What is a Research Problem? How to Define it (with Examples)

A research problem is a clear, concise statement about an issue or gap in knowledge that a study aims to address. It acts as the foundation of the entire research process, guiding the development of research questions, objectives, and methods. Whether the problem is theoretical, practical, or a combination of both, defining it clearly is essential for ensuring the relevance and direction of the study. 

The importance of a research problem lies in its ability to focus the research, justify its purpose, and contribute meaningful insights to a particular field. A well-defined problem not only shapes what will be studied but also helps communicate the value of the research to others, including academic peers, practitioners, and funding bodies.[1] The research problem is identified early in the research process, typically after a thorough review of existing literature and before selecting a research design. It sets the stage for the study by framing the scope and significance of the investigation. 

In this article, we’ll explore what a research problem is, why it’s essential, and how to define one effectively. Whether you’re just beginning your research journey or refining your existing study, this guide will help you understand the key components of a strong research problem. 

We’ll break down the steps involved in identifying and developing a research problem, examine the different types—such as theoretical, applied, and action research problems—and highlight the characteristics that make a research problem impactful. Real-world research problem examples will illustrate how they are framed across various fields, helping you apply the concepts to your own work with clarity and purpose. 

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

1. A research problem focuses on an area of interest, a situation needing improvement, an obstacle to be addressed, or a theoretical/practical challenge.
2. It forms the foundation of any research study, shaping its direction, objectives, and methodology.
3. A well-defined research problem introduces the topic’s significance, places it in context, and outlines the scope and purpose of the investigation.
4. A crucial part of defining a research problem is answering the “So What?” question—why does this problem matter? It justifies the relevance of the study and ensures that the research will contribute to human understanding and lead to practical solutions.
5. The process of defining a research problem involves identifying a broad area of interest, exploring the issue in depth, pinpointing key variables and relationships, considering real-world implications, and finally developing a focused problem statement.
6. Depending on the discipline and study goals, different types of research problems exist, including theoretical, applied, and action-oriented.
7. An ideal research problem is original, necessary, feasible, specific, and based on evidence.

What is a Research Problem?

Research problem definition: A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, or gap in knowledge that a researcher aims to address through a systematic investigation. It defines the focus of a study and guides the formulation of research questions and objectives. Identifying a clear research problem is the first critical step in designing a meaningful and relevant research project. It highlights the significance of the topic being explored and provides readers with a clear sense of direction. By placing the issue within a specific context, the problem statement outlines the boundaries of the investigation and establishes the framework for conducting and reporting the research.[1] 

More than just identifying a gap in knowledge, a strong research problem must address the critical “So What?” question—why does this problem matter? In the social sciences especially, the ability to justify the relevance of the issue is essential. This involves demonstrating both a deep understanding of the subject and its broader significance, whether in theory, practice, or policy. In doing so, the research problem not only grounds the study but also underscores its potential contribution to the field. 

Difference Between Research Problem, Research Question, and Research Topic

Different Types of Research Problems

Research problems can vary based on their purpose, scope, and application. Understanding the type of problem you’re dealing with helps determine the appropriate research design and methodology. We can generally classify them into the following three categories.[2] 

Theoretical research problems

Definition: Theoretical research problems focus on expanding existing knowledge by exploring abstract concepts, frameworks, or models. These problems are not aimed at solving immediate real-world issues but rather at understanding underlying principles, relationships, or phenomena. 

Purpose: To develop or refine theories, models, or explanations within a discipline. 

Use Case: Common in disciplines like philosophy, theoretical physics, mathematics, sociology, and education. 

Examples: A theoretical research problem might explore the relationship between cognitive load theory and student learning retention, seeking to understand how mental effort affects a learner’s ability to retain information in educational settings. Another example could be investigating how social identity theory explains group behavior in online communities, aiming to develop a deeper theoretical understanding of identity dynamics and group interactions in digital spaces. In both cases, the goal is to explore and expand theoretical concepts without necessarily seeking immediate real-world solutions, but rather contributing to the broader understanding of these fields. 

Applied research problems

Definition: Applied research focuses on finding practical solutions to specific, real-world problems. It uses existing theories, knowledge, and methods to address challenges in fields like healthcare, education, business, and technology. Unlike theoretical research, applied research is results-oriented and designed for immediate application. 

Purpose: To improve practices, solve problems, and support decision-making in real-life contexts. It seeks to provide insights that can lead to innovation, increased efficiency, better outcomes, or policy development. 

Use Case: Common in fields such as business, engineering, public health, and education policy. 

Examples: An applied research problem might investigate what strategies can reduce employee turnover in small tech firms, aiming to find practical interventions that improve retention and workplace stability. Another example could be exploring how mobile health apps can improve medication adherence in diabetic patients, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. In both cases, the research is driven by real-world challenges and seeks actionable solutions, applying existing knowledge to solve specific, practical problems in professional or community settings. 

Action research problems

Definition: Action research is a specialized form of applied research that not only seeks practical solutions to real-world problems but also emphasizes active participation, context-specific change, and ongoing reflection. Action research problems focus on solving immediate issues within a specific context through a collaborative and cyclical process of planning, action, observation, and reflection. It is participatory in nature and is usually conducted by practitioners (like teachers, managers, or healthcare workers) who are directly involved in the situation being studied. 

Purpose: To bring about change in a particular context (e.g., a classroom, organization, or community). 

Use Case: Common in education, healthcare, community development, and organizational change efforts. 

Examples: An action research problem might involve a teacher testing a new collaborative learning strategy to improve student engagement in a Grade 9 classroom, observing the effects, gathering feedback from students, and refining the approach in real time. Another example could be a hospital unit piloting new shift communication protocols to reduce patient handover errors, with staff participating in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the process. In both cases, the research is conducted by and with the practitioners, aiming to solve immediate problems in a specific context while also generating practical knowledge for ongoing improvement. 

How to Define a Research Problem – Step-by-Step Guide

Defining a research problem is critical to set the direction and focus of your study. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you define a strong and researchable problem:  

Main Characteristics of a Research Problem

The characteristics of a research problem help determine whether it is worth investigating and whether it can be effectively explored within the context of a research study. A strong research problem is not only clearly defined but also aligned with theoretical foundations, practical limitations, and the researcher’s capabilities. The key characteristics include the following: 

• Addresses a Gap in Knowledge:
  • The problem should highlight an area where existing research is lacking or incomplete.
  • It should contribute to the advancement of knowledge by filling this gap.

• Leads to Further Research:
  • A good research problem opens doors for continued inquiry and deeper investigation.
  • It should encourage exploration of related questions or new areas of study.

• Clearly and Concisely Stated:
  • The problem must be defined in a straightforward and precise manner.
  • This ensures that the purpose of the study is easily understood by others.

• Grounded in Theory:
  • The research problem should be connected to existing theoretical frameworks.
  • This grounding helps guide the research design and interpretation of results.

• Relates to One or More Variables:
  • A research problem typically involves variables that can be measured or observed.
  • Identifying these variables allows for systematic data collection and analysis.

• Feasible Within Time and Budget:
  • The problem should be manageable within the available time frame and resources.
  • Researchers must consider practical constraints when selecting a problem.

• Availability of Data:
  • There should be sufficient existing data or the potential to gather new data to address the problem.
  • Access to reliable data is crucial for meaningful analysis.

• Aligned with Methodological Strengths:
  • The problem should suit the researcher’s skills, tools, and methodological expertise.
  • This alignment increases the quality and reliability of the study outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I identify a research problem? How do I know if it is ‘good enough’? 

Identifying a research problem involves finding a topic that is both interesting and researchable, while addressing a gap or issue in existing knowledge. A "good" research problem should be clear, specific, and feasible, with the potential for contributing to the field. It should be based on a review of relevant literature, showing that it has not been fully explored or answered. For example, a good research problem in the context of technology in learning could be: "How does the use of interactive learning apps improve the engagement of high school students in STEM subjects?" This problem is specific, measurable, and relevant. On the other hand, a "bad" research problem might be: "How does technology affect learning?" This is too broad, vague, and lacks direction, making it difficult to study in a meaningful way. In essence, a good research problem is one that can be clearly defined, has practical implications, and can lead to actionable insights. 

Why is it important to define a research problem? How detailed should it be in initial stages? 

Defining a research problem is essential because it provides focus and direction for the entire study, shaping the research questions, methods, and analysis. In the early stages, it's important to outline the problem clearly enough to establish the scope and relevance of the study, but without locking it in too rigidly. At this point, the problem should be detailed enough to guide initial inquiry while remaining open to refinement as you explore existing literature and gain deeper insights. This flexibility supports a more thoughtful and informed research process. 

What are the common mistakes when identifying a research problem? 

Common mistakes when identifying a research problem include selecting a topic that is overly broad, vague, or lacking practical and scholarly relevance. Researchers may also confuse a general topic with a specific problem or fail to consider feasibility factors like time and data access. For instance, “inclusive education in schools” is too broad, while a focused problem such as “the challenges faced by teachers in implementing inclusive learning strategies for students with learning disabilities in mainstream classrooms” provides a clearer and more actionable research direction.     

How does a research problem relate to research questions or hypotheses? 

A research problem serves as the foundation of a study, identifying a specific gap or issue that needs to be addressed. It leads to the formulation of research questions or hypotheses, which provide clear, testable directions for investigating that problem. In essence, the research questions or hypotheses are derived from the research problem and guide the study's design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.    

Can you have more than one research problem in a study? 

Yes, you can have more than one research problem in a study, but focusing on a single, well-defined research problem is generally advisable to maintain clarity and depth. When multiple problems are included, they should be closely related and aligned under a central theme or objective. This ensures the study remains coherent, manageable, and focused, avoiding fragmentation of the research effort.  Whether you're beginning a thesis, designing a project, or crafting a proposal, clearly defining your research problem is essential for conducting focused and meaningful research. This guide can serve as your starting point to explore your interests, sharpen your focus, and transform your curiosity into a well-developed research problem.   

References 

1. Mildeová, S. (2013). Research problem description and definition: from mental map to connection circle. Journal on Efficiency and Responsibility in Education and Science, 6(4), 328-335.
2. Greenwood, D. J. (2008). 12. Theoretical Research, Applied Research, and Action Research. Engaging contradictions: Theory, politics, and methods of activist scholarship, 6, 319.

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