Chapter Two: Research Problem

Dr. Md. Musa Khan

Associate Professor
DEB, IIUC

What is the research problem?

A research problem is a specific issue, concern, or question that a
researcher seeks to investigate and address through systematic inquiry and
data collection. It is the starting point of any research study and defines
the purpose and scope of the research. Identifying a clear research
problem is essential, as it guides the entire research process and helps
formulate research objectives and hypotheses.
Characteristics of a well-defined research problem include:
1. Specificity: The research problem should be clearly and precisely
stated, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.
2. Relevance: The problem should be relevant to the field of study,
addressing gaps in existing knowledge or practical issues that
require investigation.
3. Significance: The research problem should have importance or
implications beyond the immediate context, contributing to
advancing knowledge or solving real-world problems.
4. Feasibility: The problem should be manageable within the available
resources, including time, budget, and data collection capabilities.

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 5. Novelty: Ideally, the research problem should offer new insights or
contribute to the existing body of knowledge by exploring uncharted
territory or testing new hypotheses.
6. Contextualization: The problem should be situated within a well-
defined context or theoretical framework, providing a clear
understanding of the subject matter.
7. Clarity of Objectives: The research problem should lead to specific
research objectives or questions that the study aims to address.
When formulating a research problem, researchers conduct a literature
review to understand the current state of knowledge in the field, identify
gaps or areas requiring further investigation, and refine their focus. Once
the research problem is well-defined, researchers can design the research
methodology, collect data, analyze findings, and draw conclusions to
address the problem.
Question
1. How would you define a research problem, and why is it considered
the foundation of any scientific inquiry or study?
2. What key characteristics distinguish a well-defined research
problem from a vague or poorly articulated one?
3. Can you provide examples of research problems from different
academic disciplines or industries to illustrate the diversity of
research inquiries?
Components of a Research Problem

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Individual or Group with a Difficulty or Problem: There should be an
individual, organisation, community, or group facing a specific difficulty,
challenge, or problem that requires investigation or resolution.
Objectives: Clearly defined goals or outcomes that the research aims to
achieve. These objectives provide a direction for the research and help
focus the study.
Alternative Courses of Action: Different potential solutions or courses
of action that can be pursued to address the identified problem. These
alternatives represent different approaches that can be considered and
evaluated.
Uncertainty or Doubt: A level of uncertainty or doubt in the researcher's
mind about which alternative course of action is the most suitable or
effective. This uncertainty prompts the need for research to explore and
evaluate the alternatives.
Relevant Environment: The specific context, setting, or environment in
which the identified difficulty or problem exists. This may include social,
cultural, economic, organizational, or other relevant aspects contributing
to the problem's existence.
By considering these components, researchers can develop a well-defined
research problem that addresses a real-life issue, outlines specific
objectives, identifies alternative solutions, acknowledges uncertainty, and
recognizes the appropriate environment in which the problem occurs.
Question

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 1. How does identifying and formulating a clear research topic
contribute to developing a well-defined research problem?
2. What is the significance of conducting a thorough background and
literature review in establishing the rationale and context for a
research problem?
3. How do a study's objectives and research questions contribute to
shaping the scope and direction of the research problem?
Issues (Points) of selecting the problem
1. Avoid Overdone Subjects: Choose a research problem that has not
been extensively explored or studied. Selecting an overdone subject
may make providing new insights or perspectives challenging.
2. Steer Clear of Controversial Subjects: Controversial topics can be
challenging, especially for average researchers. It is important to
carefully assess the complexity and sensitivity of the subject before
selecting it as a research problem.
3. Avoid Narrow or Vague Problems: Strike a balance between a
research problem that is too narrowly focused and an overly broad
or vague one. A well-defined problem provides clarity and guides
the research process effectively.
4. Consider Familiarity and Feasibility: Choose a research problem
that is familiar and feasible for you. Having access to research
material and sources related to the problem is crucial. It ensures you
can gather the necessary data and information for the study.

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 5. Assess Importance, Qualifications, Costs, and Time: Evaluate the
importance of the research problem, your qualifications and training
to tackle it effectively, the costs involved, and the time required to
conduct the research. These factors play a role in determining the
viability and suitability of the problem.
6. Conduct a Preliminary Study: Before finalizing a research problem,
conduct a preliminary study or literature review to gather
background information and identify existing knowledge gaps. This
helps refine and shape the research problem before proceeding with
the study.
By considering these points, researchers can select a research problem that
is novel, relevant, feasible, appropriately scoped, and aligned with their
qualifications and resources.
Question
1. How does the choice of a research problem that is too narrow or too
broad impact the overall research process and the potential
implications of the study?
2. What are the potential challenges researchers face when dealing
with controversial topics, and how can they address ethical
considerations while selecting such problems for research?
3. How can conducting a preliminary study or literature review help
researchers identify gaps in existing knowledge and refine their
research problem to ensure its relevance and significance?

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 4. How do the qualifications and training of a researcher influence their
ability to effectively select and tackle a research problem, and how
can researchers leverage their expertise to enhance the quality of
their study?
5. What are the key criteria researchers should consider in assessing
the importance and feasibility of a research problem, and how can
they strike a balance between the significance of the topic and the
available resources?
6. How can researchers determine the novelty and potential
contribution of a research problem to ensure it adds value to the
existing body of knowledge in their field of study?
What is the necessity of defining the research problem?
Properly defining a research problem is essential for any study and
represents a critically significant step. Indeed, formulating a problem is
frequently more crucial than its subsequent resolution. Consequently,
following a meticulous identification of the research problem, researchers
can proceed to develop a research design and effectively execute the
required steps involved in conducting the study.
Question
1. Why is it essential to define the research problem before initiating a
study?
2. What role does a well-defined research problem play in the research
process?

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 3. How does defining the research problem contribute to the overall
success of a research study?
4. What are the implications of not properly defining the research
problem?
What are the techniques (Steps) involved in defining a problem?
Defining a research problem involves several techniques or steps to
ensure a clear understanding of the issue at hand. Here are some
commonly used techniques or steps involved in defining a research
problem:
Identify the Research Area: The broad research area or field of interest.
This helps narrow the focus and provides a context for defining the
problem.
Conduct Preliminary Exploration: Conduct a preliminary exploration
of the chosen research area. Review existing literature, studies, and
theories to gain insights into current knowledge and identify gaps or
unresolved issues.
Identify a Specific Research Topic: From the broad research area,
identify a specific research topic that aligns with your interests, expertise,
and the identified gaps in knowledge. The topic should be specific enough
to be manageable within the scope of the study.
Review Relevant Literature: Conduct an extensive literature review to
understand the existing knowledge related to the research topic. Identify

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key concepts, theories, and findings that provide a foundation for defining
the problem.
Identify Research Objectives: Define the specific objectives that the
research aims to achieve. These objectives should align with the research
topic and address the gaps identified in the literature review.
Formulate Research Questions or Hypotheses: Formulate specific
research questions or hypotheses based on the research objectives. These
questions or hypotheses guide the research study and help define the
problem more precisely.
Consider Practical Considerations: Consider practical considerations
such as available resources, time constraints, and ethical considerations.
These factors may influence the definition and scope of the research
problem.
Refine and Narrow Down the Problem: Refine and narrow down the
research problem based on the identified objectives, research questions,
and practical considerations. Ensure that the problem is specific, concise,
and clearly defined.

Seek Feedback and Validation: Seek feedback from peers, advisors, or

experts in the field to validate the defined research problem. Their insights
and perspectives can help further refine and improve the problem
statement.

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Write the Problem Statement: Finally, write a concise and clear problem
statement that encapsulates the defined research problem. The problem
statement should reflect the specific issue to be addressed and provide a
clear direction for the research study.
These techniques help researchers define a research problem effectively
by narrowing down the focus, identifying objectives, formulating research
questions, and considering practical considerations. It is important to
thoroughly approach the process and seek feedback to ensure a well-
defined problem statement.
Question
1. What are the key steps involved in the process of defining a research
problem?
2. How does the identification of the research area contribute to
defining a problem effectively?
3. What role does conducting a preliminary exploration play in
defining a research problem?
4. How does a thorough literature review help refine and narrow the
research problem?
5. What are the considerations to keep in mind when formulating
research objectives?
6. How do research questions or hypotheses aid in defining a problem
with clarity and precision?

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 7. What practical factors should be considered when defining a
research problem?
8. How can seeking feedback and validation from peers or experts
assist in refining the problem statement?
9. What are the key elements to include in a well-written problem
statement?
10. How do the techniques or steps to define a research problem
ensure a focused and manageable study?
What is a research proposal?
A research proposal is a document that outlines the plan, objectives,
methodology, and significance of a proposed research study. It is a written
summary of the research project that provides an overview of the research
problem, the research questions or hypotheses, the intended research
methodology, and the expected outcomes or contributions of the study.
A research proposal typically includes the following sections:
1. Title: The research proposal's title should be concise and reflect the
essence of the study.
2. Introduction: An introduction to the research topic, including
background information, context, and the rationale for conducting
the study. This section highlights the research problem and its
significance.
3. Research Problem: A clear and well-defined statement of the
research problem or question the study aims to address. This section

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 explains the gap in knowledge or the unresolved issue that the
research seeks to explore.
4. Research Objectives: Clearly stated objectives outline what the
researcher intends to achieve through the study. The objectives
should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the research
problem.
5. Literature Review: A comprehensive review of relevant literature
and previous studies related to the research topic. This section
demonstrates the existing knowledge and research gaps the
proposed study aims to address.
6. Methodology: A detailed description of the research methodology
and the specific methods that will be used to collect and analyze
data. This section outlines the research design, sampling strategy,
data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques.
7. Timeline: A proposed timeline or schedule that outlines the key
milestones and activities of the research project. This helps estimate
the study's duration and ensures that the research can be completed
within a specified timeframe.
8. Expected Outcomes: A discussion of the anticipated outcomes,
findings, or contributions of the study. This section highlights the
potential impact of the research and its relevance to the field of
study.

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 9. Ethical Considerations: An overview of any ethical considerations
associated with the research project, such as participant consent,
data privacy, and potential risks or benefits.
10. Budget: A summary of the estimated budget required to
conduct the research, including costs related to data collection,
equipment, materials, and participant compensation, if applicable.
11. References: A list of cited references following a specific
citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) to acknowledge the sources
consulted in the research proposal.
A research proposal serves as a blueprint for the research study, providing
a clear structure and framework for the research project. It is often
submitted to funding agencies, academic institutions, or research
committees to seek approval and support for the proposed study
Question
1. What is the purpose of a research proposal, and why is it an essential
component of the research process?
2. How does a research proposal contribute to the successful planning
and execution of a research study?
3. What key elements should be included in a research proposal, and
how do they help convey the significance and feasibility of the
proposed research?
What is the purpose of a research proposal?

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The purpose of a research proposal is multi-fold and can vary depending
on the specific context and intended audience. Here are some common
purposes of a research proposal:
1. Outline the Research Plan: A research proposal provides a detailed
plan and framework for conducting a research study. It outlines the
research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes,
allowing researchers to organize their thoughts and present a clear
roadmap for the study.
2. Convince the Audience: A research proposal aims to persuade the
intended audience, such as funding agencies, academic institutions,
or research committees, that the proposed research is worth
undertaking. It presents a compelling case for the research's
significance, feasibility, and potential impact.
3. Demonstrate Researcher's Competence: A research proposal is
evidence of the researcher's knowledge, expertise, and ability to
conduct high-quality research. It showcases the researcher's
understanding of the research area, existing literature, and research
methods.
4. Obtain Funding or Resources: For researchers seeking financial
support or resources for their research, a research proposal is crucial
in securing funding or other necessary resources. It provides a
detailed breakdown of the expected costs, justifies the need for

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 resources, and demonstrates how the research aligns with the
priorities of funding bodies or organizations.
5. Receive Ethical Approval: In many cases, research proposals must
undergo an ethical review process to ensure that the study adheres
to ethical principles and safeguards the rights and well-being of
participants. A well-written research proposal helps obtain ethical
clearance or approval by clearly addressing ethical considerations
and providing plans for informed consent, data privacy, and
participant safety.
6. Facilitate Collaboration and Feedback: Research proposals often
involve collaboration with colleagues, advisors, or experts in the
field. Sharing a research proposal allows for valuable feedback,
suggestions, and input from others, which can strengthen the
research design and improve the overall quality of the study.
Overall, a research proposal is a comprehensive and persuasive document
that lays the foundation for a research study. It communicates the
importance and feasibility of the research, establishes the researcher's
credibility, and serves as a guide for planning and executing the research
project.

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