RESEARCH PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND FORMULATION

A good problem statement for research possesses several key characteristics that ensure its effectiveness and clarity:

•   Clear and Specific: A strong problem statement for research clearly articulates the specific issue or gap in knowledge that the study aims to address.
•   Relevance and Significance: A good problem statement for research highlights the relevance and importance of the problem statement. It demonstrates why the worth investigating and the potential impact it can have on the field or society.
•   Researchable and Feasible: An effective statement for research should be researchable within the given resources and constraints. It should be feasible to gather data, analyze information, and draw meaningful conclusions based on the problem statement.
•   Grounded in Existing Literature: A well-crafted problem statement for research demonstrates an understanding of the existing body of knowledge in the field. It shows that the researcher has conducted a thorough review of relevant literature and identifies a literature gap or a specific aspect that needs further investigation.
•   Specific Contribution: A problem statement for research serves as the foundation for establishing clear contribution. It should align with the study goals and provide a framework for designing the study and formulating specific literature questions or hypotheses.
•   Measurable and Observable: A good statement for research should allow for the measurement and observation of variables or phenomena. It should enable the researcher to collect data that can be analyzed objectively to answer research questions or test hypotheses.
•   Contextual Understanding: An effective statement for research demonstrates a deep understanding of the context. It considers the broader social, economic, or environmental factors that contribute and provides a comprehensive perspective.
•   Engaging and Motivating: A well-crafted problem statement for research should capture the interest and motivation of the researcher and potential readers. It should evoke a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm, inspiring further exploration and study.
•   Practical Implications: A good problem statement for research acknowledges the practical implications of the research. It highlights how the study results can be applied in real-world scenarios, contributing to practical solutions, policy development, or improving existing practices.
•   Ethical Considerations: An effective statement for research acknowledges and addresses any ethical considerations related to the research. It demonstrates a commitment to conducting the study in an ethical manner, ensuring the well-being and rights of participants and stakeholders.

By incorporating these elements into a problem statement for research, researchers can lay a solid foundation for their studies, effectively communicate your goals, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

Certainly! Here are the challenges faced by PhD scholars specifically in the context of research problem identification:

•   Narrowing down a broad area for research problem identification: Choosing a specific study within a broader field of study can be challenging during the research problem identification phase.
•   Lack of clarity or specificity in research problem identification: Identifying a study requires clarity and specificity. Scholars may struggle to define their research problem in a concise and focused manner during the problem identification stage, leading to ambiguity or a lack of clear objectives.
•   Identifying a novel or significant research problem: A key objective of PhD research is to address literature gaps or identify novel issues. Scholars need to conduct an extensive review of the literature, engage in discussions with their advisors or peers, and critically analyze existing knowledge to identify unique literature gap.
•   Balancing personal interest and feasibility in research problem identification: PhD scholars should work on a study problem they are passionate about, but they also need to consider the feasibility and practicality of conducting study on the identified problem.
•   Dealing with evolving research landscapes during problem identification:PhD scholars may encounter challenges in keeping up with the latest developments and identifying research problems that align with current trends.
•   Overcoming biases or preconceived notions in research problem identification: Scholars may have preconceived notions or biases that can influence their research problem identification process.
•   Balancing practical significance and academic rigor in research problem identification:PhD study should contribute to both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Striking a balance between addressing a practical significance and maintaining academic rigor can be challenging during the problem identification phase.

To overcome these challenges in research problem identification, PhD scholars should seek guidance from our service, engage in discussions with our experts and peers, and remain open to feedback and suggestions.