The Research Problem

Research ideas Identifying a research problem

Theoretical gap Empirical gap Practical gap

Introduction

�  Research problem are detected and constructed.

�  Normally, we select a topic and construct a research problem within the topic.

�  Unsuccessful research used vague idea at the outset and was not sufficiently worked up during the early stages of project.

�  Lack of direction in the problem statement create mismatch between the problems and research objectives.

Research ideas

�  To make the topic researchable, it must be turned into a research question.

�  Key purpose of research is to create new insights. �  An important source for research ideas is the past

literature. - to determine whether the intended research contain an element of novelty. -to identify a research problem , to plan sampling, formulate questions and choose statistical test and also used in discussion of the research findings.

�  Many of the present ideas for future research are in the earlier theses or journal articles of particular research topic.

*for further info on research ideas, please refer 3rd week slide

Where do ideas come from?

The ideas for research can come from various sources: �  An idea which you have had for a long time and

cannot wait to investigate. �  An intuition that simply needs some more detailed

attention. �  A preference for the development of a topic in a

subject you are good at already. �  A systematic academic search , working with a topic

you find as you read. �  Look at past dissertations in the library. �  Scan the abstracts of academic journals in a field

which interests you. �  Survey some of the online databases.

Identifying a research problem

�  A research problem (RP) or statement of problem is the main key in conducting a scientific research.

�  Without a solid RP, the research can be argued

and produce less important research findings. �  the RP should be described specifically and

clearly because it can be used as a guideline to choose appropriate research design, sampling strategy, data collection techniques, data analysis techniques, discussion about the results of data analysis and writing research report.

continue

�  The 1st step in research is to identify the research problem.

�  To answer a research problem, the researcher must be able to answer or bridge the gap from following aspect:

i) What is the theoretical view on that particular topic or issue? ii) What is the empirical view on that particular topic or issue? iii) What is the practical view on that particular topic or issue?

Theoretical Gap

�  Theoretical gap represents the macro and micro perspectives of the issue from the academic work of the scholars, researchers and other writers.

� Most of the information comes from literature review.(primary sources/secondary sources/others)

Empirical gap

�  Empirical research is followed by a systematic process and produces valid and reliable research findings.

�  This research finding then contribute to the development and expansion of the knowledge and help to explain the relationship between one aspects to the other aspects.

�  This empirical will be reported in academic writing or in the form of presentation the academic findings.

�  From literature about the empirical study, all the WH (What, Where, Why, When and How) about that specific research can be known.

�  Based on feedback, the researcher will know whether the area of study is already researched by other researchers or which one is still in need of more work.

�  What is required is an insightful evaluation of what has been known which leads to clarification of the gaps in the field and the way in which the proposed research is intended to fill those gaps.

Practical gap

�  Practical gap refers to present issues, events or phenomenon that happens in the area of study. It represent the day to day problems that arise when dealing with those particular issues.

�  The practical gap represents the timely aspects of the issue in the present situation (contemporary aspect of the issue)

�  This gap open the practicality of the issue in its perspectives whether at the theoretical, empirical and also at various level or stage.

�  The source of practical gap can be found from various sources such as newspaper, magazine, organization report, annual report, observation report and etc.

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Deductive Approach

�  A research problem is a cause variable that has become the reason why research need to be done in that particular area of study.

�  It is usually using deductive approach. �  Begin the research with identifying one broad

topic of study and then narrowing down the observation topic of study/specific topic to identify a research problem in particular area.

Step1: area of study

Step 2: General topic of study

Step 3: Specific

topic

Criteria for a good research problem

�  It has not been investigated before. �  The existing theories regarding a topic of study do not discover a problem that

you want to study. �  The existing approach such as a research designs with respect to your topic of

study are not thoroughly discussed. �  The existing research findings which are related to your topic of study only

focuses on a specific or other issues and they have ignored the importance of your research problem.

�  The previous research findings have not established conclusive findings, remain inconsistent results or produce confusing results.

�  It will increase your understanding about the question that you have asked. �  It is available to be investigated. �  It motivates your interest personally �  It lead to another question. At least one of these reasons is sufficient to be used as a reason for selecting your research problem

Conclusion

�  In order to make a start on a research topic, it is necessary to identify the broad idea in which the work will be conducted and then to focus them into a manageable topic.

�  The next step is to make a plan by which stages in the research will be achieved.

�  Alongside these early activities, it will necessary

to search the literature relating to the field under study to look at the gaps in the broad area and secure an early appreciation of work already completed or under way.