Lecture 3

KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
Faculty of Engineering
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
TCE 6101- Research Methods
Defining Research Problem
Charles Onyutha
conyutha@kyu.ac.ug
Materials in this slides were all extracted from:
Kothari C.R. (2004). Research

methodology - methods and techniques.
New Age International (P) Ltd., Publishers.
ISBN (13) : 978-81-224-2488-1, 414pp.
2
C. Onyutha (2021). Research Methods: Lecture Slides, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Kyambogo University, Uganda
What is a research problem?
A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a
researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or
practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.
Selection of problem is not the first step in research,
BUT
identification of the problem is the first step in research.
3
What is a research problem?
A research problem is a statement about an area of concern,
a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated,
or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in
theory, or in practice that points to the need for meaningful
understanding and deliberate investigation (Bryman, 2007).
Bryman, A. (2007) The Research Question in Social Research: What is

its Role? Int. J. Social Research Methodology [Online] 10, 1, pp. 5-20.
4
Research problem or problem statement
Statement of the problem – the general issue that leads to a

need for the study.
 It answers the question ‘Why does this research need to be
conducted?’
 Presents the reason behind the proposal i.e. what will
change when this research is done or what would happen
if the research is not done;
 Problem is an existing negative state not absence of a
solution;
 The foundation for everything to follow in the proposal.
5
Research problem or problem statement
 Refers to what has been detected and needs a solution in the
practical or theoretical world;
 Should clearly state the nature of the problem and its known
or estimated magnitude / extent;
 Should be concise and brief (not more than 1 page);
 This section therefore emphatically states and gives evidence
of the difficulty that needs to be resolved.
6
Conditions for a research problem to exist (components of a research problem)
1) There must be an individual or a group which has some

difficulty or the problem.
2) There must be some objective(s) to be attained at. If one wants
nothing, one cannot have a problem.
3) There must be alternative means (or the courses of actions) for
obtaining the objective(s) one wishes to attain. This means that
there must be at least two means available to a researcher for
if he has no choice of means, he cannot have a problem.
4) There must remain some doubt in the mind of a researcher
with regard to the selection of alternatives. This means that
research must answer the question concerning the relative
efficiency of the possible alternatives.
5) There must be some environment(s) to which the difficulty
pertains.
7
Sources of Research Problem
1) Practical experience from the organization, engineering

industry, university, community and so on.
2) Social developments and technological changes are constantly
bringing forth new problems and opportunities for research.
3) Record of previous research such specialized sources as the
research abstracts, research bulletins, research reports,
journals of researches, dissertations and many similar
publications are rich sources of research problems.
4) Critical examination of literature
5) Existing theories
6) Brainstorming discussions-Classroom discussions, seminars,
conferences and exchange of ideas with fellow scholars and
students will suggest many stimulating problems to be solved
8
Sources of Research Problem
7) Professional relationships, academic discussions and

constructive academic climate are especially advantageous
opportunities.
8) Questioning of certain things from personal experiential
activities
9) 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.
9
Points to consider in selecting a research problem
1) Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen, for

it will be a difficult task to throw any new light in such a case.
2) Controversial subject should not become the choice of an
average researcher.
3) Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided.
4) The subject selected for research should be familiar and
feasible so that the related research material or sources of
research are within one’s reach.
Even then it is quite difficult to supply definitive ideas concerning how a
researcher should obtain ideas for his research. For this purpose, a
researcher should contact an expert or a professor in the University who is
already engaged in research. He may as well read articles published in
current literature available on the subject and may think how the
techniques and ideas discussed therein might be applied to the solution of
other problems. He may discuss with others what he has in mind
concerning a problem. In this way he should make all possible efforts in
selecting a problem.
10
5) The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the

training of a researcher, the costs involved, the time factor are
few other criteria that must also be considered in selecting a
problem.
In other words, before the final selection of a problem is done, a
researcher must ask himself the following questions:
a) Whether he is well equipped in terms of his background to carry
out the research?
b) Whether the study falls within the budget he can afford?
c) Whether the necessary cooperation can be obtained from those
who must participate in research as subjects?
If the answers to all these questions are in the affirmative, one

may become sure so far as the practicability of the study is
concerned.
11
6) The selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary

study.
This may not be necessary when the problem requires the

conduct of a research closely similar to one that has already been
done. But when the field of inquiry is relatively new and does not
have available a set of well developed techniques, a brief
feasibility study must always be undertaken.
7) Magnitude: It is extremely important to select a topic that you can

manage within the time and resources at your disposal. Narrow the
topic down to something manageable, specific and clear.
8) Measurement of concepts: Make sure that you are clear about the
indicators and measurement of concepts (if used) in your study.
12
9) Level of expertise: Make sure that you have adequate level of expertise
for the task you are proposing since you need to do the work yourself.
10) Relevance: Ensure that your study adds to the existing body of
knowledge, bridges current gaps and is useful in policy formulation.
This will help you to sustain interest in the study.
11) Availability of data: Before finalizing the topic, make sure that data are
available.
12) Ethical issues: How ethical issues can affect the study population and
how ethical problems can be overcome should be thoroughly examined
at the problem formulating stage.
13
Steps to follow in identification of 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, one 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.
14
Steps in formulation of a research problem
1) Identify a broad field or subject area of interest to you.
2) Dissect/divide the broad area into sub areas.
3) Select what is of most interest to you.
4) Raise research questions (to generate information about the
problem)
5) Formulate objectives (Main and Specific).
6) Assess your objectives.
7) Double check.
15
Guiding questions in identifying a research problem
1) What type of research has been done in this area?

2) What has been found in previous studies?
3) What suggestions do other researchers make for further study?
4) What has not been investigated?
5) How can the proposed study add to our knowledge of the area?
6) What research methods were used in previous studies?
16
Criteria for a good research problem statements
1. A problem should be concerned with relation between two or

more variables.
2. It should be stated ‘clearly and unambiguously in question

form’.
3. It should be amenable to empirical testing.
Objectives of assumptions about the Problem
1. To make the research work feasible.
2. To delimit the scope of the problem.
3. To establish the proper frame of reference.

17
Aspects of delimiting a research problem
1. Delimited to certain variables that should be mentioned clearly

in the problem.
2. Delimited to the area or level as primary level, secondary level,

college or university level.
3. Delimited to size of sample, considering the time, energy and

money.
4. Delimited to the best method only.
5. Delimited to the best available tool for measuring the variable.
6. Delimited to the most appropriate techniques.
Delimitation in research means setting boundaries to decide on what to exclude and

include in the study or investigation.
18
Evaluation of a research problem
Following questions must be answered affirmatively before the

study is undertaken:
1. Is the problem researchable?
2. Is the problem new?
3. Is the problem significant?
4. Is the problem feasible for the particular researcher?
In order to be feasible, a problem should agree with the following:

a) Research competencies of the Researcher
b) Interest and enthusiasm of the Researcher
c) Financial consideration in the Project
d) Time requirement for the Project
e) Administrative considerations in the Project.
19
Components of problem statement
A problem statement consists of
a) Stable context (ideal situation);

b) Destabilizing condition (reality);
c) Consequences; and
d) Solution.
20
Ideal Situation (Stable Context)
 Describe the "ideal" state of affairs (If problem didn’t exist). Its
recommended to provide background context first so that the
problem (and its solution) are easier to understand for the
reader. It is the point of entrance into your study and consists
of information that will not be challenged by your reader.
 Explain your problem "A problem well-stated is a problem half-

solved." -Charles Kettering
One of the most important goals (if not the most important goal)
of any problem statement is to articulate the problem being
addressed to the reader in a way that's clear, straightforward
and easy to understand.
21
Ideal Situation (Stable Context)
 Start by describing how things should work. Before you
mention your problem, explain in a few sentences how things
would be if the problem didn't exist.
 Concisely summarize the problem you intend to solve — this
cuts to the heart of the issue immediately and positions the
most important information in the problem statement near the
top, where it's most visible.
22
Destabilizing Condition (Reality)
 Reality: Some particular situation or problem that has the potential to
cause difficulty, either practical or conceptual, for the status quo.
 You may start your sentence with phrases like "However,..." or
"Unfortunately,..." “Despite…”to show that the problem you've identified
is what is preventing the ideal vision from being a reality.
Consequences (Cost or Benefit)

 Explain your problem's financial costs: Having stated your problem,
you'll want to explain why it's a big deal.
 Be as exact and specific about the financial burden of your problem
 The consequences of your destabilizing condition must
(i) affect your readers, directly or indirectly, and
(ii) be recognized and accepted by your readers.
 Consequences take two forms:
i) costs of leaving the destabilizing condition unresolved or
ii)the benefits of resolving it.
23
Propose a solution
 When you've explained what the problem is and why it's so important,
proceed to explain how you propose to deal with it.
 Your explanation of your solution should be written as clear and concise
as possible.
 Stick to big, important, concrete concepts and leave any minor details for
later time —in the body of your proposal/report.
Summary
A problem statement consists of:

1. Stable context(Ideal Situation);
2. Destabilizing condition(Reality);
3. Consequences; and
4. Solution.
24
Important to note
 The essential thing is to note the logical connection between

these four elements.
 Once you have a particular problem to address, your ‘stable
context’ and ‘solution’ should follow from your statement of
the problem.
 We have a status quo that everybody agrees about, but
there is a potential problem with that status quo.
 The burden of your study is to articulate and analyze that
problem and suggest ways of responding to it.
25
CONSTRUCTING A PROBLEM STATEMENT
A persuasive problem statement consists of four parts:
1) the ideal situation,
2) the reality,
3) the consequences for the reader, and
4) proposed solution.
Well constructed problem statements will convince your

audience that the problem is real and worth your investigation.
Your strategy is one of contrast: by situating the ideal scenario next to the situation as
it exists, will not only persuade the reader that a problem exists, but then go on to
emphasize the consequences of ignoring or addressing the problem.
The way you formulate a problem determines almost every step that follows.
26
CONSTRUCTING A PROBLEM STATEMENT
Statement 1 (Description of the ideal scenario)

Describe the goals, desired state, or the values that your
audience considers important and that are relevant to the
problem.
Statement 2 (The reality of the situation)
Describe a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value
discussed in statement (1) from being achieved or realized
at the present time.
Connect statements 1 and 2 using terms such as “But…..,"
“However…..,“ "Unfortunately…….," or “In spite of…….“ etc.
Statement 3 (The consequences for the audience)

Using specific details, show how the situation in statement
2 contains little promise of improvement unless something
is done.
Then emphasize the benefits of research by projecting the

consequences of possible solutions as well.
27
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CONSTRUCT A PROBLEM STATEMENT
Example Topic
Developing construction waste mgt tool for a developing country
1. Proper management of construction wastes despite the rapid urbanization in

developing countries makes it possible not to require specialized construction
waste management tools.
2. However, construction wastes are not properly managed in developing countries
due to lack of appropriate waste management systems or tools. Insufficient
data exist on current materials wastage levels on sites. Furthermore, existing
waste management tools in literature are inappropriate and inapplicable to
Ugandan construction sites.
3. There are rampant issues depicting the impacts of construction wastes on the
environment.
4. Thus, there is need for designing a new and appropriate construction
management tool for waste management on construction projects in Uganda.
28
SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC
A good research topic should be:
1. Feasible (can be done),

2. Interesting (can catch attention),
3. Novel (new and original),
4. Ethical (not against moral or legal principles),
5. Relevant (has an implication).
These criteria have been collectively called the “F.I.N.E.R”
29
F.I.N.E.R CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH TOPIC
Feasibility implies:
 Availability of important (influential/special) population;
 Availability of facilities to the investigators : equipment, supplies
and other requirements to undertake the research.
 Required expertise.
 Affordability of cost of doing the research.
Interesting:
 The research topic must be of interest to the investigators and to
the scientific community.
 If the investigators are not excited about the topic, or cannot get
colleagues interested in it, the project is probably not worth doing.

30
Novelty:
 It is essential that the investigator is familiar with the up-to-date

literature on the planned topic for the research.
 The research must be expected to contribute new information.
 Novel does not necessarily mean that the research has not been done
before. The prefix “re” in the word research implies searching again.
 Most good studies are neither original nor simple duplication of other
studies.
 The progress of science is incremental, with knowledge gradually
building up from different studies.
 The question should not be about whether the study has been done
before, but whether it will add to the existing body of knowledge
31
Ethics:
Entire text under “Ethics” was fully obtained via
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/research-ethics.html (accessed: 13th May 2021)
“Ethics are broadly the set of rules, written and unwritten, that
govern our expectations of our own and others’ behavior.
Research ethics are the set of ethics that govern how scientific
and other research is performed at research institutions such as
universities, and how it is disseminated.”
32
Relevance:
 This criterion can be called: the “so-what?” test.
 For the research to be considered relevant, it must have the
potential to advance scientific knowledge, bridges current
knowledge gaps, impact society or community, influence govt
in policy formulation, or guide further research.
33
Ethical considerations in research
The Importance of Research Ethics
 They promote the aims of research, such as expanding knowledge.
 They support the values required for collaborative work, such as mutual respect and
fairness. This is essential because scientific research depends on collaboration
between researchers and groups.
 They mean that researchers can be held accountable for their actions. Many
researchers are supported by public money, and regulations on conflicts of interest,
misconduct, and research involving humans or animals are necessary to ensure that
money is spent appropriately.
 They ensure that the public can trust research. For people to support and fund
research, they have to be confident in it.
 They support important social and moral values, such as the principle of doing no
harm to others
Entire text under “The importance of Research Ethics” was full obtained via
34
Most ethical codes cover the following areas
 Honesty and Integrity
 Objectivity
 Carefulness
 Openness
 Respect for Intellectual Property
 Confidentiality
 Responsible Publication
 Legality
 Animal Care
 Human Subjects Protection
Entire text in slides on“Most ethical codes cover the following areas” was full obtained via
35
 Honesty and Integrity
This means that you need to report your research honestly, and
that this applies to your methods (what you did), your data,
your results, and whether you have previously published any of
it. You should not make up any data, including extrapolating
unreasonably from some of your results, or do anything which
could be construed as trying to mislead anyone. It is better to
undersell than over-exaggerate your findings.
When working with others, you should always keep to any

agreements, and act sincerely.
36
 Objectivity
You should aim to avoid bias in any aspect of your research,

including design, data analysis, interpretation, and peer review.
For example, you should never recommend as a peer reviewer
someone you know, or who you have worked with, and you
should try to ensure that no groups are inadvertently excluded
from your research. This also means that you need to disclose
any personal or financial interests that may affect your
research.
37
 Carefulness
Take care in carrying out your research to avoid careless mistakes. You
should also review your work carefully and critically to ensure that your
results are credible. It is also important to keep full records of your
research. If you are asked to act as a peer reviewer, you should take the
time to do the job effectively and fully.
 Openness
You should always be prepared to share your data and results, along
with any new tools that you have developed, when you publish your
findings, as this helps to further knowledge and advance science. You
should also be open to criticism and new ideas.
38
 Openness
You should always be prepared to share your data and results, along
with any new tools that you have developed, when you publish your
findings, as this helps to further knowledge and advance science. You
should also be open to criticism and new ideas.
 Respect for Intellectual Property
You should never plagiarize, or copy, other people’s work and try to pass
it off as your own. You should always ask for permission before using
other people’s tools or methods, unpublished data or results. Not doing
so is plagiarism. Obviously, you need to respect copyrights and patents,
together with other forms of intellectual property, and always
acknowledge contributions to your research. If in doubt, acknowledge,
to avoid any risk of plagiarism.
39
 Confidentiality
You should respect anything that has been provided in confidence. You
should also follow guidelines on protection of sensitive information such
as patient records.
 Responsible Publication
You should publish to advance to state of research and knowledge, and
not just to advance your career. This means, in essence, that you
should not publish anything that is not new, or that duplicates someone
else’s work.
 Legality
You should always be aware of laws and regulations that govern your
work, and be sure that you conform to them.
40
 Animal Care
If you are using animals in your research, you should always be sure
that your experiments are both necessary and well-designed. You
should also show respect for the animals you are using, and make sure
that they are properly cared for.
 Human Subjects Protection

If your research involves people, you should make sure that you reduce
any possible harm to the minimum, and maximize the benefits both to
participants and other people.
This means, for example, that you should not expose people to more tests than
are strictly necessary to fulfil your research aims. You should always respect
human rights, including the right to privacy and autonomy. You may need to
take particular care with vulnerable groups, which include, but are not limited to,
children, older people, and those with learning difficulties.
41
Potential Ethical Problems Relating to Researching Consumers
SOURCE: Smith, N. C., and Quelch, J. A. (1992). Ethics in Marketing. Homewood, IL: Irwin
The list in the above table is not comprehensive, and similar lists could be developed in
relation to research involving employees, managers, or other categories.
42

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KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

TCE 6101- Research Methods

Defining Research Problem

Kothari C.R. (2004). Research

A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a

researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or

practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.

Selection of problem is not the first step in research,

identification of the problem is the first step in research.

A research problem is a statement about an area of concern,

a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated,

or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in

theory, or in practice that points to the need for meaningful

understanding and deliberate investigation (Bryman, 2007).

Bryman, A. (2007) The Research Question in Social Research: What is

Statement of the problem – the general issue that leads to a

 Refers to what has been detected and needs a solution in the

practical or theoretical world;

or estimated magnitude / extent;

 Should be concise and brief (not more than 1 page);

 This section therefore emphatically states and gives evidence

of the difficulty that needs to be resolved.

1) There must be an individual or a group which has some

1) Practical experience from the organization, engineering

7) Professional relationships, academic discussions and

1) Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen, for

5) The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the

If the answers to all these questions are in the affirmative, one

6) The selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary

This may not be necessary when the problem requires the

7) Magnitude: It is extremely important to select a topic that you can

Step I: Determining the field of research in which a researcher

1) Identify a broad field or subject area of interest to you.

2) Dissect/divide the broad area into sub areas.

3) Select what is of most interest to you.

4) Raise research questions (to generate information about the

5) Formulate objectives (Main and Specific).

6) Assess your objectives.

1) What type of research has been done in this area?

1. A problem should be concerned with relation between two or

2. It should be stated ‘clearly and unambiguously in question

3. It should be amenable to empirical testing.

Objectives of assumptions about the Problem

1. To make the research work feasible.

2. To delimit the scope of the problem.

3. To establish the proper frame of reference.

1. Delimited to certain variables that should be mentioned clearly

2. Delimited to the area or level as primary level, secondary level,

3. Delimited to size of sample, considering the time, energy and

4. Delimited to the best method only.

5. Delimited to the best available tool for measuring the variable.

6. Delimited to the most appropriate techniques.

Delimitation in research means setting boundaries to decide on what to exclude and

Following questions must be answered affirmatively before the

In order to be feasible, a problem should agree with the following:

a) Stable context (ideal situation);

 Explain your problem "A problem well-stated is a problem half-

 Start by describing how things should work. Before you

mention your problem, explain in a few sentences how things

would be if the problem didn't exist.

 Concisely summarize the problem you intend to solve — this

cuts to the heart of the issue immediately and positions the

most important information in the problem statement near the

top, where it's most visible.