Research Problem

Source: Research Methodology:

Methods and Techniques
by C R Kothari
 What is a research problem?
• Research problem is one which requires a
researcher to find out the best solution for the
given problem, i.e., to find out which course of
action the objective can be attained optimally
in the context of a given environment.
 While selecting the problem
• Subject which is overdone should not be normally
chosen
• Controversial subject should not become the choice of
an average researcher
• Too vague problems should be avoided, subject
selected should be familiar and feasible so that the
sources of research are within one’s reach.
• The researcher should consider the budgetary
constraints, whether he would get cooperation from
the research subjects, whether he is well equipped in
terms of his background(knowledge) ?
 Technique involved in defining a problem

• A) Statement of the problem in a general way: keeping

in view either some practical concern or some scientific
interest
• B) Understanding the nature of the problem: enter into
a discussion with those who have a good knowledge of
the problem concerned or similar other problems.
• C) Surveying the available literature:
• D) Developing the ideas through discussions:
• E) Rephrasing the research problem: putting it in
specific terms as possible so that we would be able to
develop a working hypothesis.