How to Identify Research Problem|Research Problem|Formulate Research Problem|Research Methodology|

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide on identifying and formulating research problems. It explains that a research problem is essentially a gap in knowledge or a real-world challenge. The script outlines steps for selecting a research problem, including identifying one's area of interest, exploring sub-areas, and recognizing gaps in existing research. It also suggests strategies like pilot surveys and case studies to refine research focus. The speaker advises avoiding overdone, controversial, or too narrow subjects, and emphasizes choosing a familiar topic for in-depth exploration. The video promises further insights on literature review in upcoming episodes.

Takeaways

• 🔍 A research problem is a gap in knowledge, a contradiction in theory, or a real-world challenge that a researcher aims to address.
• 🎯 Formulating a well-defined research question is central to addressing a research problem, providing focus, clarity, and structure.
• 🌟 The ideal research problem introduces a fresh perspective and offers something new to the existing body of knowledge.
• 📈 Steps for research problem selection include identifying your area of interest, exploring sub-areas, identifying gaps, and formulating objectives.
• 📋 A clear and well-defined statement of the problem is foundational for developing a research proposal and understanding the study's background.
• 🧐 Understanding the nature of the problem involves discussing the research problem with knowledgeable individuals, such as a research supervisor.
• 📊 Pilot surveys, case studies, focus group interviews, and experience surveys are strategies for identifying and defining research problems.
• 🚫 Avoid selecting overdone, controversial, too narrow, or vogue subjects for research to ensure the study's relevance and scope.
• 📚 Familiarity with the subject is crucial when selecting a research problem, ensuring the researcher has prior knowledge in the field.
• 📈 Upcoming videos will discuss the review of literature, an essential component of research proposals and synopses.

Q & A

What is a research problem according to CK Kotari?

A research problem, as defined by CK Kotari, refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution. It is a gap in existing knowledge, a contradiction in established theory, or a real-world challenge that the researcher aims to address.

Why is formulating a well-defined research question important?

Formulating a well-defined research question is central to addressing a research problem. It provides focus, clarity, and structure to the research endeavor, helping the researcher design methodologies, collect data, and analyze results in a systematic and coherent manner.

What are the steps for research problem selection?

The steps for research problem selection include identifying the area of interest, thinking about sub-areas within that interest, identifying gaps within those sub-areas, and then formulating the research objectives or making a statement.

What is the role of interest in selecting a research problem?

Interest plays a crucial role in selecting a research problem. A researcher should choose a field in which they have a genuine interest, as this passion drives the research and helps in exploring the sub-areas and identifying gaps within those areas.

How does a pilot survey help in identifying a research problem?

A pilot survey is a mini questionnaire given to a smaller sample size audience to collect preliminary data about the problem. It serves as a guide for a larger study and helps the researcher identify gaps and formulate the research problem.

What is the difference between a pilot survey and a focus group interview in terms of research problem identification?

In a pilot survey, the researcher provides a mini questionnaire for data collection, whereas in a focus group interview, the researcher conducts an unstructured interview with a small group to understand and define the research problem.

Why should researchers avoid choosing overdone subjects for their research?

Overdone subjects should be avoided because they lack novelty and may not contribute new insights to the existing body of knowledge. Researchers should aim to bring fresh perspectives and offer something new to the field.

What are the four basic strategies for identifying and defining a research problem?

The four basic strategies for identifying and defining a research problem are pilot survey, case study, focus group interviews, and experience survey.

Why is it important for a researcher to choose a subject that is familiar to them?

Choosing a familiar subject is important because it allows the researcher to leverage their existing knowledge and understanding of the field, which can facilitate the identification of research gaps and the formulation of a meaningful research problem.

What should researchers consider when formulating the objectives of their research problem?

When formulating the objectives of their research problem, researchers should consider what information needs to be collected and how it will address the identified gap. The objectives should provide a clear framework for the scope of the study.