PROBLEM FORMULATION
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RESEARCH PROBLEM
A research problem is basically a “gap” between “what is “ and “what
ought to be”.
Tips :
i.Find out why the information is being sought
ii.Determine whether the information already exist
iii.Determine whether the question really can/should be answered
iv.Use exploratory research to define background of the problem
v.Situation analysis
vi.The iceberg principle
vii.Determine relevant variables.
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CRITERIA FOR
SELECTING A PROBLEM
1. Interest: Commit yourself to a research.
2. Size: Manageable & doable.
3. Economical: Time and money.
4. Researcher’s Capabilities & Limitations.
5. Uniqueness: Do not duplicate; similar but
differentiated by method, design or sample or
perform different statistical analyses.
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CONT’D
6. Start with theories/set of ideas :- easier to start. The
outcome might be a critique to the theory, suggestions how it
can be modified or extended
7. Potential & sufficient outcomes:- valuable results. Even if
you plan to develop something in the end which might not be
achievable the knowledge developed in the process still has
contribution within the indicated period (3++ years?)
8. Not bias, safe & ethical:- be objective as much as possible,
not causing discomfort & harm to anyone/anything (social,
emotional, physical).
INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS 4
IS THE PROBLEM
RESEARCHABLE?
The questions include:
Has the problem been specified?
Is the problem amenable to research?
Is the problem too large?
How is the availability of the data?
Am I capable of solving the problem?
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A RESEARCH AIM IS TO DO:
i. To clarify an existing theory
ii. To clarify contradictory findings
iii. To correct a faulty methodology
iv. To correct the inadequate or unsuitable use of
statistical techniques
v. To reconcile conflicting opinions
vi. To solve existing practical problems.
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QUALITY OF THE
PROPOSED RESEARCH
• Show a thorough knowledge of relevant prior
research.
• Prior research is related to the proposed research.
• Comprehensiveness and appropriateness of the
research design.
• Appropriateness of the instrumentation and
methodology.
• Appropriateness of the anticipated analyses.
• The likelihood that the proposed research can be
completed successfully as described.
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RESEARCH PROCESS: THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Step 1: State the Problem (Problem
Formulation)
Step 2: Background & Literature study
about the problem. (Literature Review)
Step 3: Form a Hypothesis (Data Collection)
Step 4: Do experiment that test the
hypothesis. (Analysis & Findings)
Step 5: Draw a conclusion. (Derive
Conclusions)
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HOW TO SELECT A PROBLEM?
Personal practical experience.
Previous or prior work on subject.
Own curiosity or own great mind
Critical Study of the literature search.
New technology.
Interaction with other researchers in
the community eg correspondence,
seminars, conferences, colloquium, etc.
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RESEARCH PROBLEM
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WILL THE RESULT BE
SIGNIFICANT?
• The questions include:
Will the result advance knowledge?
Will the research have some value?
Will the results be of interest to others?
April 2009 ULP0010--- DR ZURAINI ISMAIL 11
TO STATE THE PROBLEM
• It takes two forms:
Problem Statement
eg. This study is designed to measure the effect of
the introduction of information security awareness
course has on the computer science students.
Research Question
eg. What effect has the introduction of information
security awareness course had on the perception of
the computer science students?
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GUIDELINES ON
PROBLEM
PRESENTATION
•Write opening sentence that stimulates interest as well
as conveys an issue to which a broad readership can
relate.
•Specify the problem or issue leading to the study.
•Indicate why the problem is important.
•Focus the problem statement on the key concept being
tested or explored.
•Refrain from using quotes in the lead sentence.
•Consider numeric information for impact.
•Consider short sentences for impact.
April 2009 ULP0010--- DR ZURAINI ISMAIL 13
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Common Mistakes :-
the problem to investigate is not stated clearly enough
the scope is too big
For example:-
Finding risk assessment methodology for cloud
computing, but there are smaller steps (small research)
to achieve the goal.
Before can proceed to the research question, the
researcher should conduct literature review to extend
the knowledge.
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AT THE END OF PROBLEM
FORMULATION THE RESEARCHER
SHOULD HAVE:
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FORMULATING RESEARCH
QUESTION?
Research question is an iterative (repeated) process.
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Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sekaran/RESEARCH 4E
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Covers the different aspects of the problem and its
contributing factors in a coherent way and in a logical
sequence
Clearly phrase the operational terms.
Avoid the use of vague non-active verbs eg to
appreciate, to understand , to study.
Examples of research objectives:
To investigate students’ awareness on information security
and ethical issues within the university.
To evaluate the concept of computer ethics in terms of
information security.
To develop a computer ethics framework focusing on ethical
behavior and information security.
INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS 18
WRITING RESEARCH
OBJECTIVES
Other example:
To identify the security risks for networked
information systems.
To develop a risk evaluation tool for networked
information systems
To test the evaluation tool for networked
information systems
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PURPOSE / AIM
STATEMENT
The purpose or aim statement shapes the direction
of the research.
Gives a specific & accurate synopsis of the overall
purpose of the study.
Examples of research purpose / aim:
The aim of this study is to examine the existing
risk analysis method and then select the
appropriate solution as the basis for modification in
order to assess and analyze wireless risks using
fuzzy risk analysis method.
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BRAINSTORMING
Form group of 2
Each of you write down your proposed research topic on 2
pieces of paper
Exchange the paper with your group member
In 5 minutes, write down anything that you can think of
related to your friend’s topic
Then exchange it again with another group member &
brainstorm for another 5 minutes
Finally you brainstorm your own topic
Then, you analyse the 3 papers & cluster/group any
similar ideas & identify any ideas/words that excite you &
omit irrelevant ideas.
Present your findings to the class
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WORKSHOP
Form into groups
Each group decide on an area they know something
about and are interested in.
Each group formulate a main research question.
Each group formulate three supporting questions.
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WORKSHOP
Return to your groups
Review your main research question and especially
your three supporting questions.
Operationalize your questions.
Where are you going to get the data to answer them?
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