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RM3. Formulating The Research Problem

This document discusses the process of formulating a research problem and clarifying a research topic. It begins by outlining the learning objectives, which are to generate research topics, identify attributes of good topics, turn ideas into research projects with clear questions and objectives, and draft a proposal. It then discusses problem selection as the first step, and defining the types of research problems. Key steps in formulating the problem are understanding it thoroughly and rephrasing it analytically. Criteria for selecting problems include novelty, importance, availability of data, and the researcher's qualifications. Sources of problems discussed include actual problems encountered, technological changes, academic experience, consultation, literature reviews, and existing practices/needs. The document provides guidance on

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Nahin Amin
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339 views

RM3. Formulating The Research Problem

This document discusses the process of formulating a research problem and clarifying a research topic. It begins by outlining the learning objectives, which are to generate research topics, identify attributes of good topics, turn ideas into research projects with clear questions and objectives, and draft a proposal. It then discusses problem selection as the first step, and defining the types of research problems. Key steps in formulating the problem are understanding it thoroughly and rephrasing it analytically. Criteria for selecting problems include novelty, importance, availability of data, and the researcher's qualifications. Sources of problems discussed include actual problems encountered, technological changes, academic experience, consultation, literature reviews, and existing practices/needs. The document provides guidance on

Uploaded by

Nahin Amin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Formulating the research

problem and clarifying the


research topic

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this chapter you should be able to:
1. Generate ideas that will help in the choice
of suitable research topics;
2. Identify the attributes of a good research
topic;
3. Turn research ideas into a research project
that has clear research questions and
objectives;
4. Draft a research proposal

Before a researcher can conduct a research


project, he must have a research problem to
work on. Hence, problem selection is
considered the first step in research.
Therefore, it is essential that novelty, utmost
care and close attention/importance be given
to the selection of the research problem.
There are two basic types of research
problems:
those which relate to states of nature, and
those which relate to relationships between
variables.

At the very outset the researcher must single


out the problem he/she wants to study, i.e.,
he/she must decide the general area of
interest or aspect of a subject-matter that he
would like to inquire into. Two essential steps
are involved in formulating the research
problem:
(a) understanding the problem thoroughly,
and
(b) rephrasing the same into meaningful
terms from an analytical point of view

How to select a research problem


There are two major criteria classified to
identify research problem :
1. External and
2. Personal
1. External criteria deal with such matters as:
a. Novelty and importance for the field,
b. Availability of data and choice of method,
c. Institutional or administrative cooperation.

2. Personal criteria considers as:


a. interest,
b. training,
c. cost and
d. time.

Research Problem:
Major Criteria's are as follows:
Unnecessary duplication
Practical value of the problem
Researchers interest in the problem
Availability of data and choice method
Training and special qualifications
Time required to investigate the problem
Cost involved in conducting the research
Institutional & administrative cooperation

Discovering the problem


The indication of a specific business
decision area that will be clarified by
answering some research questions.

Problem
Discovery

Second
ary data

Selection of
exploratory
research
techniques
Pilot
study

Experie
nce
survey

Sampli
ng
Data
gatheri
ng
Data
processi
ng and
analysis

Case
study

Problem definition
(statement of research
objectives)

Draw
conclusi
on and
preparin
g report

Selection of basic
research methods
Survey
Interview
Questionnaire

Experiment
Laboratory
Field

Second
ary data

Obser
vation

Additional criteria in Evaluating Research Problem:


The following are BEST questions for evaluating a
proposed research problem:
Is this problem that can be effectively solved
through the process of research?
Can relevant data be gathered to test the theory or
find
the
answer
to
the
problem
under
considerations?
Is the problem significant?
Is an important principle involved?
Would the solution make any difference as far as
educational theory? If not, there are undoubtedly a
significant problems waiting to be investigated,
Is the problem a new one and problem is feasible?

Source of Problem
Graduate students are often times confronted with
the difficulty of where to locate a research problem
that is not only worthy of investment of time, money,
and effort but is academically significant as well.
Following as the most likely sources to which one
may go for a suitable research problem in
educational environment:
1. Actual problems encountered: class room, school
or community to investigates;
2. Technological changes & circular developments;
3. The graduate academic experience;
4. Consultation;

Source of Problem
In addition to the above, there are another
five sources of research problems suggested
by famous scientists are worth considering:
Specialization,
Analysis of an area of knowledge,
Consideration of existing practices and
needs,
Repetition or extension of investigation,
Off-shoots of studies under way.

Literature Review
Generating research ideas, which includes:
Manuscripts

from
academic
professional journals
Books
Reports
Published
governmental
and
governmental reports
Magazines
News Paper etc.

and

non-

Hypothesis
This approach clearly establishes the nature
of the problem and the logic underlying the
investigation and gives direction to the data
gathering process. A good hypothesis has
several basic phenomena's:
It should be reasonable,
It should be consistent with known facts or
theories,
It should be tested and found to be probably
true or probably false and
It should be stated in the simple possible

Objectives
Every research begin with a general focus
research question and then generates more
detailed research questions,
Alternatively, you may use your general focus
research questions as a base from which you
write a set of research objectives.
Research Question: Why have organizations
introduced team briefing?
Research
Objective:
To
indentify
organizations objectives for team briefing
schemes.

Objectives are (we called SMART


test):
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Achievable
R = Realistic and
T = Timely

Writing A Research Proposal


1. Purpose of the research proposal
(clarifying your thoughts, in accordance with
need and strength)
2. Need to convince your audience
(by
exciting research plan, procedure, scope and
benefit; achievable time scale and financial
resources availability or possibility),
3. Contact with client (commercial client, or
own organization, academic committee).

A good research proposal has to


follow the essential elements:
1. The statement of the problem, either in
question from or as declarative statement
2. Hypothesis
3. The significance of the problem
4. Definitions, assumptions, limitations and
delimitations
5. Review of related literature
6. Time schedule / Milestone
7. A careful and detailed analysis of proposed
research procedures along with budgets

Research Proposal
After selecting a suitable research problem,
the researcher should next prepare a
research proposal or plan. The research
proposal serves a dual purpose,
First, it provides a systematic plan of
procedure for the researcher to follow;
Second, it provides a basis for the evaluation
of the project and gives the advisor a basis
during the period of his or her assistance.
A well designed research proposal is likely to
result in a worthwhile research project.

Research Proposal
A research proposal must contain followings:
1. Introduction: problem description, literature review,
hypothesis, and statement of the objectives
2. Listing of possible tests or measures to be
in the study

used

3. Description of the proposed sample and sampling


4. Research design
5. Chronological description of the procedure to
be used in carrying out the project
6. Plan for carrying out analysis of data to be
collected within time frame and budgets

Standard Format for a Research Proposal


Title of the study
1. Introduction (background and need)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Formulate the problem


Review of Related Literature
Hypotheses
Objectives

2. Materials and Methods (Research Design)


1.

2.

Description of the sources of Data and


Sample
Methodology

Standard Format for a Research Proposal


3. Descriptions of Instruments Used
4. Data Gathering Procedure
5. Statistical Treatment Applied
3. Project Timetable (Milestone of Project)
4. Statement of Expenses (Budget Estimates)
1.Transportation
2. Supplies and
3. Materials
Bibliography/References (Elsevier Format)

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