Problem Identification In Research

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Problem identification is the first and most important step in the research process. It occurs when the researchers desire to find information needed to fulfil a need. If there is no problem, there is no need for a research. Hence, a research is needed to address a problem. A well-defined problem allows the researcher to set proper research objectives. If the data are collected before the nature of problem is carefully thought out, they will not yield useful information. However, it is extremely important to evaluate the research problem in the light of financial resources at your disposal, the time available and your own and your research supervisor’s expertise and knowledge in the field of study. It is important to identify any gaps in your…show more content…
A research design is a master plan that specifies the methods and procedures for collecting and analysing the needed information. According to Kerlinger (1986), a research design is a plan, structure and strategy of investigation so conceived as to obtain answers to research questions or problems and it includes an outline of what the investigator will do from writing the hypotheses and their operational implications to the final analysis of data. A research design provides the framework to be used as a guide in collecting and analysing data. It also conceptualises an operational plan to undertake the various procedures and tasks required to complete the study. Besides, research design also ensures that these procedures are adequate to obtain valid, objective and accurate answers to research questions. During this stage, the researcher will determine the information sources, design techniques such as survey or experiment, sampling methodology, schedule and cost of…show more content…
Data can be collected by using either qualitative such as focus groups or quantitative like questionnaires methods. In selecting a method of data collection, the socioeconomic-demographic characteristics of the study population play an important role. Data are categorised into primary and secondary data. Secondary sources include the use of census data to obtain information on the age sex structure of a population, the use of hospital records to find out the morbidity and mortality patterns of a community, the use of an organisation’s records to ascertain its activities and the collection of data such as articles, journals, magazines and books. In contrast, primary sources include ascertaining the health needs of a community, evaluating a social program, determining the job satisfaction of the employees of an organisation and ascertaining the quality of services provided by
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