Research Problems

Research Problems

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DEFINITION John Dewey: “The need of clearing up confusion, of straightening out an ambiguity, of overcoming obstacles, of covering the gap between things as they are transformed, is, a problem.”

Research Problem: A situation or circumstance that requires a solution to be described, explained, or predicted. It is an unsatisfactory situation that requires to be confront. 2

Meaining If there is a knowledge gap in an area that need to be investigated, the research problem identifies this gap; whereas the research topic is simply a broad area of interest, the research problem identifies what is problematic about that topic. Research Statement: A statement specifies exactly what is being studied. 3

The research statement should include Information about provoked the study

the

research

topic

that

The scope of the problem

Why it is important to study the problem How the problem would be dealt by the study General characteristics of the factors of research The object and purpose of the study or the question to be answered. 4

Research Question It is a direct rewording of the statement of the purpose phrased interrogatively rather than declaratively  Questions that are simple and direct invite an answer and help to focus attention on the kinds of data needed to provide that answer.

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Sources of Research Problems Social issues Personal Interest Researches conducted by others Reviewing literature Personal experience Government priority (funded research) Academic Assignments

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Identification of Problem  Write down general areas of interest

 At this stage, it doesn't matter whether the terms used are broad or specific, abstract or concrete.  The important point is to put ideas on papers.

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Process of formulation  Once a research topic has been specified and contemplate, the researcher must then narrow it down in order to develop a research problem.  This is done through generating questions from the research topic.  List of questions can be developed from the research topic, and then investigated in relation to its feasibility to research. 8

Formulation  Reviewing the related literature to consider :

Theoretical framework. Methodology. Data collection methods. Data collection tools.

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Formulation The problem statement should have the following characteristics:

 Identify the key variables in the study.  Express a relationship between two or more variables. (If not descriptive).  Specify the study population.  Imply the type of the research.  Identify the study setting.

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Relevant factors 

Time: enough time will be available for the various steps of the research.

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Funds : the researcher should ask the following questions:   

Will I have enough money to complete this research? Will be any sources for funding the research? Does the anticipated cost outweigh the value of the expected findings?

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Points to be Considered  Availability of research participants:  Ethical consideration  Facilities and equipment  Co operation of the others

 Researchability  Qualifications and experience of the researcher  Significance of the problem 12

Examples  Problem of prisoners  Nuclear law in India  Global competition policy  Foreign Direct Investment

 Crime against Women  Environment Protection

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