Research Problem
The
problems lie everywhere around us. They even lie at our door step and in our
backyards. Human nature is so complicated, that a problem solved for one
individual may still exist for another individual, a problem solved for one
class/ school/teacher/ situation/ system/time etc., still remains a problem for
another class/ school/ teacher/ situation/system/time or a problem solved for
the time being may reappear with a lapse of time. We become habitual of living
in the age of problems i.e. we are so much surrounded by the problem that we suffers from ,”problem blindness”. But in order to
solve the problem or making research we need to delimit the problem.
Selection
of problem is not the first step in research but identification of the problem
is the first step in research. Selection of problem is governed by reflective
thinking. It is wrong to think that identification of a problem means to select
a topic of a research or statement of the problem.
A
topic or statement of the problem and research problem are not the synonyms but
they are inclusive. The problem concerns with the functioning of the broader
area of field studied, whereas a topic or title or statement of the problem is
the verbal statement of the problem. The topic is the definition of the problem
which delimits or pin points the task of a researcher.
It is
the usual practice of the researcher that they select the topic of the study
from different sources especially from research abstracts. They do not identify
the problem, but a problem is made on the basis of the topic. It results that
they have no active involvement in their research activities, whatever, they
do, do mechanically.
Definitions of the
Problem:
The
obstacles which hinder our path are regarded as problem. Different definitions
of the problem are given below;
“Problem
is the obstacle in the path of satisfying our
needs.”
John Geoffery
“Problem
is a question which is to be solved.”
John. G. Tornsand
“To
define a problem means to put a fence around it, to separate it by careful distinctions from like questions found in related
situations of need.”
Whitney
“A
problem is a question proposed for a solution generally speaking a problem exists when there is a no available answer to same
question.”
J.C. Townsend
“A
problem is an interrogative
sentence or statement that asks: What relation exists between two or
more variables?”
F.N. Kerlinger
“To define a problem means to specify it in detail
and with precision each question and subordinate question to be answered is to
be specified, the limits of the investigation must be determined. Frequently,
it is necessary to review previous studies in order to determine just what is
to be done. Sometimes it is necessary to formulate the point of view or
educational theory on which the investigation is to be based. If certain
assumptions are made, they must be explicitly noted.”
Monero and Engelhart
Identificationof a Research Problem:
The
following steps are to be followed in identifying a research problem;
Step I Determining
the field of research in which a researcher is keen to do the research work.
Step II The researcher
should develop the mastery on the area or it should be the field of his
specialization.
Step III He should
review the research conducted in area to know the recent trend and studies are
being conducted in the area.
Step IV On the basis
of review, he should consider the priority field of the study.
Step V He should draw
an analogy and insight in identifying a problem or employ his personal
experience of the field in locating the problem. He may take help of supervisor
or expert of the field.
Step
VI He should pin point specific aspect of the problem which
is to be investigated.
The Sources of the Problem:
·
The classroom,
school, home, community and other agencies of education are obvious sources.
- Social developments and technological
changes are constantly bringing forth new problems and opportunities for
research.
·
Record of previous research such specialized
sources as the encyclopedias of educational, research abstracts, research
bulletins, research reports, journals of researches, dissertations and many
similar publications are rich sources of research problems.
- Text book assignments, special assignments,
reports and term papers will suggest additional areas of needed research.
·
Discussions-Classroom discussions, seminars and exchange
of ideas with faculty members and fellow scholars and students will suggest
many stimulating problems to be solved, close professional relationships,
academic discussions and constructive academic climate are especially
advantageous opportunities.
·
Questioning attitude: A questioning attitude
towards prevailing practices and research oriented academic experience will
effectively promote problem awareness.
·
The most practical source of problem is to
consult supervisor, experts of the field and most experienced persons of the
field. They may suggest most significant problems of the area. He can discuss
certain issues of the area to emerge a problem.
Although
research problems should not be assigned or they should not be proposed and
allotted by a guide but consultation with the more experienced faculty member
or research worker is a desirable practice.
One
of the most important functions of the research guide is to help the student
clarify his thinking, achieve a sense of focus and develop a manageable problem
from one that may be vague and too complex.
Statement of Problem:
Kerlinger has
identified following three criteria of good problem statements;
·
A problem should be concerned with relation
between two or more variables.
·
It should be stated ‘clearly and
unambiguously in question form’.
·
It should be amenable to empirical testing.
Meeting
these criteria in his problem statement will result, in a clear and concise
idea of what the researcher wants to do. This sets the state for further
planning.
Objectives
of Assumptions about the Problem:
·
To make the research work feasible.
·
To delimit the scope of the problem.
·
To establish the proper frame of reference.
Aspects of Delimiting a Problem:
- Delimited to certain variables that should
be mentioned clearly in the problem.
- Delimited to the area or level as primary
level, secondary level, college or university level.
·
Delimited to size of sample, considering the
time, energy and money.
·
Delimited to the best method only.
·
Delimited to the best available tool for
measuring the variable.
·
Delimited to the most appropriate techniques.
- Other delimitations particular to a problem.
As the above delimitations help the
researcher for conducting the study, the findings of studies also confine to
these delimitations.
Evaluation of the Problem:
When
considering a problem a researcher is required to ask himself a series of
questions about it. These are helpful in the evaluation of the problem on the
basis of personal suitability of the researcher and social value of the
problem.
Following questions must be answered
affirmatively before the study is under Taken:
·
Is the Problem
Researchable?
- Is the Problem New?
·
Is the Problem Significant?
·
Is the Problem Feasible for the Particular
Researcher?
In order to be
feasible, a problem should agree with the following:
·
Research competencies of the Researcher
·
Interest and enthusiasm of the Researcher
·
Financial consideration in the Project
·
Time requirement for the Project
·
Administrative considerations in the Project.
