RESEARCH PROBLEM

Dr. Thin Nwe Oo

Professor/Head
Department of Management
Yangon University of Economics
 Introduction
• The term problem originates from a Greek
word “Proballein”
• Meaning
anything thrown forward,
a question proposed for solution,
a matter stated for examination.
 Introduction
• A research problem is a specific issue or gap in
existing knowledge that you aim to address in
your research. You may choose to look for
practical problems aimed at contributing to
change, or theoretical problems aimed at
expanding knowledge.
• Some research will do both of these things, but
usually the research problem focuses on one or
the other. The type of research problem you
choose depends on your broad topic of interest
and the type of research you think will fit best.
 What is a research problem?

• A research problem is a specific question,

problem, or difficulty that needs to be
investigated or analyzed.
• It is a concise statement that expresses the
difference between what is currently known
and what needs to be known or the
difference between a current situation and a
desired state.
 What is a research problem?

• Examining research problems helps to identify

the key concepts and terms of research. 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.
 Definition
• “a situation for which we have no ready and
successful response by previously acquired
habit”-by R.S.Woodworth.
• In other words it means a situation in which a
ready solution is not available. The solution
can be found out only after an investigation.
 Ask yourself

• To help locate your research problem for your

thesis, ask yourself such questions as:
 What was the issue/problem you want to study?
 What is the concern being addressed “behind”
this study?
 Why do you want to undertake this study?
 Why is this study important to the scholarly
community?
 OVERVIEW
General

Topic

Research
Problem

Research
Statement

Research
Questions
Specific
 Selection of a Research Problem
• Is the problem relevant and important.
• Does the subject area suits to his interest.
• Does it contain originality and creativeness.
• Does the problem requires extension of
knowledge.
 Cont..,
• Is the problem feasible with respect to time
and date required in its solution.
• Is the study reveal some new ideas.
• Is the study practically fulfill the objectives.
• Is the problem of investigation is too narrow
or too broad.
 Advantages of formulating a
research problem

Understanding the research

procedure-
Writing research problems helps in a more
comprehensive understanding of the research
procedure in a better way. Many researchers
think that formulating a research problem is
simple, but that is not true. The researcher needs
to put a lot of effort into creating a specific
problem and then understand the research
procedure.
Determining the research objective
A research problem helps to understand the
intention and goals of the research. The
methodology cannot be defined without a clear
research problem.
Design the research process
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.
Lays the foundation for research

Formulating a good research problem is

compared to laying the foundation of a
building. If the research problem is well-
identified, you will face fewer hiccups
during the research process.
 Steps involved in Research
• Choice of a topic.
• Data collection.
• Formation of objectives.
• Verification.
• Writing the thesis.
 Choice of Research Problem
• The interest of the research scholar in the
research work.
• Technological change.
• The unexplored area.
• The available publications on specialized area
of the interest.
• The dialogue or discussion with the
supervisor.
 Sources of Problem
• Published works
• Record of previous research.
• Discussion with learned person.
• Research abstracts, Research Bulletins,
Research reports and Dissertation abstracts.
• Conference proceedings and papers presented
in technical sessions.
• Trend Reports.
 Criteria of a Good Research Problem.

• Clarity and unambiguity: The problem should

be related clearly and unambiguously
question form.
• Empirical verification: The problem should
be such as to imply possibilities of empirical
testing.
 Relation between variables expressed: The
problem should express a relation between
two or more variables.
 Cont…,
• Novelty: fundamental qualities needed for a
research problem. Duplication of work is
avoided
• Interest: The problem should be interesting
for the investigator himself. If he is not
interested in it, he will not be able to take and
overcome the obstacle which comes at every
step of research.
• Importance: It should be significant enough
and involves an important principle or
practice.
 Cont…,
• Availability of Guidance: Every research activity
needs the patronage of guide and approval and
sanction of a competence authority.
 Experience and creativity: Good research problem
stem form a clear understanding of the theoretical
empirical and practical aspects of the subject derived
from personal experience and from a thorough
review of the literature.
• Level of Research: It is another criterion to help in
the selection of a problem. The nature and scope of
a study will be determined.
 Cont…,
• Amenability: The problem chosen for
research should be amenable to
investigation. Research should posses a
reasonable basic knowledge in necessary
statistical techniques.
• Availability of date:
• Availability of Co-operation:
• Availability of other facilities.