Research Methodology Lecture 2: Research Problem PDF

Research Methodology Lecture2 Research Problem Defining a Research Problem  The problems lie everywhere around us. Selection of problem is not the first step in research but identification of the problem is the first step in research. A topic or statement of the problem and resear...

Research Methodology Lecture2 Research Problem Defining a Research Problem  The problems lie everywhere around us. Selection of problem is not the first step in research but identification of the problem is the first step in research. A topic or statement of the problem and research problem are not the synonyms but they are inclusive. The problem concerns with the functioning of the broader area of field studied, whereas a topic or title or statement of the problem is the verbal statement of the problem.  “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  2.1. What is a research problem ? Defining a research problem is the fuel that drives the scientific process, and is the foundation of any research method and experimental design. Research Problem: A situation or circumstance that requires a solution to be described, explained, or predicted. The components of a research problem can be : There must be an individual or a group which has some difficulty or the problem. There must be some objective(s) to be attained at. There must be alternative means for obtaining the objective(s) one wishes to attain. There must remain some doubt in the mind of a researcher with regard to the selection of alternatives. This means that research must answer the question concerning the relative efficiency of the possible alternatives. There must be some environment(s) to which the difficulty pertains.  Identification of a Research Problem The following steps are to be followed in identifying a research problem; Step I Determining the field of research in which a researcher is keen to do the research work. Step II The researcher should develop the mastery on the area or it should be the field of his specialization. Step III He should review the research conducted in area to know the recent trend and studies are being conducted in the area. Step IV On the basis of review, he should consider the priority field of the study. Step V He should draw an analogy and insight in identifying a problem or employ his personal experience of the field in locating the problem. He may take help of supervisor or expert of the field. Step VI He should pin point specific aspect of the problem which is to be investigated.  The Sources of the Problem: (i) The classroom, school, home, community and other agencies of education are obvious sources (ii) Social developments and technological changes are constantly bringing forth new problems and opportunities for research. (iii)Record of previous research such specialized sources as the encyclopedias of educational, research abstracts, research bulletins, research reports, journals of researches, dissertations and many similar publications are rich sources of research problems. IV) Text book assignments, special assignments, reports and term papers will suggest additional areas of needed research. V) Discussions-Classroom discussions, seminars and exchange of ideas with faculty members and fellow scholars and students will suggest many stimulating problems to be solved, close professional relationships, academic discussions and constructive academic climate are especially advantageous opportunities. Vi) Questioning attitude: A questioning attitude towards prevailing practices and research oriented academic experience will effectively promote problem awareness. Vii) The most practical source of problem is to consult supervisor, experts of the field and most experienced persons of the field. They may suggest most significant problems of the area. He can discuss certain issues of the area to emerge a problem.  Statement of Problem: Kerlinger has identified following three criteria of good problem statements; 1. A problem should be concerned with relation between two or more variables. 2. It should be stated ‘clearly and unambiguously in question form’. 3. It should be amenable to empirical testing.  Objectives of Assumptions about the Problem: 1. To make the research work feasible. 2. To delimit the scope of the problem. 3. To establish the proper frame of reference.  Aspects of Delimiting a Problem: 1. Delimited to certain variables that should be mentioned clearly in the problem. 2. Delimited to the area or level as primary level, secondary level, college or university level. 3. Delimited to size of sample, considering the time, energy and money. 4. Delimited to the best method only. 5. Delimited to the best available tool for measuring the variable. 5. Delimited to the most appropriate techniques. 6. Other delimitations particular to a problem.  Evaluation of the Problem: Following questions must be answered affirmatively before the study is under Taken: 1. Is the Problem Researchable? 2. Is the Problem New? 3. Is the Problem Significant? 4. Is the Problem Feasible for the Particular Researcher? In order to be feasible, a problem should agree with the following: a) Research competencies of the Researcher b) Interest and enthusiasm of the Researcher c) Financial consideration in the Project d) Time requirement for the Project e) Administrative considerations in the Project  2.2. Selecting the Problem The research problem undertaken for study must be carefully selected. If there is a knowledge gap in an area that need to be investigated, the research problem identifies this gap. Most researchers find selecting a research problem so diffcfcult that if open consumes a large part of the total time allocated to a reach project. This difficulty arise not because there is a limited range of reachable problems in sciences but the inability to locate the socially relevant topic without duplicating earlier studies. Criteria for selecting a research problem Details of the aspect of problem selection criteria is listed below : The problem must be significant in the sense that its solution should make a contribution to the body of organized knowledge in the field represented. The researcher should demonstrate that the selected topic is likely to add information to existing knowledge or at least to clarify some of the contradictory notion in previous research by making more reliable knowledge available. Furthermore, the problem should have either theoretical or practical implication or both.  2.2. Selecting the Problem The problem should be a researchable one. There are many problems that related to questions that can only be subjected to philosophic rather than scientific investigation. Researchable problem must be concerned with the relationships between two or more variable that can be defined and measured or explained. The problem should be one that will lead to new problems and to further research. This criterion implies that in so far as researchers often relate their problems to existing knowledge in the field involved, attention should be given to the selection of a problem whose solution is likely to raise a number of other questions for further research. The problem must be suitable for the researcher in several respects :  The problem should be one which arouses the researcher’s genuine interest. This criterion refers to the extent to which the solution of a selected problem personally important to the researcher in terms of the contribution it can make to his own knowledge in the subject area and to the enhancement of his competence as a scientist.  The problem should be in an area about which one has both knowledge and experience. The researcher must have a clear understanding of the theoretical, conceptual and practical aspects of the area of interest. These may be derived from personal experience and through a review of related literature.  2.2. Selecting the Problem The problem should be sufficiently original. One needs to posses personality attributes of creativity, flexibility and foresight to be able to select a research problem that does not involve blind and objectionable duplications. The problem must be feasible: In respect to this criterion, one must ascertain whether or not the required data for solving the problem are available or will be available. The problem must be one that investigated and completed within the allocated time limit. The time needed to complete a study depends among other things, the variable of the researcher and the problem. Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided In general, the importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the costs involved, the time factor are few other criteria that must also be considered in selecting a problem. In other words, before the final selection of a problem is done, a researcher must ask himself the following questions: (a) Whether he is well equipped in terms of his background to carry out the research? (b) Whether the study falls within the budget he can afford? (c) Whether the necessary cooperation can be obtained from those who must participate in research as subjects?  2.2. Selecting the Problem In summary, the characteristics of a very good research problem is listed below : The problem is significant The problem will lead further research The problem is researchable (it can be investigated through the collection of data) The problem is suitable (it is interesting and suits the researchers skills and available resource The problem is ethical (it will not cause harm to subjects) 2.2. Selecting the Problem  2.3. Evaluation of the research problem Will the research results have social, educational or scientific value? Will it be possible to apply the results in practice? Will the research opt new problems and lead to further research? Is there enough reach gap left within the area of research ? Will it be possible for another researcher to repeat the research? Are you motivated to undertake the research? Do you have the necessary knowledge and skills to do the research? Do you have the necessary funds for the research? Do you have access to the administrative, statistic and computer facilities the research necessitates? Will it be practically possible to undertake the research? Is the problem researchable? Is the problem new? Is the problem significant ? Is the solution to this problem helpful for the development of further knowledge? Is the problem feasible for researcher?  2. 3. Necessity of defining the problem Quite often we all hear that a problem clearly stated is a problem half solved. This statement signifies the need for defining a research problem. The problem to be investigated must be defined unambiguously for that will help to discriminate relevant data from the irrelevant ones. A proper definition of research problem will enable the researcher to be on the track whereas an ill-defined problem may create hurdles. Thus, defining a research problem properly is a prerequisite for any study and is a step of the highest importance. It is only on careful detailing the research problem that we can work out the research design and can smoothly carry on all the consequential steps involved while doing research. 2. 4. Technique involved in defining a problem Techniques involved are: Statement of the problem in a general way Understanding the nature of the problem Surveying the available literature Developing the ideas through discussions Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition Aids to locating and analyzing problems Booth et al. (1995, p. 36) suggest that the process for focusing on the formulation of your research problem looks like this: 1. Find an interest in a broad subject area (problem area) 2. Narrow the interest to a plausible topic – This narrowing process will require a lot of background reading in order to discover what has been written about the subject already, what research has been carried out, where further work needs to be done and where controversial issues still remain. 3. Question the topic from several points of view 4. Define a rationale or a statement of reason for your project  2. 4.1. Understanding the nature of the problem The problem should be stated in a broad general way, keeping in view either some practical concern or some scientific or intellectual interest. In case of social research, it is considered advisable to do some field observation, some sort of preliminary survey or what is often called pilot survey. Then the researcher can himself state the problem or he can seek the guidance of the guide or the subject expert in accomplishing this task. 2. 4.2. Statement of the problem in a general way Understand its origin and nature clearly Discuss it with those who first raised it in order to find out how the problem originally came about and with what objectives in view A discussion with those who have a good knowledge of the problem concerned or similar other problems. The researcher should also keep in view the environment within which the problem is to be studied and understood.  2. 4.3. Surveying the available literature All available literature concerning the problem at hand must necessarily be surveyed and examined before a definition of the research problem is given. This means that the researcher must be well-conversant with relevant theories in the field, reports and records as also all other relevant literature. He must devote sufficient time in reviewing of research already undertaken on related problems. This would also help a researcher to know if there are certain gaps in the theories This will help the researcher to contribute an original research outputs  2. 4.4. Developing the ideas through discussions Often produces useful information Various new ideas can be developed Discuss problem with colleagues and others who have enough experience in the same area or in working on similar problems --- known as an experience survey. People with rich experience are in a position to enlighten the researcher on different aspects of his proposed study and their advice and comments are usually invaluable to the researcher --- sharpen his focus of attention on specific aspects within the field  2. 4.4. Rephrasing the research problem To rephrase the research problem into a working proposition Rephrasing the problem into analytical or operational terms is not a difficult task Through rephrasing, the researcher puts the research problem in as specific terms as possible so that it may become operationally viable and may help in the development of working hypotheses  2.5. Problem statement A concise wording of the problem to be tackled. Your research problem statement is the foundation and focus of your research report. It is a clear, stand‐alone statement that makes explicit what it is you are aiming to discover or establish Note : While you write research report writing, try to develop a concise “statement” that clearly states the problem to be addressed by the research. A good problem statement is specific Many researchers have difficulty formulating a concise problem statement. The statement of the problem is sometimes written as a separate chapter and sometimes located at the very end of the review literature.  2.5. 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 ? 1. Pizza Delivery Times : Pizza delivery times at the Westside location have been averaging 38 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights (high volume methods). As a result, 20 % of the Pizzas are being delivered late (past 30 minutes). Delivering piazza in less than 30 minutes is crucial to increase revenue and customer satisfaction. 2. Problem statements can be formatted as a bulleted list or as paragraph: What is the problem : High defect rates Magnitude of the problem : 4.5 % of production Where is the problem : Assembly Line 1 Why is it so important : Reducing defects is critical to improve customer satisfaction.  2.5. Problem statement 3. Second shift assembly line 1 is producing defects at a rate of 4.5 % of production (based on the number of returns we are receiving from customers). Reducing defects is critical to improve customer satisfaction. 4. Even though plastic is a useful and versatile material with a wide range of applications, the disposal of plastic waste is problematic since they are durable and persist in the environment. The monitoring of plastic waste and research into its impacts are still in their infancy, but so far the implications are worrying. Besides, the problem of plastics in developing countries is tripled since there is no proper waste management to effectively either recycle or to recovery energy from plastic waste. Thus, recovery energy from plastic waste by producing liquid fuels will be a great benefits by solving the energy problems in developing, reducing their environmental impacts and generating incomes. Thus, in this work a novel Waste-to-liquid fuels technology is designed, manufactured and tested to be ready for the society. The technology is intended to be a low cost machine and serve the whole population of Ethiopia.  2.5. Problem statement 5. Underground Coal Gasification : Underground Coal Gasification (UCG or UICG), though not a new concept, is now attracting considerable global attention as a viable process to provide a “clean” and economic fuel from coal. This technology has the potential to exploit energy from low grade, deep seated, thin coal seams in an economic, environment friendly and sustainable manner. Despite these economic, environmental and technical benefits, this technology has the potential to create hazards of atmospheric emissions, ground water contamination, uncontrollable cavity growth & underground fires, subsidence and CO2 if the process is not properly managed. Thus, in order to manipulate the full economic and environmental potential of this technology, it is imperative that its development is in line with sustainable development principles, based on proper site selection criteria and environmental impact assessments. As this is a developing technology, many research gaps need to be filled. Some of the most prominent aspects dealt in this research include development of site selection criteria, GIS modeling of selected sites, Life cycle assessment to compare environmental impacts with other competitive technologies and sustainability assessment of UCG. Thank you !!!