What is research problem ? definition of research problem, components, selection of the problem, source , characteristics, how to write the statement problem, formulation of research problem,

What is a research problem ? 

 In general a research problem refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain solution for the same. A research problem is the foundation of any research method and experimental design. It is a situation or circumstances which require a solution to be described, predicted or explained. A research problem does not state how to d something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question. Identification and formulation of a research problem is the first step of the research process, and it is the most difficult and challenging phase of the research process. It is an area of concern where there is a gap in the knowledge needed for professional practices. 

Definition of research problem :-

• "A situation for which we have no ready and successful response by instinct or by previous acquired habit we must find out what to do."  [ R.S. Woodworth ] 
• According to Kerlinger, " A problem is an interrogative sentence or statement that asks what relation exist between two or more variable. The answer to question will provide what is having sought in the research. 

Component of the research problem :-

• Must be an individual or group which has some difficulty or the problem.
• Some objective to be attained
• Some environment to which the difficulty pertains.
• Selection of the alternative

Selecting the problem :-

• Prevention of unnecessary duplication
• The problem should be a researchable one
• The problem is significant
• Practical value of the problem
• The problem must be suitable for the researcher
• Researcher's interest in the problem
• Availability of the data on the problem
• Too narrow or two vague problems should be avoided
• It should have quality of human life
• Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen 
• The problem should be one that will lead to new problems and to further research
• The problem should be sufficiently original
• The problem must be one that investigated and completed within the allocated time limit
• It should be helpful for adding human knowledge
• A research problem should be relevant to the present time
• A research problem should also have some moral and spiritual values

Source of research problem :-

• Unexpected areas
• Social issues
• Personal experiences
• Literature source
• Previous research
• Existing theories
• Academic experiences
• Brainstorming
• Technological changes
• Discussion with supervisors
• Exposure to field situation 
• Intuition

How to locate a research problem ?

Mc Guigan, 1998 give 3 situation to find research problem :-

• Gap in Knowledge :- " Probably the most apparent way in which a problem is manifested is when there is a straight forward absence of information ; we are aware of what we know and there is simply something that we do not know." [ MC. Guigan, 1998 ] 
• Contradictory results :- " A problem is manifested when the results of several inquiries disagree." [ MC. Guigan, 1998 ]
• Explaining a fact :- " A problem is manifested when a fact exists in the form of unexplained information." [ Ibid, P- 17 ] 

Characteristics or criteria of a good problem :-

Problems are of two types :-

1. Scientific problem
2. Unscientific problem 

Research problem is always scientific.

• Interrogative statement
• Stating relation between variables
• Clarity and unambiguity
• Solvable
• Empirical testability [ " Briefly, we shall say that a problem is salvable if there can be empirical reasons for answering it in a 'yes' or 'no' fashion" ]  { MC. Guigan, 1998, P- 21 }
• Availability of suitable methodology
• Definite nature
• Quantitative nature
• Convertible into hypothesis
• Practical implications

How to write the statement problem :-

• A statement of a problem should implies some questions that your research should be answering
• When you write a statement regarding a problem you should know that you are looking for something wrong or something that needs close attention
• How large is the population affected by the problem ?
• Would this study create or improve an instrument of some utility
• How large is the population affected by the problem

Example :- Does smoking causes lung cancer among adults ?

Formulation of Research problem :-

1. Selection of a research areas
2. Reviewing the literature and theories
3. Delimiting the research topic
4. Evaluating the research problem
5. Formulating final statement of research problem

Reference :-

https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/introduction/researchproble

https://www.slideshare.net/maheshwarijaikumar/a-research-problem

https://www.slideshare.net/sudarsankumar/research-problem-38360683

https://www.academia.edu/23167762/Research_problem

https://www.lkouniv.ac.in/site/writereaddata/siteContent/202004161028054465pravish_its_Research_Methdology.pdf

Book :- RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY SOCIOLOGY AND EDUCATION  [  BY ARUN KUMAR SINGH ]