Research Tools and Techniques: Research Problem
Lecture 3
In this Lecture
§
What is a research problem
§ The components of a research problem
§ Aspect/criteria of selecting a research problem
§
Identification of a research problem
§
The sources of the problem
§
Evaluation of the research problem
§
Necessity of defining the problem
§
Technique involved in defining a problem
§ Problem statement
WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM
The first and most
important step in the research process is choosing and clearly defining a
research problem. A researcher must pinpoint and express the problem in a
manner that makes it appropriate for investigation. To effectively define a
problem, the researcher needs a solid understanding of what a problem entails.
Generally, a research problem is a challenge or issue faced in a theoretical or
practical context that the researcher aims to tackle or solve.
“Problem is the
obstacle in the path of satisfying our needs.” John Geoffery
“Problem is a question
which is to be solved.” John. G. Tornsand
“Problem is the
obstacle in the path of satisfying our needs.” John Geoffery
“Problem is a question
which is to be solved.” John. G. Tornsand
The components of a research problem:
§ There must be an
individual or group facing a challenge or experiencing a problem.
§ There should be
specific objectives to achieve.
§ There are probably
alternative approaches to achieving the objectives one seeks to accomplish.
§ A researcher needs
to keep some uncertainty in mind when selecting between different options. This
means that research should focus on determining which choice is relatively more
effective.
§ There must be some environment(s) to which the difficulty pertains.
Aspect/Criteria of selecting a research problem
1.
The
problem must be significant, contributing to the organized
knowledge in the field, and the researcher must demonstrate that the selected
topic will enhance existing knowledge by providing more reliable information.
The problem should have both theoretical and practical implications.
2.
The
problem should be researchable, focusing on relationships between
two or more variables that can be defined, measured, or explained, as many
problems can only be investigated through philosophical rather than scientific
methods.
3.
The
problem should lead to new problems and further research, as
researchers often relate their problems to existing knowledge in the field.
They should focus on selecting problems whose solution may raise additional
questions for further research.
4.
The
problem should be relevant to the researcher's interests,
personal importance, and competence enhancement. It should be in an area with
knowledge and experience, and the researcher should have a clear understanding
of the theoretical, conceptual, and practical aspects of the area of interest.
5.
The
research problem should be distinct and innovative. To identify a
problem that avoids uninspired or questionable repetition, one must exhibit
traits such as creativity, adaptability, and vision.
6.
The
problem must be feasible.
7.
The
problem must be thoroughly investigated and completed within the
specified time frame.
8.
Avoid
narrow or vague problems and avoid controversial subjects as they
may not be suitable for average researchers.
9.
Selecting
a problem requires considering factors such as subject
importance, researcher qualifications and training, costs, and time.
10.
Before selecting a problem, a researcher must ask
themselves the following questions:
·
Whether
he/she is adequately equipped with the necessary background to conduct the
research.
·
The
study's budget affordability is being assessed.
· Whether the required cooperation can be obtained from those who must participate in research as subjects.
Identification of a Research Problem:
Step I:
Identify the specific field of research that aligns with the researcher's
interest and passion for investigation.
Step II:
Acquire expertise or deepen knowledge in the chosen field, ideally focusing on
an area of specialization.
Step III:
Conduct a thorough review of existing research to understand current trends and
ongoing studies in the selected area.
Step IV:
Based on the review, determine the priority area for further exploration and
study.
Step V:
Utilize analogies, insights, or personal experience to identify a specific
problem within the field. Seeking guidance from a supervisor or expert can also
be beneficial.
Step VI:
Clearly define the precise aspect of the problem that will be the focus of the
investigation.
The Sources of the Problem:
§ The classroom,
school, home, community, and other educational institutions are clear sources
of research topics.
§ Social progress
and technological advancements continuously introduce new challenges and
opportunities for research.
§ Records of
previous studies, including specialized resources such as educational
encyclopedias, research abstracts, bulletins, reports, journals, dissertations,
and similar publications, provide a wealth of research problems.
§ Assignments from
textbooks, special projects, reports, and term papers often highlight
additional areas requiring research.
§ Discussions in
classrooms, seminars, and interactions with faculty members, peers, and
scholars can spark stimulating research ideas. Close professional
relationships, academic discussions, and a constructive academic environment
are particularly conducive to identifying problems.
§ Developing a
questioning mindset towards existing practices and gaining research-oriented
academic experience can greatly enhance problem awareness.
§ Consulting supervisors, field experts, and experienced professionals is one of the most practical ways to identify significant research problems. Engaging in discussions with these individuals can lead to the emergence of meaningful research issues.
Evaluation of the research problem
When
evaluating a research problem, a researcher must reflect on a series of
questions. These questions aid in assessing the problem based on the
researcher’s personal aptitude and the social significance of the issue.
The following questions should be answered positively before initiating the study:
·
Do the research findings hold significance in social,
educational, or scientific contexts?
·
Can the results be practically implemented?
·
Will the research inspire new questions and pave the
way for further investigations?
·
Is there sufficient scope for exploration within this
research area?
·
Can another researcher replicate the study with
similar outcomes?
·
Are you driven and enthusiastic about conducting this
research?
·
Are you
equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to conduct the research?
·
Do you
possess the financial resources needed to support the research?
·
Do you have
access to the administrative support, statistical tools, and computer
facilities essential for the research?
·
Is the
research problem original and unexplored?
·
Will solving
this problem contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field?
· Is the problem practical and manageable for the researcher to address?
Necessity of defining the problem
A
clearly stated problem is often considered half-solved, indicating the
importance of defining a research problem. A well-defined problem helps
distinguish relevant data from irrelevant ones, enabling researchers to plan
their strategies and find answers. Questions such as data collection, relevant
characteristics, relations, and techniques arise when a research problem is
well-defined. Formulating a problem is often more essential than its solution,
as it allows for the development of a research design and smoother progress in
subsequent research steps. Therefore, defining a research problem is a
prerequisite for any study and a step of the highest importance. In essence,
defining a research problem is a crucial step in any study.
Technique involved in defining a problem
Techniques involved are:
1.
Statement of the problem in a general
way
To state a problem in social research, researchers must
immerse themselves in the subject matter, conduct field observation, and
conduct preliminary surveys. They can either state the problem themselves or
seek guidance from a guide or subject expert. If directed by an organizational
authority, the problem can be stated accordingly. The problem may contain
ambiguities that require cool thinking and rethinking. The feasibility of a
solution should also be considered.
2.
Understanding
the nature of the problem
To define a problem, it's crucial to understand its origin
and nature. Discussing with those who raised the problem can help clarify its
origin and objectives. If the researcher has already stated the problem,
revisit the points that led to it. Engaging with experts and considering the
environment is also essential.
3.
Surveying the available literature
Before defining a research problem, it is crucial to survey
and examine all relevant literature, including theories, reports, and records.
Researchers should review existing research on related problems to identify
available data and techniques. This helps narrow the problem and identify gaps
in theories, inconsistent findings, and potential analytical shortcomings.
Studies on related problems can also suggest new approaches and help
researchers advance their knowledge in the field.
4.
Developing the ideas through discussions
Researcher's problem-solving process often involves
discussions with colleagues and experienced individuals, known as experience
surveys. These individuals provide valuable advice and insights, helping
researchers focus on specific aspects within the field. Discussions should
cover not only problem formulation but also general approaches, techniques, and
possible solutions.
5.
Rephrasing the research
problem
The researcher must rephrase the research problem into a
working proposition after understanding its nature, environment, discussions,
and literature. This process helps in putting the problem in specific terms,
making it operationally viable and aiding in developing working hypotheses.
Problem Statement
At a minimum, a problem statement should include:
•
What
is the problem or defect?
•
Magnitude
of the problem?
•
Where
is the problem?
• Why is it important to work on this problem?
Quad chart
Title: Optimizing the Durability of Concrete Structures in Marine Environments
Problem Statement:
Concrete structures in
marine environments face deterioration from chloride ingress, sulfate attack,
and carbonation, leading to high maintenance costs and significant
environmental impacts. To address these challenges, this research proposes the
development of a new concrete mix incorporating eco-friendly materials, such as
supplementary cementitious materials and corrosion inhibitors, to enhance
durability. The mix will be evaluated using accelerated testing and real-world
simulations to ensure its effectiveness. This approach aims to increase the
service life of marine concrete structures, reduce maintenance costs, and
minimize environmental impact through sustainable material use. The study
requires access to material testing labs, durability testing equipment,
collaboration with marine engineering experts, and funding for material
procurement and field studies.
Quad Chart
Title: Enhancing Earthquake Resistance of High-Rise Buildings
Problem Statement:
High-rise buildings in
earthquake-prone areas face significant risks of structural damage during
seismic events, posing threats to safety and functionality. Conventional
seismic-resistant designs, while effective, are often expensive, reduce usable
space, and compromise building aesthetics, making them less feasible for
widespread application. There is a critical need for innovative, cost-effective
retrofitting solutions that enhance the resilience of high-rise structures
without extensive modifications or disruptions to their existing design. These
solutions should leverage advanced materials, such as shape memory alloys
(SMAs) and damping systems, to ensure safety, functionality, and adaptability
in earthquake-prone regions worldwide.
Quad Chart
