What Problem Does This Research Address? Real, Theoretical & Methodological Perspectives

What problem does this research address is one of the most basic questions in academic research. The value of a study is largely based on clarity and importance of a problem that the study aims to solve regardless of whether it is empirical or theoretical research or a methodology. Researchers not only are expected to find a problem, but also to answer the question of whether it is a real (practical), theoretical (conceptual) or methodological (procedural) problem- or a combination of these.

This is the most important question in research proposal, thesis, dissertation, grant application, and journal entries. The clear definition of the type of a problem under consideration contributes to the warranting of the study, setting the relevance, and reflecting the scholarly rigor. The article discusses the essence of real and theoretical and methodological problems, how research answers each category, and the plans that come out clearly defining the problem that a research aims to resolve.

Developing the Concept of a Research Problem

A research problem is a definite problem, gap, contradiction or limitation in the existing knowledge that necessitates research. It arises through acute reading of literature, observing the problems of the real world or identifying the flaws of research methods.

A clear research problem:

• Gives guidelines to the research.
• Proves the necessity of the research.
• Elaborates research questions and hypotheses.
• Directs methodological decisions.

Research is likely to lack focus unless a clearly stated problem.

Actual (Practical) Problems of Research

What Is a Real Problem? 

A real problem is a practical issue that is related to individuals, institutions, communities, or the society. These are real-life problems that could need evidence-based solutions. Practice, policy, or outcome improvement is a goal of research that is focused on real problems. 

Examples of Real Problems 

• Poor student participation in tertiary education.
• Unequal access to medical services.
• Urbanization and degradation of the environment. 
• Ethical dilemma in new technologies. 

These issues can be found out by observation, practice, or by analyzing the policy.

The way Research Solves Real Problems

Research that deals with real problems generally:

• Gathers facts to be aware of the problem.
• Assesses available interventions or practices.
• presents new strategies, models or policies.
• Applications of tests in particular situations.

To illustrate, one of the articles that explored the reasons behind the failure of specific teaching strategies in various classrooms directly answers a practical issue in education with its practical consequences.

Theoretical (Conceptual) Problems in Research

What Is a Theoretical Problem? 

Theoretical problem occurs when the existing theories or conceptual frameworks have a gap, inconsistency, limitation, or ambiguity. Such issues do not necessarily bear practical implications in the short term but play an important role in the pursuit of knowledge. 

1. Theoretical Problems can be illustrated by examples.
2. Different ways of explaining the same phenomenon.
3. Poorly defined and not used concepts.
4. Theories that are no longer used to explain the realities of today.
5. Absence of interconnection among the related theoretical models. 

Theoretical issues are usually a result of critical reading of academic writings.

The way Research Solves Theoretical Issues

Such studies resolving theoretical issues can: 

• Existing ideas Refine or redefine. 
• Compare and criticize rival theories.
• Scaling theories to novel situations.
• Offer new theoretical models.

An example that revisits the theories of leadership to the digital organisations would be a contribution to the growth of theories instead of practice.

Problematic Methodologies of Research

What Is a Methodological Problem?

 Limitations or issues with research design, data collection, analysis or interpretation constitute a methodological problem. Such issues have an impact on the reliability, validity or the generalizability of research results.

Cases of Methodological Problems

•  The use of small or non-representative samples.
•  Poor measurement instruments. 
• Transparency deficit in qualitative analysis. 
• Lack of ability to explain complicated social phenomena. 

When the current approaches do not sufficiently answer the research questions, methodological issues are likely to be seen. Research investigations contain methodological issues that are solved by research. 

Methodological research can:

• Invent new methods or tools of research.
• Change approaches to particular groups or situations.
• Integrate qualitative and quantitative methodology.
• Enhance data analysis processes.

To illustrate, some of the weaknesses of a purely quantitative study such as its inability to account for social behavior are likely to be overcome by introducing a mixed-methods approach to the study.

Crossings between Real, Theoretical and Methodological Problems

Numerous research studies deal with more than a single problem. The practical problem can expose the gaps in theory, and hence a methodological innovation is needed.

 For instance:

•  The fact that a practical issue in healthcare delivery may reveal the vulnerability of the available health behavior theories. 
• New tools of measurement or method of analysis may be needed to address those conceptual gaps. 

The identification of these intersections enhances the validity of the research and emphasizes its general contribution.

The Importance of the Research Problem

A well-defined statement of the nature of the problem that is tackled is always necessary since it: 

• Shows the topicality and novelty of the research.
• Assistants in reviewing and examining know its contribution.
•  Leads in the choice of suitable methods.
•  Matures the goals, questions, and results. 

The number of times due to vague problem statements makes up the list of the most frequent reasons why research proposals and manuscripts are rejected.

Problem Identification Strategies Your Research Covers

Think Critically about Literature

 A rigorous literature review facilitates the detection of gaps, inconsistencies and limitations which are indicators of theoretical or methodological issues.

 Witness Practice and Experience

 Through professional or societal struggles real problems are usually exposed and need to be systematically explored.

Ask “What Is Missing?” 

The identification of problems may start with the following question: 

• What then is still unknown to us? 
• What has not been articulated in the existing research? 
• Which strategies do not work effectively?

Connect the Problem to Research Questions

 Research questions and objectives should be the logical development of the problem statement. Misalignment implies ill definition of problems.

Composing an Effective Problem Statement

 A strong problem statement: 

• Is explicit on the nature of the problem.
• Explains why it matters 
• Support the statements by literature or evidence.
• Does not use vague and too broad language.

 An example is instead of saying, there is limited research on student motivation, one can say, the context, limitation of that gap and the impact of lack of sufficient research.

Assessment of the Research Contributions

In the assessment of research, scholars usually put the question:

• Is it a research study that deals with a relevant real, theoretical or methodological problem? 
• Is the problem stated and justified? 
• Does the study give a plausible answer to the issue?
• Answers to these questions are clear; the perceived value of the research is improved.

Frequent errors of problem identification

1. Mistaking a subject with an issue. 
2. Presenting unsupported issues.
3. Branding problems without situational analysis.
4. Inability to connect the problem to research design.
5. To be able to avoid these pitfalls clarity, precision, and critical thinking are needed.

Conclusion

 Awareness of whether a study has a real, theoretical, or methodological issue is important to academic discipline and contribution to the scholarship. The real problems relate research to practice, society needs, theoretical problems enhance conceptual knowledge, and methodological problems enhance knowledge creation. 

The best research tends to be a combination of the three and it displays relevance, novelty and rigor. Having a clear problem statement and description, the scholars reinforce the basis of their research and increase its impact in and outside the academia.

 Finally, the question What problem does this research address? is not only the prerequisite of a formal nature it is the key to sound and significant scholarship.