Research problems are specific questions or issues that researchers seek to investigate, explore, or solve through

their research projects. These problems serve as the foundation for research and guide the entire research process.
Identifying a clear research problem is a crucial step in the research process because it helps researchers focus their
efforts and resources effectively. Here are some common types of research problems across various fields:

Descriptive research is a type of research design that aims to describe and explain the characteristics, behaviors, and
attributes of a particular phenomenon, group, or situation. This research method focuses on providing a detailed and
accurate account of what is being studied, without attempting to manipulate or control the variables involved.
Descriptive research is primarily concerned with answering the "what," "who," "where," "when," and "how" questions
related to a topic, rather than the "why" questions, which are more often addressed in explanatory or causal research.

Descriptive research is a type of research design that aims to describe or document the characteristics, behaviors, or
phenomena being studied without manipulating them. Its primary goal is to provide a detailed and accurate account of
what is observed or exists in a particular situation or context. Descriptive research is often used when researchers want
to understand and report on the current state of a topic or phenomenon rather than making predictions or determining
cause-and-effect relationships.

Key characteristics of descriptive research include:

Observation and Measurement: Descriptive research involves systematic observation and measurement of variables.
Researchers collect data through surveys, interviews, observations, or the examination of existing records.

No Manipulation: Unlike experimental research, where variables are manipulated to establish causal relationships,
descriptive research does not involve manipulation. Researchers simply observe and record what is happening naturally.

Detailed Description: The emphasis is on providing a comprehensive and detailed description of the phenomenon under
study. This can include characteristics, frequencies, patterns, and associations among variables.

Cross-Sectional or Longitudinal: Descriptive research can be cross-sectional (data collected at a single point in time) or
longitudinal (data collected over an extended period to track changes).

Qualitative or Quantitative: Descriptive research can take both qualitative and quantitative forms. Qualitative research
uses non-numerical data such as words, narratives, or images to describe a phenomenon, while quantitative research
involves numerical data and statistical analysis.

Common methods used in descriptive research include surveys, questionnaires, interviews, content analysis, case
studies, and observational studies. These methods help researchers gather information, summarize findings, and create a
comprehensive picture of the subject of interest.

Descriptive research is often used as a preliminary step in the research process to gain a better understanding of a topic
before moving on to more complex research designs, such as experimental or correlational studies. It is particularly
useful when researchers want to explore a new or poorly understood area, generate hypotheses, or provide a basis for
further investigation.

Descriptive Research Problems:

What are the demographic characteristics of a specific population?

What is the current state of a particular industry or market?

How do people perceive a specific product or service?

Exploratory Research Problems:

What factors might contribute to a particular phenomenon?

Are there any patterns or trends in a given dataset that warrant further investigation?

What are the possible causes of a social issue?

Explanatory Research Problems:

What is the relationship between two or more variables?

How does a specific intervention impact an outcome?

What are the underlying mechanisms of a biological process?

Comparative Research Problems:

How does a particular phenomenon differ across different cultures or regions?

What are the similarities and differences between two or more groups or systems?
Intervention Research Problems:

Does a specific intervention or treatment lead to improved outcomes for a particular group?

How can we optimize an existing process or system to achieve better results?

Predictive Research Problems:

Can we develop a model or algorithm to predict future trends or events?

What variables are most influential in predicting a specific outcome?

Evaluative Research Problems:

What is the effectiveness of a program, policy, or strategy?

Are there any unintended consequences of a particular action or decision?

Theoretical Research Problems:

What gaps exist in current theories or models within a field of study?

Can we develop a new theoretical framework to explain a phenomenon?

Ethical and Moral Research Problems:

What are the ethical implications of a specific technology or practice?

How can we address ethical dilemmas in healthcare, AI, or other domains?

Longitudinal Research Problems:

How do phenomena or trends change over time?

What are the long-term effects of a particular event or intervention?

Research problems should be well-defined, specific, and relevant to the field of study. They often serve as the basis for
research questions, hypotheses, and objectives. Researchers conduct literature reviews to understand the current state
of knowledge in their chosen area and to ensure that their research problem is unique and contributes to the existing
body of knowledge. Once a research problem is identified, researchers design methodologies, collect data, and analyze
findings to address and potentially solve the problem.
Identifying and defining research problems is a crucial step in the research process. A well-defined research problem
serves as the foundation for your entire research endeavor. Here's a guide on how to identify and define research
problems:

1. Select a Broad Area of Interest:

Begin by identifying a general area or field of interest that you are passionate about or have expertise in.

2. Literature Review:

Conduct a thorough literature review to understand what research has already been done in your chosen area.

Identify gaps, contradictions, or unanswered questions in the existing literature. These gaps can be potential research
problems.

3. Observe Real-World Issues:

Pay attention to real-world issues, problems, or challenges in your chosen area of interest.

Consider the practical significance and relevance of these issues.

4. Brainstorming and Idea Generation:

Brainstorm ideas and potential research questions.

Discuss your ideas with colleagues, mentors, or advisors to get their input and insights.

5. Narrow Down Your Focus:

Once you have generated a list of potential research problems, narrow down your focus to one or a few specific
problems.

Consider the feasibility of investigating these problems given your available resources and constraints.

6. Formulate Research Questions:

Formulate clear and concise research questions that address the identified problems.

Ensure that your research questions are specific, researchable, and relevant to your field of study.

7. Define the Scope:

Define the scope of your research problem. What are the boundaries and limitations of your study?

Clearly state what is included and what is excluded from your research.

8. Consider the Research Methodology:

Think about the research methods and techniques you will use to investigate the problem.

Ensure that your research problem is amenable to empirical investigation.

9. Assess Significance and Impact:

Evaluate the significance and potential impact of solving or addressing the research problem.

Consider the implications of your research for the field, society, or practical applications.

10. Write a Problem Statement: - Summarize your research problem in a clear and concise problem statement. - Include
the key elements: the context, the gap or issue, and the research questions.

11. Seek Feedback: - Share your research problem statement with peers, mentors, or advisors to get feedback and refine
it.

12. Revise and Refine: - Be prepared to revise and refine your research problem statement as you delve deeper into your
research.

Remember that a well-defined research problem not only guides your research but also helps you communicate your
research goals and objectives to others. It's the cornerstone of your research project, and investing time and effort into
its identification and definition is crucial for a successful research endeavor.
A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in your
research. You may choose to look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or
theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge.

Some research will do both of these things, but usually the research problem focuses on one or the
other. The type of research problem you choose depends on your broad topic of interest and the type
of research you think will fit best.

This article helps you identify and refine a research problem. When writing your research
proposal or introduction, formulate it as a problem statement and/or research questions.

Why is the research problem important?

Having an interesting topic isn’t a strong enough basis for academic research. Without a well-defined
research problem, you are likely to end up with an unfocused and unmanageable project.

You might end up repeating what other people have already said, trying to say too much, or doing
research without a clear purpose and justification. You need a clear problem in order to do research
that contributes new and relevant insights.

Whether you’re planning your thesis, starting a research paper, or writing a research proposal, the
research problem is the first step towards knowing exactly what you’ll do and why.

Step 1: Identify a broad problem area

As you read about your topic, look for under-explored aspects or areas of concern, conflict, or
controversy. Your goal is to find a gap that your research project can fill.

Practical research problems

If you are doing practical research, you can identify a problem by reading reports, following up on
previous research, or talking to people who work in the relevant field or organization. You might look
for:

 Issues with performance or efficiency

 Processes that could be improved
 Areas of concern among practitioners
 Difficulties faced by specific groups of people

Examples of practical research problems

Voter turnout in New England has been decreasing, in contrast to the rest of the country.

The HR department of a local chain of restaurants has a high staff turnover rate.

A non-profit organization faces a funding gap that means some of its programs will have to be cut.

Theoretical research problems

If you are doing theoretical research, you can identify a research problem by reading existing
research, theory, and debates on your topic to find a gap in what is currently known about it. You
might look for:

 A phenomenon or context that has not been closely studied

 A contradiction between two or more perspectives
 A situation or relationship that is not well understood
 A troubling question that has yet to be resolved

Examples of theoretical research problems

The effects of long-term Vitamin D deficiency on cardiovascular health are not well understood.

The relationship between gender, race, and income inequality has yet to be closely studied in the
context of the millennial gig economy.

Historians of Scottish nationalism disagree about the role of the British Empire in the development of
Scotland’s national identity.
Step 2: Learn more about the problem
Next, you have to find out what is already known about the problem, and pinpoint the exact aspect
that your research will address.

Context and background

 Who does the problem affect?

 Is it a newly-discovered problem, or a well-established one?
 What research has already been done?
 What, if any, solutions have been proposed?
 What are the current debates about the problem? What is missing from these debates?

Specificity and relevance

 What particular place, time, and/or group of people will you focus on?
 What aspects will you not be able to tackle?
 What will the consequences be if the problem is not resolved?

Example of a specific research problem

A local non-profit organization focused on alleviating food insecurity has always fundraised from its
existing support base. It lacks understanding of how best to target potential new donors. To be able to
continue its work, the organization requires research into more effective fundraising strategies.

Next steps
Once you have narrowed down your research problem, the next step is to formulate a problem
statement, as well as your research questions or hypotheses.