defining the research problem,lecturer in commerce,New Horizon college

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: 

31/08/2011, sindu akilesh, lecturer in commerce,New Horizon College ,Bangalore 1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (Business Research Methods)

What is a research problem?: 

What is a research problem ? A research problem refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation & wants to obtain a solution for the same. Thus , a research problem is one which requires a researcher to find out the best solution for the given problem.

PLANNING PROCESS : 

PLANNING PROCESS 1.Selection of a problem The term problem means a question or issue to be examined. The nature of the problem to be selected depends upon the level at which the research is done. The suggestion of the problem by the guide means an imposition to the student to get some work done rather than to train the student.

Planning process(contd..): 

Planning process(contd..) Sources of selecting problem. Reading( like reading of research reports, articles, books relating to the subject of our interest.) Academic experience.(class room lectures, class discussions will suggest many stimulating problems to be studied.) Daily experience.

Sources of selecting problem: 

Sources of selecting problem 4.Exposure to field situations( field visits, internship training and extension work provide exposure to practical problems.) 5. Consultations( discuss with experts, researchers & business executives ) 6. Brain storming ( intensified discussion within a group of interested persons may often be means of identifying pertinent questions. 7.Intution.

2. Formulation/ defining the selected the problem.: 

2. Formulation/ defining the selected the problem . Formulation means translating & transforming the selected research problem into a scientifically researchable question ;it is concerned with specifying exactly what the research problem is & why is it studied. The basic components are: The originating question(what one wants to know) Rationale of the question.( why aspects) Specifying question. ( possible answers to the originating question.)

Techniques involved in defining a problem: 

Techniques involved in defining a problem 1. Statement of the problem in a general way. The researcher should immerse himself in the subject matter concerning the problem. In case of social research a field observation is done and the researcher may undertake a preliminary survey which is called as ‘ pilot survey ’

Statement of the problem in a general way. (contd…): 

Statement of the problem in a general way. (contd…) The researcher can himself state the problem or can seek the guidance of the guide or subject expert in accomplishing the task. Often the guide puts forth the problem in general terms & its up to the researcher to narrow it down & phrase the problem. The problem will have lot of ambiguities which can be resolved by cool thinking & rethinking over the problem.

Techniques involved in defining a problem(cont..d): 

Techniques involved in defining a problem(cont..d) 2.Understanding the nature of the problem. The best way of understanding is to discuss it with those who first raised it in order to find out how the problem originally came. The researcher can enter into discussion with those who have good knowledge of the problem concerned or similar other problems. The researcher should also keep in view the environment within which the problem is to be studied and understood.

Techniques involved in defining a problem(cont..d): 

Techniques involved in defining a problem(cont..d) 3 . Surveying the available literature . This means that the researcher must be well conversant with relevant theories in the field,reports and records and all othet relevant literature. The researcher should fine enough time in reviewing the research and find out what data & other materials are available.

Techniques involved in defining a problem(cont..d): 

Techniques involved in defining a problem(cont..d) 4. Developing the ideas through discussions. Discussion provides useful information and new ideas. A researcher must discuss his problem with his colleagues & others who have enough experience in the same area which is known as “ Experience survey ”

4.Developing the ideas through discussions.(contd..): 

4.Developing the ideas through discussions.(contd..) The discussion with the experts should be confined with the formulation of the problem, the general approach given to the problem ,the techniques that has to be used & the possible solutions.

Techniques involved in defining a problem(cont..d): 

Techniques involved in defining a problem(cont..d) 5.Rephrasing the research problem . Here the researcher puts the research problem in specific terms as possible so that it may become operationally viable. This will also help in developing working hypothesis.

Points to be noted while defining a research problem: 

Points to be noted while defining a research problem Technical terms & words or phrases ,with special meanings used in the statement of the problem should be clearly defined. Basic assumptions or postulates should be clearly stated. c)The criteria for the selection of the problem should be provided. d)The suitability of the time period & the sources of the data available should be considered. e) The scope of the investigation or the limits within which the problem is to be studied must be mentioned.

Thank you: 

Thank you