Identifying

Inquiry and
Stating the
Problem

Practical Research 2
 It is important to note that research is a problem solving activity,
which means that you cannot begin a research activity when a situation
(a problem) has not given rise to it. The identification and the statement
of Research problem is the starting block of every research.

A carefully structured 'Statement of the Problem' will continue

greatly towards finding solution to it. It is important to examine the
nature of the problem very well because that would set the
parameters for what has to be done. After the problem has been
selected, it must be framed or composed in a statement that can help
the researcher in planning the study and interpret the results.
Statement of the Problem
The statement of the problem deals with the
explanation of what, why, and how has the study all begun.
Here underlies its two types which are Problem­based learning
and the Inquiry-based learning. Problem-based learning starts
with a problem that has been designed by an instructor for
didactic purposes with the aim of motivating the learning of
certain bodies of knowledge. Inquiry-based learning, on the
other hand, begins with the exploration of a theme that leads
the student to formulate a central question on their own, with
the aim of developing skills needed to bring research to bear
on the understanding of that question (Hudsptih and Jenkins,
2004).
 The Range of Research Topics in the Area of
Inquiry

The Inquiry/Research approach to professional development is one

which practitioners use to conduct systematic, intentional, field-based
inquiry into their own daily practices. The approach builds on the "real-
world" experiences practitioners bring to the field and is grounded in
analytical and reflective practice. Practitioners: (a)reflect critically upon
their own instructional practices; (b) review related research in their area
of interest· (c) pose problems for inquiry arising from their own settings,
their prior experience, and their goals for teaching and learning and (d)
develop analytical approaches for resolving problems. Practitioners in
addition, develop and investigate theories about what works and why.
A range of activities fall under the umbrella of Inquiry/Research,
including study groups, curriculum writing, case studies, program
evaluation, and trying out new practices. All are grounded in the
interaction of practitioners with their environment, with them
asking real questions, analyzing and learning new and working
collaboratively with others to explore a range of possible responses
to the questions they pose (Fingeret and Cockley, 1992).
1. Sources of problem .
2. Characteristics of a good problem.
3· How to narrow down major problem to specific.
 Writing a Research Title
1. Keep it simple, brief and eye-catching
The number one function of a title is to emphasize the summary of your
paper. So, keep the title concise and clear . Use active action words instead of
complex noun-based phrases, and avoid unnecessary details. However, an agreeable
title for a thesis, dissertation, or research papers is typically around 10-15 words
long. A long title may seem unclear and might take the readers' interest away from
an important idea.

Avoid: Drug XYZ has an effect of muscular contraction for an hour in snails
of Achatina fulcia species

Better: Drug XYZ induces muscular contraction in Achatina' fulcia snails

 Writing a Research Title
2. Use necessary descriptive words
A worthy research paper title must have key words used in the document and
must explain the nature of the study. Think about terms persons would use to search
for your study and contain them in your title.

Avoid: Effects of drug A on schizophrenia patients: study of a multicenter

mixed group

Better: Psychosocial effects of drug A on schizophrenia patients: a multicenter

randomized controlled trial
 Writing a Research Title
3. Avoid abbreviations and jargon
Recognized abbreviations like AIDS, NATO, and so on can be used in your
title. Moreover, other unpopular or specific abbreviations and jargons that would not
be immediately familiarized by the readers should be left out.
Avoid: MMP expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and early
osteoarthritic synovial fluid

Better: Matrix metalloproteinase protein expression profiles cannot distinguish

between normal and early osteoarthritic synovial fluid
Writing a Research Title
You may give more simpler and easy to understand title samples.

Avoid: CA: The Judge and Lawyers' Courtroom Interactions

Better: Conversationa1 Analysis: The Judge and Lawyers' Courtroom Interactions