Problem Definition

Research problem is critical that the focus of further research, or in other words, the problem,
be unambiguously identified and defined. No amount of good research can find solutions to the
situation, if the critical issues or the problem to be studied is not clearly pinpointed.

A Problem does not necessarily mean that something is seriously wrong with a current situation
that needs to be rectified immediately. A “problem” could simply indicate an interest in an issue
where finding the right answers might help to improve an existing situation.

Thus, it is fruitful to define a problem as any situation where a gap exists between the actual and
the desired ideal seats. Basic researchers usually define their problems for investigation from this
perspective. For instance, we would ideally like to see zero defects, low inventory of unsold
goods, and high share quotation in the stock market, and so on. These “problems “could then
very well become the foci of research. Thus, problem definitions could encompass both existing
problems in a current setting, as well as the quest for idealistic states in organization.

Problem definition or problem statements ,as it is also often referred to, is a clear , precise ,and
succinct statement of the question or issue that is to be investigated with the goal of finding an
answer or solution. As mentioned earlier, problem definition could pertain to:

 Existing business problems where a manger looking for a solution,

 Situations that may not pose any current problems but which the manager feels
have scope for improvement ,

 Areas where some conceptual clarity is needed for better theory building, or

 Situations in which a researcher is trying to answer a research question empirically

because of interest in the topic.

 The first two fall within the realm of allied research, and the latter two under basic
research.

Defining the problem is critical to setting the direction for all subsequent phases of the research
process.
Broad problem areas that a manager could observe at the work place are as follows:
 Training programs are perhaps not as effective as anticipated.
 The sales volume of a product is not picking up.
 Minority group members in organisations are not advancing in their careers.
 The daily balancing of accounting ledgers is becoming a continuing concern.
 The newly installed information system is not being used by the managers for whom
it was primarily designed.
 The introduction of flexible work hours has created more problems than a has
solved in many companies.
 The anticipated results of a recent merger have not been forthcoming.
 Inventory control is not effective.
 The installation of an MIS keeps getting stalled.
Examples of Well-Defined Problems
 To what extent has the new advertising campaign been successful in creating the high-
quality, customer –centered corporate image that it was intended to produce?
 How has the new packaging affected the sales of the product?
 Has the new advertising message resulted in enhanced recall?
 How do price and equality rate on consumer’s evaluation of products?
 Is the effect of participative budgeting on performance moderated by control system?
 Does better automation lead to greater asset investment per Dollar of output?
Technique Involved In Defining A Problem
Defining a research problem properly and clearly is a crucial part of a research
study and must
in no case be accomplished hurriedly. However, in practice this a frequently
overlooked which causes
a lot of problems later on. Hence, the research problem should be defined in a
systematic manner,
giving due weightage to all relating points.
The technique for the purpose involves the undertaking of the following steps
generally one after the other:
i. statement of the problem in a general way;
ii. understanding the nature of the problem;
 iii. surveying the available literature
iv. developing the ideas through discussions; and
v. rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition.
i. Statement of the problem in a general way: First of all the problem should
be stated in a
broad general way, keeping in view either some practical concern or some
scientific or intellectual
interest. For this purpose, the researcher must immerse himself thoroughly in
the subject matter
concerning which he wishes to pose a problem. In case of social research, it is
considered advisable
to do some field observation and as such the researcher may undertake some
sort of preliminary
survey or what is often called pilot survey.
The problem stated in a broad general way may contain various ambiguities
which must be resolved by cool thinking and rethinking over the problem. At the
same time the feasibility of a particular solution has to be considered and the
same should be kept in view while stating the problem.
ii. Understanding the nature of the problem: The next step in defining the
problem is to
understand its origin and nature clearly. The best way of understanding the
problem is to discuss it
with those who first raised it in order to find out how the problem originally came
about and with what objectives in view. If the researcher has stated the problem
himself, he should consider once again all those points that induced him to make
a general statement concerning the problem.
For a better understanding of the nature of the problem involved, he can enter
into discussion with those who have a good knowledge of the problem concerned
or similar other problems. The researcher should also keep in view the
environment within which the problem is to be studied and understood.
iii. Surveying the available literature: All available literature concerning the
problem at hand
must necessarily be surveyed and examined before a definition of the research
problem is given.
 This means that the researcher must be well-conversant with relevant theories
in the field, reports
and records as also all other relevant literature. He must devote sufficient time
in reviewing of
research already undertaken on related problems.
iv. (iv) Developing the ideas through discussions: Discussion concerning a
problem often produces
useful information. Various new ideas can be developed through such an
exercise. Hence, a researcher must discuss his problem with his colleagues and
others who have enough experience in the same area or in working on similar
problems. This is quite often known as an experience survey. People with rich
experience are in a position to enlighten the researcher on different aspects of
his proposed study and their advice and comments are usually invaluable to the
researcher. They help him sharpen his focus of attention on specific aspects
within the field. Discussions with such persons should not only be confined to the
formulation of the specific problem at hand, but should also be concerned with
the general approach to the given problem, techniques that might be used,
possible solutions, etc.
v. Rephrasing the research problem: Finally, the researcher must sit to
rephrase the research
problem into a working proposition. Once the nature of the problem has been
clearly understood, the
environment (within which the problem has got to be studied) has been defined,
discussions over the
problem have taken place and the available literature has been surveyed and
examined, rephrasing
the problem into analytical or operational terms is not a difficult task. Through
rephrasing, the researcher puts the research problem in as specific terms as
possible so that it may become operationally viable and may help in the
development of working hypotheses.
Specify Research Objectives
 A good way of setting research objectives is to ask, “what information is needed in
order to solve the problem?’
  A key aspect of the research objectives step is the specification of the specific
types of information useful to the managers as they look for a solution to the
management problem at hand.
 Research objectives address information gaps that must be closed in order for the
manager to go about resolving the current problem.
 Generally, the researcher prepares an itemized listing of the information objectives
agreed upon by the manger as essential for this purpose.
 Each research objectives must be precise, detailed, clear and operational.

Research Questions & Development of Hypothesis

In all research projects, on whatever subject, there is a need to define and delineate the research
problem clearly. The research problem is a general statement of an issue meriting research. Its
nature will suggest appropriate forms for its investigation. Here are several forms in which the
research problem can be expressed to indicate the method of investigation.

Research Questions: are refined statements of the specific components of the problem.

Hypothesis: an unproven statement or proposition about a factor or phenomenon that is of

interest to the researcher.

Specific Research Questions:

RQ1: what foods are considered to be comfort foods?

H1: potato Chips are considered comfort foods.

H2: Ice cream is considered comfort food.

RQ2: when do people eat comfort foods?

H3: people eat comfort foods when they are in a good mood.

H4: people eat comfort foods when they are in a bad mood.

RQ3: How do people become attached to comfort foods?

 H5: People are attached to comfort foods that are consistent with

their personality.

H6: People are attached to comfort foods because of past association.

A General Procedure for Hypothesis Testing

Null hypothesis is a statement in which no difference or effects are expected. If the null
hypothesis is not rejected, no changes will be made.

 The null hypothesis is a proposition that states a definitive, exact relationship

between two variables.
 It states that the population correlation between two variables is equal to zero or that
the difference in the means of two groups in the populations is equal to zero or the
difference in the means of two groups in the population is equal to zero( or some
definite number).
 In general, the null statements are expressed as no (significant) relationship between
two variables or no (significant) difference between two groups.

Alternative Hypothesis: is a statement that some difference or effect is expected. Accepting the
alternative hypothesis will lead to changes in opinions or actions.

Directional and Non –Directional Hypothesis

Directional Hypothesis (DP)

 DH is refers to those hypothesis that deals with relationships between two

variables or comparing two groups.
 In stating such hypothesis terms such as positive, negative, more than, less
than, and the like are used.

Non Directional Hypothesis (NDH)

 NDH are those that do no postulate a relationship or difference, but offer no

indication of the direction of these relationships or differences.
  In other words, though it may be conjectured that there would be a significant
relationship between two variables, we may not be able to say the relationship
would be positive or negative.

Parametric tests: hypothesis –testing procedures that assume that the variables of interest are
measured on at least an interval scale.

Nonparametric test: hypothesis testing procedures that assume that the variables are measured
on a nominal or ordinal scale.

The following steps are involved in hypothesis testing:

 Formulate the null hypothesis H0 and the alternative hypothesis HA.

 Select an appropriate statistical technique and the corresponding test statistic.
 Choose the level of sigiinificance, α.
 Determine the sample size and collect the data .Calculate the value of the test
statistics.
 Determine the probability associated with the test statistics under the null
hypothesis using the sampling distribution of the test statistics. Alternatively,
determine the critical values associated with the test statistics that divide the
rejection and non rejection regions.
 Compare the probability associated with the test statistics with the level of
significance specified. Alternatively, determine whether the test statistics has fallen
into the rejection or the non rejection region.
 Make the statistical decision to reject or not to reject the null hypothesis.
 Express the statistical decision in terms of the marketing research problem.

Testable Statements

 If the pilots are given adequate training to handle midair crowded situations, air –
safety violations will be reduced.
 If employees are more healthy, then they will take sick leave less frequently.(DH)
 The greater the stress experienced in the job, the lower the job satisfaction of
employees.(DH)
  There is a relationship between age and job satisfaction.(NDH)
 There is a difference between the work ethic values of American and Asian
employees.(NDH)
 The greater the extent of gender stereotyping in organisations, the fewer will be the
number of women at the top.(DH)
 Male managers have more access to critical information than women managers in
the same ranks.(DH)
 There will be a significant positive correlation between access to information and
chances for promotion to top –level positions.(DH)
 The more the sex-role stereotyping, the less the access to critical information for
women.(DH)
 Sex-role stereotyping and access to critical information will both significantly
explain the variance in promotional opportunities for women to top-level positions.
(NDH)

Hypotheses are nothing unusual; we make them all the time. They are hunches or reasonable
guesses made in the form of statements about a cause or situation, referred to as causal
statements. If something happens in our everyday life, we tend to suggest a reason for its
occurrence by making rational guesses. When a particular hypothesis is found to be supported,
we have a good chance of taking the right action to remedy the situation.