Identifying the Research Problem Situations in Education

After defining the concept of a research problem and ways of identifying a problem situation by highlighting the features of a problem, the article goes on to equip the reader with various sources of a research problem. The article then goes on to discuss factors guiding the selection of a research topic and winds up by discussing the negative principles in topic selection.

Problems abound in all sphere of life. These problems that confront individuals, groups, or establishments cannot be resolved by an individual or at a time. To proffer a solution to any problem, the problem must be identified and defined.

What then is a research problem? A research problem may be seen as a felt difficulty in a given area. Such difficulties pose an obstacle or a puzzle to individual/individuals and hinder them from achieving their desired objectives. The difficult situation must be of concern to a researcher in order to find a solution. Arriving at a solution implies that the obstacle or puzzle or difficulty has been removed. A research problem therefore is that difficult condition that hinders or blocks the individual's achievement of set goals/objectives. A problem can also be seen as unanswered question which has persisted over a period of time. For example, why do children from broken homes perform poorly academically?

Let us now identify the educational situation problems carefully. To identify a problem situation in education, Nwanna (1985) elaborated some features of a problem situation that can give a clearer picture of a problem. Beginning a particular research, students should bear in mind that all not all educational problems are researchable. A researchable problem is one that is amendable to investigation. This implies that it is possible to gather relevant data to test theory or find the answers to the question under consideration, (Akuzilo, 1993). To minimize financial, energy and material wastages, research students need to identify and choose researchable topics. The following characteristics can assist students identify a good topic.

1. A problem takes the form of a missing link in a system. To resolve the problem will involve locating the missing part or item in the system.

2. An unanswered question that has existed over a period of time.

3. An imbalance in a system can constitute a problem. This is true when the components of a system are not equally or properly recognized or valued. For instance, a situation where a layer is more recognized than a teacher; science subjects are valued more than arts subjects, or eternal examination is preferred to classroom tests. The existence of such situations will lead to decrease interest or efforts in the less valued component and finally create a problem for individuals and the society.

4. An unsatisfactory state of affairs in a given situation can be a problem. For example, irregular payment of teachers' salaries, inadequate teaching materials, truancy among students. These acting singly or collectively can create a problem for the society.

The technological advancement in the society as a means of national development brings with it great changes. In an attempt to square up with these changes more problems are created both in the educational environment and the society at large. This cycle appear unending hence we are all bound to undertake research work/ study from time to time in our specific area because the presence of problems to be studied are not likely to end. And as long as man exists, problems are bound to exist too.