Meaning of Research Problem

 

Meaning of Research Problem 

Research is a scientific, systematic and purposeful search, for new knowledge or for re-interpretation of existing knowledge. It is a journey, which starts with a problem and ends with a solution. Identifying a research problem is the first and foremost step in a research process. The statement of research problem is the axis around which the whole research revolves, because it explains in brief the aims and objectives of the research.

A research problem is a specific statement in the general area of investigation. It is a precise identification of a problem situation in a certain context involving what, why, who, where and when of the problem area.

1.     Who– means the person or business organization that is facing a problem.

2.     Why– means that there is a purpose, goal aim or objective to solve this problem.

3.     How– means the options of actions one can take to solve the problem.

4.     When–means the time frame in which the problem is to be solved.

5.     Where–means the environment in which the problem exists.

6.     What– means the optimum action that is to be taken in solving the problem to attain the best results.

Selecting a Research Problem

The old saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. A research study is another form of invention. Thus, if there is some necessity or a difficulty a business organization is facing, it forms a research problem that is to be investigated in order to fulfill that necessity or remove that difficulty. However, simple it may look, but selecting a research problem is a big problem in itself. Specially, when there is no apparent problem in an organization or when a students wants to select a research problem for the purpose of a dissertation or thesis for a degree or a diploma it becomes utmost important that the research problem must be very carefully chosen. Some of the guidelines that researcher must follow in selecting a research problem are listed below.

1.     Sources of problems: First of all one should look at the sources from which one can select a research problem. Those may be readily available problem that has been identified by a person or an organization. If that is not the case, one can make use of the experience of experts of that field. The survey of related literature may also help in selection of a research problem.

2.     Potential to be a research problem: One must ensure that the problem one has undertaken has potential to be called as a research problem. One should avoid trivial or meaningless problem. A research problem must provide solution to an existing problem or contribute to the body of knowledge.

3.     Select non-controversial issues: Unless the problem is specifically related to issues such as religion, dogmas, beliefs, sexual preferences etc; one should try to avoid taking up controversial subjects.

4.     Researcher’s interest and competency: In selection of research problem a researcher should choose a topic of his own field of study in which he has independent mastery in both the subject and method. The problem should sustain his interest, stimulate his imagination and should be within the range of his competencies.

5.     Resources available: To conduct a research study various resources are needed. A researcher must ensure the following points about the inputs of the problem:

(a) Time: The study must be completed in the allotted time frame.

(b) Funds: The amount of funds available from the sponsoring agencies must be known in advance and the study must be completed within given budget.

(c) Size of research: The size of the investigation must be manageable and should not be too large to handle. It should also not be too small to appear as a trivial problem.

(d) Co-operation of others: A researcher must ensure the necessary cooperation of colleagues and operational help of administrative authorities is available to the problem he is selecting.

(e) Literature and Material: Related literature is readily available to compare and support the research findings.

(f) Obtainable data: The selection of a problem should be such that the information or data needed for it is either readily available or obtainable.

In short, a researcher must select a research problem of his area of interest and should ensure the availability of all the comments needed to conduct the study. The consultation and guidance of experts, who have experience in that area, is a must. A researcher must seek help of such supervisors and guides in selecting a research problem.

Selecting a Research Problem

1.     Sources of problems

2.     Potential to be a research problem

3.     Select non-controversial issues

4.     Researcher’s interest and competency

5.     Resources available

(a) Time

(b) Funds

(c) Size of research

(d) Co-operation of others

(e) Literature and Material

(f) Obtainable data

Pankaj Mandape