Research Methodology

Dr. Akshay Kumar Satsangi

Department of Management,
Faculty of Social Sciences,
Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra
India.
Learning Goals – Lesson 5
To know the meaning of research
problem.
 To identify the features of a good
research problem.
To study the process of formulating a
research problem.
 To understand the sources of a research
problem.
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Lesson 5:

Formulation and Sources of a Research

Problem

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 Meaning of Research Problem
Research problem is difficulty
experienced by the researcher.
A problem is an intellectual stimulus
calling for an answer in the form of
scientific inquiry.
• “How can inflation be checked?”
• “Does social status influence voting
behavior?”
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 Problem properly defined is half
solved.

Research problem is a research

opportunity.
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P = Purposeful
R = Roadblocks
O = Offering
B = Beneficial
L = Lessons
E = Enhance
M = Mental
S = Strength
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The process of research starts with problem
identification.

There must be shortlisting and prioritizing

of research problem.

Delay in problem identification and solution

implementation may become harmful to the
organisation.
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Features of a Good Research Problem
 Precise and clear.
 Interesting.
 Novelty.
 Valuable.
 Feasible. ( Competence, Data availability,
Resources, Guidance, Time)
 Free from controversies.

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 Formulation of Research Problem
“The formulation of a problem is often
more essential than its solution”. Einstein
 Statement of the problem in general way.
 Understanding the nature of the problem.
 Review of literature.
 Development of an idea.
 Rephrasing the research problem into
working proposition.
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 Sources of a Research Problem
 Conflicts.
 Suggestions.
 Review of Literature.
 Past Theories.
 Change and Development.
 Experts.
 Insight. (Intuitive understanding)
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Summary:
Research problem is the foundation of
any research process.
Proper identification of research
problem is half the job done.
Research problem should be precise,
clear, interesting, novel, significant,
feasible and free from controversies.
There are certain steps involved in
formulating a research problem. 11
Conflicts, Suggestions, Theories, Change
and development and Review of literature
are the important sources of any research
problem.

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Thank You

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