IDENTIFICATION OF RESEARCH AREA AND TOPIC

IDENTIFYING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

A problem is any situation where a gap exists between the actual and the
desired ideal states.

A research problem is a gap or discrepancy between what is currently known and

what needs to be known in a particular area of study.
It is a question or issue that has not been answered satisfactorily, and that
requires further investigation and analysis.

Examples of broad problem areas include:

 Training programs are not as effective as anticipated
 The sales volume of a product is not picking up
 Minority group members in organizations are not advancing in their
careers.
 The newly installed information system is not being used by managers
for whom it was primarily designed.

Sources of Research Problems

Research problems can arise from various sources, such as;

1. Personal interests’- Personal interests refer to the researcher's curiosity,
passion, or expertise in a particular field or topic.
2. Societal needs- Societal needs refer to the problems or issues that affect
individuals, communities, or organizations, such as poverty, inequality,
pollution, or health
3. Theoretical gaps- Theoretical gaps refer to the limitations or
contradictions of existing theories or models, which require further
refinement or testing
4. Practical challenges- Practical challenges refer to the difficulties or
obstacles encountered in real-world settings, such as high costs, low
availability, or complex regulations
5. Previous research findings- Previous research findings refer to the
inconsistencies, gaps or controversies in the literature, which require
further clarification or replication.

Characteristics of research problems

1. Relevance:
A research problem should be relevant to the field or topic of study. It should
address an issue or question that is significant and important to the field. The
problem should add value to the existing knowledge base and should be worth
investigating.

2. Clarity:

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 The research problem should be clearly stated and well-defined. It should be
concise and specific, and it should not be too broad or too narrow. The problem
should be easy to understand and should not be ambiguous or confusing.

3. Observable:
The research problem should be observable and measurable. It should be
possible to collect data and evidence to investigate the problem. The problem
should not be abstract or hypothetical, but rather it should occur in the real
world and be quantifiable.

4. Feasibility:
The research problem should be feasible and attainable. It should be possible to
investigate the problem efficiently and effectively within the available resources,
time, and budget. The research problem should not be too complex or too
difficult to investigate.

5. Novelty:
The research problem should be novel and original. It should be new and not
previously researched or investigated. The problem should contribute to the field
by providing new insights or perspectives.

6. Significant:
The research problem should be significant and important. It should have
practical implications and contribute to the betterment of society. The problem
should address an issue or question that is important to the field or to the public.

7. Researchability:
The research problem should be researchable. It should be possible to collect
data and evidence to investigate the problem. The problem should not be too
subjective or abstract, and it should allow for empirical investigation and
analysis.

SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC

Here are some tips that will guide you in selecting a research topic:

1. Identify what interests you: Start by identifying what topics or themes interest
you. This will give you a good starting point for selecting a research topic. Think
about the topics that excite you, or that you spend a lot of time reading or talking
about. You can also browse academic journals and websites for inspiration.

2. Conduct a preliminary literature review: Once you have a few topics in mind,
conduct a preliminary literature review to see what research has already been
done on those topics. This will help to identify gaps in the existing research, and
opportunities for new research.

3. Consider the resources available: Before finalizing a topic, consider the

resources available to you. This includes the availability of data, equipment,

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funding, and the expertise of your research team or your supervisor. Make sure
that your resources are sufficient to carry out your research project.

4. Think about the relevance and significance of the topic: Consider the relevance
and significance of the topic you have chosen. Is it a current issue that has not
been fully explored? Will your research contribute to the existing literature and
make a meaningful contribution to the field? Does it have practical implications?

5. Ensure that you are familiar with the research methodology: Before finalizing
your topic, make sure that you are familiar with the research methodology
required to carry out your research. This includes choosing the appropriate
research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.

Sources For Research Topics

(a) Existing theories: For theory-based research. A theory contains

generalizations and hypothesized principles which can be scientifically
tested. Such tests can be done through the research process.
(b) Existing literature: Reading articles in professional and academic
journals and textbooks on the broad area to get a good background of
basic information and an insight into various issues that could be studied.
(c) Discussions with experts: discussions on general topics either in class or in
seminars are a source of current problems that could be researched.
(d) Previous research studies: Suggestions by previous research for further
studies in the area. A review of such studies provides the researcher with
researchable projects that would, when carried out, add to the knowledge
that has been built up by other researchers.
(e) Replication. Replicating a study involves carrying out a research project
that has been done previously. In this case, the problem and procedures of
the research are identical to a study that has been previously done.
Replication is usually done to find out whether findings hold over time and
across regions.
(f) The media: Issues which are frequently reported in the media can also
form the basis of a research problem.
(g) Personal experiences: Existing work experience or consulting work. First
hand observations and reflections on intriguing experiences could be
sources of research problems.

Characteristics of good research topic

 Access to data
 Achievable in available time
 Student capabilities & interest
 Financial support easily accessible
 Value & scope of research is well captured

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 OBJECTIVES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES
Research objectives are those specific issues within the scope of the stated
purpose that the researcher wants to focus upon and examine in the study.
The purpose/ objectives of the study should meet the following criteria:

 SPECIFIC
 MEASURABLE
 ACHIEVABLE
 REALISTIC
 TIME BOUND

1. Be Specific: Research objectives should be specific and clear. They should

outline what the researcher intends to achieve through the research.

2. Be Measurable: Research objectives should be measurable, meaning that they

can be quantified, observed, or assessed in some way. This helps to determine
whether the research has achieved its goals.

3. Be Achievable: Research objectives should be achievable within the scope of the

research. The researcher should be able to realistically achieve what they have set
out to do based on the available resources.

4. Be Relevant: Research objectives should be relevant to the research question or

problem being studied. The objectives should be aligned with the research’s
overall goal.

5. Be Time-bound: Research objectives should be time-bound. They should specify

when the objectives will be achieved or the project completed.

In stating the purpose of the study, the researcher should choose the right
words to convey the focus of the study effectively. Use of subjective or biased
words or sentences should be avoided.

Examples
Biased Neutral
To show To
To prove determine
To To compare
confirm To
To verify investigate
To check To
To differentiate
demonstrate To explore
To indicate To find
To out To
validate examine

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 FORMULATING HYPOTHESES
A hypothesis is a researcher’s prediction regarding the outcome of the study.
It states possible differences, relationships or causes between two variables
or concepts.

The test of a hypothesis involves collection and analysis of data that may either
support or fail to support the hypothesis.

Purpose of hypothesis
 It provides direction by bridging the gap between the problem and the
evidence needed for its solution.
 It ensures collection of the evidence necessary to answer the question
posed in the statement of the problem.
 It permits the researcher to understand the problem with greater clarity
and use the data to find solutions to problems.
 It guides the collection of data and provides the structure for their
meaningful interpretation in relation to the problem under investigation.
 It forms the framework for the ultimate conclusions as solutions.

Characteristics of a good hypothesis

1. Should state clearly and briefly the expected relationships between variables.
2. Must be based on a sound rationale derived from theory or previous
research or professional experience.
3. Must be consistent with common sense or generally accepted truths.
4. Must be testable.
5. Should be testable within a reasonable time.
6. Variables stated in the hypothesis must be consistent with the purpose
statement, objectives and operationalized variables in the method section.
7. Must be as simple and concise.

Types of hypotheses

1. Null Hypothesis (H0):

Statement which claims that there is no significant difference between two
variables or no effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable.
Generally, the accepted formula for null hypothesis is that there is no correlation
between two variables.

2. Alternative Hypothesis (H1):

Statement which claims the opposite of a null hypothesis or the presence of a
significant difference between two variables or an effect of an independent
variable on a dependent variable