Formulation of Research Problem

Problem statement is the backbone of any research. Question well asked is half solved. Academicians, students, research scholars often ignore the importance of research problem. The genesis of research problem lies in the inquisitiveness of researcher. A researcher should first ask himself a series of question - Why am I doing this research?
What is the present state of nature?
What are the factors (variables) involved in the scenario?
What is the relation between these factors?
Are they predicting (resulting into) something?

Technically, if you are finding formulation of research problem difficult identify the following:
1. Individual (I) : There must be some entity about whom the research is to be conducted. It can be an individuals or an organizations facing some difficulty, opportunity or a problem.
2. Environment (N): What environmental conditions play important role when the research is conducted should be clearly identified.
3. Course of Action (C): There can be number of course of actions(C1, C2) to applied on I in a given N.
4. Possible Outcome (O): With respect to a particular C what O is expected.

The statement of the research problem should be in line of the thought that a desired outcome will be different if different course of actions are taken by an individual in a given environment.

Reference: Research Methodology by C R Kothari