SELECTION AND DEFINITION OF A PROBLEM

SELECTION AND STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Selection of a Research Topic

 The first step in selecting a problem is to identify a general problem area that is related
to your area of expertise and of particular interest to you.
 The next step is to narrow down the general problem area to specific, researchable
problem.
Sources of Problems

 The most meaningful problems are generally derived from theory.

 A major source of nontheoretical problems is the researcher’s personal experiences.
 The literature is also a good source of problems; in addition to overviews and
summaries, specific studies often indicate next-step studies that need to be conducted.
 It is generally not a good idea simply to replicate a study as it was originally conducted;
there is much to be learned from developing and executing your own study.
Characteristics of Research Problems

 A basic characteristic of a research problem is that it is “researchable”, that is, it can be

investigated through the collection and analysis of data.
 A good problem has theoretical or practical significance; its solution should contribute in
some way to improvement of business or management processes.
 A good problem must be a good problem for you. It must be a problem that you can
adequately investigate given: (a) your current level of research skill, (b) available
resources, and (c) time and other restrictions.
Statement of the Problem

 A well-written statement of the problem generally indicates the variables of interest to

the researcher and the specific relationship between those variables that is to be
investigated.
 A well-known written problem statement also defines all relevant variables, either
directly or operationally; operational definitions define concepts in terms of operations,
or processes.
 Since the problem statement gives direction to the rest of the plan or report, it should
be stated as soon as possible.
 The statement of the problem should be accompanied by a presentation of the
background of the problem, including a justification for the study in terms of
significance of the problem.
FORMULATION AND STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS
Definition and Purpose

 A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for certain behaviors, phenomena, or events that

have occurred or will occur.
 The researcher does not set out to “prove” his or her hypothesis but rather collects data
that either support the hypothesis or do not support it.
 The hypothesis is formulated following the review of related literature and prior to the
execution of the study. The hypothesis logically follows the review, and it is based on
the implications of previous research. It precedes the study proper because the entire
study is determined by the hypothesis (including subjects, instruments, design,
procedures, analysis, and conclusions).
Characteristics of the Hypothesis

 A major characteristic of a good hypothesis is that it is consistent with previous

research.
 A good hypothesis is a tentative, reasonable explanation for the occurrence of certain
behaviors, phenomena, or events.
 A good hypothesis states clearly and concisely as possible the expected relationship ( or
difference) between two variables and defines those variables in operational,
measurable terms.
 A well-stated and defined hypothesis must be testable.

Types of Hypotheses

 An inductive hypothesis is a generalization based on observation.

 Deductive hypotheses derived from theory contribute to the science of business and
management by providing evidence that supports, expands, or contradicts a given
theory.
 Research hypotheses are stated in declarative form, and statistical hypotheses are
stated in null form.
 A research hypothesis states the expected relationship ( or difference) between two
variables, in other words, what relationship the researcher expects to verify through the
collection and analysis of data.
 A nondirectional hypothesis simply indicates that a relationship or difference exists, a
directional hypothesis indicates the nature of the relationship or difference.
 A statistical, or null hypothesis states that there will be no relationship (or difference)
between two variables and that any relationship found will be a chance relationship, not
a true one.