Olalere, FE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
COURSE

Developing Research topic; Research problem;

Problem statement
FOLASAYO ENOCH OLALERE

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 Problem vs Research Problem vs Problem Statement

Problem
Usually the basic problem that
motives you to start your research
 Research Problem

Three possibilities
i. An Area of concern (problem) that has not been researched
ii. Gap in the existing knowledge (related previous research)
iii. Deviation in the norm (theories) that points to the need for
further investigation
Olalere, FE

Research Contextualisation

SUBJECT OF THE
RESEARCH Methods

EXPECTED
INTERVENTION/APPROACH OUTCOME
(SOLUTION)

Theories Contribution to
RESEARCH PROBLEM the body of
knowledge

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 Research Title / Topic

i. A good title should reflect at least 3 out of the 4 main contextual aspects
of your research (i.e. Subject, problem, approach, outcome/contribution)
ii. Between 10 – 15 Words is often recommended; and not more than 25
words
 Problem Statement / Statement of the Problem
Concisely outlining the research problem that your study will be addressing

Flow of Ideas

Research area Previous Deficiencies/

and problem. attempts in controversies Research
Impacts?
(Justify the solving the in evidence / Problem
problem) problem theories v
iv
iii
ii
i

i. The concern/issue/problem that motivated you to do the research and why

the problem important and worth addressing
ii. Previous studies that addressed the problem
iii. The knowledge gap (What else do we need to know/do? Controversies in
theories? Etc.)
iv. State the research problem that your study will be addressing
v. How will addressing the problem help/impact the subject of your research
Example:
1.3 Problem Statement

The Mambong heritage pottery in Kelantan has been localised with little or no
development over the years (Hamdzun & Narimah, 2013; Tajul, 2007). Previous
research highlighted that the major reason for the less demand for Mambong heritage
pottery is because the heritage products, which were originally meant for functional
purposes, are primitive and no longer meet contemporary needs and
functions (Siti Mariam, 2014). This has relatively limited the demand for the heritage
products. Besides, the potters have been using the same obsolete technique without
improving the production process. Thus, the sub-standard technique and the obsolete
tools using hands have considerably limited the productivity and the quality of output
of the Mambong cottage pottery (Dhamari et al., 2012a; Dhamari, et al., 2012b; Kasemi,
2014). Furthermore, a recent study by (Siti Mariam, 2014) shows that present
Mambong potters have discarded most of the heritage motifs found on earlier (old)
wares. This implies that the cultural design features, which are a symbolic expression of
Malay cultural values, are at the brink of extinction.
To this end, there is a need for adequate research and development efforts to increase the
output and also find higher value alternative items for the cultural design features, so as to
maintain cultural continuity. Hence, by taking advantage of rapid prototyping
technology, this study is to sustain the cultural design features of Kelantan heritage
pottery, so as to achieve cultural continuity.
 Task
1. Complete the illustrative diagram based on your research

SUBJECT OF THE
RESEARCH

EXPECTED
INTERVENTION/APPROACH OUTCOME
(SOLUTION)

RESEARCH PROBLEM

2. Restructure your research title (working title) to reflect the ideas in the diagram above
(ideally between 10 – 15 words)

3. Write your research problem statement (statement of the problem) (250 – 500 words)
Olalere, FE

Points to note when reading previous studies

Relevant articles: Not all articles that seems relevant are actually
relevant

Review articles… don’t copy paste: Explain based on your

understanding

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