CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH PROBLEM
How to Identify an Appropriate Research Problem
The research problem is the heart of a study. It is a clear, definite statement of the area of
concern or investigation and is backed by evidence (Bryman, 2007). It drives the research
questions and processes and provides the framework for understanding the research findings. To
begin, you will need to know where to look for your research problem and how to evaluate when
a research problem for success.
Where to Find a Research Problem
Ideas for a research problem tend to come from two sources: real life and the scholarly arena.
First, identifying a research problem can be as simple as observing the complications and issues
in your local workplace. You may encounter ongoing issues on a daily basis in your workplace
or observe your colleagues struggle with major issues or questions in your field. These ongoing
obstacles and issues in the workplace can be the catalyst for developing a research problem.
Alternatively, research problems can be identified by reviewing recent literature, reports, or
databases in your field. Often the section of “recommendations for the future studies” provided
at the end of journal articles or doctoral dissertations suggest potential research problems. In
addition, major reports and databases in the field may reveal findings or data-based facts that call
for additional investigation or suggest potential issues to be addressed. Looking at what theories
need to be tested is another opportunity to develop a research problem.
How to Evaluate a Research Problem
Once you find your potential research problem, you will need to evaluate the problem and ensure
that it is appropriate for research. A research problem is deemed appropriate when it is supported
by the literature, and considered significant, timely, novel, specific, and researchable. Stronger
research problems are more likely to succeed in publication, presentation, and application.
1. Supported by the Literature
Your research problem should be relevant to the field and supported by a number of recent peer-
reviewed studies in the field. Even if you identify the problem based on the recommendation of
one journal article or dissertation, you will still need to conduct a literature search and ensure
that other researchers support the problem and need for conducting research to further address
the problem.
2. Significant
Your research problem should have a positive impact on the field. The impact can be practical, in
the form of direct application of the results in the field, or conceptual, where the work advances
the field by filling a knowledge gap.
3. Timely
Your research problem should be related to the current needs in the field and well-suited for the
present status of the issues in your field. Explore what topics are being covered in current
journals in the field. Look at calls from relevant disciplinary organizations. Review your research
center agenda and focused topics. For example, the topics of the Research Labs at Center for
Educational and Instructional Technology Research including critical thinking, social media and
cultural competency, diversity, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
RESEARCH METHODS CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION PREPARED BY MR. ANTONY AMBIA 1
RESEARCH PROBLEM
How to Identify an Appropriate Research Problem
The research problem is the heart of a study. It is a clear, definite statement of the area of
concern or investigation and is backed by evidence (Bryman, 2007). It drives the research
questions and processes and provides the framework for understanding the research findings. To
begin, you will need to know where to look for your research problem and how to evaluate when
a research problem for success.
Where to Find a Research Problem
Ideas for a research problem tend to come from two sources: real life and the scholarly arena.
First, identifying a research problem can be as simple as observing the complications and issues
in your local workplace. You may encounter ongoing issues on a daily basis in your workplace
or observe your colleagues struggle with major issues or questions in your field. These ongoing
obstacles and issues in the workplace can be the catalyst for developing a research problem.
Alternatively, research problems can be identified by reviewing recent literature, reports, or
databases in your field. Often the section of “recommendations for the future studies” provided
at the end of journal articles or doctoral dissertations suggest potential research problems. In
addition, major reports and databases in the field may reveal findings or data-based facts that call
for additional investigation or suggest potential issues to be addressed. Looking at what theories
need to be tested is another opportunity to develop a research problem.
How to Evaluate a Research Problem
Once you find your potential research problem, you will need to evaluate the problem and ensure
that it is appropriate for research. A research problem is deemed appropriate when it is supported
by the literature, and considered significant, timely, novel, specific, and researchable. Stronger
research problems are more likely to succeed in publication, presentation, and application.
1. Supported by the Literature
Your research problem should be relevant to the field and supported by a number of recent peer-
reviewed studies in the field. Even if you identify the problem based on the recommendation of
one journal article or dissertation, you will still need to conduct a literature search and ensure
that other researchers support the problem and need for conducting research to further address
the problem.
2. Significant
Your research problem should have a positive impact on the field. The impact can be practical, in
the form of direct application of the results in the field, or conceptual, where the work advances
the field by filling a knowledge gap.
3. Timely
Your research problem should be related to the current needs in the field and well-suited for the
present status of the issues in your field. Explore what topics are being covered in current
journals in the field. Look at calls from relevant disciplinary organizations. Review your research
center agenda and focused topics. For example, the topics of the Research Labs at Center for
Educational and Instructional Technology Research including critical thinking, social media and
cultural competency, diversity, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
RESEARCH METHODS CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION PREPARED BY MR. ANTONY AMBIA 1
