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Research Problem Identification Guide

This document provides guidance on identifying and defining a research problem in 5 steps: 1. Specify clear research objectives and keep them manageable 2. Review the environmental context and variables that could affect the research 3. Understand the nature and complexity of the problem by consulting others 4. Define the relationships between variables and which are most critical 5. Anticipate the consequences of different courses of action to address the problem

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james carl belga
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6K views2 pages

Research Problem Identification Guide

This document provides guidance on identifying and defining a research problem in 5 steps: 1. Specify clear research objectives and keep them manageable 2. Review the environmental context and variables that could affect the research 3. Understand the nature and complexity of the problem by consulting others 4. Define the relationships between variables and which are most critical 5. Anticipate the consequences of different courses of action to address the problem

Uploaded by

james carl belga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Identifying and Defining a Research Problem

Selecting a Topic in Identifying a Research Problem:

1. Brainstorm for ideas.


2. Choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the literature.
3. Ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is available.
4. Make a list of key words.
5. Be flexible.
6. Define your topic as a focused research question.
7. Research and read more about your topic.

WAYS IN FORMULATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. Specify the Research Objectives


A clear statement of objectives will help you develop effective research.
It will help the decision makers evaluate your project. It’s critical that you have
manageable objectives. (Three to four clear goals will help to keep your
research project focused and relevant.)

2. Review the Environment or Context of the Research Problem


As a civil engineering researcher, you must work closely, if you are in a team.
This will help you determine whether the findings of your research project will
produce enough information to be worth the cost.
In order to do this, you have to identify the environmental variables that will
affect the research project.
3. Explore the Nature of the Problem
Research problems range from simple to complex, depending on the number of
variables and the nature of their relationship.
If you understand the nature of the problem as a researcher, you will be able to
better develop a solution for the problem.
To help you understand all dimensions, you might want to consider focus
groups of consumers or end-users, people, managers, or professionals to
provide what is sometimes the much needed insight.

4. Define the Variable Relationships


Plans often focus on creating a sequence of behaviors that occur over time, as in
the adoption of a new design, gadget, equipment or the introduction of a new
product. Such programs create a commitment to follow some behavioral
pattern in the future.

Studying such a process involves:


 Determining which variables affect the solution to the problem.
 Determining the degree to which each variable can be controlled.
 Determining the functional relationships between the variables and which
variables are critical to the solution of the problem.

During the problem formulation stage, you will want to generate and consider
as many courses of action and variable relationships as possible.

5. The Consequences of Alternative Courses of Action


There are always consequences to any course of action. Anticipating and
communicating the possible outcomes of various courses of action is a primary
responsibility in the research process.

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