Understanding the Research Problem
Selection, Sources, Characteristics, and Statement
starting point of any study
starting point of any study
issue or challenge that the
research intends to address.
shapes the direction of the study
influencing research design
methodology, and analysis
What is a Research Problem?
A research problem is a specific issue,
difficulty, contradiction, or gap in
knowledge that a researcher aims to address
through scientific inquiry.
"Despite increasing access to online education,
dropout rates remain high among rural students."
What is a Research Problem?
"Why do some patients with the same type of
cancer respond differently to the same
chemotherapy treatment?"
"The impact of microplastics on soil fertility is not well understood."
"How does social media use affect the sleep patterns of teenagers?"
"Why do certain drought-resistant crops still show poor yield in arid regions despite
improved irrigation?"
"What is the impact of increasing soil salinity on
the germination rate of native plant species?"
"What role do urban green spaces play in reducing air pollution levels in densely
populated cities?"
"Why are invasive plant species rapidly spreading in certain ecosystems and what are
their long-term effects?"
Importance of a Research Problem
Defines the Study’s Purpose: It helps clarify what the
research is trying to achieve.
Guides the Research Design: It determines which
methodologies and data collection techniques are suitable.
Provides Focus and Direction: It prevents the study from
being overly broad or unfocused.
Establishes Relevance: A well-defined problem highlights
the research’s significance and its contribution to
knowledge
Types of Research Problems
Theoretical Applied Comparative Exploratory Descriptive Causal
Types of Research Problems
Theoretical Applied Comparative Exploratory Descriptive Causal
focuses on developing new understanding or
explanations of phenomena.
It often deals with abstract ideas, concepts, or
frameworks that require clarification or "Can we develop a mathematical model to
expansion. explain the rate of photosynthesis under
varying light wavelengths?"
Example: What are the psychological factors
"What is the evolutionary
influencing digital addiction among young basis of C4 photosynthesis in
adults? certain plant families?"
Types of Research Problems
Theoretical Applied Comparative Exploratory Descriptive Causal
Applied research problems focus on solving
specific, practical issues. These problems
often arise from real-world situations and
seek solutions or improvements.
Example: How can customer service
training improve client retention in the
hospitality industry?
"How effective is the use of drought-
"What is the impact of neem-based biopesticides tolerant wheat varieties in increasing
on reducing pest damage in vegetable crops?" crop yield in semi-arid regions?"
Types of Research Problems
Theoretical Applied Comparative Exploratory Descriptive Causal
Comparative problems involve comparing two "How does biodiversity
or more variables, groups, or phenomena to recovery differ between natural
forest regeneration and man-
understand differences, similarities, or
made reforestation projects?"
relationships. This type of problem is useful
"Which irrigation method—
when analyzing patterns or drawing contrasts. drip or sprinkler—is more
Example: How do rural and urban educational outcomes
effective in enhancing tomato
compare in terms of student performance?
yield and water efficiency?"
"What is the difference in growth rate How does the use of organic
between genetically modified and non- fertilizers compare with chemical
genetically modified maize under fertilizers in improving plant
identical field conditions?" nutrient uptake and soil health?"
Types of Research Problems
Theoretical Applied Comparative Exploratory Descriptive Causal
suitable when little information is available on "What unknown factors affect seed
a topic. They aim to gather insights, identify germination in saline soils?"
patterns, or provide an initial understanding
This opens up exploration into soil
of a phenomenon, often laying the
chemistry, genetics, or microbial presence.
groundwork for future research.
Example: What are the emerging behaviors What are the unknown secondary
associated with the use of augmented metabolites present in under-studied
reality in retail shopping? medicinal plants of northern Pakistan?"
Aims to discover new bioactive compounds.
"What are the unknown environmental
impacts of microplastic particles on
freshwater aquatic plants?"
Types of Research Problems
Theoretical Applied Comparative Exploratory Descriptive Causal
Descriptive problems aim to provide a detailed
account or characterization of a specific
phenomenon. This type of research problem is often
"What are the morphological
about describing conditions, trends, or
characteristics of drought-tolerant rice
characteristics.
varieties grown in southern Punjab?"
Example: What are the common characteristics of
high-performing teams in technology companies?
"What types of leaf venation patterns
"What is the current level of air pollution in
are found among native flowering
different zones of Lahore during winter?"
plants in the Cholistan Desert?"
"What are the common plant species found in urban parks of Islamabad?"
Types of Research Problems
Theoretical Applied Comparative Exploratory Descriptive Causal
Causal problems focus on identifying the cause-and-
effect relationship between variables. This type of
"What is the effect of nitrogen fertilizer
research problem is useful when studying the impact
levels on the yield of wheat?"
or effect of one factor on another.
Example: What effect does daily exercise have on
reducing stress levels among college students? "How does light intensity affect
the rate of photosynthesis in
spinach leaves?"
"Does seed priming with gibberellic acid improve
germination rate in maize under cold stress?"
"What is the impact of plastic waste on
"How does deforestation influence local
the growth rate of aquatic plants in
rainfall patterns in mountainous regions?"
freshwater lakes?"
Steps to Formulate a Research Problem
Identify a Broad Topic Area Conduct Preliminary Research Narrow Down the Topic
Identify the Problem Formulate Research Questions Assess Feasibility
Steps to Formulate a Research Problem
Identify a Broad Topic Area Conduct Preliminary Research Narrow Down the Topic
Start by choosing a general area of interest. This could be
anything from mental health and marketing to technology
or education. Focusing on a topic you’re passionate about
can make the research process more engaging.
Identify the Problem Formulate Research Questions Assess Feasibility
Steps to Formulate a Research Problem
Identify a Broad Topic Area Conduct Preliminary Research Narrow Down the Topic
Conducting initial research helps you understand existing
knowledge and identify gaps. Look at recent studies, articles, or
reports in your field to find areas that need further exploration.
Identify the Problem Formulate Research Questions Assess Feasibility
Steps to Formulate a Research Problem
Identify a Broad Topic Area Conduct Preliminary Research Narrow Down the Topic
A broad topic needs to be narrowed to a specific
issue. Consider the aspects of the topic that
interest you most or that have limited research
available. Narrowing the focus prevents the study
from being too general and enhances its depth.
Identify the Problem Formulate Research Questions Assess Feasibility
Steps to Formulate a Research Problem
Identify a Broad Topic Area Conduct Preliminary Research Narrow Down the Topic
Identify the Problem Formulate Research Questions Assess Feasibility
Clearly define the problem or gap that the research
aims to address. Frame it as a statement that
indicates the issue, its context, and its importance.
Steps to Formulate a Research Problem
Identify a Broad Topic Area Conduct Preliminary Research Narrow Down the Topic
Identify the Problem Formulate Research Questions Assess Feasibility
Develop research questions that provide a basis
for investigating the problem. Good research
questions are specific, clear, and feasible, guiding
the research process and helping focus data
collection.
Steps to Formulate a Research Problem
Identify a Broad Topic Area Conduct Preliminary Research Narrow Down the Topic
Identify the Problem Formulate Research Questions Assess Feasibility
Evaluate if the research problem is manageable
given available resources, time, and access to data.
Feasibility ensures that the study is achievable and
practical within constraints.
Selection of a Research Problem
Interest and Passion – Choose something you are genuinely curious about.
Background Knowledge – Ensure you understand the basics of the field.
Feasibility – Consider time, resources, access to data.
Relevance – Must be significant to society or the scientific community.
Novelty – Should contribute something new.
Sources of Research Problems
Literature Review
Gaps, contradictions, or recommendations for future research
Personal Experience
Issues observed in real-life situations
Expert Suggestions
Ideas from mentors or professionals in the field
Social or Policy Issues
Problems in society, environment, education, etc.
Theories
Testing or refining existing theoretical models
