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those questions are answered in the affirmative, can the problem
be considered a good one. ◆ Attainability

a. Is the problem researchable?
Is this the kind of problem that can be effectively solved through
research? Can relevant data be gathered to test the theory or find
an answer to the problem under consideration? ◆ Impact
b. Is the problem significant?

Will the study contribute something to the society? Would the
solution make any difference in terms of theory or practice? If
not, there are undoubtedly more serious issues that need to be
addressed.
c. Is the problem a new one?

Is the solution already available? Ignorance or prior studies ◆ Novelty
may cause a researcher to waste time on a problem that has already
been investigated by another researcher.

Although novelty or originality is an important consideration,
the fact that a problem has previously been investigated does
not imply that it is no longer worthy of investigation. There are
times when it is necessary to replicate (repeat) studies in order to
validate its findings or to extend the validity of its findings to a
different situation.
d. Is research on the problem feasible?

After a research project has been evaluated, the issue of
suitability for a specific researcher needs to be considered. The
following points should be kept in mind while checking for
feasibility. ◆ Viability

◆ Research competencies

◆ Administrative consideration

◆ Financial considerations

◆ Time requirements

◆ Courage and determination
◆ Interest and zeal

1.2.2.5 Techniques of Defining a Problem
One of the first tasks is to look for unanswered questions. There
are numerous potential problem areas that require the researcher’s ◆ Experience
immediate attention. A researcher may discover a potential
research problem from any of the following sources:
a. One of the best sources of problems is an individual’s personal,

SGOU - SLM - MCom Research Methodology 23