Techniques Involved in Defining a Research Problem

The most imperative aspect of research work is the definition of the problem that the research work shall be dealing with. The same leads to the formation of hypothesis and research questions, as well as clarifying the research methodology to be used. Thus, it can be said that defining the research problem is the cornerstone of any research work. 

Stepwise Strategy for Defining Your Research Problem

Following are some of the important aspects that can be kept in mind by researchers while defining the problem that the research is seeking to solve by providing relevant literature:

1. Deciphering the Problem's Nature

To begin with, the first and foremost step should be to understand the problem. Once the problem is understood in all its depth, it becomes easy to delve into its intricacies. The same can be done by examining existing literature available on the topic so that any gaps that are present in the knowledge or any unresolved issues that need to be answered by the present research that shall be conducted.

2. Literature Review

This step is an extension of the previous step, where more emphasis is laid on the existing literature. To conduct thorough research to address the gaps present. This also assists in finding out any inconsistencies in the knowledge. This process comprises the following steps further:

• Search Relevant literature - this can be done by referring to online databases, journals, books and other scholarly sources.
• Analyse Previous Research - as explained above, this is imperative in answering any gaps or loopholes.
• Identification of Research Gaps - Find those aspects that have not yet been looked into or investigated.

3. Conducting Preliminary and Exploratory Research 

To define a problem in all its details, researchers often resort to exploratory research whereby they conduct preliminary research on the problem and this process involves the following steps:

i. Observation: This includes observing the process/ phenomena involved or related to the topic that can assist in finding potential areas for study.

ii. Surveys and interviews: Engagement with stakeholders, and practitioners can help in understanding the unexplored part of the research problem.

iii. Case study: Practical instances can help in understanding the topic through recurring issues and also the prevalent trends.

4.  Application of Methods for Problem Structuring

Structuring of problem is another important aspect that has to be undertaken by the researcher as a part of defining the research problem. Structuring of the research problem can be done in the following ways:

i. Concept Mapping: A visual diagram is created in this method, which further helps in mapping the various concepts related to the problem. This assists in visualising the interrelatedness between the said different aspects that are drawn in the maps.

ii. Mind Mapping: These although similar to concept mapping are different about the purpose. Mind mapping assists in brainstorming which means that while they start with a central idea, they branch out into sub-topics that make the research more comprehensive and elaborate.

iii. System Dynamics: This method helps researchers understand how one aspect affects several others that cumulatively cause changes in the research problem’s dynamics. Thus, the dynamics of the problem are related and dependent on the said aspects and it is important to study them while defining the scope of the research problem.

iv. SWOT Analysis: SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This is a tool that helps define the problem in a way that helps identify both external and internal factors that comprise the research problem. Thus it leads to more deep insights in the areas that require focus.

5. Stakeholders Engagement

Stakeholders who are involved in the research or are impacted by the problem at hand, have a greater number of insights to offer. Thus by engaging with them and taking their views and opinions into consideration, researchers can get a more detailed view on the research problem. But to do the same, the following steps can be taken:

i. Identification of stakeholders: Only once the stakeholders are identified, they can be approached. Thus it must be known who the people are who will be impacted by the research.

ii. Consultation with the stakeholders: This can be done through conducting interviews, surveys, and focus groups so that one conversation can lead to a better understanding of their opinions.

iii. Including their feedback: By incorporating the feedback that is provided by the stakeholders, the research problem can be made more authentic and viable as it will then contain an element of practicality.

6. Problem Framing

Post identification of the problem and taking a deep insight into it, framing of problems is then undertaken by the researcher. This step is very important and crucial as it will define the whole research further. This process includes the following steps:

i. Determining Scope: This means defining the boundaries of the problem. It will then be clear as to what shall be discussed in the research and to what extent. Thus, this is very crucial for problem definition.

ii. Problem Statement’s Articulation: To make a concise statement that defines the problem and also covers all the aspects to be included in it. To do this, the researcher must do a thorough background check to gather relevant information, defining the specific issue along with the purpose and objectives behind resolving the research problem.

7. Testing and Refining of Problem

This step is important as it helps in testing the viability of the research problem and further refining it as required. This process can be done by adhering to the following steps:

i. Preparing a Preliminary Research Design: This means creating a small-scale version of the research that the researcher is seeking to conduct. This will help in checking whether the problem is suitable to go ahead with or not.

ii. Analysis of Data: This step includes collecting and analysing data that is preliminary and will also assist in the preliminary research design composition as discussed above.

iii. Refining of the Problem: Once the preliminary research is done as discussed above, the same has to be analysed and the findings if any towards improving the research problem are to be incorporated into it.

8. Evaluation of the Problem’s Feasibility

This step comprises assessing the feasibility of the issues that are to be addressed by the research work by way of the research problem that has thus been drafted. This step includes an evaluation of the resources that are to be required, the time that will be utilised in conducting the research, and the funding that will be required if any. It is also to be noted that ethical considerations must be taken into account while doing this.

Ethics also form a very important part of research and the same must be evaluated at the time of framing of the research problem itself. Apart from that, another thing that must be taken into consideration is that the practical implications of the research problem and the research in its furtherance must be evaluated in depth. In a nutshell, it must be verified that the practical implications of the research lead to fruitful contributions in improving the research problem at hand.

Conclusion

In this article, the author examines the paramount importance of defining the research problem in the research process. It is only through the definition of the research problem, that it can be understood that the research shall be able to fill in the loopholes and gaps at present.

The procedure for defining the research problem, along with being crucial is also multifaceted and multipronged as it leads to defining the various aspects that shall be covered and dealt with by the research. This is very important as has been elucidated above using the minute steps that are required for the framing and drafting of the problem.

A clear and precise definition of the problem leads to clarity and precision in the research work and ultimately leads to the addition of value and knowledgeable literature in the area on which the research has been conducted by the said researcher. Thus, the definition of a problem can be said to be the first and foremost important step of research work.

References

[1] Sunaina Singh, What is a Research Problem? Characteristics, Types and Examples, Available Here 

[2] Shona McCombes and Tegan George, How to Define a Research Problem | Ideas & Examples, Available Here

[3] How to Define a Research Problem in 6 Steps (With Types), Available Here 

[4] Surbhi Jindal, All you need to know about legal research, Available Here 

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