Presented byRekha Yadav

M.Sc. ( Math's with Computer Application)

Research problem◦ Definition◦ Sources◦ Necessity

Selecting a Research Problem◦ Criteria of selecting a Research problem

Techniques involved in defining a Research Problem

Conclusion

Research : Research is defined as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on specific topic.

Problem : A problem is a set of conditions or some difficulty that needs discussion, analysis, and information to turn into a desired solution !

Research problem A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty

which a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.

Thus , a research problem is one which requires a researcher to find out the best solution for the given problem.

Previous researches/dissertations/studies/etc Books/reports Resource persons/professors/ Brainstorming Newspapers/TV/radios/medias Seminars, workshops/conferences Relations organizations/research centers/research institutes Encyclopedia Own critical observations Discussions with fellows, colleagues, friends, etc

To discriminate the relevant data from the irrelevant one.

Defining research problem make research more faster and easy.

Formulates a clear, concise, and manageable research problem

Interest ◦ should be the most important consideration in selecting a problem

Magnitude ◦ Having sufficient knowledge about the research process. ◦ Not too broad or too big◦ Not too narrow◦ Manageable, specific and clear .

Measurement of concept ◦ Make sure that you are clear about the indicators and measurement of concepts

(if used) in your study. Level of Expertise

◦ Make sure that you have adequate level of expertise for the task you are proposing since you need to do the work yourself.

Relevance◦ Select a topic that is of relevance to as a professional.◦ Problem should contributes to the improvement and understanding of

educational theory and practice. Availability of data

◦ Before finalizing the topic, make sure that data are available within the budget .

Ethical Issues◦ Research problem should not harm to person/society involved

◦Statement of the problem in a general way. ◦Understanding the nature of the problem.◦Surveying the available literature.◦Developing the ideas through discussions; and ◦Rephrasing the research problem into a working

proposition.

Statement of the problem in a general way◦ State the problem in general terms with respect to some practical,

scientific or intellectual interest. For this, the researcher may himself read the concerned subject matter thoroughly or take the help of the subject expert.

Understanding the nature of the problem.◦ The researcher needs to discuss the problem with those related to the

subject matter in order to clearly understand the origin of the problem, its nature, objectives, and the environment in which the problem is to be studied.

Surveying the available literature◦ All available literature including relevant theories, reports, records, and

other relevant literature on the problem needs to be reviewed and examined.

o This would help the researcher to identify the data available, the techniques that might be used, types of difficulties that may be encountered during the study, possible analytical shortcomings, and even new methods of approach to the present problem.

Developing the ideas through discussions◦ Discussing the problem with colleagues and others related to the

concerned subject. ◦ This helps the researcher to generate new ideas, identify different aspects

on the problem, gain suggestions and advices from others, and sharpen his focus on certain aspects within the field.

◦ However, discussions should not be limited to the problem only, but should also be related to the general approach to the problem, techniques that might be used, possible solutions, etc.

Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition◦ Rephrasing the problem means putting the problem in specific terms

that is feasible and may help in the development of working hypotheses. ◦ Once the researcher has gone through the above steps systematically, it

is easy to rephrase the problem into analytical and operational terms.

Identify broad area of interest in your academic or professional field

Dissect the broad area into sub-areas Select a sub-area or areas in which you would like to conduct your

research Raise research questions that you would like to answer through

your study Formulate objectives Assess Double check

Defining a research problem very often follows a sequential pattern – the problem is stated in a general way, the ambiguities are resolved, thinking and rethinking process results in a more specific formulation of the problem so that it may be realistic one in terms of the available data and resources and is also analytically meaningful.