A research problem is a clear, specific statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in theory, practice, or scholarly literature and requires investigation
. It identifies a gap, contradiction, or challenge in existing knowledge that the research aims to address, providing a clear purpose and justification for the study
. Key characteristics of a good research problem include:
- Novelty : It introduces a fresh perspective or addresses unresolved issues.
- Significance : It has important implications for theory, practice, or policy.
- Feasibility : It can be realistically investigated with available resources.
- Clarity and specificity : It is precisely articulated without ambiguity.
- Evidence-based : It is grounded in trustworthy data and ethical considerations
Research problems can be theoretical (conceptual inquiries), applied (practical challenges), or action-oriented (aiming for change in specific contexts)
. The research problem guides the formulation of research questions, methodology, data collection, and analysis, ultimately shaping the entire research project
. It helps avoid unfocused research and ensures that the study contributes new and relevant insights
. In summary, a research problem defines what issue the research will tackle and why it matters, serving as the foundation for meaningful and systematic inquiry
