Formulating a Research Problem Anil Kumar Bharti Assistant

Formulating a Research Problem Anil Kumar Bharti Assistant Professor Department of Economics Central University of Jammu

The Research Problem In the beginning is the problem: “The scientist is a man with a problem or he is nothing’’. Ø A problem is an intellectual stimulus calling for an answer in the form of scientific inquiry. Ø However, not all intellectual stimuli can be empirically studied, and not all human behaviour is guided by scientific knowledge. Ø According to Powers, Meenaghan and Twoomey(1985) ‘Potential research questions may occur to us on a regular basis, but the process of formulating them in a meaningful way is not at all an easy task’. Ø Formulating a research problem requires considerable knowledge of both the subject area and research methodology. Ø

Importance of Formulating a Research Problem Ø Ø Ø Formulation means translating and transforming the selected research problem into a scientifically researchable question. The formulation of a research problem is the first and most important step of the research process. It is like the identification of a destination before undertaking a journey. The problem selected for research may initially be vague. The question to be studied may not be clear. Why the answer/ solution is wanted also may not be known. The formulation of a problem is like the ‘input’ to a study and the ‘output’(quality of the contents and validity of the associations or causation established) is entirely dependent upon it.

Sources of Problems Ø The sources from which one may be able to identify research problems or develop problem awareness are: Ø Reading Ø Academic experience Ø Daily experience Ø Exposure to field situations Ø Consultations Ø Brain storming Ø Research Ø Intuition

Considerations in Selecting a Research Problem Ø Interest Ø Magnitude Ø Measurement of Concepts Ø Level of Expertise Ø Relevance Ø Availability of Data Ø Ethical Issues

Formulation Process The process of formulation involves the following steps: Ø Developing Title: The title should be carefully worded. It should reflect the real intention of the researcher and show on what is the focus. Ø Building a Conceptual Model: On the basis of theoretical knowledge of the phenomenon under study, the nature of the phenomenon and their inter-relations should be identified and structured into a framework. - it gives an exact idea of the research problem and shows its various properties and variables to be studied. - it also serves as a basis for the formulation of the objectives and the hypothesis to be tested. Ø

Continued. . . Ø Defining the Objectives: The objectives are derived from the conceptual model. - The objectives may aim at description or explanation or analysis of causal relationship between variables, and indicate the expected results or outcome of the study. - The objectives may be specified in the form of either statements or questions. Ø Setting Investigative Questions: Sub-questions are set up for each of the major research objectives/ questions.

Continued. . . -These specific questions guide the details of the research efforts, including the development of concepts, operational definitions and measurement devices. - There may be several sub-levels of the investigative questions, each being progressively narrower in scope and more specific. Ø Formulation of Hypothesis: The hypothesis are tentative answers to research problems. They are expressed in the form of a relation between independent and dependent variables. - Hypothesis can be derived deductively from theories, directly from observations, intuitively, or from a combination of these. - research hypothesis share four common characteristics: they are clear, value free, specific, and amenable to empirical testing with the available research methods.

Continued. . . - Hypothesis also indicates the type of data required and the type of methods of data analysis to be used. Operational Definition of Concepts: - A concept is an abstract symbol representing an object, a property of an object or a certain phenomenon. -If concepts are to serve the functions of communication, sensitization of experience, generalization, and theory construction, they have to be clear, precise, and agreed-upon. - The title of the research problem, the objectives of the study, the investigative questions and the hypothesis consists of concepts. Ø

Continued. . . - It is the definition of concepts that determine the information needs of the study. - An operational definition is a set of procedures that describe the activities one should perform in order to establish empirically the existence or degree of existence of a concept. Ø Delimiting the Scope of the Study: This means demarcation of the scope and dimensions of the study. - A researcher should take a close view of the implications and dimensions of the selected problem and keep the scope of its study within manageable limits. - the purpose of delimitation is to avoid confusion and superficiality and promote clarification and successful completion within time limits and available resources.

Continued. . . The various aspects that may be delimited are: - The objectives of the study - The geographical area to be covered by the study - The reference period - The magnitude of the study Ø The delimitation can be done from the standpoint of - Aims and interests of the research worker or sponsor - Availability of relevant information - The extent and scope of previous research - The amount of finance and time available - Other facilities available Ø

References � Kothari, C. R. ( 2 nd revised edition), 2004. Research Methodology-Methods and Techniques, New Age Internationals. � Krishnaswami, O R. , and Ranganatham M. Methodology of Research in Social Sciences, Himalaya Publishing House � Kumar, Ranjit. Research Methodology, Sage Publications � Nachmias, D. , and Nachmias C. Research Methods in Social Sciences, St. Martin’s Press, New York