A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in your research. You may look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change or theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge.
Some research will do both of these things, but usually, the research problem focuses on one or the other. The research problem you choose depends on your broad topic of interest and the type of research you think will fit best.
This section helps you identify and refine a research problem. When writing your research proposal or introduction, formulate it as a problem statement and/or research questions.
Why is the research problem important?
Having an interesting topic isn’t a strong enough basis for academic research. Without a well-defined research problem, you will likely end up with an unfocused and unmanageable project.
You might end up repeating what other people have already said, trying to say too much, or doing research without a clear purpose and justification. You need a clear problem to research that contributes new and relevant insights.
Whether planning your thesis, starting a research paper, or writing a research proposal, the research problem is the first step towards knowing exactly what you’ll do and why.
Identify a broad problem area
As you read about your topic, look for under-explored aspects or areas of concern, conflict, or controversy. Your goal is to find a gap that your research project can fill.
Practical research problems
If you are doing practical research, you can identify a problem by reading reports, following up on previous research, or talking to people who work in the relevant field or organization. You might look for:
A non-profit organization faces a funding gap that means some of its programs will have to be cut
Theoretical research problems
If you are doing theoretical research, you can identify a research problem by reading existing research, theory, and debates on your topic to find a gap in what is currently known about it. You might look for:
Learn more about the problem
Next, you have to find out what is already known about the problem and pinpoint the exact aspect that your research will address.
Context and background
Specificity and relevance
Once you have narrowed down your research problem, the next step is to formulate a problem statement, as well as your research questions or hypotheses.