A research problem is defined as an area of concern that requires a meaningful understanding of a specific topic, condition, contradiction or difficulty. What then is a research problem? A research problem means finding answers to questions or reinforcing existing results to bridge the knowledge gap for problem solving. In this article we will provide you the examples of research problem.
What is the purpose of a research problem statement?
A problem statement in research seeks to achieve the following objectives:
- Introduce the importance of the topic in the research proposal.
- Place the problem in an appropriate Communication” in the 1960s. The historical context.
- Provide a framework for analyzing and communicating results.
7 characteristics of a research problem
Make sure you meet these essential characteristics for an effective research problem. Due to the variety of research we carry out, it is not possible to include all of these features in one project. However, be sure to consider and cover most of them to allow people to look at, examine, and understand the market research problem.
- Covers the essential needs or questions : The researcher must have a specific statement of the problem in the research. Unless you don’t address the crucial issues, your research won’t carry much weight. The research project could be wasted time and money if these issues are not of great importance. Make sure the most critical needs and concerns are not missed so that your marketing strategies are correct.
- State the problem logically and clearly : Another characteristic of a research problem is that if you cannot state it logically or clearly in the research proposal, the problem is likely weak or not a problem. To test it out, synthesize the specific problem in a paragraph and make sure it makes sense and covers all the crucial points. Share the problem with others and if it is not understood by even a few, consider a more logical approach to specifying the problem.
- Research is based on real (not hypothetical) facts and evidence: There is a difference between beliefs and facts. Keep fiction out of this. The investigation must be based on real facts and not on beliefs. Hypothetical events won’t do the investigation any good. Another characteristic of a research problem is that you cannot consider the findings to be true or accurate if you do not base them on facts and evidence. It must suggest a meaningful and testable hypothesis.
- The research problem generates and encourages research questions : The research must create multiple questions. These questions should be more specific to research that highlights the different components or aspects of the problem.
- These questions should help to better address the problem by providing a solid framework for investigation. Asking those questions is the challenge that needs to be addressed correctly.
- Must be on budget and on schedule : Ensures that the investigation can be conducted within budget and time frame. Consider logistical factors to ensure the success of your investigation. Losing the research due to lack of money and manpower to complete it within a certain time will be a great loss. Go after only the problems that are feasible.
- Sufficient data can be obtained : The investigation is based on facts and findings and there must be multiple cases to prove the investigation. Research based on limited data will not prove or satisfy a theory. So another of the characteristics of a research problem is that data must be available otherwise it does not make sense to continue with the research.
- The problem has an unsatisfactory answer or is a new problem : Make sure there is little or no research on the topic. If the problem already has an existing answer, and this answer is tried and tested, it is probably best to move on and not waste time finding something that is already known.
Steps to formulate a research problem
These are the five basic steps in posing a research problem :
Identify the research area: Begin your research by identifying a broad area based on your interest, specialty, profession, experience, and knowledge. This area must have some kind of meaning in relation to your interest and specialty of knowledge. For example, a researcher studying sports education may select areas such as football, soccer, hockey, and baseball. These are the broadest areas that can be subdivided into various research topics to discover marketing strategies.
2. Divide the area into subareas : After choosing a broad area to study, dig into a specific topic that is manageable and researchable. To do this, divide the area into subareas and choose a specific topic. For example, if your area of research is soccer, it can be divided into the following subcategories:
- Soccer Players Profile
- Profile of football clubs
- The level of football clubs
- The impact of the club in the city
- Income generating areas
- Sponsors of football clubs
3. Choose a subarea : It is not possible to study all subareas due to time and money constraints. Therefore, choose one of your interest and that is manageable and feasible. The area you select must be of some importance to the investigation and must be meaningful to the knowledge of the investigation.
4. Formulate research questions: After choosing a specific sub-area, think about the areas to explore and investigate. Begin to write down the questions that you consider important to the research study.
Many questions may arise, but narrow down and choose the most important and impactful ones. The duration of the investigation depends on the number of questions that are asked. Choose the questions, depending on the expected duration of your investigation.
5. Establish the objectives of the investigation : You should draw a plan about the objectives of the investigation that you need to explore. Research objectives help identify research questions. There is a difference between the research question and the research objective. The difference is the way they are written. Research questions generally consist of an interrogative tone. On the other hand, the research objectives are goal oriented. They include terms like examine, investigate, explore, and find out.
Market research problem example
Organizations and companies use market research problems to measure the risks associated with launching a new product or service. They don’t want to spend money expanding a product line that research shows will not be successful. A well-designed and well-executed market study helps to identify customer interests, tastes, and consumer preferences to help them make product or service decisions.
Examples of a research problem
This is one of the most important characteristics of a research problem, so you should spend time refining and evaluating the questions before beginning your research activities.
A research question must be direct, focused, and appropriately complex to capture the most relevant information. Do you have difficulty writing research problems? Follow these examples to write a problem statement:
Incorrect : What are the effects of social media on people?
Correct : What effect does daily Facebook use have on teens?
In the example above, the first question is not specific enough to capture accurate information. Nobody knows what social networks you are talking about and what “people” you mean.
Let’s look at another example of a marketing research problem.
Incorrect : Who has a better healthcare system? The United States or the United Kingdom?
Correct : How do low-income people feel about the healthcare system, and how do the UK and the US compare?
The first question is very broad and does not reach a definitive conclusion about the health systems of both countries.
The third example of how to write a problem statement is:
Incorrect : What will help political parties to address the problems of low voter turnout?
Correct : What communication strategies can political parties apply to increase voter turnout among 25-30 year old’s?
Again, comparing both statements, the second is more direct and refers only to a specific group of people, thus collecting actionable information.
