RESEARCH QUESTIONS & DESIGN
Research Problem Guide: How to Identify, Define & Write a Research Problem.
Learn how to identify a research problem, recognise research gaps, develop a clear problem statement and connect the problem with research questions, objectives and methodology.
RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS
What is a research problem?
A research problem is an issue, unanswered question, gap in knowledge or situation that requires systematic investigation. It provides the intellectual foundation for a research project and helps establish what the study is trying to understand, explain or investigate.
A strong research problem is more specific than a broad subject area. It should provide enough context to explain what is not adequately understood and why investigating the issue is worthwhile.
STARTING POINT
Research topic vs research problem
One of the first challenges in research planning is moving from a broad area of interest to a specific problem that can actually be investigated.
BROAD AREA
Research Topic
A research topic identifies the broad subject or area that a researcher is interested in investigating.
For example, a topic might focus on employee adoption of artificial intelligence in organisations.
SPECIFIC ISSUE
Research Problem
A research problem identifies the specific issue, uncertainty or gap within that broader area that requires investigation.
The problem might concern limited understanding of why employees resist particular AI systems or whether organisational factors influence adoption.
RESEARCH GAP
Where do research problems come from?
Research problems can emerge from different forms of uncertainty or limitations in existing knowledge.
Identifying a Research Problem
Learn how to recognise an issue, unanswered question, inconsistency or gap that can provide the foundation for academic research.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Research Gaps
Understand how gaps in existing literature, theory, evidence, methods or context can help establish the need for a new study.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Problem Statement
Learn how to clearly describe the problem being investigated, its context and why further research is necessary.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Research Problem vs Topic
Understand the difference between a broad research topic and the specific problem that a research project seeks to investigate.
Detailed guide coming soon →
UNDERSTANDING THE GAP
Common types of research gaps
A research gap does not necessarily mean that nobody has ever studied a particular subject. A gap may exist because existing research has produced conflicting findings, focused on a different population or context, used particular methods, or failed to address an important aspect of a broader problem.
Knowledge Gap
An area where existing knowledge is limited or incomplete.
Contextual Gap
An issue that has been studied elsewhere but remains insufficiently understood in a particular population, organisation, country or setting.
Methodological Gap
A limitation or opportunity arising from the methods used in previous research.
Empirical Gap
A lack of sufficient evidence or observations concerning a particular issue.
Theoretical Gap
A situation where existing theories do not fully explain a phenomenon or where competing theoretical explanations require further investigation.
Contradictory Findings
A situation where previous studies have produced inconsistent or conflicting results.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Turning a research problem into a clear problem statement
A problem statement explains the issue being investigated and establishes why the research is necessary. It normally provides enough background to establish the context, identifies what is not adequately understood and explains the significance of addressing the problem.
A useful problem statement should lead naturally towards the research questions and objectives rather than introducing a completely separate issue.
RESEARCH LOGIC
Connecting the research problem to the rest of the study
A well-defined research problem provides the foundation for the next stages of research design. The research questions should address the problem, the objectives should translate those questions into achievable outcomes and the methodology should provide an appropriate way to investigate them.
NEXT STEP
Research Questions Guide
Learn how to develop focused research questions and understand how they connect the research problem, objectives and methodology.
Research Questions Guide →RELATED HUB
Research Paper Writing Guide
Explore the wider research process, including research topics, questions, methodology, literature reviews, data analysis and research paper structure.
Research Paper Writing Guide →Need help with your research?
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