Defining the Research Problem**venkatesh.NKoshys college

A research problem refers to some difficulty that a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.**venkatesh.NKoshys college

Selection of problemA research problem rightly and rationally selected helps the researcher to complet the project with in the prescribed time limit and the budgeted amount.the right selection of a research problem will boost the morale of the researcher.in the selection of a problem aresearcher should take in consideration the following factor.

Contd...research interest:-the researcher should possess probing attitude, tenacity of spirit and dedication to thoroughness. a researcher will be able to imbibe these three virtues, if he has personal interest in the result of study. if the researcher has little interest, the project will become a shree drudgery.

Topic of Significanceif a student selects a problem which could be applied in practice, he may be able to attract the attention of the people in the practicle field of study.the results of the study will also be used by the people in the business.if the student selects a significant theoretical problem, he can keep in touchwith leading scholars in the field.the constant touch of the researcher with scholars will stimulate his thinking and enthusiasm

novelty of the ideait is derived from latin word "nova"it is nothing but new, orginal, (innovative and creativity things)A novel problem may offer scope for new ways of looking at the problem. A novel problem conceived by the researcher is a sign ensuring his promising research career.

Researcher's resourcesthe resources of the researcher are his inteligence, training and experiences and other facilities such as funds, clerical and technical assistance, library facilities and availability of time. time is the foremost factor in choosing a problem.in a social research, library resources such as books, journals, research reports, research journals, professional journals,bibliographies.if library resources are poor, the researcher has to select a problem for which he can gather primary data.

Availability of datathe researcher has to examine whether the data for the project are available in plenty.if the study is based on secoundary data, the researcher has to find out whether the data is with in his research.if the research is based on primary data, the researcher has to see wheather the respondents will answer the question.

Benefits of the Researchthe results of a research study may give intellectual satisfaction to the researcher.he get recognition for his work from his colleagues and outside scholars.the researcher can also publish his thesis.the research study is a service done to the profession, institution and society.

Feasibility of the Studythe factors such as availability of equipments, subjects, library facilities and time should be noted before selecting a problem.a researcher need not be in a hurry in choosing a problem. spending considerable time in selecting a topic would not be a waste at all.a young researcher is often tempted to think that his study must result in some extraordinary finding.

What is Formulation Formulation is a term used in various senses in various applications, both the material and the abstract or formal. Its fundamental meaning is the putting together of components in appropriate relationships or structures, according to a formula.(The action of devising or creating something.)

(A particular expression of an idea, thought, or theory.)

Formulation of a ProblemFormulation of a research problem is translating and transforming the selected problem in to a scientific research question.there are seven factors strengthening such careful formulation. 1.Proper Formulation of the problem provides a sense of direction to the research. 2.Proper Formulation specifies the scope of research.

Contd...3.proper formulation indicates the limitations of research.4.proper formulation clarifies the problem.

5.proper formulation establishes the major assumptions.

6.proper formulation expresses the context of the problem and

7.proper formulation provides economy in research.

Steps in FormulationA researcher has to follow the undermentioned steps one by one in formulating a research problem.1.Developing a title2.working out conceptual model3.Defining the objectives4.Limiting the scope 5.Formulation of hypothesis6.Operational definitions of concepts

Steps in formulation Developeng a title-the title of the study indicates the intention of the researcher and shows the focus of the study. it reveals wheather the study is a case, a statistical, exploratory, formalized and observational survey, descriptive, casual and experimental study. the title should be specific

Working out conceptual modelA problem may be selected from theory or ideas derived from theory. once a problem area is conceived, the researcher could develop and define the problem statement.

Defining the objectivesthe research must first of all decide the questions to be answered. then he has to decide wheather the study is descriptive or analysis, the researcher has to find answers to the following questions.what data are available or obtainable?what are the constraints?can say constraints be modified or removed?

Analytical & DescriptiveAnalytical research is a type of research that utilises critical thinking to find out facts about a given topic and from the answers obtained develop new and useful ways of doing things. Critical thinking is a method of thinking that puts assumptions into question to decide whether a given claim is true or false.Descriptive research is used to obtain information concerning the current status of the phenomena to describe "what exists" with respect to variables or conditions in a situation

Limiting the scopethe researcher must demarcrate (Separate or distinguish from),(To set the boundaries). the geographical limits, time limit and magnitude of the problem.

Formulation of hypothesishypothesis is a proposition or principle which is assumed in order to draw logical conclusion. hypothesis is a provisional idea based on limited amount of evidence.once hypothesis is tested with the help of evidence, it beco,es a thesis. hypothesis gives direction to research.

operational definations of coneptsthe operational definition enables to form specific ideas regarding the data needed. a word gives multiple meanings.

sources of identifying research problems Readinglectures and discussiondaily experiencefield studyconsultationsbrsinstormingresearchexplore areas of disatisfactionlook for current developementmaintain a dairy

Understanding the nature of the problemHow did the problem come to you? Where did you hear it first, from whom? What induced you to consider the problem at all? Discuss, talk it out with colleagues, find out the various perspectives to the problem. Always consider the environment, the surrounding within which the problem is to be studied and understood. Identify who is concerned with the problems and talk, talk and talk to the people involved.**

Develop ideas through discussionAn experience survey means talking to relevant people in the field, those with the experience. Such people are in a position to enlighten you on aspects of the study and their advice and comments are invaluable. You can not only define the problem more specifically, but also arrive at a general approach to the problem, techniques that might be used and even possible solutions. **

Talk to whom? Yourself, your friends, family, teachersEconomistsSociologistsEntrepreneursProfessionalsWritersEditorsIcons within the communityBusiness associations and groups**

Keep working on defining the research problem till you are clear in your mind what is the nature of the problem, the question that you are addressing.

Unless this is clear your research gets nowhere.**