formulation of a research problem depends upon

Formulating a Research Problem

• First Online: 01 January 2022

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• Sergey K. Aityan 2  

Part of the book series: Classroom Companion: Business ((CCB))

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Any research starts with a question, the answer to which is unknown or unavailable. The research is completed when the answer is found. Carefully selecting and developing the research problem and then clearly and accurately stating it are critical steps in the research process. These steps should include selecting a manageable portion of the research area or topic for study. Clearly, accurately, and unambiguously stated research problem is easier to solve. One can say “a problem well put is a problem half solved.”

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Aityan, S.K. (2022). Formulating a Research Problem. In: Business Research Methodology. Classroom Companion: Business. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76857-7_4

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• How to Define a Research Problem | Ideas & Examples

How to Define a Research Problem | Ideas & Examples

Published on November 2, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on May 31, 2023.

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.

This article helps you identify and refine a research problem. When writing your research proposal or introduction , formulate it as a problem statement and/or research questions .

Table of contents

Why is the research problem important, step 1: identify a broad problem area, step 2: learn more about the problem, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research problems.

Having an interesting topic isn’t a strong enough basis for academic research. Without a well-defined research problem, you are likely to end up with an unfocused and unmanageable project.

You might end up repeating what other people have already said, trying to say too much, or doing research without a clear purpose and justification. You need a clear problem in order to do research that contributes new and relevant insights.

Whether you’re planning your thesis , starting a research paper , or writing a research proposal , the research problem is the first step towards knowing exactly what you’ll do and why.

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As you read about your topic, look for under-explored aspects or areas of concern, conflict, or controversy. Your goal is to find a gap that your research project can fill.

Practical research problems

If you are doing practical research, you can identify a problem by reading reports, following up on previous research, or talking to people who work in the relevant field or organization. You might look for:

• Issues with performance or efficiency
• Processes that could be improved
• Areas of concern among practitioners
• Difficulties faced by specific groups of people

Examples of practical research problems

Voter turnout in New England has been decreasing, in contrast to the rest of the country.

The HR department of a local chain of restaurants has a high staff turnover rate.

A non-profit organization faces a funding gap that means some of its programs will have to be cut.

Theoretical research problems

If you are doing theoretical research, you can identify a research problem by reading existing research, theory, and debates on your topic to find a gap in what is currently known about it. You might look for:

• A phenomenon or context that has not been closely studied
• A contradiction between two or more perspectives
• A situation or relationship that is not well understood
• A troubling question that has yet to be resolved

Examples of theoretical research problems

The effects of long-term Vitamin D deficiency on cardiovascular health are not well understood.

The relationship between gender, race, and income inequality has yet to be closely studied in the context of the millennial gig economy.

Historians of Scottish nationalism disagree about the role of the British Empire in the development of Scotland’s national identity.

Next, you have to find out what is already known about the problem, and pinpoint the exact aspect that your research will address.

Context and background

• Who does the problem affect?
• Is it a newly-discovered problem, or a well-established one?
• What research has already been done?
• What, if any, solutions have been proposed?
• What are the current debates about the problem? What is missing from these debates?

Specificity and relevance

• What particular place, time, and/or group of people will you focus on?
• What aspects will you not be able to tackle?
• What will the consequences be if the problem is not resolved?

Example of a specific research problem

A local non-profit organization focused on alleviating food insecurity has always fundraised from its existing support base. It lacks understanding of how best to target potential new donors. To be able to continue its work, the organization requires research into more effective fundraising strategies.

Once you have narrowed down your research problem, the next step is to formulate a problem statement , as well as your research questions or hypotheses .

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If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

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• How To Formulate A Research Problem

Introduction

In the dynamic realm of academia, research problems serve as crucial stepping stones for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. Research problems lay the groundwork for inquiry and exploration that happens when conducting research. They direct the path toward knowledge expansion.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different ways you can identify and formulate a research problem. We will also highlight how you can write a research problem, its significance in guiding your research journey, and how it contributes to knowledge advancement.

Understanding the Essence of a Research Problem

A research problem is defined as the focal point of any academic inquiry. It is a concise and well-defined statement that outlines the specific issue or question that the research aims to address. This research problem usually sets the tone for the entire study and provides you, the researcher, with a clear purpose and a clear direction on how to go about conducting your research.

There are two ways you can consider what the purpose of your research problem is. The first way is that the research problem helps you define the scope of your study and break down what you should focus on in the research. The essence of this is to ensure that you embark on a relevant study and also easily manage it. 

The second way is that having a research problem helps you develop a step-by-step guide in your research exploration and execution. It directs your efforts and determines the type of data you need to collect and analyze. Furthermore, a well-developed research problem is really important because it contributes to the credibility and validity of your study.

It also demonstrates the significance of your research and its potential to contribute new knowledge to the existing body of literature in the world. A compelling research problem not only captivates the attention of your peers but also lays the foundation for impactful and meaningful research outcomes.

Identifying a Research Problem

To identify a research problem, you need a systematic approach and a deep understanding of the subject area. Below are some steps to guide you in this process:

• Conduct a Literature Review: Before you dive into your research problem, ensure you get familiar with the existing literature in your field. Analyze gaps, controversies, and unanswered questions. This will help you identify areas where your research can make a meaningful contribution.
• Consult with Peers and Mentors: Participate in discussions with your peers and mentors to gain insights and feedback on potential research problems. Their perspectives can help you refine and validate your ideas.
• Define Your Research Objectives: Clearly outline the objectives of your study. What do you want to achieve through your research? What specific outcomes are you aiming for?

Formulating a Research Problem

Once you have identified the general area of interest and specific research objectives, you can then formulate your research problem. Things to consider when formulating a research problem:

• Clarity and Specificity: Your research problem should be concise, specific, and devoid of ambiguity. Avoid vague statements that could lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
• Originality: Strive to formulate a research problem that addresses a unique and unexplored aspect of your field. Originality is key to making a meaningful contribution to the existing knowledge.
• Feasibility: Ensure that your research problem is feasible within the constraints of time, resources, and available data. Unrealistic research problems can hinder the progress of your study.
• Refining the Research Problem: It is common for the research problem to evolve as you delve deeper into your study. Don’t be afraid to refine and revise your research problem if necessary. Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and experts in your field to ensure the strength and relevance of your research problem.

How Do You Write a Research Problem?

Steps to consider in writing a Research Problem:

• Select a Topic: The first step in writing a research problem is to select a specific topic of interest within your field of study. This topic should be relevant, and meaningful, and have the potential to contribute to existing knowledge.
• Conduct a Literature Review: Before formulating your research problem, conduct a thorough literature review to understand the current state of research on your chosen topic. This will help you identify gaps, controversies, or areas that need further exploration.
• Identify the Research Gap: Based on your literature review, pinpoint the specific gap or problem that your research aims to address. This gap should be something that has not been adequately studied or resolved in previous research.
• Be Specific and Clear: The research problem should be framed in a clear and concise manner. It should be specific enough to guide your research but broad enough to allow for meaningful investigation.
• Ensure Feasibility: Consider the resources and constraints available to you when formulating the research problem. Ensure that it is feasible to address the problem within the scope of your study.
• Align your Research Goals: The research problem should align with the overall goals and objectives of your study. It should be directly related to the research questions you intend to answer.

Related: How to Write a Problem Statement for your Research

Research Problem vs Research Questions

Research Problem: The research problem is a broad statement that outlines the overarching issue or gap in knowledge that your research aims to address. It provides the context and motivation for your study and helps establish its significance and relevance. The research problem is typically stated in the introduction section of your research proposal or thesis.

Research Questions: Research questions are specific inquiries that you seek to answer through your research. These questions are derived from the research problem and help guide the focus of your study. They are often more detailed and narrow in scope compared to the research problem. Research questions are usually listed in the methodology section of your research proposal or thesis.

Difference Between a Research Problem and a Research Topic

Research Problem: A research problem is a specific issue, gap, or question that requires investigation and can be addressed through research. It is a clearly defined and focused problem that the researcher aims to solve or explore. The research problem provides the context and rationale for the study and guides the research process. It is usually stated as a question or a statement in the introduction section of a research proposal or thesis.

Example of a Research Problem: “ What are the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions in the online retail industry ?”

Research Topic: A research topic, on the other hand, is a broader subject or area of interest within a particular field of study. It is a general idea or subject that the researcher wants to explore in their research. The research topic is more general and does not yet specify a specific problem or question to be addressed. It serves as the starting point for the research, and the researcher further refines it to formulate a specific research problem.

Example of a Research Topic: “ Consumer behavior in the online retail industry.”

In summary, a research topic is a general area of interest, while a research problem is a specific issue or question within that area that the researcher aims to investigate.

Difference Between a Research Problem and Problem Statement

Research Problem: As explained earlier, a research problem is a specific issue, gap, or question that you as a researcher aim to address through your research. It is a clear and concise statement that defines the focus of the study and provides a rationale for why it is worth investigating.

Example of a Research Problem: “What is the impact of social media usage on the mental health and well-being of adolescents?”

Problem Statement: The problem statement, on the other hand, is a brief and clear description of the problem that you want to solve or investigate. It is more focused and specific than the research problem and provides a snapshot of the main issue being addressed.

Example of a Problem Statement: “ The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social media usage and the mental health outcomes of adolescents, with a focus on depression, anxiety, and self-esteem.”

In summary, a research problem is the broader issue or question guiding the study, while the problem statement is a concise description of the specific problem being addressed in the research. The problem statement is usually found in the introduction section of a research proposal or thesis.

Challenges and Considerations

Formulating a research problem involves several challenges and considerations that researchers should carefully address:

• Feasibility: Before you finalize a research problem, it is crucial to assess its feasibility. Consider the availability of resources, time, and expertise required to conduct the research. Evaluate potential constraints and determine if the research problem can be realistically tackled within the given limitations.
• Novelty and Contribution: A well-crafted research problem should aim to contribute to existing knowledge in the field. Ensure that your research problem addresses a gap in the literature or provides innovative insights. Review past studies to understand what has already been done and how your research can build upon or offer something new.
• Ethical and Social Implications: Take into account the ethical and social implications of your research problem. Research involving human subjects or sensitive topics requires ethical considerations. Consider the potential impact of your research on individuals, communities, or society as a whole. 
• Scope and Focus: Be mindful of the scope of your research problem. A problem that is too broad may be challenging to address comprehensively, while one that is too narrow might limit the significance of the findings. Strike a balance between a focused research problem that can be thoroughly investigated and one that has broader implications.
• Clear Objectives: Ensure that your research problem aligns with specific research objectives. Clearly define what you intend to achieve through your study. Having well-defined objectives will help you stay on track and maintain clarity throughout the research process.
• Relevance and Significance: Consider the relevance and significance of your research problem in the context of your field of study. Assess its potential implications for theory, practice, or policymaking. A research problem that addresses important questions and has practical implications is more likely to be valuable to the academic community and beyond.
• Stakeholder Involvement: In some cases, involving relevant stakeholders early in the process of formulating a research problem can be beneficial. This could include experts in the field, practitioners, or individuals who may be impacted by the research. Their input can provide valuable insights that can help you enhance the quality of the research problem.

In conclusion, understanding how to formulate a research problem is fundamental for you to have meaningful research and intellectual growth. Remember that a well-crafted research problem serves as the foundation for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields. It not only enhances the credibility and relevance of your study but also contributes to the expansion of knowledge and the betterment of society.

Therefore, put more effort into the process of identifying and formulating research problems with enthusiasm and curiosity. Engage in comprehensive literature reviews, observe your surroundings, and reflect on the gaps in existing knowledge. Lastly, don’t forget to be mindful of the challenges and considerations, and ensure your research problem aligns with clear objectives and ethical principles.

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How to Formulate a Research Problem: A Detailed Guide

Formulating a research problem is the first step of the research process. That’s because this is the issue that will guide your entire research work. You can’t solve an unknown problem. And solving a problem is the core aim of every research. Thus, a problem forms the basis of every study. If you formulate your study problem correctly, you will achieve better results and the ultimate aim of your research. This article explains the process of preparing a study problem.

What is a Research Problem?

A common question that most students ask when starting to write academic papers and essays is, “what is research problem?”

This research problem definition indicates that the expression can be practical and focused on contributing to a particular change or expanding knowledge. While some studies can do both, a problem can only do one. Therefore, your choice of a study research problem should depend on your interest area, topic, and research type.

Essentially, the research statement serves the following purposes: It introduces the importance of your study topic to the reader. This statement orients the readers to the significance of your study and the hypothesis or research questions that follow. It puts the problem into context. This expression defines your topic’s parameters by telling the audience what you will investigate. It creates the results’ reporting framework while indicating what you probably need for the study. It also explains how you will present the information in your findings.

How to Identify Problem in Research

Once you’ve selected an academic paper’s topic, the next step is staying a study problem that identifies the issues you intend to address. Formulating this expression is not always easy. Thus, some learners spend a lot of their precious time exploring, thinking, and studying before deciding on the problem to answer.

A research topic can also be too broad to provide a researchable issue. For instance, child poverty and other social issues might not give you a researchable question. That’s because they are general issues for a learner to address. Thus, researching such matters requires a lot of resources and time. Therefore, they are unfeasible for a study, and a paper about any of such issues will lack depth and focus.

How Do You State a Research Problem?

Stating a study problem will influence the success of your paper. You can generate several researchable issues from one subject. That’s because a single topic can have many arising issues. However, your study should focus on a single point on your preferred subject.

Here are the essential traits of a study problem: It reflects on critical needs or issues It has factual evidence, not hypothetical, as its basis It’s relevant and manageable It suggests a meaningful and testable hypothesis, not useless answers

Your research topic should be interesting for you to have things to tell the audience about it. However, that’s not the sole thing that makes it suitable for your academic research. You also need a well-defined study problem, without which you will have an unmanageable and unfocused project.

Essentially, your study could be a repetition of what other people have said in their work. You might also try to say many things or conduct a study without justification or purpose. As such, you need a study problem to engage in a study that will contribute relevant and new insights into your field.

Whether planning a thesis, a research paper, or a proposal, formulating a study problem will enable you to decide what to do and the reason for it. That’s because it states your intention to address the existing situation. Ideally, the goal is not only finding a conclusion solution. Instead, it’s to seek out reasons for the problem and suggest practical approaches for understanding or tackling it.

How to Formulate a Research Problem

To ensure that the audience knows your study’s purpose, start by formulating the problem. What’s more, this statement guides you from the beginning to the end of the research and writing process. Therefore, develop a study problem that focuses your research on providing valuable and relevant data. Essentially, a problem statement is an essential and effective tool for keeping you on track. But how do you write a research problem? Here are the steps to follow when formulating a study problem.

• Specify Your Study Objectives

Your problem statement should define the objectives of your study. That way, you can use it as your guide for conducting and developing meaningful and practical research. Research objectives should be manageable to ensure a relevant study. What’s more, this statement should help the audience or the professor evaluate the questions you want to answer with a research problem. It should also explain the methods you will use to address the questions.

• Review the Environment or Context of Your Research

For your research project to be successful, take your time to test and define all possible environmental variables. That way, you can determine whether your study findings will deliver sufficient data that’s worth consideration. Therefore, identify ecological variables that can affect your study and then formulate effective control methods for all of them.

• Determine the Nature of Your Study Problem

A study problem can be complex or straightforward. It can be anything, depending on the variables. For instance, a problem can be directly relevant to a specific study question. Another one can be unimportant for a project. Understanding your study problem’s nature enables you to find practical solutions. Therefore, understand all dimensions when stating a research problem. Think about all relevant details, including your focus groups. That way, you will get the necessary insights into your study questions.

• Determine How Variables Relate

Social, scientific, and other studies focus on establishing a repeating behaviors’ sequence over time. Completing a process involves:

The identification of variables that may affect potential solutions to your study problem Deciding on the level to which you can control or use them for purposes of your study Establishing functional relationships among variables Selecting essential variables for your study problem’s solution Consider and develop several potential variable relationships at the formulation stage.

• Research Problem’s Structure

At this stage, check as many researchable problem examples as possible. That way, you can notice or understand how to structure a study problem. A good problem will enable you to determine the quality of your findings, methods, and answers. Quantitative designs employ deductive reasoning in stating a testable hypothesis. On the other hand, qualitative techniques use inductive reasoning to create a strong thesis statement.

Tips for Guiding Your Problem Formulation Process

As hinted, you should formulate the study problem at the beginning of the study or scientific process. However, your formulation process should start with a preliminary investigation of the topic. That means checking literature reviews, previous experiments, and research can provide hints into vague interest areas. Thus, you don’t select a research problem without a clue about the topic.

Instead, check areas with exciting results. Also, choose a field with exploration potential. You can review a successful experiment by disagreeing with the results, tests, methodology and then defining the process or even retesting the hypothesis. Ideally, you can read several research papers for hints on how to formulate, structure, and present your study problem. Here are more tips for developing a practical study problem.

• Revise Your Study Problem

Before using a study problem, get feedback from colleagues, teachers, and other people. Some people might tell you that your problem is very broad or difficult to understand. However, you’re the one to decide whether to use the statement as it is or revise it. Write the final, formal version after editing it based on the feedback from friends, teachers, and other people.

• Determine Whether the Study Problem Is Good

You can self-test the problem to determine whether it’s sufficiently suitable for your project. Ensure the following before proceeding with the study problem:

It allows you to provide several potential answers It’s flexible, open-ended, and testable You can address it with sufficient evidence You can break it into several resolvable parts It’s clear and precise The premise is explicit It allows you to explain the importance of your solutions It’s ideal for your paper’s length It doesn’t include vague terms requiring definitions

• Check the Qualities of the Formal Version

You will need to check an example of research problem once in a while during the formulation process. That way, you will know how to create a practical study problem. However, the final version of the study problem should attract attention after classroom discussions or general reading. Here are the qualities that your study problem should exhibit.

Relevancy Interesting Focused and specific Researchable

An ideal study problem has sufficient bearing on the topic. It also sticks to the limits set by the professor. Selecting an intriguing subject will motivate you. However, your subject shouldn’t be very broad or vague. If the educator assigns you a general research question, focus on specific aspects, events, or periods. Essentially, you should not have more than a few potential answers.

Also, get insights into the available materials. For instance, you can visit your academic and local libraries to check the updated and relevant databases, magazines, journals, books, and other information sources. In the beginning, a study problem can seem doable. However, your preliminary research will help you test it to determine whether you can find sufficient data.

Get Professional Assistance- Why Hire Expert Writers?

Using the above tips and methods can enable you to formulate a study problem for any project. What’s more, you can use a research problem example to determine the structure of this statement. However, you can have difficulties formulating a practical problem if the educator sets complex limits for you. You can also lack sufficient skills or time to compose your study problem. In that case, you need professional assistance to come up with a practical study problem.

Hiring professional writers will enable you to develop a practical problem to focus on answering in your research. That’s because these experts have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experienced to provide quality academic writing help. With their assistance, you will score high grades and excel academically after submitting your paper. What’s more, the best experts charge affordable prices. That means you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get professional assistance with your study problem.

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What is a Research Problem? Characteristics, Types, and Examples

A research problem is a gap in existing knowledge, a contradiction in an established theory, or a real-world challenge that a researcher aims to address in their research. It is at the heart of any scientific inquiry, directing the trajectory of an investigation. The statement of a problem orients the reader to the importance of the topic, sets the problem into a particular context, and defines the relevant parameters, providing the framework for reporting the findings. Therein lies the importance of research problem s.  

The formulation of well-defined research questions is central to addressing a research problem . A research question is a statement made in a question form to provide focus, clarity, and structure to the research endeavor. This helps the researcher design methodologies, collect data, and analyze results in a systematic and coherent manner. A study may have one or more research questions depending on the nature of the study.   

Identifying and addressing a research problem is very important. By starting with a pertinent problem , a scholar can contribute to the accumulation of evidence-based insights, solutions, and scientific progress, thereby advancing the frontier of research. Moreover, the process of formulating research problems and posing pertinent research questions cultivates critical thinking and hones problem-solving skills.   

Table of Contents

What is a Research Problem ?  

Before you conceive of your project, you need to ask yourself “ What is a research problem ?” A research problem definition can be broadly put forward as the primary statement of a knowledge gap or a fundamental challenge in a field, which forms the foundation for research. Conversely, the findings from a research investigation provide solutions to the problem .  

A research problem guides the selection of approaches and methodologies, data collection, and interpretation of results to find answers or solutions. A well-defined problem determines the generation of valuable insights and contributions to the broader intellectual discourse.  

Characteristics of a Research Problem  

Knowing the characteristics of a research problem is instrumental in formulating a research inquiry; take a look at the five key characteristics below:  

Novel : An ideal research problem introduces a fresh perspective, offering something new to the existing body of knowledge. It should contribute original insights and address unresolved matters or essential knowledge.   

Significant : A problem should hold significance in terms of its potential impact on theory, practice, policy, or the understanding of a particular phenomenon. It should be relevant to the field of study, addressing a gap in knowledge, a practical concern, or a theoretical dilemma that holds significance.  

Feasible: A practical research problem allows for the formulation of hypotheses and the design of research methodologies. A feasible research problem is one that can realistically be investigated given the available resources, time, and expertise. It should not be too broad or too narrow to explore effectively, and should be measurable in terms of its variables and outcomes. It should be amenable to investigation through empirical research methods, such as data collection and analysis, to arrive at meaningful conclusions A practical research problem considers budgetary and time constraints, as well as limitations of the problem . These limitations may arise due to constraints in methodology, resources, or the complexity of the problem.  

Clear and specific : A well-defined research problem is clear and specific, leaving no room for ambiguity; it should be easily understandable and precisely articulated. Ensuring specificity in the problem ensures that it is focused, addresses a distinct aspect of the broader topic and is not vague.  

Rooted in evidence: A good research problem leans on trustworthy evidence and data, while dismissing unverifiable information. It must also consider ethical guidelines, ensuring the well-being and rights of any individuals or groups involved in the study.

Types of Research Problems  

Across fields and disciplines, there are different types of research problems . We can broadly categorize them into three types.  

• Theoretical research problems

Theoretical research problems deal with conceptual and intellectual inquiries that may not involve empirical data collection but instead seek to advance our understanding of complex concepts, theories, and phenomena within their respective disciplines. For example, in the social sciences, research problem s may be casuist (relating to the determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience), difference (comparing or contrasting two or more phenomena), descriptive (aims to describe a situation or state), or relational (investigating characteristics that are related in some way).  

Here are some theoretical research problem examples :   

• Ethical frameworks that can provide coherent justifications for artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, especially in contexts involving autonomous decision-making and moral agency.  
• Determining how mathematical models can elucidate the gradual development of complex traits, such as intricate anatomical structures or elaborate behaviors, through successive generations.  
• Applied research problems

Applied or practical research problems focus on addressing real-world challenges and generating practical solutions to improve various aspects of society, technology, health, and the environment.  

Here are some applied research problem examples :   

• Studying the use of precision agriculture techniques to optimize crop yield and minimize resource waste.  
• Designing a more energy-efficient and sustainable transportation system for a city to reduce carbon emissions.  
• Action research problems

Action research problems aim to create positive change within specific contexts by involving stakeholders, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes in a collaborative manner.  

Here are some action research problem examples :   

• Partnering with healthcare professionals to identify barriers to patient adherence to medication regimens and devising interventions to address them.  
• Collaborating with a nonprofit organization to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs aimed at providing job training for underserved populations.  

These different types of research problems may give you some ideas when you plan on developing your own.  

How to Define a Research Problem  

You might now ask “ How to define a research problem ?” These are the general steps to follow:   

• Look for a broad problem area: Identify under-explored aspects or areas of concern, or a controversy in your topic of interest. Evaluate the significance of addressing the problem in terms of its potential contribution to the field, practical applications, or theoretical insights.
• Learn more about the problem: Read the literature, starting from historical aspects to the current status and latest updates. Rely on reputable evidence and data. Be sure to consult researchers who work in the relevant field, mentors, and peers. Do not ignore the gray literature on the subject.
• Identify the relevant variables and how they are related: Consider which variables are most important to the study and will help answer the research question. Once this is done, you will need to determine the relationships between these variables and how these relationships affect the research problem . 
• Think of practical aspects : Deliberate on ways that your study can be practical and feasible in terms of time and resources. Discuss practical aspects with researchers in the field and be open to revising the problem based on feedback. Refine the scope of the research problem to make it manageable and specific; consider the resources available, time constraints, and feasibility.
• Formulate the problem statement: Craft a concise problem statement that outlines the specific issue, its relevance, and why it needs further investigation.
• Stick to plans, but be flexible: When defining the problem , plan ahead but adhere to your budget and timeline. At the same time, consider all possibilities and ensure that the problem and question can be modified if needed.

Key Takeaways  

• A research problem concerns an area of interest, a situation necessitating improvement, an obstacle requiring eradication, or a challenge in theory or practical applications.   
• The importance of research problem is that it guides the research and helps advance human understanding and the development of practical solutions.  
• Research problem definition begins with identifying a broad problem area, followed by learning more about the problem, identifying the variables and how they are related, considering practical aspects, and finally developing the problem statement.  
• Different types of research problems include theoretical, applied, and action research problems , and these depend on the discipline and nature of the study.  
• An ideal problem is original, important, feasible, specific, and based on evidence.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Why is it important to define a research problem?  

Identifying potential issues and gaps as research problems is important for choosing a relevant topic and for determining a well-defined course of one’s research. Pinpointing a problem and formulating research questions can help researchers build their critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities.   

How do I identify a research problem?  

Identifying a research problem involves recognizing gaps in existing knowledge, exploring areas of uncertainty, and assessing the significance of addressing these gaps within a specific field of study. This process often involves thorough literature review, discussions with experts, and considering practical implications.  

Can a research problem change during the research process?  

Yes, a research problem can change during the research process. During the course of an investigation a researcher might discover new perspectives, complexities, or insights that prompt a reevaluation of the initial problem. The scope of the problem, unforeseen or unexpected issues, or other limitations might prompt some tweaks. You should be able to adjust the problem to ensure that the study remains relevant and aligned with the evolving understanding of the subject matter.

How does a research problem relate to research questions or hypotheses?  

A research problem sets the stage for the study. Next, research questions refine the direction of investigation by breaking down the broader research problem into manageable components. Research questions are formulated based on the problem , guiding the investigation’s scope and objectives. The hypothesis provides a testable statement to validate or refute within the research process. All three elements are interconnected and work together to guide the research.  

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Try R Discovery Prime FREE for 1 week or upgrade at just US$72 a year to access premium features that let you listen to research on the go, read in your language, collaborate with peers, auto sync with reference managers, and much more. Choose a simpler, smarter way to find and read research – Download the app and start your free 7-day trial today !  

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Formulation of Research Question – Stepwise Approach

Simmi k. ratan.

Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India

1 Department of Community Medicine, North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College, New Delhi, India

2 Department of Pediatric Surgery, Batra Hospital and Research Centre, New Delhi, India

Formulation of research question (RQ) is an essentiality before starting any research. It aims to explore an existing uncertainty in an area of concern and points to a need for deliberate investigation. It is, therefore, pertinent to formulate a good RQ. The present paper aims to discuss the process of formulation of RQ with stepwise approach. The characteristics of good RQ are expressed by acronym “FINERMAPS” expanded as feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant, manageable, appropriate, potential value, publishability, and systematic. A RQ can address different formats depending on the aspect to be evaluated. Based on this, there can be different types of RQ such as based on the existence of the phenomenon, description and classification, composition, relationship, comparative, and causality. To develop a RQ, one needs to begin by identifying the subject of interest and then do preliminary research on that subject. The researcher then defines what still needs to be known in that particular subject and assesses the implied questions. After narrowing the focus and scope of the research subject, researcher frames a RQ and then evaluates it. Thus, conception to formulation of RQ is very systematic process and has to be performed meticulously as research guided by such question can have wider impact in the field of social and health research by leading to formulation of policies for the benefit of larger population.

I NTRODUCTION

A good research question (RQ) forms backbone of a good research, which in turn is vital in unraveling mysteries of nature and giving insight into a problem.[ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ] RQ identifies the problem to be studied and guides to the methodology. It leads to building up of an appropriate hypothesis (Hs). Hence, RQ aims to explore an existing uncertainty in an area of concern and points to a need for deliberate investigation. A good RQ helps support a focused arguable thesis and construction of a logical argument. Hence, formulation of a good RQ is undoubtedly one of the first critical steps in the research process, especially in the field of social and health research, where the systematic generation of knowledge that can be used to promote, restore, maintain, and/or protect health of individuals and populations.[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] Basically, the research can be classified as action, applied, basic, clinical, empirical, administrative, theoretical, or qualitative or quantitative research, depending on its purpose.[ 2 ]

Research plays an important role in developing clinical practices and instituting new health policies. Hence, there is a need for a logical scientific approach as research has an important goal of generating new claims.[ 1 ]

C HARACTERISTICS OF G OOD R ESEARCH Q UESTION

“The most successful research topics are narrowly focused and carefully defined but are important parts of a broad-ranging, complex problem.”

A good RQ is an asset as it:

• Details the problem statement
• Further describes and refines the issue under study
• Adds focus to the problem statement
• Guides data collection and analysis
• Sets context of research.

Hence, while writing RQ, it is important to see if it is relevant to the existing time frame and conditions. For example, the impact of “odd-even” vehicle formula in decreasing the level of air particulate pollution in various districts of Delhi.

A good research is represented by acronym FINERMAPS[ 5 ]

Interesting.

• Appropriate
• Potential value and publishability
• Systematic.

Feasibility means that it is within the ability of the investigator to carry out. It should be backed by an appropriate number of subjects and methodology as well as time and funds to reach the conclusions. One needs to be realistic about the scope and scale of the project. One has to have access to the people, gadgets, documents, statistics, etc. One should be able to relate the concepts of the RQ to the observations, phenomena, indicators, or variables that one can access. One should be clear that the collection of data and the proceedings of project can be completed within the limited time and resources available to the investigator. Sometimes, a RQ appears feasible, but when fieldwork or study gets started, it proves otherwise. In this situation, it is important to write up the problems honestly and to reflect on what has been learned. One should try to discuss with more experienced colleagues or the supervisor so as to develop a contingency plan to anticipate possible problems while working on a RQ and find possible solutions in such situations.

This is essential that one has a real grounded interest in one's RQ and one can explore this and back it up with academic and intellectual debate. This interest will motivate one to keep going with RQ.

The question should not simply copy questions investigated by other workers but should have scope to be investigated. It may aim at confirming or refuting the already established findings, establish new facts, or find new aspects of the established facts. It should show imagination of the researcher. Above all, the question has to be simple and clear. The complexity of a question can frequently hide unclear thoughts and lead to a confused research process. A very elaborate RQ, or a question which is not differentiated into different parts, may hide concepts that are contradictory or not relevant. This needs to be clear and thought-through. Having one key question with several subcomponents will guide your research.

This is the foremost requirement of any RQ and is mandatory to get clearance from appropriate authorities before stating research on the question. Further, the RQ should be such that it minimizes the risk of harm to the participants in the research, protect the privacy and maintain their confidentiality, and provide the participants right to withdraw from research. It should also guide in avoiding deceptive practices in research.

The question should of academic and intellectual interest to people in the field you have chosen to study. The question preferably should arise from issues raised in the current situation, literature, or in practice. It should establish a clear purpose for the research in relation to the chosen field. For example, filling a gap in knowledge, analyzing academic assumptions or professional practice, monitoring a development in practice, comparing different approaches, or testing theories within a specific population are some of the relevant RQs.

Manageable (M): It has the similar essence as of feasibility but mainly means that the following research can be managed by the researcher.

Appropriate (A): RQ should be appropriate logically and scientifically for the community and institution.

Potential value and publishability (P): The study can make significant health impact in clinical and community practices. Therefore, research should aim for significant economic impact to reduce unnecessary or excessive costs. Furthermore, the proposed study should exist within a clinical, consumer, or policy-making context that is amenable to evidence-based change. Above all, a good RQ must address a topic that has clear implications for resolving important dilemmas in health and health-care decisions made by one or more stakeholder groups.

Systematic (S): Research is structured with specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well-defined set of rules though it does not rule out creative thinking.

Example of RQ: Would the topical skin application of oil as a skin barrier reduces hypothermia in preterm infants? This question fulfills the criteria of a good RQ, that is, feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant.

Types of research question

A RQ can address different formats depending on the aspect to be evaluated.[ 6 ] For example:

• Existence: This is designed to uphold the existence of a particular phenomenon or to rule out rival explanation, for example, can neonates perceive pain?
• Description and classification: This type of question encompasses statement of uniqueness, for example, what are characteristics and types of neuropathic bladders?
• Composition: It calls for breakdown of whole into components, for example, what are stages of reflux nephropathy?
• Relationship: Evaluate relation between variables, for example, association between tumor rupture and recurrence rates in Wilm's tumor
• Descriptive—comparative: Expected that researcher will ensure that all is same between groups except issue in question, for example, Are germ cell tumors occurring in gonads more aggressive than those occurring in extragonadal sites?
• Causality: Does deletion of p53 leads to worse outcome in patients with neuroblastoma?
• Causality—comparative: Such questions frequently aim to see effect of two rival treatments, for example, does adding surgical resection improves survival rate outcome in children with neuroblastoma than with chemotherapy alone?
• Causality–Comparative interactions: Does immunotherapy leads to better survival outcome in neuroblastoma Stage IV S than with chemotherapy in the setting of adverse genetic profile than without it? (Does X cause more changes in Y than those caused by Z under certain condition and not under other conditions).

How to develop a research question

• Begin by identifying a broader subject of interest that lends itself to investigate, for example, hormone levels among hypospadias
• Do preliminary research on the general topic to find out what research has already been done and what literature already exists.[ 7 ] Therefore, one should begin with “information gaps” (What do you already know about the problem? For example, studies with results on testosterone levels among hypospadias
• What do you still need to know? (e.g., levels of other reproductive hormones among hypospadias)
• What are the implied questions: The need to know about a problem will lead to few implied questions. Each general question should lead to more specific questions (e.g., how hormone levels differ among isolated hypospadias with respect to that in normal population)
• Narrow the scope and focus of research (e.g., assessment of reproductive hormone levels among isolated hypospadias and hypospadias those with associated anomalies)
• Is RQ clear? With so much research available on any given topic, RQs must be as clear as possible in order to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her research
• Is the RQ focused? RQs must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available
• Is the RQ complex? RQs should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no” or by easily found facts. They should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of the writer
• Is the RQ one that is of interest to the researcher and potentially useful to others? Is it a new issue or problem that needs to be solved or is it attempting to shed light on previously researched topic
• Is the RQ researchable? Consider the available time frame and the required resources. Is the methodology to conduct the research feasible?
• Is the RQ measurable and will the process produce data that can be supported or contradicted?
• Is the RQ too broad or too narrow?
• Create Hs: After formulating RQ, think where research is likely to be progressing? What kind of argument is likely to be made/supported? What would it mean if the research disputed the planned argument? At this step, one can well be on the way to have a focus for the research and construction of a thesis. Hs consists of more specific predictions about the nature and direction of the relationship between two variables. It is a predictive statement about the outcome of the research, dictate the method, and design of the research[ 1 ]
• Understand implications of your research: This is important for application: whether one achieves to fill gap in knowledge and how the results of the research have practical implications, for example, to develop health policies or improve educational policies.[ 1 , 8 ]

Brainstorm/Concept map for formulating research question

• First, identify what types of studies have been done in the past?
• Is there a unique area that is yet to be investigated or is there a particular question that may be worth replicating?
• Begin to narrow the topic by asking open-ended “how” and “why” questions
• Evaluate the question
• Develop a Hypothesis (Hs)
• Write down the RQ.

Writing down the research question

• State the question in your own words
• Write down the RQ as completely as possible.

For example, Evaluation of reproductive hormonal profile in children presenting with isolated hypospadias)

• Divide your question into concepts. Narrow to two or three concepts (reproductive hormonal profile, isolated hypospadias, compare with normal/not isolated hypospadias–implied)
• Specify the population to be studied (children with isolated hypospadias)
• Refer to the exposure or intervention to be investigated, if any
• Reflect the outcome of interest (hormonal profile).

Another example of a research question

Would the topical skin application of oil as a skin barrier reduces hypothermia in preterm infants? Apart from fulfilling the criteria of a good RQ, that is, feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant, it also details about the intervention done (topical skin application of oil), rationale of intervention (as a skin barrier), population to be studied (preterm infants), and outcome (reduces hypothermia).

Other important points to be heeded to while framing research question

• Make reference to a population when a relationship is expected among a certain type of subjects
• RQs and Hs should be made as specific as possible
• Avoid words or terms that do not add to the meaning of RQs and Hs
• Stick to what will be studied, not implications
• Name the variables in the order in which they occur/will be measured
• Avoid the words significant/”prove”
• Avoid using two different terms to refer to the same variable.

Some of the other problems and their possible solutions have been discussed in Table 1 .

Potential problems and solutions while making research question

G OING B EYOND F ORMULATION OF R ESEARCH Q UESTION–THE P ATH A HEAD

Once RQ is formulated, a Hs can be developed. Hs means transformation of a RQ into an operational analog.[ 1 ] It means a statement as to what prediction one makes about the phenomenon to be examined.[ 4 ] More often, for case–control trial, null Hs is generated which is later accepted or refuted.

A strong Hs should have following characteristics:

• Give insight into a RQ
• Are testable and measurable by the proposed experiments
• Have logical basis
• Follows the most likely outcome, not the exceptional outcome.

E XAMPLES OF R ESEARCH Q UESTION AND H YPOTHESIS

Research question-1.

• Does reduced gap between the two segments of the esophagus in patients of esophageal atresia reduces the mortality and morbidity of such patients?

Hypothesis-1

• Reduced gap between the two segments of the esophagus in patients of esophageal atresia reduces the mortality and morbidity of such patients
• In pediatric patients with esophageal atresia, gap of <2 cm between two segments of the esophagus and proper mobilization of proximal pouch reduces the morbidity and mortality among such patients.

Research question-2

• Does application of mitomycin C improves the outcome in patient of corrosive esophageal strictures?

Hypothesis-2

In patients aged 2–9 years with corrosive esophageal strictures, 34 applications of mitomycin C in dosage of 0.4 mg/ml for 5 min over a period of 6 months improve the outcome in terms of symptomatic and radiological relief. Some other examples of good and bad RQs have been shown in Table 2 .

Examples of few bad (left-hand side column) and few good (right-hand side) research questions

R ESEARCH Q UESTION AND S TUDY D ESIGN

RQ determines study design, for example, the question aimed to find the incidence of a disease in population will lead to conducting a survey; to find risk factors for a disease will need case–control study or a cohort study. RQ may also culminate into clinical trial.[ 9 , 10 ] For example, effect of administration of folic acid tablet in the perinatal period in decreasing incidence of neural tube defect. Accordingly, Hs is framed.

Appropriate statistical calculations are instituted to generate sample size. The subject inclusion, exclusion criteria and time frame of research are carefully defined. The detailed subject information sheet and pro forma are carefully defined. Moreover, research is set off few examples of research methodology guided by RQ:

• Incidence of anorectal malformations among adolescent females (hospital-based survey)
• Risk factors for the development of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients (case–control design and cohort study)
• Effect of technique of extramucosal ureteric reimplantation without the creation of submucosal tunnel for the preservation of upper tract in bladder exstrophy (clinical trial).

The results of the research are then be available for wider applications for health and social life

C ONCLUSION

A good RQ needs thorough literature search and deep insight into the specific area/problem to be investigated. A RQ has to be focused yet simple. Research guided by such question can have wider impact in the field of social and health research by leading to formulation of policies for the benefit of larger population.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

R EFERENCES

Formulation of a research problem depends upon: a) What is the o

Formulation of a research problem depends upon:

a) What is the object behind the researcher's choice?

b) What are the specific questions?

c) What is the conceptual model?

d) What negative factors to research upon?

e) Reasons for unlimiting the study.

f) Construction of hypotheses.

A. a, c, e and f

B. b, c, d and e

C. a, b, c and f

D. c, d, e and f

Please scroll down to see the correct answer and solution guide.

Right Answer is: C

Research is a process consisting of identifying and defining the research problem, formulating and testing the hypothesis through data collection, organization and analysis, making deductions and reaching of conclusion from the test results of the hypotheses, and reporting and evaluating the research.

• The first and most important step of research is formulation of research problems. It is like the foundation of a building to be constructed.
• It aims to explore an existing uncertainty in an area of concern and points to a need for deliberate investigation. It is, therefore, pertinent to formulate a good Research Question.

Formulation of a research problem depends upon the following questions-

What is the object behind the researcher's choice?

• A clear problem statement that can easily define all of the objectives is helpful for effective research. It creates a framework as well as boundaries and streamlines the process.
• Objectives are the goals set out to be attained. Since these objectives inform what we want to achieve through the research, it is extremely important to word them clearly and specifically.

What are the specific questions?

• The simplicity or the complexity of the research problem depends upon the number of variables and the relationship between these variables.
• If a researcher is able to easily explore and understand the nature of a problem, it is easy for him\her to develop better solutions to the research problem. It is also helpful for the evaluation of outcomes.
• Through specific questions, one can get an idea of whether the research has provided all the possible answers.

What is the conceptual model?

• A conceptual model is a framework that is initially used in research to outline the possible courses of action or to present an idea or thought. When a conceptual model is developed in a logical manner, it will provide rigor to the research process.
•   which factors affect the solution to the research problem.
• which ones can be controlled and used, and to what extent.
• the functional relationships between the factors
• which ones are critical to the solution to the research problem.

Construction of hypotheses.

• A hypothesis is a proposed theory or explanation for an observation, phenomenon or problem; which can be tested through further study and/or experimentation. An effective hypothesis should be a clearly stated and testable prediction of an outcome. It is an argument that one variable will or will not change in response to another. The argument is then tested or answered by conducting a scientific investigation or further research.

What negative factors to research upon and reasons for unlimiting the study are not related to the formulation of a research problem but individual behavior. They are more like outside the purview of the research ecosystem as they pertain to the behaviour of the research and not a part of the objective of the research.

Related Questions एक शोध समस्या का गठन इस पर निर्भर करता है: a) शोधकर्ता की पसंद के पीछ Below are given two sets – research methods (Set-I) and data collectio नीचे दो सेट दिए गए हैं - शोध प्रणाlलियां (सेट- I) और डेटा संग्रह उपकरण Artefacts that arise and affect the internal validity in research are:

Formulation of research problem. Formulation of Problem for Research 2022-10-12

The formulation of a research problem is a crucial first step in the research process. It involves identifying a topic of interest and defining a specific question or set of questions that the research aims to answer. This is an important step because it helps to focus the direction of the research and provides a clear objective for the study.

There are several factors to consider when formulating a research problem. One important factor is the relevance of the topic to the field of study. It is important to choose a topic that is both interesting and important to the field, as this will help to ensure that the research will be valuable and contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Another factor to consider is the feasibility of the research. This includes evaluating the availability of resources such as data and funding, as well as the practicality of carrying out the research. It is important to ensure that the research can be completed within a reasonable timeframe and budget.

In addition to these considerations, it is important to define the research question or problem in a clear and concise manner. This involves identifying the key variables or concepts that will be studied and determining how they will be measured. It is also important to consider the scope of the research and to define the boundaries of the study.

Overall, the formulation of a research problem is a crucial step in the research process. It involves identifying a relevant and feasible topic of interest, and defining a clear and concise research question or problem. By following these steps, researchers can ensure that their research is focused, relevant, and able to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in their field.

Formulation of the Research problem

. Your goal is to find a gap that your research project can fill. Once you selected your research study of interest, you should delete other subareas in which you do not feel interested. In order to do this, you have to identify the environmental variables that will affect the research project and begin formulating different methods to control these variables. The more you study the research problem it will be just as relevant and fruitful to solve the problem indeed. For most problems, there are also other participants. If the researcher is working in a field in which there has developed a well articulated theoretical system, he may want to test specific predictions or expectations based on that theory.

Problem Formulation

Research Methodology in Behavioural Sciences. They should be worded clearly and unambiguously. This step can help you define if the important findings of your study will deliver enough data to be worth considering. When researcher clearly understands the management questions, he translates them into research questions. This statement also helps professors with evaluation of the questions your research project answers and different methods that you use to address them. A research- consumer may have doubts as to which will be the most efficient means in one environment but would have no such doubt in another.

Formulation of Problem for Research

And, the health care industry has developed a number of approaches, many of them educational, to try to reduce the scope and cost of the problem. In the last step, a researcher re-evaluates every step involved in the formulation of research problem. Why do you need to do that? You may choose to look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge. Instead, check areas with exciting results. You can use the prior experiences of others to avoid common traps and pitfalls. In this case, your research title may be how unemployment produces criminal activities. Many of these involve making tradeoffs between rigor and practicality.

7 Basic Steps in Formulating a Research Problem

. Get Professional Assistance- Why Hire Expert Writers? Third, the literature review will help you to find and select appropriate measurement instruments. But this is not so in reality. Working through these steps presupposes a reasonable level of knowledge of the broad subject area within which the study is to be undertaken and the research methodology itself. In the absence of a clear and well defined research problem the researcher can become confused.

formulation of research webapi.bu.edu

There is no place for ambiguity, non-specificity, or incompleteness, either in the wording of your objectives or in the ideas they communicate. A researcher cannot study all the sub-ass identified from a broad field of interest. You can also lack sufficient skills or time to compose your study problem. That way, you will get the necessary insights into your study questions. Thus, some learners spend a lot of their precious time exploring, thinking, and studying before deciding on the problem to answer. A literature review is designed to identify related research, to set the current research project within a conceptual and theoretical context. Expert writers can help you with all academic tasks.

Selection and formulation of a research problem

Hence, the way you formulate a research problem determines all the subsequent steps that you have to follow during a research journey. Two or three clear goals will help to keep your research project focused and relevant. If your research question is broad, you can make it more specific by specific aspects, time periods, or events. A final decision is always up to you. Try to determine what the most credible research journals are in your topical area and start with those. For instance, child poverty and other social issues might not give you a researchable question. It means that research problems or questions are the fuel driving the entire scientific process and they serve as the foundation of any experimental design or method, from Why does it matter to researchers? Stating a study problem will influence the success of your paper.

What are the steps in the formulation of research problem?

The researcher may also be interested in the phenomena that have already been studied to a certain extent, in which case, the researcher may be interested in identifying more exactly the conditions that affect the given phenomena in a particular way. If the goal itself is unknown or ill-defined, the whole rigmarole of research operation will lead us nowhere. However, investigative questions should be reasonably answered in order to reach at specific conclusions. All problems understandably get reduced ultimately to the evaluation of efficiency of the alternative means for a given set of objectives. It is obviously the formulating of a research problem or selecting your research topic. ADVERTISEMENTS: 1 Research-Consumer: There must be an individual or a group which experiences some difficulty. Think about all relevant details, including your focus groups.

How to Formulate a Research Problem: Useful Tips

In some social science disciplines the research problem is typically posed in the form of a question. With their assistance, you will score high grades and excel academically after submitting your paper. This does not mean that you cannot develop a measurement procedure as the study progresses. It will help the decision makers evaluate the research questions your project should answer as well as the research methods your project will use to answer those questions. Some research will do both of these things, but usually the research problem focuses on one or the other. Therefore, your choice of a study research problem should depend on your interest area, topic, and research type.

Formulation of Research Problem

Then, ask yourself about your enthusiasm. Significant research questions might happen frequently to us. It may be a bit difficult to appreciate this, particularly in reference to a pure research directed toward knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Therefore, he selects the most appropriate research topics among various sub areas chat gain his supreme interest. A good problem will enable you to determine the quality of your findings, methods, and answers.

How to Define a Research Problem

For example, a person may have a problem involving a decision as to what kind of coat to wear on a clear day. The concept of 4Ps is applicable to both quantitative and qualitative research though the main difference at this stage is the extent of their specificity, dissection, precision, and focus. First, you might be able to find a study that is quite similar to the one you are thinking of doing. In a blind review, authors submit potential articles to a journal editor who solicits several reviewers who agree to give a critical review of the paper. If you are quite satisfied, then you forward to undertaking your research work. When a research problem is correctly defined, half of it is resolved therein. The research problem should always be defined in a comprehensive and precise form.