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RESEARCH PROBLEM

The identification of the research problem is the first step in the research process.

It is similar to the identification of the destination before a journey.

It works as the foundation for the whole research process.

In the field of social sciences, a research problem is presented in the form of a question. It helps in narrowing down the issue to something reasonable for conducting a study.

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PROBLEM

A question requiring

detailed study &

examination or

investigation for solution

is referred as a problem

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RESEARCH PROBLEM

A problem of an individual, org., govt., or society requiring solution

through a detailed , systematic and scientific study

is known as Research Problem.

It is a question

exploring an answer,

a need requiring a solution or

a demand requiring satisfaction.

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�Defining a Research Problem serves three main purposes �

It presents the importance of the research topic.
It helps the researcher place the problem in a specific context to properly define the parameters of the investigation.
It provides a framework that can help in presenting the results in the future.

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In absolute terms, a research problem can be defined as the statement

regarding the

area of concern, or

a condition that needs to be improved,

an unresolved question that exists in the literature,

a difficulty that needs to be eliminated or

any point that needs some meaningful investigation

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TYPES

Research Problems are of three types: descriptive (pertains to issues that need studying),

relational (research questions which focus on the relationship between two or more factors), and

causal research (problems that look at cause and effect).

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Descriptive research problems

Descriptive research problems focus on questions like ‘what is ?’,

with its main aim to describe the situation, state or the existence of certain specific phenomena. They seek to depict what already exists in a group or population. For such studies, surveys and opinion polls are best suitable because they require systematic observation of social issues.

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For example

‘what are the main factors affecting consumers’ purchase decisions?’

These problems use two different ways to collect data- cross-sectional studies and longitudinal studies. Cross-sectional studies provide a snapshot of data at a certain moment in time. On the other hand, longitudinal studies involve a fixed and stable sample that is measured repeatedly over time. However, in both cases, methods that can be used to collect data include mail, online or offline surveys, and interviews.

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Causal research problems

Causal research problems focus on identifying the extent and nature of cause and effect relationships.

Such research problems help in assessing the impact of some changes on existing norms and processes. They thus identify patterns of relationships between different elements.

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For example

‘how does online education affect students’ learning abilities?’

In such cases, experiments are the most popular way of collecting primary data. Here, the hypothesis is usually directional, i.e. explaining how one factor affects the behaviour of another one. Such studies give the researcher the freedom to manipulate the variables as desired.

Data for causal research can be collected in two ways: laboratory experiments and field experiments.

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Relational research problem

This research problem states that some sort of relationship between two variables needs to be investigated.

The aim is to investigate the qualities or characteristics that are connected in some way.

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For example

‘how is the experience of a teacher related to his/ her teaching style?’

Thus this sort of research problem requires more than one variable that describes the relationship between them

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NATURE

Originality
Clear-cut
Feasible
Time
Cost
Administrative support
Peer support cont….

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NATURE

8. Logical

9. Useful

10. Interesting

11. Ethical

12. Language

13. Empirical

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An Illustration

Suppose that a research problem in a broad general way is as follows:

Why do Maharashtrian entrepreneurs lack behind other business communities?