Principles, Practices and Dynamics of Research Management

LECTURE-3

Le Problematique:Understanding Research Problem

Kazi Nurmohammad Hossainul HaqueSenior Lecturer, Civil Service College Dhaka

MPA 5th Batch (2010-11)10 January 2011 MondayBIAM Foundation Complex

Structure of Today’s Discussion

• Locating research problem in the research process• Meaning of research problem• Criteria of problematisation• Steps of problematisation• Defining research problem: 4 considerations• Characteristics of research problem• Group Exercise

Research Problem in the Research Process

Define Research Problem

Review Concepts and Theories

& Review Previous Research Findings

Formulate Hypotheses

Design Research

Collect Data

Data Analyses

Interpret & Report Writing

Meaning of Research Problem

• A research problem – a research(able) problem (not just problem)

• Research problem is sometimes equated with “a topic of research or statement of the problem. It is wrong to think so. A topic or statement of the problem and research problem are not synonymous but they are inclusive. The problem concerns with the functioning of the broader area of field studied whereas a ..... statement of the problem is the verbal statement of the problem while (the) topic is the definition of the problem which delimits or pin points the task of a researcher (Singh 2005: 60).”

Criteria of Problematisation

Problem

Novelty or newness Avoidance of

duplication

Importance for the field

Inclination

Data availabilityMethods

Structural-contexual factors

Logistical & budgetary considerations

Time factor

Criteria of Problematisation (Cont.)

Problematisation Ecology

Problem

Novelty or newness Avoidance of

duplication

Importance for the field

Inclination

Data availabilityMethods

Structural-contexual factors

Logistical & budgetary considerations

Time factor

Criteria of Problematisation (Cont.) – Problematique Questionnaire for the Researcher• Is the problem ‘really’ important?• Is the problem interesting to ‘others’?• Is the problem chosen a ‘real’ problem?• Does the problem display ‘originality’ and ‘creativity’?• Am I really concerned with finding the solution?• Am I able to state hypotheses from the problem in a testable form?• Will I learn something new from this problem?• Do I understand the relationship of this specific problem to the

broader problem area?• Am I able to select a sample from which I can generalise to some

population?• Can someone replicate the study?• Will the proposed methods give the information I want?• Is the study, including the application of its results, practical?

Steps of ProblematisationStep – 6: Problem articulation or problem specifics

Step – 5: Locating problem

Step – 4: Consider priority field of study

Step – 3: Review the body of researchexisting

Step – 2: Expertise on the research field

Step – 1: Determine field of research (narrowing down)

Defining Problem: Considerations

• Ontology – Epistemology – Methodology• Methodological approaches• Measurement validity• Causation

Defining Problem (I): Ontology - Epistemology - Methodology

ONTOLOGICAL STANCE – WHAT I WILL NOT QUESTION AND ASKMY READER TO ACCEPT AS GIVEN FROM THE PAST

EPISTEMOLOGICAL SPACE– WHAT I WILL EXPLORE

TELEOLOGICAL BELIEF – WHAT THE FUTURE WILL/SHOULDLOOK LIKE

PRESCIPTION - HUMAN AGENCY AND THE CAPACITY TO WILL AND MAKE A BETTER WORLD

EVALUATION – KNOWING WHAT IS A BETTER SOCIETY

PREDICTION – WHAT WILL STRUCTURES LOOK LIKE IN THE FUTURE

Defining Problem (II): Methodological Approaches

Defining Problem (III): Measurement Validity of Concepts

• Measurement validity of concepts is warranted for appropriate problematisation

• In case of a concept that qualifies in measurement validity test, the meaning is explicit and the operational definition can be verified.

• Operationalisation of terms is necessary for operationalisation of research

• Reconceptualisation might be necessary for operationalisation of terms

• Limit vocabulary in linguistic history of understanding akin to the socio-cultural context concerned.

• Vague and stretched conceptualisations that use less precisions yield undefined limitless generalisations

Defining Problem (IV): Causation

Defining Problem (IV): Causation (Cont.) 16 Criteria of Causation

1. Specification: What outcomes? What set of cases? Are Internal arguments consistent? Are key terms operational?

2. Breath: a proposition should inform about many events3. Boundedness: the scope of a proposition should be appropriate

not arbitrary4. Completeness: a proposition should be sufficient in its

explanation. 6. Parsimony: a proposition should be simple in presenting its

content.7. Differentiation: a cause should be separate from the effect.8. Priority: Whether the cause precedes the effect?

Defining Problem (IV): Causation (Cont.) 16 Criteria of Causation (Cont.)9. Independence: a cause should be independent from other causes

as well as the outcome. 10. Contingency: a cause should be linked to relevant background

factors.11. Mechanism: a cause should lead to the effect through a process

chain.12. Analytical utility: whether a proposition coherently fits into

existing body of knowledge13. Intelligibility: the proposition shouldn’t be external to public

domain of understanding. 14. Relevance: whether a proposition is relevant to human concerns

that can be addressed.15. Innovation: a proposition should add new knowledge.16. Comparison: a cause should be drawn by weighing in with other

potential causes.

Characteristics of Research Problem

• It should ask about a relationship between two or more variables (Independent & Dependent)

• It should be stated clearly and unambiguously, usually in question form

• It should be possible to collect data or answer the question asked.• It should not represent a moral or ethical judgement

Group Exercise

• Let’s divide into 3-5 groups to work on some research excerpts to answer the following tasks:

• A very brief introduction to the research• What is the research problem?• If and how much the research problematisation answer

some of the Problematique Questionnaire for the Researcher

• Does the glimpse of the research problematisation from the research excerpts meet characteristics of research problem

Thanks for your attention!!!