Research Problem

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“Potential research problems may occur to us on regular basis, but the process of formulating them in a meaningful way is not at all an easy task” (Pow (Power ers, s, 1985 1985:3 :38). 8).

Formulation of a research problem is the first step and most important step of the research process. It is like the identification of a destination before undertaking a journe rney. Research problem is like the foundation of a building “If  one wants to solve a problem, one must generally know what the problem is. It can be said that a large part of the problem lies in knowing what one is trying to do” (Kerlinger,1986:17).

Research problem may take a number of forms, from the very simple to the very complex.

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This is the most crucial step

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“Confusion is often but a step towards clarity”

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Most research in the humanities revolves around four fo ur “P” s.

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select a topic that really interest you researcher should have sufficient knowledge about the research process to be able to visualise the work involved in completing the proposed the study. make sure you are clear about its indicators and their measurement. make sure you have an adequate level of expertise for the task you are proposing. select a topic that is of relevance to you as a professional. before finalizing your topic make sure your secondary data are available. how the ethical issues can affect the study population and how ethical problems can be overcome should be thoroughly examined at the problem formulation stage.

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In choosing a research problem, the two crucial determinants to keep in mind are: in the subject area; and of the study within you own constraints

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field

broad area of interest in your academic/professional

the broad area into sub-areas a sub-area or areas in which you would like to conduct your research that you would like to answer through your study

Objectives are the goals you set to attain in your study Objectives should be listed under two headings: Main objectives and sub-objectives •

is an overall statement of the thrust of your study are the specific aspects of the topic that you want to investigate within the main framework of your study.

Some examples: 

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To find out the number of children living below the poverty line in line in Sri Lanka To ascertain the impact of immigration on family roles among immigrants  To measure the effectiveness of effectiveness of a retraining program designed to help young people

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In the process of formulating a research problem there are two important considerations: considerations:

Concepts should be operationalized in measurable terms The differ difference ence betwee between n a concept concept and a variable variable- Measurab Measurability ility is is the main difference between a concept and a variable Concept

Variable

Effectiveness Effectiveness

Gender (male/female)

Satisfaction

Age (years, months)

Impact

Income (Rs. Per year, year, month)

Excellent

Height

Rich

Religion (Buddhist, Hindu, Islam etc)

Domestic violence Extent and pattern of alcohol consumption Subjective impression

Measurable through the degree of

No uniformity as to its understanding

precision varies from scale to scale and a nd

among different people as such cannot

variable to variable

Concepts Rich

Indicators

Variables

a.

Income

Income per year

a.

Rs. 10 100,000>

b.

Assets

Total value of assets

b.

Rs. 25 250,0000>

(movable and immovable) High academic

a.

achievement b.

Average marks

Percentage Percentage of marks

If >75%

obtained in

Percentage Percentage of marks

If >75

examinations

Percentage Percentage of marks

If >80

Average ma marks obtained in practical work

c.

Aggregate marks

Effectiveness Effectiveness (of a health a.

Number of of pa patie tients

% of patients serviced in

Whether the difference

program)

Changes in

a year/month

in before and after levels

morbidity

Changes in morbidity

is statistically significant

Changes in

rate

Or

mortality

Changes in morbidity

Point prevalence

Changes in

typology

increase or decrease in

b. c. d.

nutritional status

each variable as decided by the researcher or other experts

Reasons for reviewing the literature 1. 2. 3.

Bring clarity and focus to your research problem Improve your methodology Broaden your knowledge base in your research area

Procedure for reviewing the literature    

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Search for existing literature Review the literature selected Develop a theoretical framework Develop a conceptual framework Write up the literature reviewed