Introduction
Formulating a research problem is the first and most important step in the research process. It sets the direction for the entire study. A well-defined research problem helps researchers stay focused and clear about their goals. In this blog, we will explain in simple terms how a research problem is formulated and why it matters, especially in social work and related studies.
What is a Research Problem?
A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, or gap in knowledge that a researcher wants to explore and solve. It may relate to people’s behavior, social conditions, systems, or practices. A good research problem should be clear, specific, and researchable.
Steps to Formulate a Research Problem
1. Identify a Broad Area of Interest
Start with a general subject that interests you. For example, in social work, you may be interested in child labor, women’s rights, poverty, mental health, or drug abuse.
Example: Interest in the problem of school dropouts in rural areas.
2. Do Preliminary Reading or Review
Read books, articles, and previous studies to understand what work has already been done. This helps you find gaps in knowledge or areas that need further research.
Example: Finding that many studies discuss urban dropouts, but fewer cover rural schools.
3. Narrow Down the Topic
Focus on a specific issue within the broad topic. A narrow topic is easier to study and gives more meaningful results.
Example: Focusing on reasons why girls drop out of school in rural villages of one district.
4. Define the Research Objectives
Think about what you want to achieve. What do you want to know or prove?
Example: Objective could be to find out the main causes behind girl child dropouts and suggest solutions.
5. Convert the Problem into a Question
The research problem should be framed as a question that your study will answer.
Example: “What are the main factors leading to school dropouts among girls in rural areas of XYZ district?”
6. Check the Feasibility
Make sure the problem is practical and possible to study within your resources, time, and knowledge.
Example: Ensure you can access the schools, students, and data in the selected village.
Qualities of a Good Research Problem
- Clear and concise: Easy to understand
- Researchable: Can be answered using data and methods
- Relevant: Should be useful to society or knowledge
- Feasible: Can be done with available resources
- Ethical: Should not harm people or communities
Example of Research Problem Formulation
Area of interest: Mental health among teenagers
Reading: Found that stress due to academic pressure is rising
Narrowed topic: Exam stress among 10th-grade students in government schools
Objective: To find causes and effects of exam stress and suggest coping methods
Research problem: “What are the causes and impacts of examination stress among 10th-grade students in XYZ block?”
Conclusion
Formulating a research problem is like setting the foundation for a house. If it is weak or unclear, the whole research will be affected. By following the steps mentioned—starting from a broad area of interest, reviewing existing work, narrowing down, and framing a clear question—you can create a strong and focused research problem. For social work students, this skill is especially important for conducting meaningful and impactful studies.