RESEARCH PROBLEM

A research problem is an intellectual stimulus calling for a response in the form of scientific inquiry.  It is an intellectual challenge or a question of interest which can be answered through collection, analysis and interpretation of data, (Ogula, 2005). 

For example, one may want to investigate on What causes students unrest in secondary schools in a particular district, region or even country”. or The effect of teachers strike on learning in Kenya”.

1.3.1 Sources of Research Problem:There are several ways of identifying a specific research problem.

• Existing Literature.Review of related literature is an important source of a research problem. A systematic reading program in the general area of interest is a good way of locating specific research problems. Information about a problem may be obtained from text books, journals, articles, newspapers, research reports and so on.

• Previous Research Studies

Previous research studies in the field of interest usually indicate areas of further research. 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.

• Replication

Replicating a study involves carrying out a research project that has been done previously. In this case, the problem and the 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.

• Existing Theories and Principles

An existing theory in an area is a good source of a research problem. A theory consists of generalizations and hypothesized principles which can be scientifically tested. Such tests can be done through the research process and this leads to validation of existing generalizations and principles.

• Personal Experiences

First hand observations and reflections on intriguing experiences could also be a source of research problems. Such personal experiences usually lead to a clear understanding of the problem under investigation.  

• The Media

Issues which are frequently reported in the media can also form the basis of a research problem. Such issues are usually discussed in public forums and are therefore important to the majority of the people.

• Discussions with experts.

Discussions on general topics either in class, meetings, seminars, conference proceedings are a source of current problems that could be researched. In such forums, general but critical areas come up as focus of discussions out of which a potential researcher can create an interest in.

1.3.2 Characteristics of a Good Research Problem

In addition, to being empirically grounded, research problems have to be clearly and specifically articulated. A lack of clarity and specificity may lead to ambiguous findings that can be interpreted in contradictory ways.

• A good research problem must be researchable  that which is within your means in terms of resources and time.  It must be a problem whose data can easily be collected and analyzed.  

• A research problem should have theoretical and practical significance. The results of the study should contribute to addressing gaps in the area of study.  

• A research must be out to solve an existing problem or an issue that will result to new theories or principles, which can be a base for further research.  

• A research problem should also express a relationship between two or more variables.  

• It must also be an area of interest to the researcher and an area that the researcher has some experience  i.e., where the researcher has professional knowledge in, for the purpose of gaining confidence and competence in understanding the study.

1.4 STATING A PROBLEM

A problem is a difficulty to which a solution or answer is being sought in the study, (Ogula, 1995).   After gathering background information about the problem area that the researcher is interested in, he/she defines the issues of concern more clearly.  The researcher at this point describes factors that make the stated problem a critical issue to warrant the study. Many books on Education research recommend stating the problem in the form of a question.  

For example, To what extent has agriculture curriculum been effectively implemented in secondary schools in Kenya?

Kerlinger (1993) identified three criteria of a good problem and problem statement:

The problem should be a relation between two or more variables

It should be stated clearly and unambiguously in question form

It should be amenable to empirical testing

A well written statement of a problem generally indicates the relationship between two or more variables, e.g. The problem to be investigated in this study is the effect of teachers strike on students performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.

The problem statement should be brief and precise and could also be expressed as a question.  

After stating the research problem, the researcher should break down the general problem into a set of concrete research questions, objectives and hypothesis that will be investigated separately.

1.5 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

These are statements which simply indicate what is to be achieved by the research project (Mbwesa, 2006).

Objectives are very crucial in any research study mainly because:

They determine the kind of questions which will be asked, or generally guides in the further development of relevant research questions.

They determine the data collection and analysis procedures to be used in the investigation.

Research objectives should therefore be stated clearly, unambiguously and briefly.

For example: To identify the causes of students unrest in secondary schools.