Selection of the

Research Problem
What is selection??
Meaning
Selection is the process by which the identified problem is
refined and structured by focusing on specific targets and
emphasising on certain variables
We are cutting down the edges to reach a well structured
problem statement
 What is the purpose of the study?

How much is already known?

Is additional information necessary?

What is to be ascertained or measured?

How is it to be measured?
Factors affecting
the selection..
 Personal values
of the
researcher
Social Social
Problems Premiums

State of Selection Practical

scientific
discipline Process considerations
Evaluating the
selection..
 Is the topic worth investigation?

Is effective data collection possible?

Is it feasible in terms of money /time?

Will it enable the development of hypothesis or a theory?

Focus of Selection..
 Selecting units of analysis

Social Structures Social Systems

Individual

Social relationships Group of people

 Selecting variables

Study on Study on new

Purchasing product
behaviour marketing

Income Demand

Age Price

Family Advertising
 Selecting anticipated relationships for research

Demand Advertisement Advertisement Price

Price Demand
Formulating
Research Question..
Research Question

A researcher, after refining his research problem, ends up in

formulating the RQ, which describes the ideas contained in the
research objectives.
A RQ is nothing but a refined, focused, structured and well
defined statement of the research topic.
Techniques of developing RQ

Recording questions

Reviewing Questions

Classifying Questions

Examining the questions

Separate major or key questions

Types of Research Questions

What Questions

Why Questions

How Questions
Purpose of Research Questions

1. Define Scope of the research

2. Avoiding deflection or distraction

Phases of developing
a Research
Question...
 Why is the productivity of Japan is so much higher than in India?
Phase 1

What factors were responsible for the higher labour productivity of

Japans manufacturing industries during the decade of 1971-1980
Phase 2 relative to Indian manufacturing industries

To what extend did the labour productivity in 1971-80 in Japan

exceed that of India in respect of 15 selected manufacturing
Industries? What factors were responsible for the productivity
Phase 3 differentials b/w the two countries by Industries
Conclusion

RQ/RP is the basis or foundation for every research.

Just as in case of physical structures, once you have laid down
the foundation, you cannot go any further beyond its scope.
Since a RP, defines the scope of a research, one should observe
maximum care and thinking while formulating the same.
Reference

Research methods, Ram Ahuja, Rawat Publications.

Research Methodology Techniques and Trends, Dr. Y.K. Singh &
Dr. R.B. Bajpai, APH Publishing corporations.
Research Methodology, K. Chakraworthy, Sumit Enterprises.
Research Methods in Social Science, Chava Nachmias & David
Nachmias, Copyrighted.
Research Methodology Methods And Techniques (2nd revised
Edition), C.R. Kothari, Vishwa Prakashan Publications.
Methodology of Social Sciences, O.R. Krishnaswami, Himalaya
Publishing House.
Further Contribution

Problems faced by small & medium retailers with respect to the

new FDI Policy on retail
Impact of interest rate, inflation rate and exchange on index
performance (any index such as Nifty index etc.)
Micro finance in Islamic economy
Factors that lead to investment in mutual funds ( specific type of
MF)
Comparative study between current government and former
government
Study on the impact of Direct Cash Transfer system on the rural
economy