Research Problem

Selection of Research Problem

Dr. N. AUDINARAYANA

Professor and Head. Dept. of Sociology & Population Studies Director, School of Social Sciences Bharathiar University COIMBATORE – 641 046 E-mail: [email protected]

RESEARCH PROBLEM  Research is an activity undertaken for generating fresh (New) knowledge and/or verifying the existing prepositions  Its principal goal is description, prediction, control and understanding the nature and the human beings – individuals as well as groups

Selection of A Research Problem  Some unresolved problem can be a topic for research  A researcher is expected to identify a problem suitable for research, define it, submit a plan of research to the sponsoring agency / higher authority and obtain its approval before proceeding further in the direction  A research problem in general refers to some theoretical or practical situation requiring solution. However, every situation may not be suitable for research

Selection of A Research Problem, Continued…  A research problem should offer one or more possible courses of action and possibly one or more outcomes, which may be pursued to achieve the desired objective  A research problem should be selected very carefully  The subject matter of research should be of Researcher’s Interest, Educational Background and Experience of Work being the main consideration

Selection of A Research Problem, Continued…  In the search of a suitable topic: - the literature available on the subject may be surveyed - suggestions and guidance may be sought from scholars - co-workers and research supervisor However, in the ultimate analysis the researcher is expected to make a final decision in the matter

Sources of Problems Reading: of books, articles relating to the subject matter of interest Academic Experience: Classroom Lectures / Discussions / Seminars – Discussion with Profs. etc. Daily Experience: Daily we learn new things and undergo new experiences Exposure to Filed Visits: Field visits, internship training and extension work, etc.

Sources of Problems, Continued… Consultations: Discussions with experts, researchers, administrators, etc. Brain Storming: Intensified discussions with a group of interested persons Research: Research of one problem may suggest for further research Intuition: Sometimes new ideas may strike to one’s mind like a flash

Process of Identification of Problems  Selection of the Discipline and Field of Specialization  Identifying two or more specific topics in the selected broad area Criteria of Selection Internal Criteria: Researcher’s Interest, Researcher’s Competence, Researcher’s Own Resources – finance and time External Criteria: Setting, Sample, etc.

Process of Identification of Problems, Cont…  Researchability  Importance and Urgency  Novelty or Originality  Feasibility  Facilities  Usefulness and Relevance  Research Personnel The overall guideline would be: Select a feasible and researchable problem which is interesting to you and within your competence and manageable within the available time and resources, and at the same time has some importance and social relevance, and for which facilities are available.

Points to be borne in mind while Selecting the Research Problem  Subject overdone should not be normally chosen  Controversial subject should be avoided  Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided  The subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible  The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the costs involved, and the time factor should considered before selecting  The selection of the problem must be preceded by a preliminary study.