Clearly, give the sources of research problem. How a problem is identified? Enumerate the criteria for the selection of a problem.

Question

Explain why it is necessary to define a problem and delimiting a problem?
How is a problem stated? Describe the various ways of defining a problem.
Discuss characteristics of good problem and criteria for evaluating a problem.
In the area of your interest, propose a research problem and evaluate it against the stated criteria. ( Reference must be made from Yogesh Kumar Singh book ( Foundamental of Research )

Answer 1

Sources of Research Problem

A research problem can arise from various sources, including:

1. Literature Review: Gaps identified in existing literature can lead to potential research problems.
2. Personal Experience: Observations or professional experiences that highlight certain issues can inspire research questions.
3. Current Events: Issues highlighted in the news or current trends can prompt research.
4. Theoretical Frameworks: Existing theories may point to areas needing further exploration or testing.
5. Practical Issues: Real-world challenges faced in a field may need systematic investigation.
6. Stakeholder Needs: Feedback or requests from practitioners, policymakers, or the community can identify areas that require research.

Identifying a Problem

A problem is typically identified through the following steps:

1. Observation: Noticing discrepancies or issues within a particular context.
2. Questioning: Asking why these issues exist and what factors contribute to them.
3. Exploration: Investigating existing research and literature to see what has already been done or discussed.
4. Reflection: Considering personal experiences and insights that may reveal underlying problems.

Criteria for Selection of a Research Problem

When selecting a research problem, the following criteria should be considered:

1. Feasibility: The problem should be manageable in terms of time, resources, and access to data.
2. Interest: The researcher should have genuine interest in the problem to sustain motivation throughout the study.
3. Relevance: The problem should address a need in the field or contribute to knowledge.
4. Originality: Ideally, the problem should offer new insights or perspectives.
5. Clarity: The problem should be clearly defined and understood.
6. Impact: Potential outcomes of the research should have significance for theory, practice, or policy.

Necessity of Defining and Delimiting a Problem

Defining a Problem

Clearly defining a problem is essential as it provides a focused direction for the research. It helps in:

• Establishing what specific issues are being addressed.
• Guiding the research design, methodology, and analysis.
• Ensuring that the research remains relevant to the stated goals.

Delimiting a Problem

Delimiting involves narrowing the scope of the research problem. This is necessary because:

• It helps to avoid ambiguity and keeps the research focused.
• It makes it easier to manage and analyze data.
• It sets clear parameters for the study, making it more relevant to the intended audience.

Stating a Problem

A problem can be stated in several ways:

• Research Questions: Framed as explicit inquiries (e.g., "What factors influence...?")
• Hypotheses: As testable statements predicting a relationship (e.g., "Increasing X will lead to an increase in Y.")
• Objectives: Clearly articulated aims of the research (e.g., "To explore the relationship between...").

Characteristics of a Good Problem

A good research problem should be:

1. Clear and Specific: It should be articulated in a way that is easy to understand and leaves no ambiguity.
2. Researchable: The problem should be able to be investigated through empirical inquiry.
3. Significant: It should contribute to theory and practice, demonstrating its importance.
4. Ethical: The study should be conducted in a way that is ethical and promotes integrity.

Criteria for Evaluating a Problem

When evaluating a research problem, consider:

1. Relevance: Does the problem address a significant issue in the field?
2. Clarity: Is the problem defined clearly and precisely?
3. Feasibility: Can the problem be realistically studied within available resources and time?
4. Originality: Does the problem offer a new perspective or fill a gap in existing knowledge?
5. Impact: Will the outcomes of the research provide valuable insights or inform practice?

Proposed Research Problem

Research Problem: "What are the impacts of remote work on employee productivity in the technology sector?"

Evaluation Against Criteria:

1. Feasibility: This problem can be addressed through surveys or interviews with employees and managers in the technology sector, making it feasible.
2. Interest: With recent shifts towards remote work, this topic is highly interesting and relevant.
3. Relevance: It addresses a timely and significant issue affecting many organizations post-COVID-19.
4. Originality: While remote work has been studied, there is still a need for in-depth investigation specific to the tech industry.
5. Clarity: The problem is clearly defined and allows for specific research questions to emerge.
6. Impact: The findings could influence organizational practices and policies regarding remote work and productivity measurements.

References

To further elaborate on these concepts, refer to Yogesh Kumar Singh’s book, "Fundamentals of Research." This text provides in-depth insights into the research process, identification of problems, and methodologies for conducting research effectively.