Research-Problem-Identification-process PPT

Research Problem Identification

1. Research Problem Identification Identifying the research problem is the most crucial step in embarking on a PhD research journey. This process involves pinpointing a generic problem within the field of study that warrants investigation to gain understanding and find solutions. KP Krishan K. Pandey (Ph.D.) Dean ‘Office of Doctoral Studies’, O.P.Jindal Global University, Sonipat Haryana www.krishanpandey.com

2. What is a Research Problem? Clear Statement A research problem is a clear and definite statement about an area of concern where investigation is needed for improvement or innovation, supported by evidence. Addresses Challenges It's a statement that addresses challenges or contradictions within your field of study. Researchers use research problems to define the aim of their study and analysis. Identifies Gaps Identifying a research problem involves finding the research gap in existing research within a chosen field. This process requires keen observation, interest, knowledge, wisdom, and investigation.

3. Importance of Problem Identification 1 Research Topic Foundation Identifying the research problem is a source for creating a research topic and helps in identifying key concepts and terms. 2 Study Significance The research problem introduces the reader to the study topic, the significance of the research, and the criteria of the research problem. 3 Project Diligence A comprehensible and practicable research problem is important to create a diligent and well-reasoned project. 4 Innovation and Justification A research problem decides whether your project is innovative and unique with an intentional purpose and justification.

4. How to Identify a Research Problem 1 Literature Review Review academic journals, articles, books, and other scholarly materials to find gaps or unanswered questions. 2 Practical Experience Utilize your own experience or challenges faced in a professional context. Analyze specific instances or case studies to identify common problems or areas for improvement. 3 Observation Observe real-world settings and note issues or inefficiencies. Engage with stakeholders or experts to gather insights on persistent issues. 4 Theoretical Framework Identify inconsistencies or gaps within existing theories. Formulate potential hypotheses based on observed phenomena or theoretical inconsistencies.

5. Factors to Consider Relevance and Significance Consider the importance and potential impact of solving the problem. Ensure the problem is relevant to current societal, academic, or professional contexts. Feasibility Evaluate if you have the necessary resources to address the problem. Make sure the problem is neither too broad nor too narrow, making it manageable within the constraints of the research. Availability of Data Consider the reliability and validity of potential data sources. Assess if relevant data or information is available or can be reasonably gathered. Ethical Considerations Evaluate the ethical implications of researching the problem. Ensure the problem can be investigated in a way that respects participant rights and avoids harm. Originality and Novelty Identify if the problem has been explored before and if your approach offers a new perspective. Consider how addressing the problem will contribute to the body of knowledge. Alignment with Expertise Ensure the research problem aligns with your own knowledge, skills, and areas of interest. Consider your passion for the topic, as it will sustain motivation and commitment throughout the research process.

6. Formulating the Research Problem Identify Area of Interest Choosing an area of interest is the first step in the research process. The research must be in the field and subject that was keenly interesting to the researcher since it brings enthusiasm to the research work and avoids boredom. Learn More About the Problem To learn about the problems in the study field, reading is the best way to access knowledge and become familiar with your topic area. Reading other people's research makes you familiar with what is known in the field as well as where the gaps are. Review the Context of Information Reviewing the context of the research involves defining components of the research problem and testing the environmental variables in the project. This helps create a focus on the components of the research problem. Determine Relationships Between Variables After identifying the variables involved in the research, learn how they're related to one another and how these relationships may contribute to your research problem. Select and Include Important Variables Selecting the essential variables can help to understand the outlook of the research and the potential impact of the solution. A clear and reasonable research problem mostly includes the components that are the most applicable to the study. Evaluation and Revise Evaluation allows us to calculate the solution to the research problem and also verify the originality of the research concept and examine whether this research is already done or in an ongoing process.

7. Sources of Research Problem Identification Personal Experience Personal experience is the best source of knowledge for research problems. All other experiences come from it and are a first-hand description that comes from a trusted authority. Practical Experience Practical experience means performing scientific analytical tests in a laboratory setting using equipment, instruments etc. While doing tests researchers can find problems in obtaining correct results. Critical Appraisal of Literature When we critically study books or articles or research reports relating to the subject of our interest, pertinent questions may arise in our minds. These may strike the reader's mind indirectly by stimulating questions like what additional research is needed.

8. More Sources Previous Research Previous research provides substantial information for the research being done. Usually, at the end of a research, further research problems are suggested, which is a sound foundation for research findings. Performance Improvement Activities Performance improvement activities are the processes that were done to improve the quality and outcomes to meet regulatory requirements. During this process, you may find several issues merged in it that require answers through the research. Existing Theories Research may also be a process of theory development and theory testing. If an existing theory is used in developing a researchable problem, a specific statement from the theory must be isolated and used as a good source for the research problem.

9. Even More Sources Consultations with Experts Experts are believed to have sound experience in their respective fields, which may suggest a significant problem to be studied. In addition, experts may help in finding a current problem of discipline to be solved, which may serve as the basis for formulation of the research problem. Brainstorming Sessions Brainstorming sessions are good techniques to find new questions and research problems. It is an intensified discussion among core field-interested people in the profession conducted to find more ideas to formulate a good research problem. Intuitions Typically intuitions are considered good sources of knowledge as well as sources to find new research problems. It is believed that the reflective mind is a good source of ideas, which may be used to formulate a good research problem and create solutions for problems.

10. Final Source Exposure to Field Situations During field exposure, researchers get a variety of experiences like helping to contextualize conflicts, that provide knowledge for further improvements in the field. These experiences may provide plenty of ideas to formulate research problems.