PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

?

What is a Problem?

It can be anything that a person finds unsatisfactory or unsettling, a difficulty of some sort, a state of affairs that needs to be changed, anything that is not working as well as it might. (Fraenkel & Wallen, 1993)

Grow out of things that trouble people in their own lives. (Therese Baker, 1996)

A perceived difficulty, a feeling of discomfort with the way things are, or a discrepancy between…what should be and what it is. (Fisher, et.al., 1983)

Social Dimension of a Problem(Wrigth Mills)

MAN

Organization

Economics

Education

Family

Politics

“Research Problems are not formulated in a vacuum”

(Christine A. Hult, 1996)

Sources of Problem

1.Experience2.Problems in the Work Environment3.Technological and Scientific

Advancement4.Offshoots of other Researches5.Suggestions from Experts or

Administrators

When are Problems Researchable?

There is no known answer or solution to it such that a gap of knowledge exists

There are possible solutions the effectivity of which is untested or still unknown yet

There are answers or solutions the possible result of which may seem or may be factually contradictory

There are several possible and plausible explanations for the undesirable conditions

When the existence of a phenomenon requires explanation

Factors Affecting Problem

Identification(John Adams, et.al., 2007)

Interest And Curiosity in the subject

The Level of Prior Knowledge

Suitability for the level of your Degree

Availability of Expertise

The Ease of data access and data availability

The Time required for completion

Future Plans

Selecting the Research Topic(John Adams, 2007)

EDUCATION

TEACHINGSTRATEGIES

MATHEMATICS

AREA

FIELD

ASPECT

Justifying the Research Problem

The Problem is current and timely. The Problem is pervasive and widespread. If affects a special group of people. It relate to ongoing programs such as “Con-

Con”. It relates to broad social, economic and

health issues. It has a direct or indirect, short- and long

range contribution to society

Characteristics of a Research Problem(SMART)

Research Problem

Specific

Measurable

AchievableRealistic

Time-Bounded

Problem specifically stated

Easy to measure using instruments

Data achievable using Correct statistical tool

Data gathered scientifically, not manipulated

Time frame is observed

Criteria of a Good Research Problem(IRI.CoM)

Research Problem

Interesting

Relevant

InnovativeCost-

Effective

Measurable & Time

Bounded

Attracts the attention of the Researcher and other people

•It solves the need and problemof the people• Relevant to Governments’ Thrust

Problem is novel, original And unique

Attracts the attention of the Researcher and other people

• Measurable using instruments•Completed within time-frame

Characteristics of a Good Research Question(Fraenkel and Wallen)

Feasible

Clear

Significant

Ethical

Measures Relationship between Variables

Can be investigated withoutUndue amount of time, energy or money

People agree as to what thekey words in the question mean

Problem is worth investigating

Don’t involve physical or psychological harm to human Beings, natural or social env.

Concluding Line:Do not worry to much about whether

your topic is the best one to study. You may feel that there are too many interesting topics, or more that interest you enough. The best solution is to take one and dig in. You will likely find that it becomes more interesting as you get into it, or you will decide quickly that it is the wrong one. The most important thing is to get started. (McBurney & White)

References: Adams, J. et. al. 2007. Research Methods for

Graduate Business and Social Science Students. Sage Publications Inc.

Adanza, E.G. 1995. Research Methods: Principles & Application. Rex Book Store.

Ardales, V.B. 1992. Basic Concepts & Methods in Research. Great Books Trading.

Bailey, K.D. 1994. Methods of Social Research, 4th. ed. Maxwell Macmillan Canada, Inc.

Calmorin, L.P., et. Al. 2007. Research Methods & Thesis Writing. Rex Book Store.

Fraenkel, J.R., et. al.. 1993. How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education, 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Inc.

Hult, C.A. 1996. Researching & Writing in the Social Sciences. Allyn and Bacon.

White, T.L., et. al. 2004. Research Methods. Wadsworth.