Research problem
A research problem is a specific question or issue that a researcher seeks to address. Identifying and formulating this problem is the crucial first step in the research process. Choosing a research problem depends on several factors, including
Knowledge and Expertise Skills and Interests Motivation It is believed that most good research studies need lots of time for the selection of a research problem.
Identification of the problem
Identifying a research problem involves recognizing a significant social issue, phenomenon, or concept that requires investigation to gain a deeper understanding. The identification of a research problem is the first & most important 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. The researcher identifies such a research problem through observation, knowledge, wisdom and skills.
Practical research problems
If you are doing practical research, you can identify a problem by reading reports, following up on previous research, and 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 in a field
- Difficulties faced by specific groups of people in society
Theoretical research problems
Theoretical research focuses on expanding knowledge and understanding rather than directly contributing to change. You can identify a research problem by reading recent research, theory and debates on the topic to find a gap in what is currently known. 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
Steps in the identification of the research problem
1) Selection of the area
2) Interviewing Practitioners
3) Relevant Literature
1. Selection of the area
Knowing the field or area – The first step for a researcher is to select a broad field in which to conduct the study.The chosen field should be one where the researcher can demonstrate initiative, originality, and sound judgment. A thorough understanding of the existing facts and ideas in the field is crucial for selecting a suitable research problem.
2. Interviewing Practitioners
Research problems can be identified through both formal interviews and informal discussions with practitioners. These interactions reveal new research directions and ensure findings are relevant to real-world practice.
Engaging with experts such as teachers, social workers, healthcare providers, lawyers, and business leaders helps uncover practical problems that may be overlooked in academic research. This approach also provides valuable knowledge for designing and conducting your study.
3. Relevant Literature
Selecting a research problem begins with a comprehensive review of existing studies in your field. This review helps identify gaps in understanding or areas that have been overlooked. Research can then aim to:
- Fill these knowledge gaps.
- Assess whether methods from previous studies can address other issues.
- Explore if similar studies can be applied to different subjects, contexts, or populations.
Additionally, examining the conclusions of relevant studies can provide valuable insights for future research. Authors often suggest areas for further investigation, which can guide you to new research problems. A topic flagged for additional exploration by researchers is likely worth pursuing.
References
1. Pardede, P. (2018) ‘Identifying and Formulating the Research Problem’, Research in ELT, 1(October), pp. 1–13
2. Muhammad, S. and Kabir, S. (2018) ‘Problem formulation and objective determination’, (June).