Research Problem - Presentation PDF

RESEARCH PROBLEM  Learning Objectives After completing this lecture students will be able to  Learn how to write the research problem or problem statement Writing a Research Problem  The first and most important step in any research is to identify the research problem:...

RESEARCH PROBLEM  Learning Objectives After completing this lecture students will be able to  Learn how to write the research problem or problem statement Writing a Research Problem  The first and most important step in any research is to identify the research problem: that is, what the researcher wants to solve and what questions he/she wishes to answer.  Research Problem  A research problem may be defined as “an area of concern, a gap in the existing knowledge, or a deviation in the norm or standard that points to the need for further understanding and investigation.”  Statement of the Problem  A statement of the problem is used in research work as a claim that outlines the problem addressed by a study. The statement of the problem briefly addresses the question: What is the problem that the research will address? Goals of a Statement of the Problem The ultimate goal of a statement of the problem is to transform a generalized problem (something that bothers you) into a targeted, well-defined problem; one that can be resolved through focused research and careful decision-making.  Writing a statement of the problem should help you clearly identify the purpose of the research project you will propose. Often, the statement of the problem will also serve as the basis for the introductory section of your final proposal, directing your reader’s attention quickly to the issues that your proposed project will address and providing the reader with a concise statement of the proposed project itself. A statement of problem need not be long and elaborate: one Paragraph is more than enough for a good statement of problem.  Key characteristics of a statement of the problem A good research problem should have the following characteristics:  It should address a gap in knowledge.  It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research  The problem should render itself to investigation through collection of data  It should be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time, and resources  The approach towards solving the problem should be ethical  It should lead to further research  5 ‘W’s of Problem Statement The 5 'W's –  Who  What  Where  When  Why is a great tool that helps get pertinent information out for discussion.  Who - Who does the problem affect? Specific groups, organizations, customers, etc.  What - What are the boundaries of the problem, e.g. organizational, work flow, geographic, customer, segments, etc. - What is the issue? - What is the impact of the issue? - What impact is the issue causing? - What will happen when it is fixed? - What would happen if we didn’t solve the problem?  When - When does the issue occur? - When does it need to be fixed?  Where - Where is the issue occurring? Only in certain locations, processes, products, etc.  Why - Why is it important that we fix the problem?  How to write a researchable problem or question  Problem stated in a question form.  Example  Does smoking causes lung cancer among adults?  How to write a researchable problem or question  Problems stated in the form of a declarative sentence.  Example:  To identify common problems of children with feeding disorders.  How to write a researchable problem or question  Series of declarative sentences  Example  The general food patterns and food intake as well as food choices of families whose mothers had nutrition education background.  The food groups in which their meals were deficient.  How to write a researchable problem or question  A declarative sentence followed by a series of questions.  Example:  The general food patterns and food intake as well as food choices of families whose mothers had nutrition education background.  What is their frequency of junk Food intake? Problem Statement : EXAMPLE  TITLE  Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status of Elite Kenyan Athletes  Problem Statement: Some elite Kenyan athletes have experienced injuries which are nutritional related prior to major international competitions and as a result have dropped out of the competition. Reasons for this have not been established but it could be due to sore muscles. The injuries may result from a negative energy balance and inadequate intake of iron and calcium. The dietary practices of Kenyan athletes consists mainly of their basic staple diets based predominantly on energy rich foods and these have been presumed to provide adequate nutrition for efficient and effective performance. However, knowledge by the runners of dietary intake to meet energy and micro-nutrient requirements has not been well documented.  Sources of a good problem A good problem originates from a research question formulated out of observation of the reality. A literature review and a study of previous experiments, and research, are good sources of research questions that are converted to statements of problem.  Many scientific researchers look at an area where a previous researcher generated some interesting results, but never followed up.  It could be an interesting area of research, which nobody else has fully explored.  The type of study determines the kinds of question you should formulate: Is there something wrong in society, theoretically unclear or in dispute, or historically worth studying?  Is there a program, drug, project, or product that needs evaluation?  What do you intend to create or produce and how will it be of value to you and society?  Personal experience and interests of researchers.  Various theories in the discipline of the researcher. Related Literature- Literature from one’s own area of interest. A reproduction of past research studies.  Your problem statement is the statement that makes a point about the issues and information you are discussing, and is what the rest of the proposal hinges upon.  It is not just your topic, but what you are saying about your topic.  Reference  Kumar R. Research methodology: A step-by- step guide for beginners. Sage; 2018.  Learning Outcomes After completing this lecture students  Learnt how to write the research problem or problem statement