How is a research problem defined in master’s dissertation?

What is a research problem?

A research problem can be referred to as the research gap in the existing body of literature a student intends to address in their research. You might look for practical difficulties that contribute to change or theoretical questions that improve understanding.

A research problem helps to add to the existing knowledge. It also helps bring focus and clarity to the research. A research problem is the first step of the research- be it a dissertation or a research paper. The following steps will guide you to answer the below questions:

How do you create a research problem?
How do you write a research problem for a dissertation?

Step 1: Select a Broad Field of Interest

Begin by choosing a broad field of interest in your academic subject. This should be a topic or issue that genuinely interests you and corresponds to the criteria of your program.

Step 2: Conduct a comprehensive literature review

Conduct an extensive literature review to gain an understanding of the current state of knowledge in your chosen field. This will assist you in identifying gaps, controversies, or areas where additional research is required. To inform your problem description, look for recent studies and related theoretical frameworks.

To know more about how a literature review is written in various disciplines, check out our literature review examples.

Step 3: Identify the research gap or problem

Identify a research gap, unanswered question or problem in your selected study area based on your literature review. This gap should represent a specific problem or issue you intend to address in your research.

Step 4: Develop a hypothesis or research question

Create a research question or hypothesis when you have recognised the gap or problem. Your research question should be precise, short, and focused on filling a gap that has been discovered. Consider applying the PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework to formulate the research question.

Step 5: Consider the relevance and significance

Consider why your research problem is important and relevant. Consider the possible impact of your research, both in terms of expanding knowledge and addressing real-world or practical issues.

Step 6: Define the scope of your research

Determine the scope and limits of your research. This includes defining the target group or sample, the geographic area (if required), the time range, and any particular variables or factors to be studied.

Step 7: Consider the Practicality of the Study

Determine the viability of your research problem. Ensure you have access to the essential resources, data, and research methods to explore your chosen problem adequately.

Step 8: Obtain feedback

Discuss your research problem with your advisor, mentor, or peers. They can provide useful feedback and assist you in refining your research question to ensure it is well-structured and relevant.

Step 9: Write a Problem Statement for Your Research

Write a problem statement that concisely summarises the research problem. This statement should summarise the problem, its significance, and the precise research question or hypothesis you aim to address in your master’s dissertation in a few sentences. Remember that your research problem will influence your whole dissertation, so properly formulating it is critical. It should be a concise and well-structured statement that establishes the context for your research and makes it interesting and relevant to your field of study.

For more guidance with aspects related to a master’s dissertation, check out our study guide.

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