Research Problem and Question Definition

Study Notes

Research Problem

A research problem is a clear expression of an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, theory, or practice.
It points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation.
The ultimate goal of research is to propose ways of studying things, people, places, and events, and to discover new practices, strategies, or techniques in solving a problem.

Background of the Problem

Provides the context and history of the research problem.
Explains how the problem arose.
Defines the features of the problem and factors contributing to the problem.
Provides evidence to show the problem is current.

Research Question

A research question is a question that a research project sets out to answer.
A good research question is specific, clear, and focused.
Examples of good research questions:
- What effect does the daily use of YouTube have on the attention span of children aged under 16?
- How have school intervention programs and parental education levels affected the rate of childhood obesity among 1st to 6th grade students?

Guidelines in Formulating Research Questions

Research questions should be specific and clear.
Avoid broad or vague questions.
Examples of bad research questions:
- How does social media affect people’s behavior?
- Has there been an increase in childhood obesity in the US in the past 10 years?

Description

Understand the meaning of a research problem and question. Learn how to identify areas of concern, conditions to be improved, and difficulties to be eliminated. Discover the importance of deliberate investigation in research.