Identifying the Research Problem
- First Online: 13 April 2022
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- Yanmei Li 3 &
- Sumei Zhang 4
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The first step of conducting research is identifying a researchable problem. This chapter explains the procedures to identify the research problem. The procedure of research involves systematically investigating a subject matter to reveal facts or reach new conclusions. Research can be theory driven or problem driven. Most of the studies in urban and regional planning attempt to investigate issues or problems either to: (1) identity and define the problem, and/or (2) probe further to answer research questions after identifying, defining, and operationalizing the problem. This chapter introduces methods, such as factual data mining, back of envelope analysis, quick research, and issues unique to a sub-discipline of planning, to identify the research problem.
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Patton, C. V., Sawicki, D. S., & Clark, J. J. (2013). Basic methods of policy analysis and planning (3rd ed.). Pearson. New York City.
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Li, Y., Zhang, S. (2022). Identifying the Research Problem. In: Applied Research Methods in Urban and Regional Planning. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-93574-0_2
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Academic writing and the definition of the research problem
This short paper brings observations for researchers-in-the-making and supervisors regarding two key moments: the definition of the research problem and the academic writing itself. First we see how to prepare the research problem considering the following steps: (1) What the research problem is, (2) why it is important, (3) what is known about the problem, and (4) what the research will contribute to knowledge about the problem. Second, we discuss how to write a scientific paper (articles, theses, dissertations…) and clarify our approach to a research problem These observations have been developed along years of discussions with both experienced and young researchers.
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In this short paper, I reflect on my own writing experiences as an early career researcher and describe three main points that I have learned along the way, that may be of some use to those wanting to improve their own academic writing. In other words, I discuss the ideas and strategies that I wish I had of known when I began academic writing. The first point that I cover is the importance of reading. In particular, reading the literature in your field and finding suitable models for your own writing. The second point that I discuss is the usefulness of sharing your work with others. This helps writers 'get into the mind of their reader', which is essential for explaining complex concepts or ideas. Further, sharing your work may help those who are struggling with motivation, as having another person looking at your work may make you more accountable. The last point that I focus on is using technology to assist with your writing and help with particular 'moves' in the academic genre. Specifically, I discuss the use of an online tool (AWSuM) for second language English writers. While I have taught writing to undergraduates, postgraduates and professors in Japan, this paper is aimed toward those who are struggling with particular academic writing strategies. As such, I offer some insights into my own strategies for writing in no particular order of importance.
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- How to Define a Research Problem | Ideas & Examples
How to Define a Research Problem | Ideas & Examples
Published on 8 November 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George.
A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in your research. You may choose to look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge.
Some research will do both of these things, but usually the research problem focuses on one or the other. The type of research problem you choose depends on your broad topic of interest and the type of research you think will fit best.
This article helps you identify and refine a research problem. When writing your research proposal or introduction , formulate it as a problem statement and/or research questions .
Table of contents
Why is the research problem important, step 1: identify a broad problem area, step 2: learn more about the problem, frequently asked questions about research problems.
Having an interesting topic isn’t a strong enough basis for academic research. Without a well-defined research problem, you are likely to end up with an unfocused and unmanageable project.
You might end up repeating what other people have already said, trying to say too much, or doing research without a clear purpose and justification. You need a clear problem in order to do research that contributes new and relevant insights.
Whether you’re planning your thesis , starting a research paper , or writing a research proposal , the research problem is the first step towards knowing exactly what you’ll do and why.
Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.
As you read about your topic, look for under-explored aspects or areas of concern, conflict, or controversy. Your goal is to find a gap that your research project can fill.
Practical research problems
If you are doing practical research, you can identify a problem by reading reports, following up on previous research, or talking to people who work in the relevant field or organisation. You might look for:
- Issues with performance or efficiency
- Processes that could be improved
- Areas of concern among practitioners
- Difficulties faced by specific groups of people
Examples of practical research problems
Voter turnout in New England has been decreasing, in contrast to the rest of the country.
The HR department of a local chain of restaurants has a high staff turnover rate.
A non-profit organisation faces a funding gap that means some of its programs will have to be cut.
Theoretical research problems
If you are doing theoretical research, you can identify a research problem by reading existing research, theory, and debates on your topic to find a gap in what is currently known about it. You might look for:
- A phenomenon or context that has not been closely studied
- A contradiction between two or more perspectives
- A situation or relationship that is not well understood
- A troubling question that has yet to be resolved
Examples of theoretical research problems
The effects of long-term Vitamin D deficiency on cardiovascular health are not well understood.
The relationship between gender, race, and income inequality has yet to be closely studied in the context of the millennial gig economy.
Historians of Scottish nationalism disagree about the role of the British Empire in the development of Scotland’s national identity.
Next, you have to find out what is already known about the problem, and pinpoint the exact aspect that your research will address.
Context and background
- Who does the problem affect?
- Is it a newly-discovered problem, or a well-established one?
- What research has already been done?
- What, if any, solutions have been proposed?
- What are the current debates about the problem? What is missing from these debates?
Specificity and relevance
- What particular place, time, and/or group of people will you focus on?
- What aspects will you not be able to tackle?
- What will the consequences be if the problem is not resolved?
Example of a specific research problem
A local non-profit organisation focused on alleviating food insecurity has always fundraised from its existing support base. It lacks understanding of how best to target potential new donors. To be able to continue its work, the organisation requires research into more effective fundraising strategies.
Once you have narrowed down your research problem, the next step is to formulate a problem statement , as well as your research questions or hypotheses .
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .
A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis – a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.
Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.
They summarise the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.
Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .
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A research problem, or phenomenon as it might be called in many forms of qualitative methodology, is the topic you would like to address, investigate, or study, ... define main idea and measure student performance on tasks that require students to find main ideas. So, whether in the classroom, the physician's office, or the mechanic's shop ...
identify and determine the problem to study. Identifying a research problem is important. because, as the issue or concern in a particular setting that motivates and guides the need. Parlindungan ...
1.4 Defining/Formulating a research problem. The first step to formulating a research problem is understanding the makings of good research, which has earlier been enumerated as: (a) the feasibility; (b) the novelty; (c) the relevance and the
lated. Second, we consider methodology's effect on defining problems, and how the multimethod approach can be used to focus research more sharply upon the substance of research problems. Finally, we consider the role of theory in problem formulation, and how the multimethod approach integrates theory and research more closely in posing these
the problem. much literature - quantitative. Exploratory study, lacking theory base -- qualitative.
the systematic investigation into the study of materials, sources etc. in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. (Continued) (Continued) an endeavour to discover new or collate old facts etc. by the scientific study of a subject or by a course of critical investigation.
4.1 Research Starts with a Question - 75 4.2 Research Purpose - 75 4.3 First Ask a Question to Start Formulating a Research Problem - 75. 4.4 Correctly Ask Research Questions - 77. 4.4.1 Try to Avoid Questions That Allow for Just "Yes" or "No" Answer - 77 4.4.2 Phrase Questions to Deal with Cause-and-Eect Relationship - 77.
A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in your research. You may choose to look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge. Some research will do both of these things, but usually the research problem focuses on one or the other.
1) branding is important - a good title will help the reviewer establish a connection with your proposal 2) a negative first impression will likely linger with the reviewer while reading the rest of the problem statement, and 3) if the title is confusing, chances are the rest of the problem statement will be just as hard to understand.
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 : ...
research problem and hypothesis(es) is typically determined with the help of the implications of the related literature and the deductive logic of the problem under investigation. For this, a researcher should fa miliarise himself/herself with the steps involved in the selection, definition and evaluation of a research problem, and also with the
to give a complete coverage on "defining research problem and formulation of hypothesis", perhaps the most important step from the angle of making sound decisions. Also as problem definition is the first step in research, a complete understanding of all its elements is imperative for making the right decision. A complete problem definition must ...
A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information about something, a phenomenon, an. issue or a problem. A mind map is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the ...
These two criteria are translated into various activities of researchers through the research process. Unit 3 and Unit 4 intend to describe the research process in detail. Formulation of research problem, the first step in the research process, is considered as the most important phase of a research project. This step starts with the selection ...
Abstract Research problems in a scientific research are formed after a certain process. This process starts with defining a research topic and transforms into a specific research problem or hypothesis. The aim of this study was to examine the way educational technology researchers identify their research problems.
The first step of conducting research is identifying a researchable problem. This chapter explains the procedures to identify the research problem. The procedure of research involves systematically investigating a subject matter to reveal facts or reach new conclusions. Research can be theory driven or problem driven.
SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM 4. STATING OR DEFINING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM 5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS 6. HYPOTHESES 7. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 8. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS 9. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE PROBLEM CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 INTRODUCTION Stating and defining a research problem is an important, but difficult task in the process of research.
-Research-based research problems -Practical problems • Reference the problem using the literature • Common pitfall: defining the problem based on the solution You should be able to apply the 5 'W's (Who, What, Where, When and Why) to the problem statement. A problem statement can be refined as you start to further investigate root cause.
The nature of a research problem, where you might get ideas for a problem to investigate, narrowing down or focusing on a particular problem to address, and writing good research questions are discussed. L ong before you create a research proposal, let alone conduct your research, you need to identify a problem or phenomenon to address and then a question or questions to ask about the problem ...
Research is an activity of researching or testing something to solve a problem or find something new. Research is a form of data collection activity obtained through field research, then used to answer problems. Can be used as a solution in solving problems. Research is also conducted to discover new knowledge.
PDF | In the research process, the initial and most crucial step is the selection and precise definition of a research problem. A researcher must... | Find, read and cite all the research you need ...
A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in your research. You may choose to look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge. Some research will do both of these things, but usually the research problem focuses on one or the other.
1.8 Formulation of Research Problem 1.9 Research Design 1.9.1 Meaning of Research Design 1.9.2 Characteristics of Research Design 1.9.3 Steps in Research Design 1.10 Concept of Hypotheses ... Social Sciences Research define research as "The manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify ...