other criteria to be considered in selecting a problem.
Techniques or steps in the formulation of a research problem 1. Statement of problem in a general way: The problem should be stated in a broad general way, keeping in view either some practical , scientific or intellectual interest. 2. Understanding the nature of the problem: Understand the nature of the problem through discussions. Find out how the problem originally came about and with what objectives. 3. Surveying the available literature: All available literature concerning the problem at hand must necessarily be surveyed and examined before a definition of the research problem is given
4. Developing the ideas through discussions: Discussion concerning a problem often produces useful information. People with rich experience are in a position to enlighten the researcher on different aspects of his proposed study and their advice and comments are invaluable in research. 5. Rephrasing the research problem: Through rephrasing , the researcher puts the research problem in as specific terms as possible so that it may become operationally viable and may help in the development of working hypotheses.
Hypothesis
Meaning and definition Hypothesis is a tentative proposition formulated for empirical testing. It is a tentative answer to a research question. Hypothesis are inevitable in scientific research as they guide the research process in the proper direction.
Sources of hypothesis 1. Analogy : Analogy is similarity between phenomena which represents a process of reasoning. These similarities noticed in various phenomena helps the formulation of hypothesis. 2. Observation in the day to day practices. : In research problems, generally cause and effect relationship is involved. Such relationships can be observed from day to day practices and based on these, hypothesis can be observed.
[Link] in past studies.: a study on one hypothesis or its testing in one situation may throw light on some other hypothesis. Previous studies provide sufficient clues for new hypothesis. 4. Findings of Research and Development department: This department is involved in new product development, new technology and new technique. In this process, they are bound to identify variables or factors and their relationships which can lead to the formulation of new hypothesis.
5. Experience or observations of the competitors: Researchers derive factors, variables, events, lessons or inter relations between variables from the experiences or observations of the competitors. In competitive situations, the strategies are formulated on the strategies and weakness of its competitors. Hypothesis can originate from these tactics or moves. 6. Suggestions from functional executives and floor managers: In managerial research, functional executives notice the strength, weakness and opportunities connected with the functions of the departments. Problems relating to behavioural, operational and industrial relations are received by the shop floor managers. All these can help to find new hypothesis
Formulation of hypothesis Formulation of hypothesis gives definite point to the enquiry, helps in establishing direction in which to proceed and helps to delimit the field of enquiry by choosing the pertinent point on which to concentrate. A researcher should consider all positive and negative results in true and scientific spirit while testing the hypothesis. A researcher has to be very careful in formulating a hypothesis. Through the researcher s reasoning insight and logical derivations from a theory, the hypothesis can be formulated. Tested hypothesis, if found acceptable, becomes facts and form part of the body of knowledge.
Types of hypothesis There are mainly two types of hypothesis 1. Crude hypothesis 2. Refined hypothesis A crude hypothesis is at the low level of abstraction. It indicates the kind of data to be collected and it does not lead to higher theoretical research in the nature of a law or a theory. Refined hypothesis is more significant in research. Refined hypothesis are (a) Hypothesis that state the existence of empirical uniformities (b) Hypothesis that are concerned with complex ideal types (c) Hypothesis that are concerned with relation of analytical variables.
(a)Hypothesis that state the existence of empirical uniformities: These hypothesis state some degree of uniformity among empirical phenomena. Ex. In urban markets, demand for consumer durables like refrigerators, washing machines etc are identical for all major brands. (b) Hypothesis concerned with complex ideal type: These hypothesis aim at testing the existence of logically derived relationships between empirical uniformities. These hypothesis are complex ideal types and are of relatively higher level of abstraction.
(c) Hypothesis concerned with the relation of analytical variables: These hypothesis deal with a study of analytic variables between changes in one property and changes in another. Ex. The demand for TV sets has relation with many factors like income of the consumer, advertising impact, broadcasting policy etc. In this case the testing of hypothesis are complex and they at the highest level of abstraction.
