Process of Problem Formulation

I. Process of problem formulation The research problem undertaken for study must be carefully selected. A problem must spring from the researcher’s mind. The following points may be observed by a researcher in selecting a research problem: (i) Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen, for it will be a difficult task to throw any new light in such a case. (ii) Controversial subject should not become the choice of an average researcher(iii) Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided. (iv) The subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible so that the related research material or sources of research are within one’s reach. (v) The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the costs involved, the time factor are few other criteria that must also be considered in selecting a problem. (vi) The selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary study. II. importance of Research Problem The problem to be investigated must be defined unambiguously for that will help to discriminate relevant data from the irrelevant ones. A proper definition of research problem will enable the researcher to be on the track whereas an ill-defined problem may create hurdles. We can answer to all questions, if the problem is well defined. It is only on careful detailing the research problem that we can work out the research design and can smoothly carry on all the consequential steps involved while doing research. III. Dos and Don’ts of selection 1. Find own problem 2. Focus on proper question 3. Unbiased approach 4. Be flexible and uncommitted before selection 5. Follow methodology 6. Identify gaps 7. Check availability of data disagree with what is read, record random thoughts, discard later if necessary, start writing at the very beginning IV. Literature survey Literature survey will be done after the problem is formulated. For this the researcher should undertake extensive connected with the problem. For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals and published or unpublished bibliographies are the first place to go to. Academic journals, conference proceedings, government reports, books etc., must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem. In this process, it should be remembered that one source will lead to another.

V. Internal and external criteria for selection of problem Internal criteria The Internal criteria are answers for the questions, What,why Who, Where and When. The answers gives clarity of problem. The resources like finance, time, etc also considers as internal. External criteria 1.Researchability/ Amenability: Is idea is proper and changeable 2.Relevancy: Importance of idea 3.Usefulness: Check the applicability of the idea 4. Novelty 5. Practicability: Is it practical 6. Feasibility: The required resource is available. 7. Ethical and political acceptability VI. Steps in formulating research problem 1. Define question 2. State problem in a general way but specific enough. 3. Understand the nature of problem 4. Survey available literature 5. Develop ideas through discussion 6. Rephrase the problem 7. Form Methodology