International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management

United Kingdom Vol. V, Issue 8, August 2017

http://ijecm.co.uk/ ISSN 2348 0386

THE IMPORTANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF

RESEARCH PROBLEM: A DIDACTIC DISCUSS

Augustine E. Akhidime
Associate Professor, Department of Accounting,
Benson Idahosa University, Benin-City, Nigeria
aakhidime@biu.edu.ng, dr.augustine@akhidime.com

Abstract
This paper aims at assisting budding researchers, particularly in the social and management
sciences to have better approach to handling doable research projects. The paper provides a
lucid and practical discussion on the importance and simple strategies involved in the
identification and development of researchable problems; processes that are considered to be
the cornerstone and precursor for a feasible and successful research effort. The paper relies on
extant literature and basic teaching methodology in presenting in very simple form a narrative
of the systematic building blocks of research problem development which begins with the
explanation of the concept of research, research cycle, sources of research problem,
statement of research problem, questions, objectives and hypotheses. The paper concludes
that the importance of research problem lies in the fact that the entire research efforts begin
with the articulation and formulation of researchable problem from the research topic, from
which the research problem is developed further into research questions, objectives, and
hypotheses which are tested to produce results/findings that provide the basis for arriving at a
conclusion on the attainment of the research objectives and from which recommendations are
drawn that may throw up new problems for further research.

Keywords: Researchable problem; Research problem; Research cycle; Knowledge-gap;

Research proposal

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INTRODUCTION
The importance and development of research problem can best be articulated from having first,
a clear understanding of what research is all about. Research is credited to produce the
required spring board for human, societal, technological advancement and development in
countries that recognize its value and prioritise its importance. Research has been defined and
explained in various forms by various scholars and authorities.
From an informal approach, the simple explanation of research can be deduced from its
compound wording-„re‟ and „search‟. The word, „re‟ implies „continuity‟ and the word „search‟
implies among other meanings: inquiry, investigation, examination, „experimentation‟ or effort
towards finding out or discovering something hitherto unknown of unfound.
Piecing the two words together, a research therefore represents a continuous search,
inquiry, investigation, examination, experimentation of required knowledge or information that
could lead to the discovery of appropriate solution to a particular problem. The search becomes
continuous as newfound solution to a particular problem over time develops another set of
problems that would necessitate further research for new set of solutions. For example, the
search for a better lighting led to the discovery of the electric bulb.
Electric bulb over time generated its own sets of problems in the form of high electricity
power consumption and generation of intense heat among others. A further search (research)
for solution to these new sets of problems from the electric bulb led to the discovery of
Fluorescent bulbs. Soon the fluorescent bulb was found to require certain minimum level of
electricity voltage without which it begins to dysfunction.
Further search for solution over the new problem from the Fluorescent bulb led to the
discovery of variants of better performing energy-saving lightings that are further being
improved upon by continuous research. Every research begins with the identification of a
problem and ends with solution that eventually creates further problem for yet another research
concern.
Research is not a one-off set of activity, but a process that consists of series of
systematic and interrelated activities that are aimed at obtaining solution to particular problem
(Nachmias, &Nachmias, 1996).
Taken from a formal angle, research can be described as a process that consists of the
identification and definition of problem, the formulation and testing of hypothesis through the
collection, organisation and evaluation of data, the making deductions and reaching of
conclusion from the test results of the hypotheses.
From the foregoing, research is essentially problem driven as most researches are
undertaken to provide solution to an identified problem. This problem for pure research could be

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in the form of an unknown phenomenon or knowledge; orin an applied research, about a

practical problem whose solution would enhance the quality of human life.

Figure 1. Research Cycle

Problem Knowledge-Gap (e.g, need for better product, process or information/knowledge)

Solution New Knowledge (New/improved product/process)

Problem Knowledge Gap (Limitations in the new product, processor information/knowledge)

CONCEPT AND IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

A research problem could present itself as a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty or
deficiency to be overcome, or a gap in knowledge that exists in scholarly literature that is to be
filled, or theory that requires meaningful understanding. It could also concern a body of
knowledge or views held in different clime that requires validation or confirmation for local
application.
The formulation of research problem constitutes the starting point and the most
important phase of any research process (Jessa, 2010). The importance of research problem
cannot be over emphasized as it serves as the foundation of a research effort and upon which
the success or failure of the research undertaking well depends on the appropriateness in both
the selection and formulation and development of the research problem.
Research problem provides direction and defines the purpose(s) of any particular
research, which could be one or combination of the followings:
i. The filling of existing knowledge gap or gap in knowledge
ii. Knowledge of the relationship among different aspects of nature or phenomenon
iii. Testing and verification of new or old body of knowledge, theories or beliefs.
iv. The need for theory construction
v. Resolution and clarification of contradictory findings or classical problems
vi. Informing changes in present practice?

The importance of research problem is underscored by the way its recognition has been in the
academic world (Kothari, 2012). For example synopsis is accepted as a formalized version of
research problem, as most post graduate research programmes require a synopsis that
accentuates the research problem.

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Also researchers seeking for grant from research funding organisations are required to submit a
project proposal, which is a statement of carefully articulated research problem and the
proposed ways or methods at solving it.
Formulated, feasible and appropriate research problem provides the basis for research
questions, objectives and hypotheses development and testing, the result of which constitute
the findings on which conclusion on the attainment of the research objectives andits
contributions to knowledge.

Formulation and Development of Research Problem

Sources of research problem
Discussion on the formulation of research problem should begin from knowing about some of
the sources of finding research problem.
Based on existing practices and literature, research topics that embed research
problems can be sourced from the followings:

Collaboration with Research supervisor

Students who are desirous of pursuing research for a degree are generally expected to
suggest at least three tentative research topics from which feasible research problems are to
be developed. The student research supervisor is expected to review each of the research
topics with the student and together select a particular one, and the student is eventually
made to develop a research proposal on the chosen topic in order to ascertain the
researcheability of the topic.

Students’ independent effort

While students are allowed to produce a number of research topics for the supervisor‟s review
and approval, the question that then arises is: “where do the students source for their research
topics”? Students‟ common source of research topics for development into research problem is
the internet. There are internet addresses that with a click can roll out research topics from
virtually all fields of knowledge. The second source is perhaps the physical or virtual library
which stores copies of previous research works of graduated students.
In all the active involvement and participation of students in the choice of their research
problem would engender and sustain their interest in the research work as against forcing a
research problem on them to handle (King, 2010).

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Research literature
One of the outstanding purposes or desired benefits against which the value of a research effort
is weighed is its categorical contribution to knowledge. The body of knowledge a research is
expected to contribute or add value to consist of previous studies as espoused in the literature.
This is why literature review is regarded as a very important phase in the articulation of research
problem.
Literature on related previous studies on the researcher‟s area of interest holds great
promises for the articulation of research problems. The nature of research problems that evolve
from literature whose findings are considered as contribution to knowledge can be categorized
as follows:
a) Knowledge Gap/ Gap in literature: One of the features of a good research
problem is that it should evolve from existing literature. No research as previously
demonstrated is absolutely conclusive hence the need for researchers to indicate
the limitations of their study as well as suggest further areas of study. Gaps in
existing literature could manifest in any of the following areas:
i. Need for a larger sample or longer period.
ii. Need to replicate present study using different methodology or examining
different participants and different research sites?
iii. Need to replicate the study in a different clime (e,g if previously done in
developed countries to be repeated in developing countries)
iv. Need to replicate the research using different industry or setting.
v. Need to mitigate or avoid the limitations in the previous study.
b) Contradictory findings: Where literature on previous studies show contradictory
findings from studies on the same problem, the need for further researches to
confirm or explain the rationale behind the contradiction becomes imperative
(Obadan, 2012).
c) Research funding agencies
As a furtherance of the „town and gown‟ connectivity and in the pursuit of
research and development or even for the pursuit of humanitarian goals, a good
number of research problems are generated and studies on them are funded
by corporate bodies, government agencies and non-governmental/civil
societies.
d) Other sources
Research problems can also be sourced from other uncommon sources such as
some prevailing, topical, social-economic or political problem of interest, pattern

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of behavior, some body of untested theories, personal/group brainstorming or

personal inclination or area of special interest.

Research problem, Research topic and Research Title

There is a nexus between research problem, research topic and research title. While research
topic is the area of study or subject matter of interest on which the problem rests or is derived
from, research title provides the operational expression of the research problem in a manner
suggestive of the scope, required methodology in terms of the research design, required data,
data collection and method of analysis for investigating or solving the research problem
(Onyeizugbe, 2013).
Research problem is embedded in a particular chosen area of study (topic) while the
research title clarifies what the problem is all and provides the specifications and directions for
solving the problem.

Table 1. Linking Research Problem with Research Topic and Research Title
BROAD RESEARCH AREA OF INTEREST Broad subject=ACCOUNTING
(Subject Area of Study) Specific subjects=*(Financial Accounting/
Corporate Financial Reporting, Management
accounting, Costing, Taxation, Auditing and
Investigation, Forensic Accounting, Financial
Management)

SPECIFIC ISSUE/MATTER OF CONCERN Topic from Financial Accounting/Corporate

(Research Topic) Financial Reporting:

ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL

REPORTING STANDARDS

RESEARCH TITLE
*‘Effect of International Reporting Standards
(Defined Problem)
Adoption on Corporate Performance’

Author‟s illustration (2017)

*The research topic and title flow from the specific Accounting Subject :Financial Accounting & Corporate
Financial Reporting subject/course

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Table 1 above is further illustrated in Fig 2 for clearer understanding.

Figure 2. Research Problem formulation

BROAD RESEARCH AREA OF INTEREST (ACCOUNTING)

*(Subject Area in the Area of interest (Specific Course) Financial Accounting- Corporate
Financial Reporting

SPECIFIC ISSUE/MATTER OF CONCERN (Topic) Adoption of International Financial

Reporting Standards (IFRS)

RESEARCH TITLE (Research Problem Defined) Effect of International Reporting

Standards Adoption on Corporate Performance

The development and formulation of a research problem begins with the identification of the
broad discipline or area of study, followed by the specific course in the broad area of study
(Osaze & Izedonmi,2000). From the specific course of study a topic which forms the basis of the
problem for research is identified, and thereafter a title which represents an operational
expression of the research problem.
From Table 1 and Figure 2 above, the broad subject area of research interest is
accounting discipline. The specific accounting course of research interest is Financial
Accounting and Corporate Reporting. A topic of interest, „Adoption of International Financial
Reporting Standards‟ which envelopes the research problem is articulated, and thereafter, a
title, ‘Effect of International Reporting Standards Adoption on Corporate Performance‟ is
formulated as the operational expression of the problem to be researched.

Development of the Research Problem

In the course of undertaking a full study of the research problem as espoused in the research
title, the research problem is further developed further to facilitate its detailed and conclusive
study.

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Statement of the Research Problem

A statement of the research statement could be derived from the very source(s) from where the
problem evolved. Often the source of the research problem, such as literature, practical
experience or other factors is taken to provide justification for the research problem. Where for
example a research problem emanated from a gap in literature, then it becomes imperative to
provide sufficient information on the knowledge gap that constituted or provided authenticity to
the research problem as object of study (Osaze, 2011)

Research Question
Research questions set out the framework and the specific terms of inquiry needed to address
the research problem. Research questions are drawn to reflect the nature of the research
problem under study. Quantitative or empirical research problems are closing ended the
required research questions are along the following patterns:
i. Probable cause/effect (E.g: Does the adoption of IFRS have significant effect on
corporate performance?
ii. Use of theories i.e. why did it happen in view of an explanation or theory? (E.g: „Does
the adoption of IFRS have significant effect on the comparability of corporate financial
statement ?‟)
iii. Assess differences and magnitude. (E.g, „Has the adoption of IFRS received
significant acceptance among Nigerian banks?‟)

Qualitative research questions are open ended and have the following characteristics:
i. Interpretive: assessment of perception about events. E.g: „Do companies consider
the adoption of IFRS important?
ii. Process oriented. E.g: Did the attitude of Companies over the adoption of IFRS
improve over time over time?

On the whole Quantitative research and the associated questions attempt to explain or
predict the effect of variables on one another (how independent variable influence dependent
variable while qualitative research questions tries to explore or understand how external
forces shape and are shaped by the dependent variable (King, 2010 & Salawu, 2017).
A typical research question begins with a central overarching question that is to be
further explored in the study. Subsequent part of the question flows from the breakdown of the
central question into smaller specific questions, thereby narrowing the focus of the central
question into specific issues.

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Research Objectives
Research Objectives or Purposes of the research are built and made to align with the research
questions (as shown on Table 2 below). A research objective opens with a statement of broad
objective of the research, a statement such as: “The broad objective of this study is to determine
the level of adoption of IFRS by Nigerian banks”; this is followed by specific objectives whose
numbers and subject matter are same with the research questions. The set objectives of the
research provide the basis for arriving at informed decision on the conclusion arrived at the end
of the study.

Research Hypothesis
Hypotheses frame the terms of inquiry in terms of tentative answers to each of the earlier stated
research questions (as shown on Table 2). They are expressed as expected but unconfirmed
relationships between two or more variables. Hypotheses are to be stated in such a way as to
be amenable to testing. Hypotheses speculate on the form or the direction of the relationship.
Like research questions that hypothesis address, it can also be categorized into „master‟
hypothesis and „subsidiary‟ hypothesis. Hypotheses can be stated either in the null or alternative
form.
For example where it is in the null form it is stated in a categorical negative form such
as: “The adoption of IFRS does not significantly affect corporate performance” and in the
alternative form:“The adoption of IFRS significantly affect corporate performance”. However,
in whatever form hypothesis is stated, it is expected to be expressed in such a way as to be
testable (Agbonifo, 1999). Hypotheses frame the variables of the research problem for
empirical evaluation.
The results of the evaluation of the hypotheses form the bases of the research findings,
and the research findings provide basis for arriving at the conclusion over the attainment of the
objectives of the research. From the conclusion is drawn both the recommendations and the
extent to which the research contributes to knowledge.

CONCLUSION
The importance of research problem lies in the fact that the entire research efforts which began
with the articulation and formulation of research problem from the research topic led to further
development of the research problem into questions, objectives and hypotheses that were
tested to eventually arrive at results and findings, which compared with the objectives of the
research (study) provide bases for conclusion and recommendations.

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Table 2. Example of Alignment amongst Research Questions, Objectives and Hypothesis

Research Questions Research Objectives Research Hypothesis
(In Null Form)
1. Did IFRS adoption 1. To investigate the extent Ho1. Listed Nigerian
receive wide compliance to which IFRS adopted Companies did not
from listed Nigerian was complied with by significantly comply with the
companies? listed Nigerian adoption of IFRS
Companies
2. Did the adoption of IFRS 2. To examine the effect of Ho2.The adoption of IFRS
affect reported corporate the adoption of IFRS on did not have significant effect
performance? reported corporate on the reported corporate
performance of Listed performance of listed Nigeria
Nigerian Companies Companies.
3. To what extent did the 1. To determine the extent Ho3 The adoption of IFRS
adoption of IFRS affect to which the adoption of has no significant effect on
the Audit timeline of IFRS affected the Audit the Audit timeline of listed
listed Nigerian timeline of listed Nigerian Companies
companies? Nigerian Companies
Author‟s illustration (2017)

REFERENCES
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