The Research Problem

Research ideas
Identifying a research problem
Theoretical gap
Empirical gap
Practical gap

Research problem are detected and

constructed.
Normally, we select a topic and construct a
research problem within the topic.
Unsuccessful research used vague idea at the
outset and was not sufficiently worked up
during the early stages of project.
Lack of direction in the problem statement
create mismatch between the problems and
research objectives.

Introduction

To make the topic researchable, it must be turned into a

research question.
Key purpose of research is to create new insights.
An important source for research ideas is the past
literature.
- to determine whether the intended research
contain an element of novelty.
-to identify a research problem , to plan sampling,
formulate questions and choose statistical test and
also used in discussion of the research findings.
Many of the present ideas for future research are in the
earlier theses or journal articles of particular research
topic.

*for further info on research ideas, please refer 3rd week slide

Research ideas

The ideas for research can come from various sources:

An idea which you have had for a long time and
cannot wait to investigate.
An intuition that simply needs some more detailed
attention.
A preference for the development of a topic in a
subject you are good at already.
A systematic academic search , working with a topic
you find as you read.
Look at past dissertations in the library.
Scan the abstracts of academic journals in a field
which interests you.
Survey some of the online databases.

Where do ideas come from?

A research problem (RP) or statement of problem

is the main key in conducting a scientific
research.

Without a solid RP, the research can be argued

and produce less important research findings.

the RP should be described specifically and

clearly because it can be used as a guideline to
choose appropriate research design, sampling
strategy, data collection techniques, data
analysis techniques, discussion about the results
of data analysis and writing research report.

Identifying a research problem

The 1st step in research is to identify the

research problem.
To answer a research problem, the
researcher must be able to answer or bridge
the gap from following aspect:
i) What is the theoretical view on that
particular topic or issue?
ii) What is the empirical view on that
particular topic or issue?
iii) What is the practical view on that
particular topic or issue?

continue

 Theoretical

gap represents the macro and

micro perspectives of the issue from the
academic work of the scholars,
researchers and other writers.
Most of the information comes from
literature review.(primary sources/
secondary sources/others)

Theoretical Gap

Empirical research is followed by a systematic process and

produces valid and reliable research findings.
This research finding then contribute to the development and
expansion of the knowledge and help to explain the relationship
between one aspects to the other aspects.
This empirical will be reported in academic writing or in the form
of presentation the academic findings.
From literature about the empirical study, all the WH (What,
Where, Why, When and How) about that specific research can be
known.
Based on feedback, the researcher will know whether the area of
study is already researched by other researchers or which one is
still in need of more work.
What is required is an insightful evaluation of what has been
known which leads to clarification of the gaps in the field and the
way in which the proposed research is intended to fill those gaps.

Empirical gap

Practical gap refers to present issues, events or

phenomenon that happens in the area of study. It
represent the day to day problems that arise when
dealing with those particular issues.
The practical gap represents the timely aspects of the
issue in the present situation (contemporary aspect of
the issue)
This gap open the practicality of the issue in its
perspectives whether at the theoretical, empirical and
also at various level or stage.
The source of practical gap can be found from various
sources such as newspaper, magazine, organization
report, annual report, observation report and etc.

Practical gap

A research problem is a cause variable that has

become the reason why research need to be
done in that particular area of study.
It is usually using deductive approach.
Begin the research with identifying one broad
topic of study and then narrowing down the
observation topic of study/specific topic to
identify a research problem in particular area.

Step1:
area of
study

Step 2:
General
topic of
study

Deductive Approach

Step 3:
Specific
topic

It has not been investigated before.

The existing theories regarding a topic of study do not discover a problem that
you want to study.
The existing approach such as a research designs with respect to your topic of
study are not thoroughly discussed.
The existing research findings which are related to your topic of study only
focuses on a specific or other issues and they have ignored the importance of
your research problem.
The previous research findings have not established conclusive findings,
remain inconsistent results or produce confusing results.
It will increase your understanding about the question that you have asked.
It is available to be investigated.
It motivates your interest personally
It lead to another question.

At least one of these reasons is sufficient to be used as a reason for selecting

your research problem

Criteria for a good research

problem

In order to make a start on a research topic, it is

necessary to identify the broad idea in which the
work will be conducted and then to focus them
into a manageable topic.

The next step is to make a plan by which stages

in the research will be achieved.

Alongside these early activities, it will necessary

to search the literature relating to the field under
study to look at the gaps in the broad area and
secure an early appreciation of work already
completed or under way.

Conclusion