FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE

OWERRI IMO STATE

P.M.B 1036

TOPIC: RESEARCH BEGINS WITH A PROBLEM AND ENDS WITH

A PROBLEM: CRITICALLY EXAMINE THIS STATEMENT
AND IDENTIFY THE QUALITIES/FEATURES OF A GOOD
RESEARCH PROBLEMS.

GROUP C
S/N NAMES
1 JOHN FAVOUR ONYINYECHI
2 UMEOKOLI OLUEBUBE BLESSING
3 OKOYE EBELE PASCHALINE
4 OHANELE MMESOMA FAVOUR
5 ODINNAKA GLORY CHIDINMA
6 BASIL CHINEMEREM CHIDINMA
7 IHUARULAM GODLINE CHISOM
8 AKUNWATA CHIZOBA PRECIOUS
9 EZE SUCCESS ONYINYECHI
10 OFFURUM LILIAN

DEPT: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

LEVEL: ND2 (MORNING)
COURSE: RESEARCH METHOD
COURSE CODE: BAM 217

DATE: APRIL 2023.

A research problem is a specific question, problem, or difficulty that needs to
be investigated or analyzed.
It is a concise statement that expresses the difference between what is
currently known and what needs to be known or the difference between a
current situation and a desired state.
Examining research problems helps to identify the key concepts and terms of
research. A research problem should be clear, concise, and specific enough
to guide the process and contribute to the definition of research project
objectives, methods, and outcomes. It is the foundation of any research
project, and a well-formulated research problem is required for any research
study to be successful.
Qualities of a research problem
1. Covers the essential needs or issues
The researcher must have a specific problem statement in the research.
Unless you don’t address the crucial issues, the research project will not
carry much weight. The complex research project may end up wasting time
and money if these issues are not of high importance. Ensure you do not
miss out on the more critical needs and concerns to get your marketing
strategies right.
2. The problem is stated logically and clearly
If you can’t state the problem logically or clearly in the research project, the
problem likely is a weak one or probably a non-problem. To test this,
consolidate the specific problem into a paragraph and ensure it makes sense
and covers all the crucial points. Share the problem with others, and if this is
not understood by even s few, consider a more logical approach to specify
the issue or problem.
3. The research project is based on actual facts and evidence
(non-hypothetical)
There is a difference between beliefs and facts. Keep fiction out of this.
Research must be based on actual facts and not beliefs. Hypothetical events
will not do the research any good. You can’t consider the research findings
true or accurate if you don’t base them on facts and evidence. It must
suggest a meaningful and testable hypothesis.
4. The research problem generates and encourages research
questions
The research must create multiple questions. These questions should be
more specific to the research that highlights different components or aspects
of the problem. These questions must assist in addressing the issue better,
providing a robust framework for the research. Formulating such questions
is a challenge that needs to be addressed correctly.
5. It fits the budget and time frame
Ensure that the research activity is doable within the budget and time frame.
Consider the logistical factors to ensure successful research. Losing out on
the research due to the lack of money and manpower to complete it within a
specified timeframe will be a colossal waste of time. Pursue only the
problems that are feasible.
6. Sufficient data can be obtained
Research is based on facts and findings, and there must be multiple cases or
findings to prove the research. Research that is based on limited data will do
no good to test a theory or satisfy it. If data is unavailable to do research, it
does not make sense to go ahead with the research.
 7. The problem has an unsatisfactory answer, or is it a new
problem
Ensure that there exists very little or no research on the topic. If the
problem already has an existing answer to the problem, and this answer is
tried and tested, it’s probably best to move on and not waste time finding
what has already been found extensively.
Characteristics of a research problem statement
Here are the characteristics of a research problem statement:
 It must address the gap in knowledge.
 It must be significant to the extent that it contributes positively to the
research
 It must help in further research
 The collected empirical data confirm the clarity and understandability of the
research problem.
 It must be in the researcher’s interest should and suit his/her time, practical
knowledge, skills, and resources
 The problem-solving approach must be ethical
 Customary research methods can be applied
References

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Miceli, S. (2019, September 3). Reproducibility and replicability in

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Pathak, V., Jena, B., & Kalra, S. (2013). Qualitative research. Perspectives in

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