05/23/2023

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

INTRODUCTION• Problem identification is the first and foremost step to initiate a

journey.• Know your destination first.• Confusion is the beginning of gaining clarity.

05/23/2023

Selecting the Research Problem depends on• Expertise of researcher in Research Methodology.• Knowledge of researcher about the subject area.• Understanding of issues to be examined.• Predetermining the focus of researcher’s study.

05/23/2023

Sources of Research Problem:Research in Humanities revolve around 4Ps• People• Problems• Programmes• Phenomena

Most research studies are based on a combination of 2Ps.e.g. Person and problem , Phenomenon and programme.

05/23/2023

Considerations in selecting a research problem:• Interest of researcher• Magnitude of the subject under selection.• Measurement of concepts• Level of Expertise• Relevance• Availability of Data• Ethical Issues

05/23/2023

Steps in selecting a research problemI. Identify a broad field or subject area of interest to researcher

Ask YourselfWhat interests me?

What is the use of research in future?

05/23/2023

II- Dissect the broad area into sub areas• Read literature to gain knowledge.• Consult others who have more knowledge in the subject area.• Continue developing an exhaustive list of subareas.

05/23/2023

III- Select what is of most interest to you• Your most passionate area.(Process of Elimination)• Examine if manageable ?• Review time which is available?• Examine availability of resources at your disposal.• Your credibility and expertise in the area.

Cross check-passion, Manageability, available time and other resources

05/23/2023

IV- Raise Research QuestionsAsk yourself What is it that I want to find out about in the chosen subarea?Make a list of measurable research questions.List all questions which you want to answer.

05/23/2023

V- Formulate Objectives: Set Goals• Based on Research Questions, formulate main objective and sub

objectives• Main Objective reflects main thrust of the study• Sub objectives reflect the specific aspects of the topic under

investigation within the main frame of research study.• Objectives should include different action oriented phrases in the

beginning of sentences. E.g. To find out, To determine, To ascertain, To examine etc.• Objectives should be

S(specific),M(Measurable),A(Achievable),R(Reliable) and T(Time bound)

05/23/2023

VI- Double Check All The StepsReview all steps again and ask these questions• Are you sufficiently interested?• Do you have adequate resources?• Are you enthusiastic in undertaking the research?• Do you have the required technical expertise?• Do you have the required time at your disposal?

05/23/2023

Scope of the Study• Decision regarding the study populationDecide who will constitute your study population?e.g. If you have to ascertain the needs of adolescents living in an urban slum you must decideWho is an adolescent?Which urban slum are you talking about? (Geographical Area)

05/23/2023

Establishing Operational Definitions• Operationalize all the terms in the title as well as objectives. Simplify till

you are able to understand them yourself.• Operationalization : Defining or establishing a set of rules, indicators or

yardsticks to establish clearly the meaning of all concepts whose meaning may vary from respondent to respondent. It is very important to obtain information from the respondents in a uniform and unambiguous manner. It could also be different from legal , census or dictionary definition depending on the requirements of the research study.• e.g. Children below poverty line. The definition of poverty line needs to

be decided.

05/23/2023

05/23/2023

Aravali College of Engineering And ManagementJasana, Tigoan Road, Neharpar, Faridabad, Delhi NCR

Toll Free Number : 91- 8527538785Website : www.acem.edu.in