Research Methodology
Research Methodology
Lecture 2
Research Problem
A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a
condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a
troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or
in practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding
and deliberate investigation.
What is research problem statement?
A problem statement is the description of an issue currently
existing which needs to be addressed. It provides the context for
the research study and generates the questions which the
research aims to answer. The statement of the problem is the
focal point of any research.
Types of Research Problems
There are three types of research problem
Theoretical research problem, applied research problem and
action research problem
Theoretical Research Problem
It is the theoretical explanation of a research problem. It
gives only theory and meaning of the problem. It defines
the problem theoretically. This type of research has no need
of hypothesis and verification. Those which relate to states
of nature means that denote the hypothetical conditions of
what the lives of people might have been like before
societies came into existence.
Features of theoretical research
It is exploratory
It is theoretical in nature
It provides basic meaning
Applied Research Problem
An applied social research problem is a practical use of the
theoretical knowledge and relate to relationships between
different variables. In applied research the field work and
visits to the problematic situation is necessary. It has the
design of hypothesis and verification.
Features of applied research
It is practical in nature
It has exploratory hypothesis
It wants the verification
Action Research Problem
Action research problem aims to find necessary immediate
solution. It has millions of problems in the world this type of
research is continuous and needs quick solution in emergency
basis.
Features of action research
It is welfare oriented.
It is service oriented.
It is sensitive and direct decision required for solution.