Q. 3 How could you identify the research problem and check it?

Discuss these terms with

relevant examples to be supported by strong arguments

Definition

. A research problem is a definite or clear statement about an area of concern, a condition to be

improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly
literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful
understanding and deliberate investigation. The situation where gap exists between actual and
desired state

The identification of a research problem is a difficult but an important phase of the entire process
Steps in identification of problem :- 1) Selection of the area . 2) Delimitation of the problem and
Sampling .

Selection of the area :- 1) Knowing the field or area . 2) Selection of the problem .

1) Knowing the field :It is first necessary for a researcher to choose a broad field within
which he will conduct the study . The field selected should be one in which researcher is
capable of demonstrating necessary initiative, originality and good judgment. A thorough
understanding of the known facts and ideas of the field is the most important step in
selecting a problem for study .
2) Selection of the probelm : After selecting the broad area , the researcher must narrow it
down to a highly specific research problem and must state the specific questions .
Origin of the Problem
One of the sources of problem for research is the daily contact of the professional
educator . The classroom teacher for example is in daily contact with the students.
The interaction occurs between teacher and pupil, pupil and pupil , pupil and
material , furnishes a rich Source of questions to be answered through educational
research .
Professional Literature
Extensive and critical reading in a field not only serves as a check on what has
already been done . The Education Index is the most complete biography of
writings in the field of education.
Professional Contacts
Ideas can also came through association with research oriented colleagues
.Attendance at meetings of research Association , such as The American
Educational Research Association, offers another opportunity for association with
other professionals who are reporting research.
 Delimitation of the problem ;There is no purpose in studying a problem which has
already been investigated by other researchers .To avoid duplication, it is essential to
examine very carefully the record of previous studies completed in ones field .The
researcher should not select a problem until he is convinced that it is a NEW problem .
The question of significance of the problem usually relates to what a researcher hopes to
accomplish in a particular study.
The problem should be in an area in which the researcher is qualified and competent .The
problem should be one in which the researcher is genuinely interested and about which he
is truly enthusiastic.

Sources of Research Problem

The research problem may be selected from the following sources:

Theory of ones own interest

Daily problems
Technological changes
Unexplored areas
Discussions with other people

Formulating the Problem

The selection of one appropriate researchable problem out of the identified problems
requires evaluation of those alternatives against certain criteria, which may be grouped
into:
Internal Criteria

Internal Criteria consists of:

1. Researchers interest: The problem should interest the researcher and be a challenge to
him. Without interest and curiosity, he may not develop sustained perseverance Interest in
a problem depends upon the researchers educational background, experience, outlook
and sensitivity.
2. Researchers competence: A mere interest in a problem will not do. The researcher must
be competent to plan and carry out a study of the problem. He must possess adequate
knowledge of the subject-matter, relevant methodology and statistical procedures.
 External Criteria

1. Research-ability of the problem: The problem should be researchable, i.e., amendable

for finding answers to the questions involved in it through the scientific method.
2. Novelty of the problem: The problem must have novelty. There is no use of wasting
ones time and energy on a problem already studied thoroughly by others.
3. Importance and urgency: Problems requiring investigation are unlimited, but available
research efforts are very much limited.
4. Facilities: Research requires certain facilities such, as well-equipped library facility,
suitable and competent guidance, data analysis facility, etc. Hence the availability of the
facilities relevant to the problem must be considered.
5. Feasibility: A problem may be a new one and also important, but if research on it is not
feasible, it cannot be selected.
6. Usefulness and social relevance: Above all, the study of the problem should make a
significance to the solution of some significant practical problem. It should be socially
relevant.
Each identified problem must be evaluated in terms of the above internal and external criteria.