Literature Review and Formulation of Research Problems

 

Chapter 2

Literature Review and Formulation of Research Problems

© Dr. Alok Pawar

 

2.1    Introduction

The journey of conducting meaningful research is an intricate process that requires careful planning and execution. In this chapter, we will delve into the various stages and elements that constitute this research process. Starting with an exploration of the purpose and significance of a literature review, we will examine the resources available for such reviews, including the ever-evolving landscape of the Internet's role in gathering and synthesizing information. We will also explore how the Internet can serve as a valuable tool in developing research strategies and methods.

Additionally, we will discuss the crucial aspects of conducting and evaluating literature reviews, which are essential in building a strong foundation for any research endeavor. This chapter will also shed light on the formulation of a research problem, delving into the fundamental questions of what constitutes a research problem, the selection process, the necessity of a well-defined problem statement, and the techniques involved in crafting a clear and focused research problem. These elements are the building blocks of a successful research journey, and understanding them is essential for researchers seeking to make a meaningful contribution to their field.

This chapter provides an essential roadmap for anyone embarking on a research journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of a well-structured literature review and the need for a carefully formulated research problem in shaping the research landscape. By the end of this chapter, readers will be primed with the knowledge and tools needed to embark on their research endeavors effectively.

2.2    Research Process

The research process is a systematic series of steps or stages that a researcher follows when conducting a research study. This process is designed to ensure that the research is conducted effectively, ethically, and with the best chance of producing valid and reliable results. Here are the key stages in the research process:

1.   Identifying the Research Problem: The research process typically begins with the identification of a research problem or question. This problem should be specific, relevant, and researchable.

2.   Literature Review: Before conducting new research, it's important to review existing literature on the topic. This helps researchers understand what is already known and what gaps or unanswered questions exist in the field.

3.   Formulating a Research Hypothesis or Question: Based on the literature review, the researcher formulates a clear research hypothesis or research question that will guide the study.

4.   Research Design: The researcher selects the research design, which includes decisions about the research methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews) and data collection techniques.

5.   Data Collection: This stage involves collecting data according to the chosen research methods. Researchers must ensure data is collected accurately and systematically.

6.   Data Analysis: Once data is collected, it needs to be analyzed using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques, depending on the nature of the data.

7.   Interpretation of Results: Researchers interpret the results of the data analysis, drawing conclusions based on the evidence.

8.   Drawing Conclusions: Conclusions are drawn based on the interpretation of results. These conclusions should address the research question or hypothesis.

9.   Discussion and Implications: Researchers discuss the significance of their findings and how they contribute to the existing knowledge in the field. They also discuss the practical implications of their research.

10.               Recommendations and Future Research: Researchers may offer recommendations based on their findings and suggest areas for future research or further study.

11.               Writing the Research Report: The research findings are documented in a formal research report or paper. This report typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections.

12.               Citation and References: Properly cite and reference all sources of information and data used in the research report to give credit to previous research.

13.               Peer Review and Publication: If the research is intended for publication, it undergoes a peer review process in which experts in the field assess the quality and validity of the research. If accepted, it is published in a scholarly journal or presented at a conference.

14.               Feedback and Revision: Researchers may receive feedback from peers or the research community, and they may revise their work based on these comments.

15.               Dissemination: Researchers share their findings with the wider academic community and the public through conferences, presentations, publications, and other dissemination methods.

Throughout the research process, ethical considerations and the use of appropriate research ethics principles must be followed to ensure the welfare and rights of participants and the integrity of the research.

 

2.3    Reviewing the Literature

Reviewing the literature, often referred to as a literature review, is a critical and systematic process of examining existing research and scholarly work related to a specific research topic or question. This step is an essential part of the research process and serves several important functions:

1.   Identifying the Current State of Knowledge: A literature review allows researchers to understand what is already known about the research topic. It helps identify key concepts, theories, and empirical findings related to the subject.

2.   Identifying Gaps in Knowledge: By examining the existing literature, researchers can identify areas where there is a lack of research or unanswered questions. These gaps can serve as the basis for the new research study.

3.   Refining Research Questions and Objectives: The literature review helps researchers refine their research questions, hypotheses, or objectives based on what has been previously studied and what remains to be explored.

4.   Establishing Theoretical Frameworks: Researchers can use the literature review to build a theoretical framework for their study by drawing on established theories and models within the field.

5.   Selecting Research Methods: The literature review can inform the choice of research methods and data collection techniques by highlighting how previous studies have addressed similar research questions.

6.   Avoiding Duplication: It ensures that the proposed research is not duplicating what has already been done and that it contributes new knowledge to the field.

7.   Providing a Context for the Research: A literature review sets the stage for the research by providing context and background information. It helps the reader understand why the research is important and where it fits within the larger body of knowledge.

8.   Citing Relevant Studies: Researchers must cite relevant studies in their literature review to give credit to previous research and avoid plagiarism.

To conduct a literature review, researchers typically follow these steps:

1.   Define the Scope: Determine the specific research question or topic that the literature review will focus on.

2.   Search for Sources: Identify and gather relevant academic sources, such as journal articles, books, conference papers, and reports.

3.   Evaluate Sources: Assess the quality and relevance of the sources. Some sources may be more authoritative and reliable than others.

4.   Organize the Review: Organize the sources into categories or themes to make it easier to discuss and analyze the literature.

5.   Synthesize and Analyze: Summarize the main findings and key concepts from each source. Identify patterns, trends, and areas where researchers agree or disagree.

6.   Write the Literature Review: Present the findings in a structured and coherent manner, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. Discuss the key themes and issues in the literature, highlighting the gaps in knowledge.

7.   Cite Sources: Properly cite all the sources used in the literature review according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

A well-executed literature review is a valuable component of a research project, providing a foundation of knowledge and context for the research and helping to ensure that the research is meaningful, relevant, and contributes to the existing body of knowledge.

 

2.4    Purpose of Literature Review

The purpose of a literature review in a research project or academic study is multifaceted and serves several important functions:

1.   Understanding Existing Knowledge: A literature review helps researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of what is already known about a particular topic. It summarizes and synthesizes existing research, theories, concepts, and findings in the field.

2.   Identifying Gaps and Unanswered Questions: By examining the existing literature, researchers can identify areas where there is a lack of research or where important questions remain unanswered. This process helps shape the research objectives and questions for the new study.

3.   Establishing a Theoretical Framework: A literature review allows researchers to establish a theoretical framework for their study by drawing on existing theories and models within the field. It provides a conceptual foundation for the research.

4. Selecting Appropriate Research Methods: Reviewing the literature helps researchers determine the most suitable research methods and data collection techniques based on how previous studies have approached similar research questions.

5.  Avoiding Duplication: It ensures that the proposed research does not duplicate what has already been done. Researchers can build upon existing knowledge rather than reinventing the wheel.

6. Providing Context and Rationale: A literature review offers a context and background for the research. It helps readers understand the significance of the research topic, why it is relevant, and where it fits within the larger body of knowledge.

7. Critical Evaluation of Sources: Researchers critically evaluate the quality and reliability of the sources they review. This involves assessing the credibility of the authors, the methodology used, and the relevance of the findings.

8.  Synthesizing Information: A literature review synthesizes and integrates findings from multiple sources, identifying patterns, trends, and common themes across different studies.

9.   Supporting Research Hypotheses or Questions: It provides empirical or theoretical support for the research hypotheses or questions being investigated. This strengthens the research's foundation and rationale.

10.   Formulating Research Objectives: Based on the gaps and insights identified in the literature, researchers can define clear research objectives and goals for their study.

11.   Contributing to the Research Community: Through a literature review, researchers contribute to the academic community by summarizing and evaluating previous research, offering new insights, and suggesting directions for future research.

12.   Justifying the Research: A well-constructed literature review helps justify the need for the proposed research and its significance, making a case for its importance and relevance.

 

In summary, a literature review is a critical part of the research process that helps researchers establish a foundation of knowledge, identify gaps and research opportunities, and situate their own research within the broader scholarly conversation. It ensures that research is well-informed, meaningful, and aligned with existing research in the field.

 

2.5    Literature Resources

When conducting a literature review or seeking academic resources for research, it's essential to access reliable and credible sources. Here are some common types of literature resources and where to find them:

1.   Academic Journals: Academic journals are peer-reviewed publications that contain scholarly articles on a wide range of topics. They are considered one of the most authoritative sources for academic research. Common databases for accessing academic journals include:

PubMed (for medical and life sciences)

IEEE Xplore (for engineering and technology)

JSTOR (for humanities and social sciences)

ScienceDirect (for scientific research)

2.  Books: Books, particularly academic and scholarly books, can provide in-depth information on a specific topic. University libraries are excellent resources for finding physical and electronic books. Websites like Google Books and Project Gutenberg offer access to some online books.

3.   Dissertations and Theses: Dissertations and theses often contain original research and can be valuable sources of information. You can find them through university libraries and online repositories like ProQuest and EThOS (for UK theses), Shodhganga

4.  Government Publications: Government agencies often publish reports and data related to various research areas. Check government websites and repositories, such as data.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) for health-related publications.

5.  Conference Proceedings: Conferences in various fields publish proceedings that include research papers and presentations. You can find conference proceedings on websites like IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital Library.

6. Academic Search Engines: Academic search engines like Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic can help you find scholarly articles, books, conference papers, and patents related to your research topic. They provide a broad search across multiple disciplines.

7.  Library Databases: University and public libraries often subscribe to a variety of databases that offer access to academic journals, magazines, newspapers, and other resources. Examples include EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and LexisNexis.

8.  Online Repositories and Open Access Journals: Websites like arXiv, SSRN, and ResearchGate host preprints and research papers. Additionally, many open-access journals provide free access to their articles.

9.  Citation and Reference Lists: When you find a relevant source, check its citation and reference lists. These can lead you to additional resources that are closely related to your research topic.

10.              Academic Libraries: University and college libraries are valuable resources for physical and electronic materials. Librarians can also assist you in finding relevant sources and provide access to interlibrary loan services.

11.               Subject-Specific Repositories and Organizations: Some disciplines have specialized repositories and organizations that provide access to research materials. For example, arXiv is a repository for physics, mathematics, and computer science research.

12.               Experts and Research Networks: Connect with experts in your field through academic networks like ResearchGate or academia.edu. These platforms often provide access to research papers and connections with scholars in your area of interest.

Remember to critically evaluate the quality and relevance of the sources you use for your research. Peer-reviewed sources, authoritative publishers, and recent publications are typically more reliable. Always cite your sources properly to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.

 

2.6    The internet and a literature review

The internet has significantly transformed the way literature reviews are conducted. It has both facilitated and complicated the process in various ways:

Facilitators:

1.   Access to a Vast Repository of Information: The internet provides access to an immense volume of information, including academic journals, books, theses, conference proceedings, government reports, and more. This makes it easier to find relevant sources for a literature review.

2.   Speed and Convenience: Online access to resources allows researchers to quickly find and retrieve information, saving time and effort compared to traditional library-based research.

3.   Global Reach: The internet enables researchers to access literature from around the world, making it possible to include a broader range of perspectives and studies in a literature review.

4.   Open Access: Many academic institutions and organizations offer open-access repositories and journals, providing free access to scholarly articles and other research materials.

5.   Search Engines and Databases: Online search engines and academic databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and JSTOR, make it easier to search for and find academic sources. These tools often provide advanced search features to refine and focus your search.

6.   Collaboration and Sharing: The internet facilitates collaboration among researchers and the sharing of research materials. It's common for researchers to share preprints, data sets, and findings online.

Complications:

1.   Information Overload: The vast amount of information available online can lead to information overload. Researchers must be selective and discerning in their choice of sources.

2.   Credibility and Quality Control: Not all online sources are of equal quality. Researchers need to critically assess the credibility and reliability of online materials, especially from non-peer-reviewed or unofficial sources.

3.   Plagiarism and Citation Issues: With the ease of copying and pasting from online sources, researchers need to be vigilant about proper citation and avoiding plagiarism.

4.   Access Barriers: Not all online resources are freely accessible, and some may require subscriptions or fees. Researchers may face challenges in accessing certain academic materials.

5.   Ephemeral Nature of Online Content: Online content can be altered or removed over time. Researchers need to take care to archive or save important sources and information.

6.   Validity of Online Metrics: The use of online metrics, such as citation counts, for evaluating source quality can be complex and may not always reflect the true impact or importance of a source.

In summary, the internet has revolutionized literature reviews by providing unprecedented access to a wide array of information and resources. However, researchers must navigate the challenges posed by the sheer volume of content, quality control, and ethical considerations, ensuring that their literature reviews remain rigorous and scholarly. It is essential to use a critical and discerning approach when conducting literature reviews in the digital age.

 

2.7    The internet and research strategy and methods

The internet has had a profound impact on research strategy and methods, revolutionizing how research is conducted across various fields. Here are some ways in which the internet has influenced research strategies and methods:

1. Access to a Vast Pool of Information: The internet provides access to a vast repository of information, data, and resources, which has expanded the scope of research possibilities. Researchers can access a wide range of sources, including academic papers, reports, books, and open data sets, from around the world.

2.  Efficient Literature Review: Literature reviews are streamlined and more efficient due to online databases and search engines like Google Scholar and academic databases. Researchers can quickly identify and retrieve relevant academic sources.

3. Enhanced Data Collection: Online surveys, questionnaires, and interviews conducted through web-based platforms make data collection more accessible and efficient. Researchers can reach a larger and more diverse audience.

4.  Data Mining and Web Scraping: Researchers can extract and analyze data from websites, social media, and other online sources using data mining and web scraping techniques. This enables the study of trends, sentiment analysis, and big data research.

5.  Remote Collaboration and Communication: Internet technologies have enabled global collaboration among researchers. They can communicate, share data, and work together on projects in real-time, regardless of geographic locations.

6.   Online Experimentation: In fields like psychology and social sciences, researchers can conduct experiments online, reaching a more extensive and diverse participant pool than traditional in-lab experiments.

7.  Archiving and Accessing Data: The internet allows researchers to archive and access their research data and findings, promoting transparency and data sharing. Online repositories and open-access platforms facilitate this.

8.   Geospatial and Mapping Tools: Online mapping tools and geographic information systems (GIS) have transformed how researchers study and analyze spatial data and locations.

9.   Text and Data Analysis Tools: The internet offers a wide array of tools and software for text and data analysis, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing (NLP), and statistical analysis tools.

10.               Open Access and Preprints: Researchers can disseminate their work quickly through open-access journals and preprint servers, making their findings accessible to the research community and the public without traditional publication delays.

11.               Real-Time Data and Information: Researchers can access real-time data, news, and information from online sources, which is particularly valuable in fields like economics, finance, and epidemiology.

12.               Ethical Considerations and Digital Research Ethics: The internet has given rise to new ethical considerations in research, such as issues related to privacy, informed consent, and data security, particularly in studies involving online participants and digital data.

While the internet has brought numerous advantages to the research process, it also poses challenges. Researchers must be vigilant about the quality and credibility of online sources, the protection of research participants' rights and data, and the responsible use of online tools and methodologies. Internet-based research is a dynamic field that requires ongoing adaptation to changing technologies and ethical standards.

 

2.8    Conducting and Evaluate Literature Review

Conducting and evaluating a literature review is a critical step in the research process. Here are the key steps and considerations for conducting and evaluating a literature review:

Conducting a Literature Review:

1.   Define the Scope: Clearly define the scope and objectives of your literature review. What specific research question or problem are you trying to address? What are the key themes or concepts you want to explore?

2.   Search Strategy: Develop a comprehensive search strategy. Identify relevant keywords, phrases, and controlled vocabulary terms (e.g., MeSH terms) that relate to your research topic.

3.   Select Databases: Choose appropriate databases and sources to search for relevant literature. Common databases include PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and specialized academic databases.

4.   Search and Review: Conduct systematic searches using your search strategy. Review the search results and select sources that are relevant to your research question and objectives.

5.   Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Establish clear inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine which sources to include in your review. Criteria may include publication date, study type, language, and relevance.

6.   Organize the Literature: Organize the selected sources into themes, categories, or topics. This helps you structure your review and identify common threads and trends in the literature.

7.   Critical Evaluation: Critically assess the quality and relevance of each source. Consider factors like the author's credentials, study methodology, sample size, data analysis, and potential biases.

8.   Synthesize and Analyze: Summarize and synthesize the main findings, concepts, and themes from the selected sources. Identify gaps, patterns, and controversies in the literature.

9.   Citation Management: Use citation management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley) to organize and cite sources. This ensures proper citation and simplifies the writing process.

Evaluating a Literature Review:

1.   Relevance and Significance: Assess whether the literature review is relevant to the research question and the broader field of study. Consider its significance in contributing to the existing body of knowledge.

2.   Coverage and Depth: Evaluate the breadth and depth of the literature review. Has the author considered a wide range of sources and delved deep into the key concepts and themes?

3.   Methodology and Rigor: Analyze the rigor of the literature review process. Did the researcher use a systematic approach to searching, selecting, and evaluating sources?

4.   Clarity and Organization: Consider the clarity and organization of the literature review. Does it follow a logical structure, with well-defined sections, headings, and transitions?

5.   Critical Analysis: Assess the author's critical analysis of the sources. Did they provide a balanced evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each study or source?

6.   Citations and References: Check the accuracy and completeness of citations and references. Ensure that proper citation styles have been followed.

7.   Contributions and Future Directions: Determine whether the literature review highlights gaps in the literature and proposes directions for future research. Does it contribute to the research community's understanding of the topic?

8.   Bias and Objectivity: Evaluate whether the literature review is free from bias or undue influence. Consider the objectivity of the author's assessments.

9.   Conclusion and Summary: Assess the clarity and appropriateness of the conclusion and summary. Does it succinctly capture the key takeaways and implications of the literature review?

A well-conducted and well-evaluated literature review is essential for informing research, ensuring that it builds upon existing knowledge, and providing a solid foundation for research design and data collection. It is also a valuable contribution to the scholarly conversation in your field.

 

 

2.9    Formulation of Research Problem

Formulating a research problem involves identifying a specific issue or question that you want to investigate. Here's a basic framework to help you formulate a research problem:

1.   Choose a Broad Topic: Start by selecting a general area of interest. This should be something you're passionate about or curious to explore.

2.   Conduct a Literature Review: Research existing literature in your chosen area to understand what has already been studied and what gaps or unresolved questions exist.

3.   Narrow Down Your Focus: Based on the literature review, narrow your focus to a specific aspect or question within your chosen topic.

4.   Ask a Clear and Specific Question: The research problem should be a clear, specific, and concise question that you aim to answer. It should be researchable and not too broad or too narrow.

5.   Define Objectives and Hypotheses: Clearly state the objectives of your research and, if applicable, formulate hypotheses that you plan to test.

6.   Consider Significance and Contribution: Explain why your research problem is important and how it contributes to the existing body of knowledge.

7.   Consider Feasibility: Ensure that your research problem is feasible in terms of available resources, time, and access to data or participants.

8.   Seek Feedback: Share your research problem with colleagues, mentors, or advisors to get feedback and refine it.

Remember that a well-defined research problem is the foundation of a successful research project. It guides your research and helps you stay focused on your objectives.

 

2.9.1 What is Research Problem

A research problem is a specific and clearly defined issue, question, or challenge that a researcher seeks to investigate and address in a research study. It serves as the central focus of the research and provides direction for the entire research process. A well-formulated research problem helps in:

1.   Defining the Scope: It outlines the boundaries of what the research will cover and what it will not.

2.   Guiding Research Design: It influences the choice of research methods, data collection, and analysis techniques.

3.   Framing Research Objectives: The problem statement is closely linked to the research objectives, which are the specific goals the researcher aims to achieve.

4.   Justifying the Research: It explains why the research is important and why it is worth investigating.

5.   Contributing to Knowledge: A well-defined problem should address a gap or provide new insights in the existing body of knowledge.

Research problems can vary widely, from exploring fundamental scientific questions to addressing practical real-world issues. They should be specific, clear, and researchable, allowing the researcher to formulate hypotheses or research questions and gather evidence to find solutions or answers.

 

2.9.2 Selecting the problem

Selecting the right research problem is a crucial step in the research process. Here are some guidelines to help you select a research problem:

1.   Interest and Passion: Choose a problem that genuinely interests you. Passion for the topic will keep you motivated throughout the research process.

2.   Relevance: Select a problem that is relevant and meaningful. Consider its importance in the field of study or its potential impact on society or a specific industry.

3.   Gaps in Literature: Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps, unanswered questions, or areas where existing research is limited. A good research problem often addresses these gaps.

4.   Feasibility: Assess the feasibility of the research. Consider the availability of data, resources, and access to participants or materials.

5.   Originality: Aim for originality while staying within the bounds of your field. A novel research problem can make a significant contribution.

6.   Scope: Ensure that the problem is neither too broad nor too narrow. It should be manageable within the constraints of your research project.

7.   Clarity and Specificity: Formulate the problem as a clear, specific research question or statement. Avoid vague or overly complex problems.

8.   Ethical Considerations: Think about the ethical implications of your research problem, especially when dealing with human subjects or sensitive topics.

9.   Feedback: Discuss your potential research problem with mentors, advisors, or peers. They can provide valuable input and help you refine your choice.

10.               Alignment with Goals: Ensure that the research problem aligns with your academic or career goals. It should contribute to your personal and professional development.

Remember that selecting the right research problem is a critical foundation for the success of your research project. Take your time to carefully consider and evaluate potential problems before making your final selection.

 

2.9.3 Necessity of Defining Research Problem

Defining a research problem is essential for several reasons:

1.   Focus and Direction: It provides a clear focus for your research, guiding your efforts and resources toward a specific goal. Without a well-defined problem, your research may lack direction and purpose.

2.   Relevance: It ensures that your research is relevant and meaningful. A properly defined problem helps you address issues that are important in your field or have practical significance.

3.   Research Design: It influences the choice of research methods, data collection techniques, and analysis procedures. Different problems may require different approaches, and a well-defined problem helps you select the most appropriate methods.

4.   Clear Objectives: It enables you to set clear research objectives. These objectives serve as specific, measurable goals that you aim to achieve during your study.

5.   Justification: It explains why your research is worth pursuing. By clearly stating the problem and its significance, you justify the need for your research to both your audience and yourself.

6.   Contribution to Knowledge: Defining a research problem should involve identifying gaps or areas where existing knowledge is lacking. By addressing these gaps, your research can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field.

7.   Resource Allocation: It helps in the efficient allocation of resources, including time, funding, and personnel, as you can tailor your research plan to the specific problem.

8.   Communication: A well-defined problem makes it easier to communicate the essence of your research to others, including colleagues, advisors, and potential collaborators.

9.   Ethical Considerations: It prompts you to consider any ethical issues associated with your research, ensuring that you conduct your study in an ethical and responsible manner.

In summary, defining a research problem is the first and crucial step in the research process. It sets the stage for all the subsequent activities and decisions, ensuring that your research is purposeful, relevant, and well-structured.

 

2.9.4 Techniques involved in defining research problem

Defining a research problem is a critical step in the research process. Several techniques and approaches can help you effectively define a research problem:

1.   Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature in your field to identify gaps, unresolved questions, or areas where further research is needed. This can help you pinpoint potential research problems.

2.   Brainstorming: Gather a group of colleagues or peers and engage in brainstorming sessions. Generate a list of potential research questions or issues, and then evaluate their feasibility and relevance.

3.   Stakeholder Consultation: If your research is related to a specific industry, community, or organization, consult with stakeholders to identify problems or challenges that are of concern to them. Their insights can help define relevant research problems.

4.   Observation and Surveys: Observe real-world situations, conduct surveys, or use other data collection methods to identify problems or issues that are prevalent or have practical significance.

5.   Gap Analysis: Analyze the existing body of knowledge in your field and compare it to emerging trends or developments. Where are the gaps or areas where existing knowledge is insufficient to address new issues?

6.   Research Hypotheses: Formulate preliminary research hypotheses based on your understanding of the field. The process of hypothesis development can lead to the identification of research problems.

7.   Personal Experience: Reflect on your personal and professional experiences. Have you encountered problems or challenges in your field that you believe warrant further investigation?

8.   Concept Mapping: Create a visual representation of your research interests, including key concepts and their relationships. This can help you identify areas that require further exploration.

9.   Problem Statement Worksheets: Use problem statement worksheets or templates to guide your thinking and structure your research problem. These templates often include prompts to help you define the problem clearly.

10.               Feedback and Peer Review: Share your preliminary ideas for research problems with mentors, advisors, or peers. They can provide feedback and insights that help you refine and clarify your problem.

11.               Theory-Driven Problem Formulation: Start with a theoretical framework or model and explore how it may be applied to address specific issues within your field.

12.               Scoping and Delimiting: Clearly define the scope of your research. What are the boundaries of your study, and what falls within or outside those boundaries? This can help in problem definition.

Remember that the process of defining a research problem is iterative, and it often involves a combination of these techniques. The goal is to arrive at a well-defined, specific, and meaningful research problem that will guide your research efforts effectively.

***

Questions

(1)  Explain purpose of Literature Review in detail. (3 Marks)

(2)  Explain various Literature Resources in detail. (5 Marks)

(3)  Explain use of Internet in Literature Review. (5 Marks)

(4)  Define Research Problem. (2 Marks)

(5)  How one select research problem. (3 Marks)

(6)  What is research problem? How research problem is selected?

(7)  What is importance of Literature review in the research initialization.