Union Biblical Seminary, Pune

PAPER PRESENTATION

Course: Research Methods

Topic: Formulating Research Problems

Instructor: Fr. Dr. George Varughese

Presenter: Manu Mathew

Presentation Date: 10/7/2020

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

INTRODUCTION

1. DEFINITION OF „RESEARCH PROBLEM‟

2. IMPORTANCE OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

3. SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

4. STATING OR DEFINING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

6. HYPOTHESES

7. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

8. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS

9. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE PROBLEM

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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INTRODUCTION

Stating and defining a research problem is an important, but difficult task in the

process of research. This paper attempts to provide a general idea on the formulation of

research problem. It incorporated a definition of „research problem‟, highlighted the

importance of research problem, various steps, techniques and skills which are necessary in

selecting and stating the research problem. An attempt is made to describe certain aspects like

hypothesis, research question, research objective operational definition, and statement of

scope in relation with the process of formulating research problem.

1. DEFINITION OF ‘RESEARCH PROBLEM’

According to C. R Kothari, “Research problem in general, refers to some difficulty

which a researcher experience in the context of either a practical or theoretical situation and

want to obtain solution for the same.” 1

2. IMPORTANCE OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

Most of the research experts opine that choosing and designing a proper research

problem leads the research in a right direction.2 A research problem represents an issue that

directs to the need for further study. According to Hunter P. Mabry, statement of a problem is

a clear and concise statement, preferably of only one sentence, which specifies the precise

problem or question which an answer is to be sought in the research undertaking.” 3 If the

problem is not stated clearly, it will be difficult to understand other related aspects of the
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research, especially significance of the research. Concerns about the content and

characteristics of data collection, relationship of variables, techniques needed to use etc. will

1
C.R. Kothari, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques (New Delhi: New Age International
Publishers, 2010), 24.
2
See Hunter P. Mabry, A Manual…,15..; C.R. Kothari, Research Methodology…,24.
3
Hunter P. Mabry, A Manual for Researchers and Writers, 2nd ed. (Bangalore: BTESSC, 1999), 15.
4
John W. Creswell, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (Sage
Publications: Los Angeles, 2014), 149.
2
be settled with the formulation of research problem.5 Research problem is considered as the

central generating point of a research project that determines what information need to collect

and how to analyse that collected date or information.6

To emphasise the importance of problem formulation in research, Fred N. Kerlinger

write: “if one wants to solve a problem, one must generally know what the problem is. It can

be said that a large part of the problem lies in knowing what one is trying to do.” 7 In other

words, formulation of a clear and well defined research problem is equally important as the

actual output of research.

It is important to note that formulation of research problem is the primary task in

hypotheses testing studies whereas exploratory or formulative research studies attempt to find

a problem or hypotheses to be tested during the study or after the study. Kothari states that

research problems are of two types, those which relate to states of nature and those which

consider the relationship between variables.8

3. SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

The first and foremost task of a researcher is to identify a subject area in the broad

field of study. Reviewing the subject area at a slower pace is necessary to choose a problem

area for research. Further investigation of the problem area will assist the researcher to

specify a research problem.9 Researcher‟s own life experience, professional and academic

experience, observations, imaginations etc. can be an inspiring factor for problem selection.

The researcher‟s interest in the area is detrimental in selecting and carrying on the research

work with adequate measure of „quality or validity‟.10 A research problem can be based on a

5
Kothari, Research Methodology…,24.
6
Nicholas Walliman, Research Methods: The Basics (London: Routledge, 2011), 29.
7
F.N. Kerlinger, Foundations of Behavioural Research, 3rd ed. (New York: Holt, Rinehart and
Winston, 1986), 16.
8
Kothari, Research Methodology…,24.
9
Walliman, Research Methods...,31.
10
Kenneth D. Baily, Methods of Social Research (New York: The Free Press, 1994), 22.
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question, a controversy, a gap in the knowledge or a need of clarification within the chosen

area. An awareness of the current issues in the subject, inquisitive, analytical and critical

mind and ability to express thoughts in clear and concise manner is essentially required for

selecting and formulating research problem.11

It is also important to differentiate problematic situation and a researchable problem.

A researchable problem can be identified and defined from a problematic situation or a

current phenomenon in the society.12

Several factors need to consider in selecting problem of study. Ram Ahuja highlighted

four aspects to analyse in selecting the research problem.13

1. Selecting units of analysis: The cases selected by the researcher are dependent on the

theme and objective of the research. It could be individuals, group of people, social

structures, social system, social positions, etc.

2. Selecting variables: Variables used in each research is selected in relation with research

questions.

3. Selecting anticipated relationships for research: It is important to focus on the specific

relationships which are believed to exist among the phenomenon.

4. Stating hypothesis: After selecting the problem of research and anticipate some

relationship between certain variables, the researcher begin his work on giving statements

of a tentative nature regarding the relationship of phenomenon under study.

Kenneth D. Bailey identifies certain influencing factors of problem selection. They

include the sociological paradigm, 14 the researcher‟s values, degree of reactivity, the

researcher‟s methodology, the unit of analysis and the time factor.15

11
Walliman, Research Methods...,32.
12
Chris O. Andrew and Peter E. Hildebrand, Planning and Conducting Applied Agricultural Research
(Oxon: Routledge, 1982), 19.
13
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods (Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2001), 109-113.
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4. STATING OR DEFINING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

After identified or selected a problem, the researcher needs to state and define the

research problem in concise and clear words. Irrespective of research type, research is mainly

concerned with questions like what, why, how, etc. Research problem is to focus on assessing

relationship between two or more concepts or variables. The possibility of data collection

related to the chosen area also must be considered. It is also needful to state the problem

clearly and ambiguously. These are some of the necessary factors to consider in selecting a

right problem.16

Kothari warns us that the process of defining a research problem is a crucial part of a

research study. He describes some techniques to be followed in the process of defining a

research problem.

1. Stating the Problem tentatively: As an initial step, the intended problem should be

stated in a broad general way, keeping in view either some practical concern,

personal or intellectual interest. To initiate this process, the researcher should

immerse into the subject area and make use of all resources. He advices to do some

field observation social research and undertake some sort of preliminary survey. (It is

termed as pilot survey). In consultation with the research guide and other subject

experts, the researcher need to clear ambiguities in the statement through thinking

and rethinking over the problem. The researcher needed to use extensively his or her

critical and creative skills.

2. Understanding the nature of the problem: To define the problem it is very important

to understand the nature, origin and objectives of the problem. It is then needed to

14
Paradigm is a model or school of thought with which the researcher identifies. Some of the
paradigms are ethnography, experimental research, survey research etc.
15
Baily, Methods of Social Research…,120-121
16
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods (Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2001), 105.
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 collect primary and the secondary source of information on that area. The researcher

should develop a better understanding of the context of study.

3. Reviewing the available literature: It is pivotal to survey and examined all available

literature concerning the problem before a definition of the research problem. This

means that the researcher must be acquainted with relevant theories in the field,

reports and records and all other relevant literature. A thorough surveying of the

literature would also help a researcher to know if there are certain gaps in the

theories or inconsistency of the existing theories.

4. Engage in purposeful discussions: Entering into meaningful discussions with those

who have a good knowledge of the problem or similar other problems will be

helpful. Such discussions and interactions often produces useful information,

instigate the researcher to develop new ideas, to consider various approaches to the

problem, techniques and similar aspects related to the problem of study.

5. Rephrasing the research problem: Researcher attempts to rephrase the research

problem into analytical or operational terms. Systematic progression of research

work greatly aids the researcher to clearly state the problem. Through rephrasing, the

statement of problem reforms from general terms to specific terms.17

Clarity in the problem statement conveys the meaning of the problem in real sense,

identify its limits, boundaries and aims to serve. S. K Mangal & Shubra Mangal describe two

ways of stating or naming the problem.18

Stating the problem in the form of a question, e.g. Are children of the housewives are better

adjusted then those belonging to working mothers?

17
Kothari, Research Methodology…,27-28.
18
S. K Mangal and Shubra Mangal, Research Methodology in Behavioural Sciences (New Delhi: PHI
Learning Private Ltd., 2015), 228.
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Stating the problem in the form of a declarative statement, e.g. “A study of the adjustment of

the children of the housewives and working mothers”

5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Identifying and stating a research problem initiates the process of formulating specific

research questions. The general problem for study has to be converted into several research

questions for the feasibility and extensity of the study. The major purpose of research

question is to determine what is to be studied and what extent to which it will be studied.

Norman Blaikie affirms that a research project is built on the foundation of its

research questions. Research questions are mainly grouped into 3 types: 1. What questions

(concerned with description)? 2. Why questions (concerned with explaining causes)? 3. How

questions (concerned with bringing about changes)? What questions pertain to describing the

characteristics of and patterns in the given social phenomena? Why questions relate to the

causes or reasons for the characteristics of the particular phenomena and the behaviour of the

individuals involved. They also explain the relationship between events and between

activities and social processes.19

6. HYPOTHESES

The research problem in some research projects using the hypothetico-deductive

method is expressed in terms of the testing of a particular hypothesis. Hypothesis is the

rational guesses in the form of a statement. A good hypothesis with certain qualities is very

useful in organizing the research. It should be specifically limit the enquiry through

interacting with selected variable and lead to appropriate methods to collect, analyse and

19
N. Blaikie, Designing Social Research (Oxford: Blackwell, 2000), 60-61.
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interpret the data. Rejection or confirmation of the hypothesis clarifies and determines the

output of the research.20

Blaike condemns the conventional idea that a research should be guided by one or

more hypotheses. He argues that establishing one or more research questions is much more

useful in research.21

7. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Research objectives links the theoretical relationship presumed in the hypotheses to

the analytical and methodological orientation required for conducting the research. Research

questions describe the ideas contained in the research objectives. Research questions emerge

after the research objectives.22

8. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS

Operational definitions imply the process of defining constructs in relation with the

intended study. This process includes refining abstract concepts which are difficult to define.

It also attempts to reform it into concretely measurable characteristics or indicators of the

concept. Technical terms, words or phrases with special meanings used in the statement of

the problem, should be clearly defined.23

9. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE PROBLEM

Statement of scope and limitation of the problem help the researcher to establish clear

boundaries for the undertaken research pursuit. This statement provide needed information

related to who, where, what and how many.24

20
Walliman, Research Methods...,34.
21
Blaikie, Designing Social Research…,59.
22
Blaikie, Designing Social Research…,72.
23
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods...,115.
24
Mangal, Research Methodology in Behavioural Sciences…,230.
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CONCLUSION

It is important to have a proper understanding of the process and steps involved in the

formulation of the research problem. Careful consideration of this phase is essential for

strengthening the validity of one‟s research work. The researcher is obliged and committed to

evaluate the effectiveness of the research problem in selecting; stating and defining of

problem as it largely impact related procedures in the process of research. The researcher

must be aware of the paradigm adapted for the study in time of working on statement

problem. Other related factors like duration of study, availability of resources, manageability,

convenience of study etc are also need to consider at the phase of stating and defining the

problem.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Andrew, Chris O. and Peter E. Hildebrand. Planning and Conducting Applied Agricultural
Research. Oxon: Routledge, 1982.

Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods

Approaches. Sage Publications: Los Angeles, 2014.

Baily, Kenneth D. Methods of Social Research. New York: The Free Press, 1994.

Blaikie, N. Designing Social Research. Oxford: Blackwell, 2000.

Kerlinger, F.N. Foundations of Behavioural Research, 3rd ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart and
Winston, 1986.

Kothari, C.R. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi: New Age
International Publishers, 2010.

Mabry, Hunter P. A Manual for Researchers and Writers. 2nd ed. Bangalore: BTESSC, 1999.

Mangal, S. K and Shubra Mangal. Research Methodology in Behavioural Sciences. New

Delhi: PHI Learning Private Ltd., 2015.

Ahuja, Ram. Research Methods. Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2001.

Walliman, Nicholas. Research Methods: The Basics. London: Routledge, 2011.

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