I have over 50 years of professional research experience, but have difficulty to answer this question. Neither I found the definition using Google search. But RG has plenty of bright scientists within participants, so, some one can come with simple definition.
The philosopher José Ortega y Gasset, following Aristotle, defines a problem as "a contradiction that intelligence finds before itself, drawing it in two opposed directions and threatening to tear it apart." The way to solve a problem is a "method" using all the contradictory data at hand to reach the solution of a theoretical consistency. See José Ortega y Gasset, "Obras completas," vol. IV, p. 554.
I provide just an example, not a general definition. The experimentally observed effect or phenomenon, which is not described theoretically, constitute Research Problem.
The philosopher José Ortega y Gasset, following Aristotle, defines a problem as "a contradiction that intelligence finds before itself, drawing it in two opposed directions and threatening to tear it apart." The way to solve a problem is a "method" using all the contradictory data at hand to reach the solution of a theoretical consistency. See José Ortega y Gasset, "Obras completas," vol. IV, p. 554.
In my opinion, any "research" problem is historically and time dependent (Alex I know that you insist on a rigorous time definition :-), but I´m using the term of time in its common sense... I´ll also not comment on the very philosophic (as always...:-) answer of Nelson, but would you consider nowadays electromagnetic waves as a research problem? I don´t think so... I´m just curious what someone, "probably smiling" 50 or 100 years from now on, would say about our current "research problems"...
Sure, we don't need defenition of time anytime we use conception of time. And, Svetlozar, Demetris really provided simple and regorous definition of time. He has written nice paper on the subject. I submitted open review of his paper.
One way to build a picture of research problems and come to terms with the question What is a research problem?, is to consider unsolved problems posed by others.
An excellent list of unsolved problems in mathematics is given in
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unsolved_problems_in_mathematics
An example of an intriguing problem is David Hilbert's 16th problem:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilbert%27s_sixteenth_problem
or consider Hadamard's matrix, where every two different rows represent perpendicular vectors:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadamard_conjecture
Dear @Alexander, this one of possible definition:"The research problem provides context for the study and reveals what the researcher is trying to answer"!
Some more useful links and a files follow!
http://www2.uncp.edu/home/acurtis/Courses/ResourcesForCourses/HowToResearch/ResearchQuestion.html
These are examples of problems poused, James, not definition in general.
Not bad, Ljubomir. Please, every one, read Ljubomir post, try to refine his definition.
For me a research problem/opportunity occurs based on some signals that needs to be solved.
Research problem(s) :
- a stated problem that is unsolved
- a problem to extend knowledge ( an established result)
- a problem to find a solution to an existing social or scientific failures
- a problem of extensive research to falsify an existing result
- to mix up theories or results and imagine what new theory or result may be obtained (or simply to create a problem of our own).
These are trends in contemporary research. There are long standing unsolved mathematical problems stated by previous or contemporary mathematicians - sources of mathematical research and I assume there may exist such stated unsolved problems almost in any field.
The missing results from previous research is the threshold from where the matter arise. It is an Un solved accumulated hypothesis. That is the theoretical problem. In applied research the problem is what you can tackle and provide immediate impact to a concrete question. This is my trial of attempt Dear Alex.
Well, without looking it up...I would say that a Research Question precedes a hypothesis. In the case of qualitative studies it takes the place of a measurable hypothesis because there is not a null RQ the researcher can fail to reject. For instance, a RQ can be: How do high school students feel about mandatory school uniforms, etc. I will try to answer this better shortly. You always have really interesting questions!!
It is really a good question and very modest of you...
Anything and everything which can critically looked into is a Research Problem....Ay issue is at a particular state of 'rest or action' at any given time....
Analyzing with 'WHAT IF?' can initiate a search
Research problem is a problem in the following categories:
(1) All open problems that are listed as such, are certainy research problems.
(2) All problems that extend known results are research problems.
(3) Problems that belong to a research program of a person. If the person is well known, then the research problem is “more important”
(4) Research problems which fall in the category described by Dieudonne:
“What changes in Mathematics, as in all other sciences, is the point of view from which results already acquired, are assessed. As in all the other sciences, these changes are taking place at the present moment with ever-increasing rapidity. With the exception of one quite secondary point, the path of progress in Mathematics does not differ from that of the other disciplines. New acquisitions and the observations which they inspire, lead scholars to rethink ancient theorems, to examine their links one with another in the light of more recent theories and to place them in a fresh context in a more rational manner. The fact which is peculiar to Mathematics is that in the course of these periodic upheavals, the theorems themselves remain intact rather than dissolving into increasingly more subtle refinements, or finding themselves contradicted by more careful experimentation as befalls the best established facts of Physics or Biology.
I think a research problem comes into mind when we face it. Unless we come across a problem, research doesn't come into picture. Say for example, we face a lot of problems daily, may be a simple thing but quite often in our own house. When we start thinking of it we start to find solutions to overcome to the problem. Then we try different ideas, ways etc to finish the job. Such an activity of trying different ways is also research. With time and experience we come to know many ways to find a solution.
Now in terms of scientific research the same principle comes into picture. We work and try to find better alternatives with all social and environmental things in our mind. Thus its simple, we face a problem-try to find out ways to solve it.
I agree with Alexander: it is extremely difficult to formalise what a research problem is. We should be fortunate that in most cases one recognizes a research problem when one sees one.
At a more mundane level, for most of us it is important to pick good research problems to work on. While there is no general theory telling us which research problems have really great potential, there are some helpful hints (which are of course neither necessary nor sufficient for a problem to be genuinely interesting -- this often can be established only post factum), see the links below:
http://aclinks.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/how-to-choose-a-research-topic/
http://aclinks.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/more-on-choosing-problems-to-work-on/
Defining a Research Problem
Defining a research problem is the fuel that drives the scientific process, and is the foundation of any research method and experimental design, from true experiment to case study.
It is one of the first statements made in any research paper and, as well as defining the research area, should include a quick synopsis of how the hypothesis was arrived at.
Operationalization is then used to give some indication of the exact definitions of the variables, and the type of scientific measurements used.
This will lead to the proposal of a viable hypothesis. As an aside, when scientists are putting forward proposals for research funds, the quality of their research problem often makes the difference between success and failure.
Structuring the Research Problem
Look at any scientific paper, and you will see the research problem, written almost like a statement of intent.
Defining a research problem is crucial in defining the quality of the answers, and determines the exact research method used. A quantitative experimental design uses deductive reasoning to arrive at a testable hypothesis.
Qualitative research designs use inductive reasoning to propose a research statement.
"Behold the root" - Kozma Prutkov (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kozma_Prutkov)
Hello! Subject complicated, but interesting. We investigated nuclear human physiology. Hopefully, after reading the work, you will find some answers, All the best!
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236035267_Human_Nuclear_Physiology_1?ev=prf_pub
Article Human Nuclear Physiology 1
@Olga. Ya uzhe zametil eti udivitel'nye raboty. I will read them.
Hmm, to me they are not Research Problems, they are Research Questions (RQs), the "How's and Whys" of a researcher's initial construct of interest. Let me try a definition for my friend Alexander: "A RQ is a question, neither too broad or too narrow, which focuses on what the Researcher would like to explore. " ???????? hmm Alexander? No chance, possible definition, or just too general? I am trying to come up with a definition from my own head without looking at any literature.
--Marilyn :-)
They do take much cutting and narrowing down to a specific subject. I am just publishing my first children's book; and I have had several children suggest answers to a specific question, my book it is about a Mouse Family that lived in the wall at my office, and then moved on...they had a best friend "Giant"....some of the children who have viewed the book suggested the Giant is their friend to protect them, another child said Giant is their friend because his own family and neighborhood didn't like him because he is too tall; interestingly two children said, "Why not?".....to me almost everything becomes a RQ.
Let me give you a fast answer: A research Problem (not question), is a problem the solution of which is publishable in a pear review journal. And this is known a posteriori.
I beg your pardon! System failure, the answer to the question of radiation. Good luck to everyone!
I think that a research problem is a non solved question yet from academic and theoretical issue from science and philosophy, or from exploring earth and universe behavior. It could be as well a resolution of a problematic from human being and living, from economy, from environmental care, from education organization, from technology, from knowledge, from ethics, from politics, from medicine, etc....
We can argue that we try to answer a research problem, even if we are just do a simple series of computations. The classification of our work to the research side or to the usual homework will be done from either our colleagues (if we are lucky enough in the duration of our life) or from the society, after realizing the evolutionary process made after our contribution. Sometimes the true researcher will be recognized after his/her death. Life is hard, but it is not only for scientists.
Oh Demetris.....my apologies.....I read the question wrong.....(embarrassing). I does say research problem. oops. A Horse of a different color. Now here is a research question; how in the heck did I make that dumb mistake.
--Marilyn
Demetris: and the musician, or writer, such as Jane Austin :)
--M
Marylin please don't worry so much! :)
Of course all creative people are not being recognized in their lifetime, recall Van Gogh and other famous (now) painters.
Back to the original question:
An a priori definition:
Research Problem is a well posed question which needs a specific answer and which has been formulated with well defined constraints, while the methodology that will be used is not always a mandatory one. An example is a typical research project of every research institution around the world.
An a posteriori definition:
Research Problem is any project been done that gave added value to pure or applied science and technology, despite its original planned formulation. An example is internet, which was out as a communication tool between scientists of CERN.
Dear Alexander
Thank you for asking an excellent question.
You mentioned in the introduction to your question that:
"I have over 50 years of professional research experience, but have difficulty to answer this question. Neither I found the definition using Google search. But RG has plenty of bright scientists within participants, so, some one can come with simple definition."
You make it sounds as if the question 'What is research problem' is a research problem in itself!! Fortunately, it is not that pessimistic. For example, in your top answer above you gave one such definition: "The experimentally observed effect or phenomenon, which is not described theoretically, constitute Research Problem". However, in physics, for example, this is an incomplete definition. In physics, Research problems are of two types, theoretical and experimental. You have mentioned the theoretical type of research problems, meaning that existing theories seem incapable of explaining a certain observed phenomenon or experimental result. For example, the Bryon asymmetry, why is there far more matter than antimatter in the observable universe? But there is also the experimental type of research problems where there is a difficulty in creating an experiment to test a proposed theory or investigate a phenomenon in greater detail. One such difficulty is in the field of Cosmology, the impossibility of testing the Multiverse theory.
A more general definition must include both of these types of research problems. As an attempt it goes like this:
Research problems are problems that cannot be explained or tested neither theoretically nor experimentally.
@Issam. "Research problems are problems that can't be explained or tested neither theoretically nor experimentally". But sure, problem may exist, while we don't suspect about its existance.
@Alexander
Sure, problems could exist and we may not suspect their existence, but you don't really expect me to define research problems that we are unaware of!!
@Issam
We discussed TIME, which is hard to determine for a laymen. But Demetris mastered to come with such a determination, have written the paper on short notice. See his site, the paper is uploaded.
So, I hope that younger folks, you including, will come with simple determination of RESEARCH PROBLEM.
We become aware of Research Problem when either Experimental or Theoretical Result claim effect (information), previously unkown to mankind.
Effect of Electromagnetic Induction was experimentally discovered by Faraday. But the comprehensive theory of Electromagnetism was lacked before Maxwell published his famous Equations. I would say that Faraday presented the research problem, which Maxwell solved.
Vise verse case is Special Relativity. Einstein presented the Research Problem theoretically, including great relationship between the Mass and Energy, E = mC^2.
Nuclear physics experimentally confirmed Einstein prediction, so, the problem was solved in the domain of claimed applicability.
Physics is not the only field of Science, capable of presenting Great Research Problems. Dmitry Mendeleev came with Periodic Table of Chemical Elements, bearing His Name.
The table predicted existance of new elements, yet unknown, but described physical and chemical properties of these unknown elements. All of them were found, chemists new what to look for. Simultaniously they confirmed correctness of Mendeleev Table. The Research Problem has been solved.
Mendel's work in theoretical Biology is another example of formulating a Great Research Problem.
When burning fragments of space debris changes the distribution of density and temperature of the atmosphere in height. How does this affect the ecosystem of the Earth?
Александр Бабкин! Как Вы считаете? При сгорании обломков космического мусора изменяется распределение плотности и температуры атмосферы по высоте. Как это влияет на экосистему Земли?
Левъ
Research problem is the problem and issues need to be solved in scientific and systematic manner. it leads to the hypothetical question. it formulate the methodology and the procedures. it drive all aspect of critical thinking and brain storming.
Unfortunately almost all textbooks and articles and the Navier-Stokes equations and the equations MMS (continuum)obtained from the Boltzmann equation, written without the diffusion of members who actually deleted on the basis of their specific additional conditions.
К сожалению практически во всех учебниках и статьях и уравнение Навье-Стокса, и уравнения ММС (континуума), полученные из уравнения Больцмана, записываются без диффузионных членов, которые на самом деле удаляются на основе своих специфических дополнительных условий.
&Kurlapov. Burning fragments of space debris induce new oxides into atmosfere, along with elevation of of local temperatire in athmosphere. Then it mixes with the rest of athmosphere, heat excess radiated back to the space.
Navier Stokes Equetions are the sum of Euler Equation and Viscous part, the latest part can be derived from Boltzmann Equation.
NE UMEYU PECHATAT' KIRILLITSEY, YA UEXAL iz USSR 41 God nazad.
As younger folks did not present determination of Research Problem, I propose the following.
Research Problem is constituted by a new effect (information) presented as result of either direct experiment, or by self-consisted theory. When Research problem is confirmed both, experimentally and theoretically, the problem is solved.
Sometimes, we may find difficulties in writing the exact problem we intend to address in the proposed project. It happens this way that the problem we are mentioning in the proposal is not a problem at all, but is actually an effect of another problem.
It is also necessary to mention the cause of the problem because it is an integral part of the project implementation. In this scenario, the cause of the problem for the prevalence of diarrhea could be the “poor knowledge of the community about proper hygiene and sanitation.”
Effect>Problem>Cause
The relationship between the three (Effect, Problem and Cause) has to be outlined in the Problem Statement of the proposal. If we have an issue, it will be a good exercise to go a step back and forth to find out its cause and effect relationship. The best way to understand the cause of an issue is to ask “Why” continuously. This will help reveal the cause of the problem. A problem can have many causes and effects.
“The Why of Why”
- Projects evolve out of identified problems
- It is the problem that comes before a project
- The secret of solving a problem is proper identification of the problem. This requires a thorough investigation.
- A problem does not happen in isolation. It goes hand in hand with cause and effect.
- There is a relationship between cause and effect. They are linked by the problem.
A way to analyze a problem is through analyzing the root causes and its effects.
- State the problem as effectively and precisely as possible
- Refer to any research data that is available, including publications, reports, newspapers etc.
- Give a narration of community perception with quotes.
- Check back how well it matches with the donor guidelines or issues.
- Give thorough background information about the region, community and resources available.
- Explain the organizational strength and capacity in countering this problem and achieving long-term results.
It may be not a good idea to define what a research problem is. It is better to determine an attitude towards knowledge that leads to research problems. As such an attitude I state again David Blackwell's saying:
"I've worked in so many areas—I'm sort of a dilettante. Basically, I'm not interested in doing research and I never have been. I'm interested in understanding, which is quite a different thing. And often to understand something you have to work it out yourself because no one else has done it. — David Blackwell"
"A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation."
Dear Alexander, I think that although you are older, you have sometimes more energy than us, the younger researchers. So, you did a laconic and explanatory definition for the Research Problem.
Well done!
Dear Demetris, let's try to write together the paper on the subject.
Mostly science proceed from known to unknown. What is known is ordered (coherent & logically consistent) in some form. The unknown is the research problem, which is a disordered form of a framework. The unknown or the research problem takes the form; conceptual, empirical & evaluative. The unknown or the research problem is the incoherent, logically inconsistent (conceptual), the unvalidated assumption, the method that is not sensitive enough, the scope of prediction that is not wide enough (empirical problems) & the practical implication of a theoretical construct (evaluative dimension of problem) left unexplored.
Application in multimodal assessment
One potential research approach taken for the development of transferable analysis techniques and data for multimodal assessment in smaller communities may include outreach to local,regional and state transportation planners plus follow-up case studies of promising analytic approaches
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/research/external/docs/research_proj/smart_trans/problem_statement_5.pdf
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