Identification of Research Problem

Identification of research problem
Identification of research problem refers to the sense of awareness of a prevalent social problem, a
social phenomenon or a concept that is worth study – as it requires to be investigated to understand it.
The researcher identifies such a research problem through his observation, knowledge, wisdom and
skills.
Types of research Problem
There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem in the social sciences:
1. Casuist Research Problem -- this type of problem relates to the determination of right and
wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of
general rules and the careful distinction of special cases.
2. Difference Research Problem -- typically asks the question “Is there a difference between two or
more groups or treatments?” This type of problem statement is used when the researcher compares or
contrasts two or more phenomena. This a common approach to defining a problem in the clinical social
sciences or behavioral sciences.
3. Descriptive Research Problem -- typically asks the question, "what is...?" with the underlying
purpose to describe the significance of a situation, state, or existence of a specific phenomenon. This
problem is often associated with revealing hidden or understudied issues.
4. Relational Research Problem -- suggests a relationship of some sort between two or more
variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to investigate specific qualities or characteristics
that may be connected in some way.
Sources of Problems
The identification of a problem to study can be challenging, not because there's a lack of issues that
could be investigated, but due to the challenge of formulating an academically relevant and
researchable problem which is unique and does not simply duplicate the work of others. To facilitate
how you might select a problem from which to build a research study, consider these sources of
inspiration:
Deductions from Theory
This relates to deductions made from social philosophy or generalizations embodied in life and in society
that the researcher is familiar with. These deductions from human behavior are then placed within an
empirical frame of reference through research. From a theory, the researcher can formulate a research
problem or hypothesis stating the expected findings in certain empirical situations. The research asks
the question: “What relationship between variables will be observed if theory aptly summarizes the
state of affairs?” One can then design and carry out a systematic investigation to assess whether
empirical data confirm or reject the hypothesis, and hence, the theory.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Identifying a problem that forms the basis for a research study can come from academic movements
and scholarship originating in disciplines outside of your primary area of study. This can be an
intellectually stimulating exercise. A review of pertinent literature should include examining research
from related disciplines that can reveal new avenues of exploration and analysis. An interdisciplinary
approach to selecting a research problem offers an opportunity to construct a more comprehensive
understanding of a very complex issue that any single discipline may be able to provide.
Interviewing Practitioners
The identification of research problems about particular topics can arise from formal interviews or
informal discussions with practitioners who provide insight into new directions for future research and
how to make research findings more relevant to practice. Discussions with experts in the field, such as,
teachers, social workers, health care providers, lawyers, business leaders, etc., offers the chance to
identify practical, “real world” problems that may be understudied or ignored within academic circles.
This approach also provides some practical knowledge which may help in the process of designing and
conducting your study.
Personal Experience
Don't undervalue your everyday experiences or encounters as worthwhile problems for investigation.
Think critically about your own experiences and/or frustrations with an issue facing society, your
community, your neighborhood, your family, or your personal life. This can be derived, for example,
from deliberate observations of certain relationships for which there is no clear explanation or
witnessing an event that appears harmful to a person or group or that is out of the ordinary.
Relevant Literature
The selection of a research problem can be derived from a thorough review of pertinent research
associated with your overall area of interest. This may reveal where gaps exist in understanding a topic
or where an issue has been understudied. Research may be conducted to: 1) fill such gaps in knowledge;
2) evaluate if the methodologies employed in prior studies can be adapted to solve other problems; or,
3) determine if a similar study could be conducted in a different subject area or applied in a different
context or to different study sample [i.e., different setting or different group of people].Also, authors
frequently conclude their studies by noting implications for further research; read the conclusion of
pertinent studies because statements about further research can be a valuable source for identifying
new problems to investigate. The fact that a researcher has identified a topic worthy of further
exploration validates the fact it is worth pursuing.

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Identification of research problem

Types of research Problem

Deductions from Theory

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