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Shapes the direction of the study
- Clearly articulating a research problem is essential because it shapes the direction of the study, influencing research design, methodology, and analysis.
researchmethod.net/research-problem/
Articulating a clear and concise research question is fundamental to conducting a robust and useful research study. Although “getting stuck into” the data collection is the exciting part of research, this preparation stage is crucial.
Jan 22, 2024 · A research problem serves as the cornerstone of any research endeavor, representing a specific issue, contradiction, or knowledge gap that researchers aim to explore. This article delves into...
- Why Is A Research Problem Important?
- Types of Research Problems
- Steps to Formulate A Research Problem
- Examples of Research Problems
- Tips For Defining A Strong Research Problem
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Conclusion
- References
The research problem is the foundation of the research process because it: 1. Defines the Study’s Purpose: It helps clarify what the research is trying to achieve. 2. Guides the Research Design: It determines which methodologies and data collection techniques are suitable. 3. Provides Focus and Direction: It prevents the study from being overly bro...
Theoretical Research Problem A theoretical problem focuses on developing new understanding or explanations of phenomena. It often deals with abstract ideas, concepts, or frameworks that require cla...Applied Research Problem Applied research problems focus on solving specific, practical issues. These problems often arise from real-world situations and seek solutions or improvements.Comparative Research Problem Comparative problems involve comparing two or more variables, groups, or phenomena to understand differences, similarities, or relationships. This type of problem is us...Exploratory Research Problem Exploratory problems are suitable when little information is available on a topic. They aim to gather insights, identify patterns, or provide an initial understanding o...Identify a Broad Topic Area Start by choosing a general area of interest. This could be anything from mental health and marketing to technology or education. Focusing on a topic you’re passionate a...Conduct Preliminary Research Conducting initial research helps you understand existing knowledge and identify gaps. Look at recent studies, articles, or reports in your field to find areas that nee...Narrow Down the Topic A broad topic needs to be narrowed to a specific issue. Consider the aspects of the topic that interest you most or that have limited research available. Narrowing the focus p...Identify the Problem Clearly define the problem or gap that the research aims to address. Frame it as a statement that indicates the issue, its context, and its importance.Example 1: In Education 1. Problem: Declining student engagement in online learning environments. 2. Research Question: What factors contribute to decreased engagement in online courses compared to in-person learning? Example 2: In Business 1. Problem: High employee turnover in customer service departments. 2. Research Question: How does job satisf...
Make It Specific: Clearly state the issue you intend to investigate. Avoid overly broad topics that are difficult to address.Identify Relevance: Choose a problem that has practical, theoretical, or social importance, demonstrating why the study matters.Align with Research Goals: Ensure that the problem aligns with the overall objectives of your research or field of study.Keep It Manageable: Be realistic about what you can accomplish within your time frame, resources, and skills.Overly Broad Problems: A vague or broad problem can make it difficult to formulate research questions or collect relevant data.Irrelevant or Trivial Problems: Choose a problem that has value and contributes meaningfully to your field of study.Unfeasible Problems: Ensure that your research problem is practical and can be addressed with available resources.Confusing the Problem with the Method: Define the issue clearly instead of describing the method. For example, “Using interviews to study…” is a method, not a problem.A well-defined research problem is crucial to successful research. By selecting a relevant, specific, and feasible problem, researchers set a strong foundation for their study. Whether you are studying education, business, psychology, or any other field, understanding the types and examples of research problems can help you structure a clear and fo...
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach. Sage Publications.Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. Sage Publications.Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson Education.Jul 25, 2023 · Research problems entail a comprehensive yet succinct description of a significant issue or concern, which allows for the generation of testable and observable assumptions about any phenomenon (Walliman, 2015). A research problem has three main components: context, significance, and purpose.
In this post, we’ll unpack what a research problem is and how it’s related to a problem statement. We’ll also share some examples and provide a step-by-step process you can follow to identify and evaluate study-worthy research problems for your own project.
Jan 7, 2023 · Creating a research problem depends on the researcher’s insight, experience, ontological and epistemological position. The research strategies that the researcher has also mastered significantly impact the selection of the problem and the clear presentation.
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This paper introduces the importance of a well-articulated, research-worthy problem statement as the centerpiece for any viable research. The aim of this work is to help novice researchers under-stand the value of problem-based research by providing a practical guide on the development of a