University Of MysoreManasagangothri

Mysore2016-17

C1-TutorialSUBJECT:- introduction to educational Research and Studies

TOPIC:- Formulation Of A Research Problem: Sources and Characteristics of a good Research problem.

introduction

The selection of a Formulated problem is the first step in research.

The term “Problem” means a question or issue raised to examine or address for consideration or solution .

The selection of a problem for research is not an easy task ; itself is a problem.

Ignore, Talk about, or try to solve them.Vision, an imaginative insight, plays an

important role in this process.

INTRODUCTION…….. One of the most difficult phases of any

research project is the identification of a Formulated research problem.

Research forms a cycle, It starts with a problem and ends with a solution to the problem

It starts with a problem and ends with a solution to the problem.

The research problem is therefore the axis which the whole research revolves around, because it explains in short the aim of the research.

PROBLEMProblem can be anything which disturbs

our minds, our intention, social aspects and so on OR problem can be defined as something deviates from the norm or issue to be address.

In research when we talk about problem is a something which is frequently happening not just at once, for example , why students always perform poorly ?, then you starting conducting a research

IDENTIFICATION Mouly (1978) defined research as process of arriving

at effective solutions to a problem , through systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

In the Research Process: Steps1.Research Problem2.Literature Review3.Research Design4.Collection of Data5.Analysis & Interpretation6.Research Report.Problems should have in general , Theoretical,

Conceptual Contextual  justifications.

Research ProblemsIt is a problem that someone would like to

investigate•It is considered a situation that needs to be

changed or addressed•These problems consist of:Areas of concern1.Conditions to be improved•2.Difficulties to be eliminated•3.Questions seeking answers.

SOURCESAn interrogationAn issue of concern.Unanswered questions.Missing links.Imbalances –Arts Vs Science.Technological change.

Ways of statinga. Problem Statement: General overview

with just information about the scope and purpose of the study to provide an initial understanding of the research.

b. Research Objectives and/or Questions : more specific focused statements and questions that communicate in greater detail the nature of the study.

Steps in research problems1. Identify a broad topic.2. Identify a narrow topic within the broad

topic.3. Raise questions.4. Formulate objectives.

The identification of a good research problem should be considered a discovery in itself , As soon as the researcher identifies a research problem he has to ensure whether the research problem meets the appropriate Characteristics of research problem.

Characteristics 1. Researchability .2. Theoretically / Practical Significance.3. Originality .4. Relevance .5. Feasibility .6. Narrow Down Problem.7. Interrogative Form.8. Ethical Consideration.

1.ResearchabilityObservation or other data collection in

the real world can provide the answer.It is not:1. How to do something2. A vague or too broad a proposition.3. A value-based concerns

Non- Researchable vs Researchable Questions

2. Theoretical/Practical SignificanceResearch problems have varying levels

of importance to different people in terms of their benefit, So a typical research problem should be important and worth investigating.

Why the child is distracted in the class?Why the child lacks interest in the class

while teaching?

3. OriginalityThere is no use of wasting one’s time &

energy on a problem already studied thoroughly by others.

A researcher may come up with different views on the definitions of terms used in a previous work.

4. RelevanceIt is important to understand whether the findings

of a research problem can be useful in terms of their relevance to the situation.

For example it is unwise for a Business and Management student to design a research problem in a scientific topic such as human medicine.

The problem can be seen that the researcher is in the dark and findings will be too far to be reliable.

Ensure that your study adds to the existing body of Knowledge, bridges current gaps and is useful in policy formulation. This will help you to sustain interest in the study.

5. FeasibilityConcerns the possibility of whether the

research problem can be conducted in terms of the means, resources, cost and time to complete the study.

For example to investigate whether there can be life in Mars…….

 -Competencies: knowledge, experience, skills and ability.

-Availability and accessibility.-Availability of adequate financial resources.

6. Narrow Down ProblemIt should be specific researchable

problem.A research problem that is too general

increases the scope of the project, the relevant literature review that has to be covered, and time as well as the cost of the project.

Identify a specific problem area form the general problem that is well-defined, clear and practically manageable

7. Interrogative FormA research problem should set in an

interrogative form use the 5Ws[ WHY, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHICH], for instance, what is the relationship between family environment and student performance?

8. Ethical ConsiderationIt is prudent practice to remain within the

confines of acceptable ways of doing things.It is morally inappropriate to enter into the

private lives of individuals.The respondents may not cooperate and

refuse to take part or simply to give the right information in research projects that involve sensitive questions.

It is important as much as possible to frame the research problem very carefully.

Examples –Question raised on the Religion

ConclusionA research problem has to indicate the

possibility of empirical investigation - that is, of data collection and analysis.

A research problem has to indicate the possibility in order to make your research problem appropriate, we need to follow the above characteristics , and then Finally you need to resolve the original problem by using the research you have done. Without these the research may fall apart, the problem may not appear to be fully solved or may not be seen fully clear .

In Summary!!!Formulation Of A Research Problem

should reflect the quality of –SMART; S-Specific.

M-Measurable.

A-Attainable/Achievable.

R-Realistic.

T-Time Bounded.