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required to support the research.

1.2.2 Research Problem

◆ Issue to be A research problem is a statement in the field that addresses
investigated a knowledge gap, challenge, or contradiction. Researchers use
research problems to identify and define the purpose of their
research and analysis. If a researcher is interested in contributing to
social or scientific change or adding new knowledge to an existing
topic, he may decide to conduct research based on a problem. A
research problem can also aid in the identification of key concepts
◆ Foundation for and terms, as well as overarching questions and variables.
research study
The identification and formulation of a research problem is
critical and may be one of the most difficult aspects of conducting
research. The research problem serves as the foundation for the
entire research process.
John Dewey defines research problem as “A problem represents
the information acquired by a researcher and seeks solution for it”

According to R.S Woodworth research problem is defined
as “A problem is a situation for which we have no ready-made
solution”.

In the words of Gibson, a research problem is defined as “A
problem is really a spring board for a leap into the unknown”.

1.2.2.1 Importance of Research Problem
Importance of identifying and formulating a research problem
are as follows:
◆ Relevance of the a. Introducing the importance of the study topic
study
The research problem introduces the reader to the significance
of the study as well as the research questions or hypotheses
that will be investigated.
◆ Specifies key
elements b. Defines the context of the problem
The research problem specifies the parameters and elements
that will be investigated in the research.
◆ Structure of c. Framework for reporting the results
reporting
It specifies and provides all of the requirements for carrying
out the study. It also describes how the findings will be
presented with reference to the information.
1.2.2.2 Nature of Research Problem

◆ Enhance knowledge A good research problem should have the following criteria:
a. It should address a gap in knowledge- A good research
problem should contribute to existing knowledge by addressing a

20 SGOU - SLM -MCom Research Methodology