Unit
Unit 3
3
Selection
Selection and
and Formulation
Formulation of
of a
a
Research Problem
Research Problem
Structure: Structure: 3.1
3.1 Meaning Meaning of of Research Research ProblemProblem Objectives
Objectives 3.2
3.2 Choosing Choosing the the ProblemProblem 3.3
3.3 Review Review of of LiteratureLiterature 3.4
3.4 FormulatiFormulating ng the the ProblemProblem 3.4.1 Internal Criteria 3.4.1 Internal Criteria 3.4.2 External Criteria 3.4.2 External Criteria 3.5
3.5 Objective Objective of of Formulating Formulating the the ProblemProblem 3.6
3.6 Techniques Techniques involved involved in in FormulatiFormulating ng the the ProblemProblem 3.7
3.7 CriteriCriteria a of of Good Good Research Research ProblemProblem Self Assessment Questions I
Self Assessment Questions I 3.8 Summary
3.8 Summary 3.9
3.9 Terminal Terminal QuestionsQuestions 3.10
3.10 Answers Answers to to SAQs SAQs and and TQsTQs
3.1 Meaning of Research Problem 3.1 Meaning of Research Problem
Research really begins when the researcher experiences some difficulty, Research really begins when the researcher experiences some difficulty, i.e., a problem demanding a solution within the subject-are of his discipline. i.e., a problem demanding a solution within the subject-are of his discipline. This general area of interest, however, defines only the range of This general area of interest, however, defines only the range of subject-matter within which the researcher would see and pose a specific problem matter within which the researcher would see and pose a specific problem for research. Personal values play an important role in the selection of a for research. Personal values play an important role in the selection of a topic for research. Social conditions do often shape the preference of topic for research. Social conditions do often shape the preference of investigators in a subtle and imperceptible way.
investigators in a subtle and imperceptible way.
The formulation of the topic into a research problem is, really speaking the The formulation of the topic into a research problem is, really speaking the first step in a scientific enquiry. A problem in simple words is some difficulty first step in a scientific enquiry. A problem in simple words is some difficulty experienced by the researcher in a theoretical or practical situation. Solving experienced by the researcher in a theoretical or practical situation. Solving this difficulty is the task of research.
this difficulty is the task of research.
R. L. Ackoffs analysis affords considerable guidance in identifying problem R. L. Ackoffs analysis affords considerable guidance in identifying problem for research. He visualizes five components of a problem.
for research. He visualizes five components of a problem. 1)
1) Research-consResearch-consumer: There must umer: There must be an be an individual or a group individual or a group whichwhich experiences some difficulty.
2)
Research-2) Research-consumer’s Objectives: The r consumer’s Objectives: The r esearch-consumer must haveesearch-consumer must have available, alternative means for achieving the objectives he desires.
available, alternative means for achieving the objectives he desires. 3)
3) Alternative Means Alternative Means to Mto Meet the eet the Objectives: The Objectives: The research-research-consumer mustconsumer must have available, alternative means for achieving the objectives he have available, alternative means for achieving the objectives he desires.
desires.
4) Doubt in Regard to Selection of Alternatives: The existence of 4) Doubt in Regard to Selection of Alternatives: The existence of alternative courses of action in not enough; in order to experience a alternative courses of action in not enough; in order to experience a problem, the research consumer must have some doubt as to which problem, the research consumer must have some doubt as to which alternative to select.
alternative to select. 5)
5) There must be There must be One or More One or More Environments to which the Difficulty or Environments to which the Difficulty or Problem Pertains: A change in environment may produce or remove a Problem Pertains: A change in environment may produce or remove a problem. A research-consumer may have doubts as to which will be the problem. A research-consumer may have doubts as to which will be the most efficient means in one environment but would have no such doubt most efficient means in one environment but would have no such doubt in another.
in another. Objectives: Objectives: After study
After studying this uniing this unit you shot you should be abuld be able to undle to understand:erstand:
The The meaning omeaning of f Research ProblemResearch Problem
Choosing the problemChoosing the problem
Review of LiteratureReview of Literature
Criteria for formulating the problemCriteria for formulating the problem
Objective of Formulating the ProblemObjective of Formulating the Problem
Techniques involved in Formulating the ProblemTechniques involved in Formulating the Problem
Criteria of Good Research ProblemCriteria of Good Research Problem
3.2 Choosing the Problem 3.2 Choosing the Problem
The selection of a problem is the first step in research. The term problem The selection of a problem is the first step in research. The term problem means a question or issue to be examined. The selection of a problem for means a question or issue to be examined. The selection of a problem for research is not an easy task; it self is a problem. It is least amenable to research is not an easy task; it self is a problem. It is least amenable to formal methodological treatment. Vision, an imaginative insight, plays an formal methodological treatment. Vision, an imaginative insight, plays an important role in this process. One with a critical, curious and imaginative important role in this process. One with a critical, curious and imaginative mind and is sensitive to practical problems could easily identify problems for mind and is sensitive to practical problems could easily identify problems for study.
study.
The sources from which one may be able to identify research problems or The sources from which one may be able to identify research problems or develop problems awareness are:
develop problems awareness are:
Academic experienceAcademic experience
Daily experienceDaily experience
Exposure to field situationsExposure to field situations
ConsultationsConsultations
Brain stormingBrain storming
ResearchResearch
IntuitionIntuition
3.3
3.3 Review Review of of LiteratureLiterature
Frequently, an exploratory study is concerned with an area of subject matter Frequently, an exploratory study is concerned with an area of subject matter in which explicit hypothesis have not yet been formulated. The researcher’s in which explicit hypothesis have not yet been formulated. The researcher’s task then is to review the available material with an eye on the possibilities task then is to review the available material with an eye on the possibilities of developing hypothesis from it. In some areas of the subject matter, of developing hypothesis from it. In some areas of the subject matter, hypothesis may have been stated by previous research workers. The hypothesis may have been stated by previous research workers. The researcher has to take stock of these various hypotheses with a view to researcher has to take stock of these various hypotheses with a view to evaluating their usefulness for further research and to consider whether they evaluating their usefulness for further research and to consider whether they suggest any new hypothesis. Sociological journals, economic reviews, the suggest any new hypothesis. Sociological journals, economic reviews, the bulletin of abstracts of current social sciences research, directory of doctoral bulletin of abstracts of current social sciences research, directory of doctoral dissertation accepted by universities etc afford a rich store of valuable clues. dissertation accepted by universities etc afford a rich store of valuable clues. In addition to these general sources, some governmental agencies and In addition to these general sources, some governmental agencies and voluntary organizations publish listings of summaries of research in their voluntary organizations publish listings of summaries of research in their special fields of service. Professional organizations, research groups and special fields of service. Professional organizations, research groups and voluntary organizations are a constant source of information about voluntary organizations are a constant source of information about unpublished works in their special fields.
unpublished works in their special fields. 3.4
3.4 Formulating Formulating the the ProblemProblem
The selection of one appropriate researchable problem out of the identified The selection of one appropriate researchable problem out of the identified problems requires evaluation of those alternatives against certain criteria, problems requires evaluation of those alternatives against certain criteria, which may be grouped into:
which may be grouped into: 3.4.1 Internal Criteria 3.4.1 Internal Criteria Internal Criteria consists of: Internal Criteria consists of: 1)
1) Researcher’s interest:Researcher’s interest: The problem should interest the researcher andThe problem should interest the researcher and be a challenge to him. Without interest and curiosity, he may not be a challenge to him. Without interest and curiosity, he may not develop sustained perseverance. Even a small difficulty may become an develop sustained perseverance. Even a small difficulty may become an excuse for discontinuing the study. Interest in a problem depends upon excuse for discontinuing the study. Interest in a problem depends upon
the researcher’s educational background, experience, outlook and the researcher’s educational background, experience, outlook and sensitivity.
sensitivity. 2)
2) Researcher’s competence:Researcher’s competence: A mere interest in a problem will not do.A mere interest in a problem will not do. The researcher must be competent to plan and carry out a study of the The researcher must be competent to plan and carry out a study of the problem. He must have the ability to grasp and deal with int. he must problem. He must have the ability to grasp and deal with int. he must possess adequate knowledge of the subject-matter, relevant possess adequate knowledge of the subject-matter, relevant methodology and statistical procedures.
methodology and statistical procedures. 3)
3) Researcher Researcher ’s own resource:’s own resource: In the case of a research to be done by aIn the case of a research to be done by a researcher on his won, consideration of his own financial resource is researcher on his won, consideration of his own financial resource is pertinent. If it is beyond his means, he will not be able to complete the pertinent. If it is beyond his means, he will not be able to complete the work, unless he gets some external financial support. Time resource is work, unless he gets some external financial support. Time resource is more important than finance. Research is a time-consuming process; more important than finance. Research is a time-consuming process; hence it should be properly utilized.
hence it should be properly utilized. 3.4.2 External Criteria
3.4.2 External Criteria 1)
1) Research-ability of the problem:Research-ability of the problem: The problem should be researchable,The problem should be researchable, i.e., amendable for finding answers to the questions involved in it i.e., amendable for finding answers to the questions involved in it through scientific method. To be researchable a question must be one through scientific method. To be researchable a question must be one for which observation or other data collection in the real world can for which observation or other data collection in the real world can provide the answer.
provide the answer. 2)
2) Importance and urgency:Importance and urgency: Problems requiring investigation areProblems requiring investigation are unlimited, but available research efforts are very much limited. unlimited, but available research efforts are very much limited. Therefore, in selecting problems for research, their relative importance Therefore, in selecting problems for research, their relative importance and significance should be considered. An important and urgent problem and significance should be considered. An important and urgent problem should be given priority over an unimportant one.
should be given priority over an unimportant one. 3)
3) Novelty of the problem:Novelty of the problem: The problem must have novelty. There is noThe problem must have novelty. There is no use of wasting one’s time and energy on a problem already studied use of wasting one’s time and energy on a problem already studied thoroughly by others. This does not mean that replication is always thoroughly by others. This does not mean that replication is always needless. In social sciences in some cases, it is appropriate to replicate needless. In social sciences in some cases, it is appropriate to replicate (repeat) a study in order to verify the validity of its findings to a different (repeat) a study in order to verify the validity of its findings to a different situation.
situation. 4)
4) Feasibility:Feasibility: A problem may be a new one and also important, but if A problem may be a new one and also important, but if research on it is not feasible, it cannot be selected. Hence feasibility is a research on it is not feasible, it cannot be selected. Hence feasibility is a very important consideration.
5)
5) Facilities:Facilities: Research requires certain facilities such as well-equippedResearch requires certain facilities such as well-equipped library facility, suitable and competent guidance, data analysis facility, library facility, suitable and competent guidance, data analysis facility, etc. Hence the availability of the facilities relevant to the problem must etc. Hence the availability of the facilities relevant to the problem must be considered.
be considered. 6)
6) Usefulness and social relevance:Usefulness and social relevance: Above all, the study of the problemAbove all, the study of the problem should make significant contribution to the concerned body of should make significant contribution to the concerned body of knowledge or to the solution of some significant practical problem. It knowledge or to the solution of some significant practical problem. It should be socially relevant. This consideration is particularly important in should be socially relevant. This consideration is particularly important in the case of higher level academic research and sponsored research. the case of higher level academic research and sponsored research. 7)
7) Research personnel:Research personnel: Research undertaken by professors and byResearch undertaken by professors and by research organizations require the services of investigators and research organizations require the services of investigators and research officers. But in India and other developing countries, research research officers. But in India and other developing countries, research has not yet become a prospective profession. Hence talent persons are has not yet become a prospective profession. Hence talent persons are not attracted to research projects.
not attracted to research projects.
Each identified problem must be evaluated in terms of the above internal Each identified problem must be evaluated in terms of the above internal and external criteria and the most appropriate one may be selected by a and external criteria and the most appropriate one may be selected by a research scholar.
research scholar.
3.5 Objective of Formulating the Problem 3.5 Objective of Formulating the Problem A problem well
A problem well put is put is half-solved. The primary task half-solved. The primary task of research is of research is collectioncollection of relevant data and the analysis of data for finding answers to the research of relevant data and the analysis of data for finding answers to the research questions. The proper performance of this task depends upon the questions. The proper performance of this task depends upon the identification of exact data and information required for the study. The identification of exact data and information required for the study. The formulation serves this purpose. The clear and accurate statement of the formulation serves this purpose. The clear and accurate statement of the problem, the development of the conceptual model, the definition of the problem, the development of the conceptual model, the definition of the objectives of the study, the setting of investigative questions, the formulation objectives of the study, the setting of investigative questions, the formulation of hypothesis to be tested and the operational definition of concepts and the of hypothesis to be tested and the operational definition of concepts and the delimitation of the study determine the exact data needs of the study. Once delimitation of the study determine the exact data needs of the study. Once the exact data requirement is known, the researcher can plan and execute the exact data requirement is known, the researcher can plan and execute the other steps without any waste of time and energy. Thus formulation the other steps without any waste of time and energy. Thus formulation gives a direction and a specific focus to the research effort. It helps to gives a direction and a specific focus to the research effort. It helps to delimit the field of enquiry by singling out the pertinent facts from a vast delimit the field of enquiry by singling out the pertinent facts from a vast ocean of facts and thus saves the researcher from becoming lost in a welter ocean of facts and thus saves the researcher from becoming lost in a welter of irrelevancies. It prevents a blind search and indiscriminate gathering of of irrelevancies. It prevents a blind search and indiscriminate gathering of data which may later prove irrelevant to the problem under study. It helps in data which may later prove irrelevant to the problem under study. It helps in determining the methods to be adopted for sampling and collection of data. determining the methods to be adopted for sampling and collection of data.
3.6 Techniques involved in Formulating Problem 3.6 Techniques involved in Formulating Problem
The problem selected for research may initially be a vague topic. The The problem selected for research may initially be a vague topic. The question to be studied or the problem to be solved may not be known. question to be studied or the problem to be solved may not be known. Hence the selected problem should be defined and formulated. This is a Hence the selected problem should be defined and formulated. This is a difficult process. It requires intensive reading of a few selected articles or difficult process. It requires intensive reading of a few selected articles or chapters in books in order to understand the nature of the problem selected. chapters in books in order to understand the nature of the problem selected. The process of defining a problem includes:
The process of defining a problem includes: 1.
1. Developing Developing title:title: The title should be carefully worded. It should indicateThe title should be carefully worded. It should indicate the core of the study, reflect the real intention of the researcher, and the core of the study, reflect the real intention of the researcher, and show on what is the focus e.g., “Financing sm
show on what is the focus e.g., “Financing sm all-scale industries byall-scale industries by commercial banks.
commercial banks.”” This shows that the focus is on commercial banksThis shows that the focus is on commercial banks and not on
small-and not on small- scale industries. On the other hsmall-and, if the title is “Thescale industries. On the other hand, if the title is “The Financial Problem of
Small-Financial Problem of Small-scale industries”, the focus is on smallscale industries”, the focus is on small -scale-scale industries.
industries.
2. Building a conceptual model:
2. Building a conceptual model: On the basis of our theoreticalOn the basis of our theoretical knowledge of the phenomenon under study, the nature of the knowledge of the phenomenon under study, the nature of the phenomenon, its properties / elements and their inter-relations should be phenomenon, its properties / elements and their inter-relations should be identified and structured into a framework. This conceptual model gives identified and structured into a framework. This conceptual model gives an exact idea of the research problem and shows its various properties an exact idea of the research problem and shows its various properties and variables to be studied. It serves as a basis for the formulation of and variables to be studied. It serves as a basis for the formulation of the objectives of the study, on the hypothesis to be tested. In order to the objectives of the study, on the hypothesis to be tested. In order to workout a conceptual model we must make a careful and critical study of workout a conceptual model we must make a careful and critical study of the available literature on the subject-matter of the selected research the available literature on the subject-matter of the selected research problem. It is for this reason; a researcher is expected to select a problem. It is for this reason; a researcher is expected to select a problem for research in his field of specialization. Without adequate problem for research in his field of specialization. Without adequate background knowledge, a researcher cannot grasp and comprehend the background knowledge, a researcher cannot grasp and comprehend the nature of the research problem.
nature of the research problem.
3. Define the Objective of the Study:
3. Define the Objective of the Study: The objectives refer to theThe objectives refer to the questions to be answered through the study. They indicate what we are questions to be answered through the study. They indicate what we are trying to get through the study. The objectives are derived from the trying to get through the study. The objectives are derived from the conceptual model. They state which elements in the conceptual conceptual model. They state which elements in the conceptual model-which levels of, model-which kinds of cases, model-which properties, and model-which which levels of, which kinds of cases, which properties, and which connections among properties
connections among properties – – are to be investigated, but it is theare to be investigated, but it is the conceptual model that defines, describes, and states the assumptions conceptual model that defines, describes, and states the assumptions underlying these elements. The objectives may aim at description or underlying these elements. The objectives may aim at description or
explanation or analysis of causal relationship between variables, and explanation or analysis of causal relationship between variables, and indicate the expected results or outcome of the study. The objectives indicate the expected results or outcome of the study. The objectives may be specified in the form of either the statements or the questions. may be specified in the form of either the statements or the questions. 3.7 Criteria of Good Research Problem
3.7 Criteria of Good Research Problem
Horton and Hunt have given following characteristics of scientific research: Horton and Hunt have given following characteristics of scientific research: 1.
1. Verifiable evidence:Verifiable evidence: That is factual observations which other observersThat is factual observations which other observers can see and check.
can see and check. 2.
2. Accuracy:Accuracy: That is describing what really exists. It means truth or That is describing what really exists. It means truth or correctness of a statement or describing things exactly as they are and correctness of a statement or describing things exactly as they are and avoiding jumping to unwarranted conclusions either by exaggeration or avoiding jumping to unwarranted conclusions either by exaggeration or fantasizing.
fantasizing. 3.
3. Precision:Precision: That is making it as exact as necessary, or giving exactThat is making it as exact as necessary, or giving exact number or measurement. This avoids colourful literature and vague number or measurement. This avoids colourful literature and vague meanings.
meanings. 4.
4. Systematization:Systematization: That is attempting to find all the relevant data, or That is attempting to find all the relevant data, or collecting data in a systematic and organized way so that the collecting data in a systematic and organized way so that the conclusions drawn are reliable. Data based on casual recollections are conclusions drawn are reliable. Data based on casual recollections are generally incomplete and give unreliable judgments and conclusions. generally incomplete and give unreliable judgments and conclusions. 5.
5. Objectivity:Objectivity: That is free being from all biases and vested interests. ItThat is free being from all biases and vested interests. It means observa
means observation is unaffected by the observer’s values, beliefs andtion is unaffected by the observer’s values, beliefs and preferences to the extent possible and he is able to see and accept facts preferences to the extent possible and he is able to see and accept facts as they are, not as he might wish them to be.
as they are, not as he might wish them to be. 6.
6. Recording:Recording: That is jotting down complete details as quickly as possible.That is jotting down complete details as quickly as possible. Since human memory is fallible, all data collected are recorded.
Since human memory is fallible, all data collected are recorded. 7.
7. Controlling Controlling conditionsconditions:: That is controlling all That is controlling all variables except one andvariables except one and then attempting to examine what happens when that variable is varied. then attempting to examine what happens when that variable is varied. This is the basic technique in all scientific experimentation
This is the basic technique in all scientific experimentation – – allowingallowing one variable to vary while holding all other variables constant.
one variable to vary while holding all other variables constant. 8.
8. Training investigators:Training investigators: That is imparting necessary knowledge toThat is imparting necessary knowledge to investigators to make them understand what to look for, how to interpret investigators to make them understand what to look for, how to interpret in and avoid inaccurate data collection.
Self Assessment Question I Self Assessment Question I 1.
1. –––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– is the first step in research.is the first step in research. 2.
2. Journals Journals areare ––––––– ––––––––––––––––––– of research problems.of research problems. 3.
3. Internal criteria Internal criteria of of research problem research problem consist oconsist of f ––––– ––––––– andand –––––– –––––– .. 3.8 Summary
3.8 Summary
Research really begins when the researcher experiences some difficulty, Research really begins when the researcher experiences some difficulty, i.e., a problem demanding a solution within the subject-are of his discipline. i.e., a problem demanding a solution within the subject-are of his discipline. The formulation of the topic into a research problem is, really speaking the The formulation of the topic into a research problem is, really speaking the first step in a scientific enquiry. The selection of one appropriate first step in a scientific enquiry. The selection of one appropriate researchable problem out of the identified problems requires evaluation of researchable problem out of the identified problems requires evaluation of those alternatives against certain criteria, which may be grouped into those alternatives against certain criteria, which may be grouped into internal criteria and external criteria. A problem well put is half-solved. The internal criteria and external criteria. A problem well put is half-solved. The primary task of research is collection of relevant data and the analysis of primary task of research is collection of relevant data and the analysis of data for finding answers to the research questions. The problem selected for data for finding answers to the research questions. The problem selected for research may initially be a vague topic. The process of defining a problem research may initially be a vague topic. The process of defining a problem includes:
includes:
Developing titleDeveloping title
Building a conceptual modelBuilding a conceptual model
Define the Objective of the StudyDefine the Objective of the Study
Horton and Hunt have given following characteristics of scientific research: Horton and Hunt have given following characteristics of scientific research:
Verifiable evidenceVerifiable evidence AccuracyAccuracy PrecisionPrecision SystematizationSystematization ObjectivityObjectivity RecordingRecording
Controlling conditionsControlling conditions
3.9 Terminal Questions 3.9 Terminal Questions 1.
1. How How is is a a research problem research problem formulated?formulated? 2.
2. What are the What are the sources from which sources from which one may one may be able to be able to identify researchidentify research problems?
problems? 3.
4.
4. What What is is the the classificclassification ation of of research problems?research problems? 5.
5. What are What are the criteria the criteria of of good good research problem?research problem? 3.10 Answers to SAQs and TQs
3.10 Answers to SAQs and TQs SAQs
SAQs 1.
1. Selection Selection of of a a problemproblem 2.
2. Sources Sources of of problemproblem 3.
3. Researcher’s interest and competenceResearcher’s interest and competence TQs TQs 1. 1. Section Section 44 2. 2. Section Section 3.33.3 3. 3. Section Section 3.33.3 4. 4. Section Section 3.63.6 5. 5. Section Section 3.73.7
