A Framework for Research Problem Selection:

Sources, Definition, and Evaluation

Addis Ababa University, AAIT, SMIE Technical Writing and
Research Methodology

Group 2, Group Members

Name ID
Robel Seyoum UGR/8994/14
Salih Tareke UGR/0993/14
Bereket Zemedkun UGR/9704/14
Mahder Haile UGR/2563/14
Binalfew Tadesse UGR/5201/14

April 18, 2024

 Abstract

This writing explores the concept of research problems, guiding you on how to
find, define, and evaluate them. It explains how a research problem is the
foundation of any research project, and offers tips for choosing a specific issue
within a broader area of interest. It also explores various ways to find research
problems, from expert interviews to personal experiences. Finally, it emphasizes
the importance of clearly defining and evaluating your chosen problem to ensure
a focused and successful research journey.

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Table of Contents

Abstract ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
What is research problem ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Selection of the problem.............................................................................................................................................. 3

Source of the problem in Research .......................................................................................................................... 4

Defining a research problem ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Statement of a problem ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Delimiting of a problem ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Evaluating a research problem ................................................................................................................................10
Criteria’s for evaluating a research problem ..........................................................................................11

Reference .........................................................................................................................................................................12

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 Introduction
This text examines the essence of research problems, providing a guide for their
selection and assessment. It begins by defining a research problem as a specific
challenge or unexplored area that prompts further study, forming the basis of any
research project. The piece advises on narrowing down a general interest to a precise
question and determining the main variables for study.

It then reviews sources for finding research problems, such as expert interviews,
theoretical deductions, personal experiences, cross-disciplinary views, and literature.
Clarity in defining the research problem is stressed, making it comprehensible to all. The
article explains the research problem statement, which articulates the issue, its
importance, and its context. It discusses setting study boundaries to keep the research
directed and feasible.

In conclusion, the piece outlines criteria for a good research problem: it should be
engaging, fill a knowledge void, be manageable, and doable within time constraints,
with the necessary resources available. This guidance aims to help researchers define a
solid, focused problem, paving the way for meaningful contributions to their field.

What is the research problem?

A research problem is a particular difficulty or gap in knowledge that serves as the basis
for further investigation. It might be a real-world problem that a researcher is trying to
solve in their study, a gap in the body of knowledge, or a contradiction in a well-
established theory. Since it establishes the direction, parameters, and goal of the study,
the research problem is the first step in any research effort. To investigate and address
the highlighted issue, researchers develop research questions or hypotheses.

Selection of the problem

 Identify broad area

 Narrow down and identify the problem
 Formulate the problem (operationalize problem)
 Identify key variables
 Define key variables

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Narrowing the range of Research problem
Step 1: On whom

 Students/ teachers, parents, curriculum…

Step 2: At what level
 Primary/secondary/higher

Step 3: On what
 Psychology/admin, mathematics, science
Step 4: On what

 Intelligence, attitude, aptitude, creativity, personality

Step 5: Operationalize problem
 Study the attitude of primary children towards mathematics

Step 6: Is there any difference in the attitude of boys and girls towards mathematics?
 Whether the boys perform better than girls in mathematics?
 Whether use of TLM will facilitate positive attitude in children towards
mathematics?

Source of The Problem in Research

What are the Sources of Research Problems?

Now that you know the types of possible research problems that you can focus on in a
term paper, let’s look at the sources that you can use to identify research problems.
From a research perspective, the kind of research problem that you wish to investigate
should meet two conditions. First, the problem has to be unique and not something
other researchers have already looked into exhaustively. Second, the problem has to be
concise enough to raise specific issues that you can address in a research paper. With
that said, below are five sources of a research problem:

 Interviews
 Deductions from Theory
 Personal Experiences
 Interdisciplinary Perspective
 Relevant Literature

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 1. Interviews
Interviews sessions can be significant sources of research problems. The method gives
you an opportunity to have formal discussions and informal interactions with individuals
who can provide useful insights into research and make findings more relevant to future
research. Consider having discussions with experts in the field you wish to investigate.
These professionals mat be healthcare service providers, business leaders, teachers,
social workers, attorneys, and accountants to mention but a few examples. By
interacting with these experts, you’re able to identify real-world problems that
researchers have either ignored or understudied in the academic space. Moreover,
interview sessions give you the opportunity to get some practical knowledge that can
help you to design and conduct your studies.

2. Deductions from Theory

A deduction from theory refers to inferences a researcher makes from the
generalizations of life in a society that a researcher knows very well. A researcher takes
the deduction, places them in an empirical frame, and then, based on a theory, they
come up with a research problem and a hypothesis that suggests some findings based
on given empirical results. The research accounts for the relationship to observe if a
theory summarizes the state of an affair. A systematic investigation, which evaluates if
the empirical information affirms or rejects the hypothesis, comes next

3. Personal Experiences
Your everyday experiences are a good source of research problem. A research problem
derived from personal experience can spring from any issue and from anywhere. For
example, you can construct a research problem from events that appear to be out of the
ordinary or from community relationships that don’t have clear explanations.
4. Interdisciplinary Perspective

It’s an intellectually involving process, one that requires reviewing pertinent literature to
discover unique avenues of exploration an analysis. The benefit of using this approach
to identify a research problem for your research paper assignment is that it presents an
opportunity for you to understand complex issues with ease.
5. Relevant Literature
To generate a research problem from relevant literature, you first have to review
research related to your area of interest. Data collected from relevant literature is
relevant because it helps to:
 Fill existing gaps in knowledge based on a specific research
 Determine if the methods used in previous studies can be effective

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 Defining a Research Problem
In order to define a problem, we need to first understand what a problem is. A problem
is a situation that presents an obstacle or challenge. It's something that needs to be
solved or overcome. There are many different ways to define a problem. One way is to
think of it as a question that needs to be answered. Another way is to think of it as a
goal that needs to be achieved. Whatever definition you choose the important thing is
that you have a clear understanding of what the problem is before you can start trying
to solve it. If you're stuck and can't seem to come up with any good solutions, it may be
helpful to talk to someone else about the problem. Sometimes another person can offer
a fresh perspective that helps you see the issue in a new light and come up with new
ideas for solving it.
There are different types of problems, each with its own definition. Some of the most
common types of problems are:

 mathematical problems
 physical problems
 chemical problems
 biological problems
 social problems

1) mathematical problems:
Mathematical Problems: A mathematical problem is a problem that can be solved using
mathematics. These types of problems can be solved using algebra, calculus, or other
branches of mathematics.
2) Physical problems:

A physical problem is a problem that can be solved by observing and manipulating the
physical world. These types of problems often involve physics or engineering.
3) Chemical Problems:
A chemical problem is a problem that can be solved by understanding and manipulating
the properties of chemicals. These types of problems often involve chemistry or biology.

4) Biological problems:
Biological Problems: A biological problem is a problem that can be solved by
understanding and manipulating the properties of living things. These types of
problems often involve biology or medicine.

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 5) Social Problems:
A social problem is a problem that can be solved by understanding and manipulating
the relationships between people. These types of problems often involve sociology or
psychology.

Statement of a problem
What Is a Research Problem Statement?

A research problem statement is a clear, concise, and specific statement that describes
the issue or problem that the research project addresses. It should be written in a way
that is easily understandable to both experts and non-experts in the field.
To write a research problem statement, you should:
 Identify the general area of interest: Start by identifying the general area of
research that interests you.
 Define the specific problem: Narrow down the general area of interest to a
specific problem or issue.
 Explain the significance of the problem: Provide context for the problem by
explaining why it is important to study and what gap in current knowledge or
understanding it fills.
 Provide a clear and concise statement: State the problem in a clear and concise
manner, making sure to use language that is easily understood by your intended
audience.
 Use a scientific and objective tone: The problem statement should be written in a
neutral and objective tone, avoiding any subjective language and personal bias.
An Example of a Research Problem Statement
“The increasing prevalence of obesity in children is a growing public health concern.
Despite the availability of information on healthy eating and physical activity, many
children are still not engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors. The problem this study
addresses is the lack of understanding of the barriers and facilitators to healthy lifestyle
behaviors in children.”

When to Write a Problem Statement in Research?

A research problem statement should be written at the beginning of the research
process, before any data collection or analysis takes place. This is because the statement
sets the foundation for the entire research project by clearly defining the problem that
the research is trying to address. Writing a problem statement early in the research
process helps to guide the research design and methodology, and ensures that the
research is focused on addressing the specific problem at hand. It also helps to ensure

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that the research is relevant and addresses a gap in current knowledge or
understanding.
In addition, a well-written problem statement effectively communicates the purpose and
significance of the research to potential funders, collaborators, and other stakeholders. It
also generates interest and support for the research project. It’s also important to note
that, during the research process, the statement can be refined or updated as new
information is discovered or as the research progresses. This is normal and it’s a good
idea to revise the statement as needed to ensure that it remains clear and concise and
that it accurately reflects the current focus of the research project.

What Does a Research Problem Statement Include?

A research problem statement typically includes the following elements:

I. The research topic: The general area of interest or field of study that the research
project addresses.
II. The specific problem or issue: A clear and concise statement of the problem or
issue that the research project aims to address.
III. The significance of the problem: A discussion of why the problem is important
and what gap in current knowledge or understanding it fills.
IV. The research questions: A set of questions that the research project aims to
answer, in order to address the problem or issue.
V. The research objectives: A set of specific and measurable objectives that the
research project aims to achieve.
VI. The scope of the research: A description of the specific population, setting, or
context that the research project will focus on.
VII. The theoretical framework: A discussion of the theoretical concepts and principles
that inform the research project.
VIII. The research design: A description of the research methodologies that will be
used to collect and analyze data in order to address the research questions and
objectives.
It’s important to note that the problem statement is usually brief and concise, typically a
few sentences or a short paragraph. But it should provide enough information to convey
the main idea of the research project. claim of a research paper or essay. It presents the
main idea of the paper and sets the direction for the rest of the content. It’s usually
located at the end of the introduction, and it’s often one sentence. A problem
statement, on the other hand, is a statement that describes a specific problem or issue
that the research project aims to address. It sets the foundation for the entire research
project by clearly defining the research problem. It is usually located at the beginning of
a research paper or proposal, and is of one or a few paragraphs.

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In summary, a thesis statement is a summary of the main point or key argument of the
research paper. A problem statement describes the specific issue that the research
project aims to address. A thesis statement is more focused on the final outcome of the
research. While a problem statement is focused on the current state of knowledge and
the gap in understanding that the research project aims to fill.
In Conclusion

A problem statement is a critical component of the research project, as it provides a

clear and concise roadmap for the research, and helps to ensure that the research is
well-designed and addresses a significant and relevant issue.

Delimiting a problem
Delimitations are the boundaries that the researcher sets in a research study, deciding
what to include and what to exclude. They help to narrow down the study and make it
more manageable and relevant to the research goal.

What are delimitations in a research paper?

Delimitations are those factors or aspects of the research area that you'll exclude from
your research. The scope and delimitations of the study are intimately linked.
Essentially, delimitations form a more detailed and narrowed-down formulation of the
scope in terms of exclusion. The delimitations explain what was (intentionally) not
considered within the given piece of research.

Delimitations example:
Exploring the adverse effects of bullying on adolescents' mental health is a preliminary
delimitation. This one was chosen from among many possible research questions (e.g.,
the impact of bullying on suicide rates, or children or adults).
Delimiting factors could include:

Research design: Mixed-methods research, including thematic analysis of semi-

structured interviews and statistical analysis of a survey
Timeframe: Data collection to run for 3 months
Population size: 100 survey participants; 15 interviewees

Recruitment of participants: Quota sampling (aiming for specific portions of men,

women, ethnic minority students etc.

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What's the difference between limitations and delimitations?
Delimitations and limitations are entirely different, although they often get mixed up.
These are the main differences:

This chart explains the difference between delimitations and limitations. Delimitations
are the boundaries of the study while the limitations are the characteristics of the
research design or methodology. Delimitations encompass the elements outside of the
boundaries you've set and depends on your decision of what you include and exclude.
Delimitations involve narrowing your study to make it more manageable and relevant to
what you're trying to prove. Limitations influence the validity and reliability of your
research findings. Limitations are seen as potential weaknesses in your research.
Delimitations are the boundaries of the study while the limitations are the characteristics
of the research design or methodology. Delimitations encompass the elements outside
of the boundaries you've set and depends on your decision of what you include and
exclude.

Evaluating a research problem

What criteria should we look for in a research question that adequately addresses our
research problem? We go over a number of evaluation criteria for research problems
below. Our study problem needs to be reworked by asking questions till it satisfies all
necessary requirements.
There is a wide variety of inquiry, from straightforward questions based on basic
knowledge restitution to more complex inquiries that focus on refining research
problems. To do this, more sophisticated research techniques are applied, and a wider
range of disciplinary viewpoints are investigated.

The following step is to make sure the research topic is clear, complex, focused, and has
an arguable solution after we have built a feasible one for evaluating the situation. This
serves to return us to the conversation analogy, where we might ask: Will our audience,
or other professionals in our industry, be interested in talking about our research
problem? Will our research contribute something significant to the discussion and
maintain the momentum? And so forth.

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Criteria’s for evaluating a research problem
To create quality research, we should all consider the following inquiries when assessing
our research challenge.

 Is the problem interesting

 To understand our motive and willingness to go through the problem
 Are we filling a gap or solving a problem?
 Either is fine – just know which direction our research is going
 Is our question loaded or leading?
 If so, keep refining our question
 Is our question too broad or narrow?
 If so, keep refining our question
 Is the scope of our project realistic and researchable within the given allotted
time?
 If not, keep refining our question
 Do we have the tools &/or technology required to accomplish our task?
 If not, keep refining our question
 Do our have access to the information and resources we will need?
 If not, keep refining our question
The goal of analyzing our problem, as we can see and comprehend from the criteria, is
to focus our question on the problem. It is imperative that we refine our topic in order
to investigate the process underlying descriptive replies, to investigate in a different
cultural, national, and political context, to investigate additional consequences of the
occurrence, and so forth.
In summary, the evaluation of research problems is crucial to developing a clear
knowledge of the entire research endeavor.

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Reference
Sharma, R. (2022, December 2). How do we define a problem?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-do-we-define-problem-rahul-sharma

W, A. (2022, February 20). 5 Sources of a Research Problem: The Complete Guide. Help for
Assessment Blog. https://www.helpforassessment.com/blog/sources-of-a-research-problem/

Salsabila, A. (n.d.). SOURCES OF THE PROBLEM IN RESEARCH. Scribd.

https://www.scribd.com/document/505556331/SOURCES-OF-THE-PROBLEM-IN-
RESEARCH

Scope and Delimitations in Research | AJE. (n.d.). https://www.aje.com/arc/scope-and-

delimitations-in-research/

Sirisilla, S., & Sirisilla, S. (2023, July 13). Research Problem Statement — Find out how to write
an impactful one! Enago Academy. https://www.enago.com/academy/research-problem-
statement/

Evaluate Your Own Research Question | Empire State University. (n.d.).

https://sunyempire.edu/online-writing-support/exercise-room/evaluate-your-own-research-
question/

Mauer, B., & Venecek, J. (2021, December 27). Evaluating Your Research Question.
Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.online.ucf.edu/strategies/chapter/evaluating-your-research-
question/

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