In part one we looked at the likely contents of the PhD research proposal but also stressed the importance of checking with your supervisor what the exact requirements are. Now let’s consider each section in more detail starting with the research problem.
What is a research problem?
A research problem is a statement made in response to an area of concern that needs further investigating.
Two types: practical and theoretical
There are two types of research problem – a practical one and a theoretical one. Of course, it’s also possible to have a hybrid of these two main types.
Practical research problems
A practical research problem is one concerning phenomena that are playing out in the real world. They can normally be identified from the concerns and suggestions of experts and practitioners, the performance reports of organisations, the policy proposals of NGOs, the columns of professional media, the releases of statistical agencies etc. This type of problem may reflect difficulties or disadvantages that a particular group in society are facing or a particular organization is confronted with. They can be local, regional, national or global.
Examples of practical research problems
- Issues with efficiency or performance in an organization
- Policies that are having particular social consequences
- Concerns raised by professionals or practitioners in the relevant field
- Consequences of new technologies for individuals or organizations
- Comparisons highlighting weaknesses or opportunities among two or more cases
Theoretical research problems
Theoretical research is all about how a phenomenon is understood, explained, predicted etc. So, a theoretical research problem arises when a theory requires testing, developing, applying to new phenomena or relationships, re-evaluating in the light of new empirical research etc. It can also emerge from contradictions between two or more different theoretical perspectives.
Examples of theoretical research problems
- Relationships between inequalities in newly emerging contexts
- Evaluations of which theory best explains a given phenomenon
- Reviews of the contributions made by specific theories over time
- Bringing an established theory to a currently debated/ disputed phenomenon
- A dispute within academic/ research debates over the predominance of a given theory/theories
Closing thoughts
Remember, practical research can develop theory and theoretical research can have practical implications so you are not excluding either when framing your research problem statement for your PhD research proposal.
Top Tip!
Don’t confuse your research problem with your research topic. Your topic is something to read and gather information about while your problem is something that needs solving or framing as a question that must be answered.
