Page 14 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Unit 1: Concept of Research

The research problem should be stated in such a way that it would lead to analytical thinking Notes
on the part of the researcher with the aim of possible concluding solutions to the stated
problem. Research problems can be stated in the form of either questions or statements.
• The research problem should always be formulated grammatically correct and as completely
as possible. You should bear in mind the wording (expressions) you use. Avoid meaningless
words. There should be no doubt in the mind of the reader what your intentions are.
• Demarcating the research field into manageable parts by dividing the main problem into
subproblems is of the utmost importance.

Subproblem(s)

Subproblems are problems related to the main problem identified. Subproblems flow from
the main problem and make up the main problem. It is the means to reach the set goal in a
manageable way and contribute to solving the problem.

Statement of the Problem

The statement of the problem involves the demarcation and formulation of the problem, i.e.,
the WHO/WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY. It usually includes the statement of the hypothesis.

1.5 Formulation of Research Problems

It was previously mentioned that research forms a circle. It starts with a problem and ends
with a solution to the problem. Problem statement is therefore the axis which the whole
research revolves around, because it explains in short the aim of the research. Prospective
researchers can search within their own subject field for suitable problems. What should,
however, be mentioned, is that not all identified problems within a scientific field of study is
suitable for research.
The prospective researcher should think on what caused the need to do the research (problem
identification). The question that he/she should ask him/herself is: Are there questions about
this problem to which answers have not been found up to the present? The research problem
should be stated in such a way that it would lead to analytical thinking on the part of the
researcher with the aim of possibly concluding solutions to the stated problem.
The following aspects are important when formulating a research problem:
• The research problem should always be formulated grammatically correct and as completely
as possible. You should bear in mind the wording (expressions) you use. Avoid meaningless
words. There should be no doubt in the mind of the reader what your intentions are.
• Demarcating the research field into manageable parts by dividing the main problem into
subproblems is of the utmost importance.
The following serves as an example :
Main problem (Aim of the research project should be clearly stated).
Subproblems (Means to reach the set goal in a manageable way contribute to solving the
problem).
The main and subproblems should, however, form a research unit. After you have stated the
research problem, you should continue to formulate the relevant hypotheses.
Research problems are questions that indicate gaps in the scope or the certainty of our knowledge.
They point either to problematic phenomena, observed events that are puzzling in terms of

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