1. From Objectives to Methods
(c) Research Problem and Questions
A/Professor Rob Cavanagh
April 16, 2008

2. Why Start with a Problem?
Research is essentially inquiry
The process of inquiry assumes an interplay between the inquirer and the object of the inquiry
The inquirer has a reason or motivation for gaining a better understanding of something in his/her life or in the world
Implicit in the notion of ‘better understanding’ is the presence of a ‘problem’ for the inquirer

3. What is a Problem
Problem – any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty or difficulty
Problem – a question proposed for solution or discussion
Problem - difficult to train or guide; unruly ( a problem child)
Macquarie Dictionary

4. A Research Problem An operational definition:
A research problem is a question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty or difficulty that is proposed for solution or discussion
Key aspects of a research problem. It concerns:
A question
Something which is not fully understood
Something that has been deliberately chosen as the subject of inquiry

5. What is Not a Research Problem?
A question that has an obvious or previously confirmed answer
A statement of fact by the ‘researcher’ – the researcher already has an unequivocal answer, view or position
A statement that precludes inquiry
For example:
Outcomes based education leads to improved student learning

6. Foundations of a Research Problem
The researcher has a guiding image or abstract ideal (an eidos) that stimulates engagement in inquiry
The researcher is knowledgeable, preferably without bias, about the subject of inquiry
The researcher’s knowledge has been obtained in a systematic manner – literature on the matter has been read and assayed

7. From Problem to Research Questions
The problem should be expressible as a question and if not already expressed as question needs to be re-written as a question
Consider:
What is doubtful, uncertain or difficult in the matter to be investigated?
What has caused this doubt, uncertainty or difficulty? For example:
Lack of prevailing knowledge or theory
Contradictions in prevailing knowledge or theory
Unproven relationships or connections between variables

8. Think in Terms of Research Objectives
Research objectives specify the anticipated outcomes of the investigation
The objectives of research could be classified as:
Exploratory – seeking new understandings
Descriptive - describing better or alternatively exemplifying what is already known in a new context
Confirmatory – testing/ validating hypotheses

9. Characteristics of Good Research Questions
Research questions should be feasible - that is, capable of being investigated with available resources
Research questions should be clear - that is, unambiguous
Research questions should be significant - that is, worthy of investigation
Research questions often (although not always) suggest a relationship to be investigated. The term 'relationship,' as used in research, refers to a connection or association between two or more characteristics or qualities

10. Concluding Remarks
Start with the eidos and at the level of the problem
The conceptual framework developed from the literature review is based on the problem
The conceptual framework should reveal possible connections or associations between concepts or variables that can be expressed as specific research questions
Finally, the research questions must be answerable