Identification of research

problem and selection of

research topic
Dr Sowdo Feisal
 Lecture Objectives
• At the end of this chapter the student must be able to:
Understand steps of research process/cycle
Know about research problem
Mention sources of research problem
State criteria for the selection of research topic
 Introduction
• Research Process is to reveal new knowledge that may
contribute to the solution of the problem.
• A research problem is a problem for which a course of action is
required to be set optimally to reach the objective.
Research process steps
 Steps in designing and conducting research

• Research Topic: thinking and selecting a topic is the initial step

for conducting scientific research.
• Determining the problem: defining of the research problem is
a step of greatest importance in the entire research process. The
problem to be investigated must be defined unambiguously for
that will help discriminating relevant data from irrelevant ones.
 Continue…..Steps in designing and
conducting research
• Determining Research Gaps; the researcher should undertake
extensive literature survey connected with the problem.
• Research Hypothesis; in determining of the hypothesis the
researcher should state in clear terms the working hypothesis.
• Determining the research objectives; which includes general
goal of your study and the specific objectives.
 Continue….Steps in designing and
conducting research
• Research Question; refine the research question to achieve a
manageable focus.
• Research design; through providing for the collection of
relevant evidence with minimal expenditure of effort, time and
money.
• Collecting of data; this process of data collection you can use
observation, interviews, questionnaires or schedules.
 Continue….Steps in designing and
conducting research
• Data analysis; Analyzing and interpreting of data requires a
number of closely related operations such as establishment of
categories, coding, tabulation and drawing statistical inferences.
Also requires exposition of the true meaning of the material
presented in terms of the purposes of the study being reported.
• Informing others; the researcher prepare the report of
his work through research write up and publications.
Research processes or cycles
 What is a research problem?
• A research problem is an interrogative statement about the
relationship that exists between two or more variables.
• Generally all the problems are not researchable, the right topic
to be researched depends on a number of factors.
A satisfied problem must fulfil the following:

• The problem must refer to some difficulty experienced in the

context of either theoretical or practical situations and should
obtain the solution for the same.
• It must be related to the group of individual or society.
• It must draw the attention of the experts, policy makers, and
academicians, who are familiar with the subject
 Let’s consider topics to avoid:
Common/over-used topics
Topics related to religion/controversy
General/broad topics
Topics that are too narrow
Controversial politics related topics
 Sources of research problems
• Practical Experience
• Consultation with experts
• Brain storming
• Critical Appraisal of literature
• Previous research and existing theories
• Social issues
 Identification of research problem
• Defining a research problem properly, clearly, and carefully is
the most important part of any research study , and you should
consider these:
Researcher Interest
Usefulness of the Topic
Resources Availability
Availability of Data
 Criteria for selection of research topic or
research title
Relevance: the topic you choose should be a priority problem.
The questions to be asked include: Is the problem important in
our local set up?
Innovation: the research topic has been researched, what new
angles are you looking for?
Feasibility: consider the complexity of the problem and the
resources you will require carrying out your study.
 Continue…..
Acceptability: Is the topic acceptable to high level
policymakers? Or has the topic been the interest and support of
the local/national authorities?
Applicability of results: Is it likely that the recommendations
from the study will be applied?
Cost-effectiveness: Whether the resource of time, money and
manpower being invested in the study are worthwhile.
 Continue…..
Ethical consideration: We should always consider the
possibility that we may inflict harm on others when we carry
out a research. The most important ethical issues are: How
acceptable is the research to those who will be studied? , Can
informed consent be obtained from the research subjects? and
Confidentiality of data collection.
 Topic selection in general
Choose keywords
Should
from your
communicate the Preferably less
research questions
purpose of the than 20 words
and incorporate
study
them

Don’t make it cute

Keep the title
or play on words
tightly focused
(keep it academic)
When you are choosing your title, the following
Simple questions you need to answer:
• What is the research title you would like to conduct a study?
• Why you choose that title/topic?
• What problem your research will likely to resolve?
• What you want to find out about?
• Where you will conduct the research?
Continue…. When you are choosing your title, the
following Simple questions you need to answer:

• What data you need to collect?

• What method you will use to collect your data?
• What instruments you need to conduct your research?
• How long your research will take?
 Assignment
• Now you’re ready to choose your own research Titles
• Choose title and submit next class
Any question?
Thank you