Introduction to Research Problem
A research challenge is a specific problem, difficulty, contradiction, or knowledge gap that you will attempt to resolve through your study. You could look for problems that are either practical or theoretical in nature, with the goal of advancing knowledge.
In this blog you learn how to construct a research problem on your own.
Keep in mind that while some study will cover both of these topics, the research problem usually concentrates on one of them. Your wide area of interest and the kind of research you want to do will determine the type of research challenge you choose.
This article will assist you in identifying and refining a research question. You’ll need to create your research proposal or introduction as a problem statement and/or research questions when composing it.
What is the significance of the research problem?
Your subject is intriguing, and you have a lot to say about it, but it isn’t a firm enough foundation for academic research. You’re more likely to wind up with an unfocused and unmanageable project if you don’t have a well-defined research problem.
You could find up repeating what others have said, attempting to say too much, or conducting research without a clear objective and explanation. To do research that adds new and meaningful insights, you must first have a problem.
The research problem is the first step in knowing exactly what you’ll do and why, whether you’re planning your thesis, starting a research article, or writing a research proposal.
Step 1: Determine the scope of the problem.
Look for under-explored features and areas of worry, conflict, or controversy as you talk and read about your issue. Your objective is to identify a gap in the market that your research study can fill.
Problems in the field of research
Reading reports, following up on past research, and talking to people who work in the relevant field or organization might help you identify an issue while conducting practical research.
If your study is related to a job or internship, you’ll need to find a research problem that fits with how the company works.
Examples of real-world research issues
In contrast to the rest of the country, voter turnout in Region X has been declining.
Company B’s Department A has a high personnel turnover rate, which has an impact on productivity and team cohesion.
Because of a financing shortage, Y’s non-profit organization will have to discontinue several of its programmes.
Problems in theoretical research
The goal of theoretical study is to increase knowledge and understanding rather than to make a direct contribution to change. Reading contemporary research, theory, and discussions on your issue will help you discover a research challenge by revealing a gap in what details are currently available about it.
- A phenomenon or context that hasn’t been thoroughly investigated
- A conflict between two or more perspectives
- A situation or relationship that isn’t properly understood
- A vexing question that hasn’t been answered
Theoretical issues frequently have practical implications, but they are not focused on resolving a specific problem in a specific location (though you might take a case study approach to the research).
Problems in theoretical research examples
The long-term implications of Vitamin D insufficiency on cardiovascular health remain unknown.
In the context of the millennial gig economy, the relationship between gender, race, and income disparity has yet to be thoroughly investigated.
The importance of the British Empire in the creation of Scotland’s national identity is a point of contention among historians of Scottish nationalism.
Step 2: Find out more about the issue.
After that, you have to find out what information is available about the problem and decide which part of it you will be researching.
Background and context
• Who is the problem affecting?
- Has this been a problem for a long time, or is it a new problem?
- Have you done any prior research?
- Has anyone proposed any solutions?
- What are the current arguments concerning the issue, and what do you think they’re missing?
Relevance and specificity
- What specific location, time, and/or people will you concentrate on?
- Which aspects will you be unable to address?
- What are the ramifications of not resolving the issue?
- Who will gain from solving the problem (for example, the organization’s management or future researchers)?
An illustration of a specific research challenge
Non-profit organisation X has been concentrating on maintaining its current donors, but it is unsure how to best attract potential new donations. The group needs to conduct research into more effective fundraising tactics in order to continue its operations.
After you’ve narrowed down your topic, you’ll need to write a problem statement. And some research questions or hypotheses, as well.