Definition a Research Problem

 

Defining a Research Problem

Research is a disciplined approach to inquiry. It is a tool for testing as well as generating theories. Every research plan is unique in itself and has its unique research problems. An old saying is, “a problem well defined is a problem half solved”.

By defining research problem, we mean a systematic way of asking and answering research questions. Meaningful, productive and useful research depends on the development of appropriate research questions, the identification of appropriate constructs and confidence we can have in our findings. There are two main steps in defining a research problem:

1.     Formulation of the problem

2.     Establishment of research objectives

Formulation of a problem is the most important step in a research process. A clear statement of the problem is a key to good research. A firm may spend hundreds or thousands of rupees conducting research, but if it has not correctly identified the problem, this money is wasted. A clearly formulated research problem must answer all questions of the type Who, Why, How, When, Where, and What, regarding a research study.

With the problem or opportunity defined, the next step is to set objectives for research operations. Clear objectives can lead to clear results.

Research objectives, related to and determined by the problem formulation, are set so that when achieved they provide the necessary information to solve the problem. A good way of setting research objectives is to ask, “What information is needed in order to solve the problem?" Your objective might be to explore the nature of a problem so you may further define it, or perhaps it is to determine how many people will buy your product packaged in a certain way and offered at a certain price. Your objective might even be to test possible cause and effect relationships.

For example, if you lower your price, how much will it increase your sales volume? And what impact will it have on your profit?

The problem description, the research question, sub questions and the research objectives are part of an overall definition of a research problem.

Pankaj Mandape