Problem Formulation

PROBLEM FORMULATION
INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

What is a Research Problem? 2
A research problem is basically a “gap” between “what

is “ and “what ought to be”.
Tips :
i.Find out why the information is being sought
ii.Determine whether the information already exist
iii.Determine whether the question really can/should be
answered
iv.Use exploratory research to define background of the
problem
v.Situation analysis
vi.The iceberg principle
vii.Determine relevant variables.

Criteria for Selecting A Problem 3
1. Interest: Commit yourself to a research.
2. Size: Manageable & doable.
3. Economical: Time and money.
4. Researcher’s Capabilities & Limitations.
5. Uniqueness: Do not duplicate; similar but

differentiated by method, design or sample or perform
different statistical analyses.

Criteria for Selecting A Problem 4
6. Start with theories/set of ideas :- easier to start. The

outcome might be a critique to the theory, suggestions
how it can be modified or extended
7. Potential & sufficient outcomes:- valuable results.
Even if you plan to develop something in the end which
might not be achievable the knowledge developed in the
process still has contribution within the indicated period
(3++ years?)
8. Not bias, safe & ethical:- be objective as much as
possible, not causing discomfort & harm to
anyone/anything (social, emotional, physical).

Is the problem researchable? 5
The questions include:

Has the problem been specified?
Is the problem amenable to research?
Is the problem too large?
How is the availability of the data?
Am I capable of solving the problem?

A research aim is to do: 6
i. To clarify an existing theory
ii. To clarify contradictory findings
iii. To correct a faulty methodology
iv. To correct the inadequate or unsuitable use of

statistical techniques
v. To reconcile conflicting opinions
vi. To solve existing practical problems.

Quality of the Proposed Research7
• Show a thorough knowledge of relevant prior

research.
• Prior research is related to the proposed
research.
• Comprehensiveness and appropriateness of the
research design.
• Appropriateness of the instrumentation and
methodology.
• Appropriateness of the anticipated analyses.
• The likelihood that the proposed research can be
completed successfully as described.
Research Process: The Scientific Method 8
 Step 1: State the Problem (Problem

Formulation)
 Step 2: Background & Literature study about
the problem. (Literature Review)
 Step 3: Form a Hypothesis (Data Collection)
 Step 4: Do experiment that test the hypothesis.
(Analysis & Findings)
 Step 5: Draw a conclusion. (Derive
Conclusions)

HOW TO SELECT A PROBLEM? 9
 Personal practical experience.

 Previous or prior work on subject.
 Own curiosity or own great mind
 Critical Study of the literature search.
 New technology.
 Interaction with other researchers in the
community eg correspondence, seminars,
conferences, colloquium, etc.

Research Problem 10
Will the result be significant? 11
• The questions include:
Will the result advance knowledge?

Will the research have some value?
Will the results be of interest to others?

To State the Problem 12
• It takes two forms:

Problem Statement
eg. This study is designed to measure the effect of the
introduction of information security awareness course
has on the computer science students.
Research Question
eg. What effect has the introduction of information
security awareness course had on the perception of the
computer science students?
April
2009
Guidelines on Problem Presentation 13
•Write opening sentence that stimulates interest as well

as conveys an issue to which a broad readership can
relate.
•Specify the problem or issue leading to the study.
•Indicate why the problem is important.
•Focus the problem statement on the key concept being
tested or explored.
•Refrain from using quotes in the lead sentence.
•Consider numeric information for impact.
•Consider short sentences for impact.

Problem Statement 14
15
At the end of problem formulation the

researcher should have:
Formulating Research Question? 16
 Research question is an iterative (repeated) process.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sekaran/RESEARCH 4E
Research Objectives 18
Covers the different aspects of the problem and its

contributing factors in a coherent way and in a logical
sequence
Clearly phrase the operational terms.
Avoid the use of vague non-active verbs eg to
appreciate, to understand , to study.
Examples of research objectives:

 To investigate students’ awareness on information security
and ethical issues within the university.
To evaluate the concept of computer ethics in terms of
information security.
To develop a computer ethics framework focusing on ethical
behavior and information security.
Writing Research Objectives 19
Other example:
 To identify the security risks for networked

information systems.
To develop a risk evaluation tool for networked
information systems
 To test the evaluation tool for networked
information systems

Purpose / Aim Statement 20
The purpose or aim statement shapes the direction of

the research.
Gives a specific & accurate synopsis of the overall
purpose of the study.
Examples of research purpose / aim:

 The aim of this study is to examine the existing risk
analysis method and then select the appropriate
solution as the basis for modification in order to
assess and analyze wireless risks using fuzzy risk
analysis method.

Problem Formulation

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PROBLEM FORMULATION

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

A research problem is basically a “gap” between “what

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

1. Interest: Commit yourself to a research.

2. Size: Manageable & doable.

3. Economical: Time and money.

4. Researcher’s Capabilities & Limitations.

5. Uniqueness: Do not duplicate; similar but

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

6. Start with theories/set of ideas :- easier to start. The

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

The questions include:

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

i. To clarify an existing theory

ii. To clarify contradictory findings

iii. To correct a faulty methodology

iv. To correct the inadequate or unsuitable use of

v. To reconcile conflicting opinions

vi. To solve existing practical problems.

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

• Show a thorough knowledge of relevant prior

 Step 1: State the Problem (Problem

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

 Personal practical experience.

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

• The questions include:

Will the result advance knowledge?

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

• It takes two forms:

•Write opening sentence that stimulates interest as well

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

At the end of problem formulation the

 Research question is an iterative (repeated) process.

Covers the different aspects of the problem and its

Examples of research objectives:

 To identify the security risks for networked

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

The purpose or aim statement shapes the direction of

Examples of research purpose / aim:

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

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