BS English (Linguistics & Literature)

Research Methodology Semester-VIII

Course Code: ENG.412 Course Instructor: Ms. Fizza Imtiaz

Research Problem: Definition

Creating a research problem is an important step in the research process and can help outline the
process of your study. There are several types of research problems to choose from, and
understanding how they differ may help you decide which approach is best for you.
In this article, we discuss what a research problem, the different types of research problems, how
to formulate one and why research problems are important.
Key takeaways:
 A research problem introduces the reader to the study topic and the significance of the
research.
 It places the research topic into a specific context to helps define what researchers plan to
investigate.
 It provides a framework for reporting research results that will highlight the information
discovered.
What is a research problem?
A research problem is a statement that addresses a gap in knowledge, challenge or contradiction
in your field. Scholars use research problems to identify and define the aim of their study and
analysis. You may decide to conduct research based on a problem if you're interested in
contributing to social or scientific change or adding additional knowledge to an existing topic. A
research problem may also help identify key concepts and terms, overarching questions and
variables.
Characteristics of a research problem
Research problems have various characteristics that are important during the experimental
process. Understanding these aspects of a research problem can help as you identify and create
your own. Some characteristics include:
 Reflecting on issues or required knowledge in a particular field
 Relying on evidence and data
 Being practical and manageable for the researchers involved in data collection and
analysis
Types of research problems
Here are three kinds of research problems that can help you decide on the format to use:

1. Theoretical research problems

Theoretical research problems allow you to contribute to the overall information and knowledge
in an area of study. These kinds of research problems are exploratory and provide basic meaning
about the problem's nature or areas of informational gaps. Theoretical research problems can
address contradictions between two or more perspectives or address an unresolved question.
Researchers develop their hypotheses for these problems according to a particular theory,
typically stemming from social philosophy.

2. Applied research problems

Applied research problems, or non-systematic problems, involve the practical use of theoretical
knowledge. Meaning that scholars may use a particular theoretical framework to gain
information. It also includes an exploratory hypothesis and tests to verify the accuracy of the
hypothesis. Social researchers typically use applied research problems in studies where the
objective is to provide practical and applicable solutions to help individuals and groups if they
encounter challenges.

3. Action research problems

Similar to applied research problems, action research problems also aim to provide solutions for
problems but are more time-sensitive and immediate. Action research problems can also be part
of a larger reflective ongoing process that combines research, analysis and action. Researchers
develop and implement a research strategy to create innovative solutions and discoveries as soon
as possible. For example, an action research problem in education might include finding a
solution for a district-wide problem impeding student success. This may include school staff
members working together and using district-wide action research data to find a solution.

How to formulate a research problem

Consider following these steps when planning your own research problem:
1. Identify a general area of interest
As you determine an area of study, consider areas that are under-explored or present challenges
within the field. Assess how you might address the area of concern and whether you can develop
a research problem related to this issue. If your research is action-based or applied, consider
reaching out to those who work in a relevant field to get feedback about problems to address, or
follow up on research that others have already started. Consider these various aspects when
choosing an area of interest:
  Contradictions between two or more theoretical perspectives
 Situations or natural relationships that are not well investigated
 Processes in an institution or organization that you and your research team could improve
 Areas of concern by individuals who work or are experts in a particular industry

2. Learn more about the problem

Consider learning more about the area of interest, such as its background and specifics. Ask
yourself what you need to know about a particular topic before you begin your study. Assess
who or what it might affect and how your research could address those relationships. Consider
whether other research groups have already tried to solve the problem you're interested in and
how your approach might differ.
3. Review the context of the information
Reviewing the context of your research involves defining and testing the environmental variables
in your project, which may help you create a clear and focused research problem. It may also
help you note which variables are present in the research and how to account for the impact that
they may have on it. By reviewing the context, you may easily estimate the amount of data your
research is likely to deliver.
4. Determine relationships between variables
After identifying the variables involved in your research, you can learn how they're related to one
another and how these relationships may contribute to your research problem. Consider
generating as many potential perspectives and variable interactions as possible. Identifying the
relationships between variables may be useful when deciding the degree to which you can
control them in your study and how they might affect potential solutions to the problem you're
addressing.
5. Select and include important variables
A clear and manageable research problem typically includes the variables that are the most
relevant to the study. The research team summarizes how they plan to take these variables into
consideration and how they might influence the results of the study. Selecting the most important
variables can help the reader understand the trajectory of your research and the potential impact
of the solution.
6. Receive feedback and revise
Consider reaching out to mentors, teachers or industry experts for feedback on your research
problem. They may present you with new information to consider or suggest you edit a particular
aspect of your research design. Revising your research problem can be a valuable step in creating
impactful and precise research. However, before asking for feedback, consider these aspects of
your study:
  Does your research problem allow for several solutions and outcomes?
 Did you create a study that has a testable hypothesis or theory?
 Did you define all the terms correctly?
 Is your research objective comprehensive?
 Are all parts of your project understandable?

Link: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-problem