Problem Identification Md Harunur Rashid Ph D Md

Problem Identification Md. Harunur Rashid, Ph. D Md. Abu Saleque, Ph. D In-house training, BRRI Auditorium, 15 February 2016 Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 1

Discussion session covers Problem Research Problem Characteristics of a Research Problem Where to find research problem? Problem analysis: cause and effect, root cause Problem tree Objective tree Research questions Hypothesis 2

What is problem and Research Problem? Problem Any obstacle or constraint that stands in the way of development or well being of the society. Research Problem It is typically a topic, phenomenon, or challenge that some one is interested in and with which he/she is at least somewhat familiar. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 3

Examples of problem (1) Overuse of phosphorus fertilizers in rice. (2) Application of insecticides to control fugal disease. (3) Low productivity in rice-fallow-rice cropping systems. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 4

Problem statement: Example (1) Overuse of phosphorus fertilizers in rice increases input cost and reduce profitability. Eutrophication may also results in due to excess phosphorus inputs. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 5

Problem statement: Example (2) Application of insecticides instead of fungicides does not control rice disease. Insecticide use increased the production cost. (3) Rice-fallow-rice cropping systems leaves the field under utilize. Inclusion of a non-rice crop between two rice crops may increase farm profitability. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 6

A problem is really researchable when • There is a known solution to the problem • There are probable solutions but they are not yet tested • The solution can be answered by using statistical methods and techniques 7

What are the Characteristics of a Good Problem? ? 8

Characteristics of a good problem It should be interesting to the investigator have practical value not to be over researched within investigators experience/expertise Not carry legal or moral impediment It can be finished within the allotted time. 9

Where do you find a problem to solve? Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 10

Where to find a research problem? 1. Consult with- target group Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 11

Where to find a research problem? 2. Consult with-colleagues Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 12

Where to find a research problem? 3. Consult with. Extension personnel Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 13

Where to find a research problem? 4. Consult withbusiness people 5. Consult – literatures including old report Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 14

Problem analysis Finding the causes and effects of the problem. Finding the root cause of the problem. Which is the problem to be solved? Who owns the problem? Establish the causes and effects relationship to the focal problem The causes of the problem should be solved in a reasonable time frame and resources. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 15

Cause, effect, root cause Nothing happens without a reason or without some kind of consequences. Cause is the reason for an action or event. Effect is the result of happened. In other words, cause is the why something happens, and effect is the what that has occurred as a result. Root Cause: cause that, if corrected, would prevent recurrence of this and similar occurrences. 16

17

Some examples of cause and effect Cause Mom was in the kitchen cooking all afternoon Nancy studied all weakened for her math exam Mustafiz interviewed the farmers whole the month Effect The family enjoyed a delicious meal for dinner Nancy achieved an A+ on the math exam. Mustafiz submitted a comprehensive report on present rice production cost. 18

Connecting words “Connecting words” can sometimes help us to better see the cause of something and its effect Some connecting words- - Because, consequently, therefore, since, as a result, so, thus, nevertheless, therefore 19

Some examples of cause and effect Cause Mom was in the kitchen cooking all afternoon Nancy studied all weakened for her math exam Mustafiz interviewed the farmers whole the month Effect Thus, the family enjoyed a delicious meal for dinner As a result, Nancy achieved an A+ on the exam. As a result, Mustafiz submitted a comprehensive report on present rice production cost. 20

21

How Is Root Cause Analysis Done? Teams identify all possible causes of a problem The actual root causes are identified and verified Corrective action(s) are identified to reduce or eliminate the problem. 22

Root Cause Tools Cause and Effect Diagram Scatter Diagram - prove cause-effect relationship Control Chart - process stable? Five Whys Tree Diagram Change Analysis Barrier Analysis Event and Causal Factor Analysis Management Oversight & Risk Tree Analysis (MORT) 23

Tree diagram/Problem tree Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 24

Effect Core problem Cause PROBLEM TREE 25

t Low yield e ric e ic Lo w pr ig h H High irrigation cost of la bo rc os Low input use ty n i a t r e c rice un High fertilizer cost P PROBLEM 26

Define a problem “Without adequately defining the problem, researchers may find themselves going off on a “goose chase” -to tackle a vague phenomenon, -trying to deal with symptoms rather than root causes, -and wasting time, becoming frustrated, or even making the actual problem worse”. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 27

State the problem A problem statement is a clear description of the issue for a particular topic. It can include a vision and a method used to solve the problem. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 28

Narrowing problem focus Problem analysis helps narrowing down the problem and separate the symptoms from root causes. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 29

Problem analysis Nutrient imbalance in soil Ca/Mg imbalance N/K imbalance Poor and irregular plant growth Less tiller, yellow leaf, Short and less panicle, bronzing Irregular flowering Delay maturity Low yield Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 30

Yellow rice field Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 31

Yellow rice field Extensive area of rice field became yellow at a specific location in Pangsa. Local Upazila Agricultural Extension officers informed BRRI to visit the area and suggest solution to the problem. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 32

Yellow rice field Several BRRI scientists visited the site. We noticed yellow rice field first at Goalanda. We observed yellow rice field at Pangsa. Yellow rice fields in different plots covered about 100 ha. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 33

Yellow rice field The crop was at panicle initiation stage in aman season. Mostly local varieties. The field was inundated for several weeks with flood water. We collected soil and plant samples for diagnosis nutrient related problem or disease infestation. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 34

Yellow rice field Plant tissue was free from any infection. Nitrogen, P, K, S and Zn deficiency was observed in the leaf sample. Soil had reasonable organic matter content and it was rich in P, K, S and Zn. Farmers applied N, P and K fertilizers. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 35

Is it a problem? Yellow rice field Is it a symptom? Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 36

Steps in identifying a research problem 1. Outline areas of interest Read about your interests Talk to your Colleagues Find out what others are doing 2. Choose a topic Observe your environment Be curious 3. Narrow your topic Ask questions 4. Identify a research problem 5. Identify the purpose for your study From problem to research. http: /www. annanurse. org/download/reference/…. /slides. Mod 4. ppt 37

Formulate problems v. What is a problem? A problem is not the absence of a solution but an existing negative state: 'Crops are infested with pests' is a problem; 'No pesticides are available' is not. v. What is a ‘focal problem’? One that involves the interests and problems of the stakeholders present. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 38

Problem tree analysis The problem, objective and strategy tree analysis is one participatory tool -of mapping out main problems, along with their causes and effects, - supporting project planners to identify clear and manageable goals and - the strategy of how to achieve them. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 39

Problem tree analysis: Stages of analysis (1) the identification of the negative aspects of an existing situation with their “causes and effects” in a problem tree, (2) the inversion of the problems into objectives leading into an objective tree, and 3) the decision of the scope of the project in an analysis of strategies. The value of this type of assessment is greatest if it is carried out in a workshop with the stakeholders, giving the opportunity to establish a shared view of the situation. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 40

Structure of the problem tree showing causes and effects Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 41

Problem tree analysis http: //www. sswm. info/sites/default/files/toolbox/EC%202004%201%20 Example%20 of%20 a%20 Problem%20 Tree. jpg 42

Problem tree analysis Bad-tempered & Staff unhappy Low productivity Problems Headache Health problem Arguments with partner No sleeping Stress Effects Excess drinking Place change Dog barking Causes 43

Problem tree analysis Low income Effects Low rice yield Late planting Late recession of water Drainage Low tillering Problems Faulty fertilizer management Inappropriate variety Increasing water logging High incidence of waterborne disease Cause 44

Objectives tree analysis Increased income Ends Increased rice yield Timely planting Timely reces. of water Better drainage Optimum tillering Objectives Efficient fertilizer management Appropriate variety Water logging is reducing Lower incidence of waterborne disease Means 45

Objectives tree analysis 46

Alternative Analysis A. Identify differing 'means-ends' ladders, as possible alternative options or activity components. B. Eliminate objectives that are obviously not desirable or achievable. C. Eliminate objectives being pursued by other development activities in the area. D. Discuss the implications for affected groups Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 47

Research question Shape up research question by identifying where the conclusion of previous research are unclear or where gaps exist in the literature. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 48

Research question A research question is a way of expressing your interest in a problem or phenomenon. You may have more than one research questions. Identifying a research question will provide greater focus on research Clarify the direction of investigation, and decide whether the research is descriptive or experimental. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 49

Characteristics of research question Are specific. Are clear. Refer to the problem or phenomenon. Reflect the intervention in experimental research. Note the target group of participants. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 50

Example of research question Whether the advance line (BR………) yields better than BRRI dhan 28 in waterlogged area? What is the role of soil organic matter in increasing rice yield? Whether the advance line (BR………) is better than BRRI dhan 28? Whether the advance line (BR………) is more nutrient efficient than BRRI dhan 28? Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 51

Example of research question Why farmers do not adopt export quality rice varieties? What are the adoption constraints of export quality rice varieties? How could we replace swarna with BRRI varieties in Northern region? What are the salient features of swarna that blows off its adoption in Northern region? Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 52

Hypothesis In a way, it is a possible answer to your research question. It is typically included in experimental research but is also found in descriptive research such as factor analyses or survey-based investigations. Certainly, you would write a hypothesis for each question that you propose. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 53

Null hypothesis A null hypothesis is simply a statement saying that you expect no differences in outcomes between groups or that no relationships exist between the given variables in your hypothesis. Some researchers do not think that a null hypothesis adds substantial value to research, while others do. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 54

Example of relationship of a research question, hypothesis, null hypothesis Whether the advance line (BR………) yields better than BRRI dhan 28 in waterlogged area? The yield of the advance line (BR………) may be higher than BRRI dhan 28 in waterlogged area. The yield of advance line (BR………) and BRRI dhan 28 do not differ significantly in waterlogged area. (The yield of advance line (BR………) is similar to BRRI dhan 28 in waterlogged area) Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 55

Thank you so much 56