Research Problem

Dr. G. Jabarethina
Faculty of Management Sciences
 Research Problem
• According to Townsend (1953) ‘a problem is a
question proposed for solution’.

Faculty of Management Sciences

 Identifying A Research Problem
• observations of every day life
• thinking or brainstorming sessions
• theoretical predictions and explanations,
• technological developments which make new
research possible
• problems suggested in the research literature;
or any combination of these methods.

Faculty of Management Sciences

 TECHINIQUE INVOLVED IN DEGINING A PROBLEM

• Statement of the problem in a general way

• Understanding the nature of the problem
• Surveying the available literature
• Developing the ideas through discussions
• Rephrasing the research problem

Faculty of Management Sciences

 PRELIMINARY SURVERY OF LITERATURE FOR TOPIC
SELECTION

• Study of the current literature ( special

assignments, term-papers, dissertations & thesis)
• Reading the professional journals & the recent
papers
• Discussions in workshops, conference & seminars
• Encyclopedia of social science research,
abstracts, international & similar publications.

Faculty of Management Sciences

 Considerations in Selecting a Research
Problem
• Interest,
• Magnitude,
• Measurement and clarity about the concept,
• level of expertise,
• Daily problems
• Relevance,
• Availability of data and ethical issues
• Theory Of One’s Own Interest
• Technological changes
• Unexplored areas
• Discussion with experts and authorities

Faculty of Management Sciences

 FOLLOWING QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ASKED ABOUT
THE TOPIC AS TO ITS FEASIBILITY

• Does the topic really interest you?

• Is the problem a significant one?
• Is there adequate supervision/guidance?
• Can the topic be completed in the required
time?
• Are the necessary equipments and adequate
library facilities available?
• Are subjects available to experimental
treatments and testing?

Faculty of Management Sciences