Research forms a cycle. It starts with a problem and ends with a solution to the problem.

The problem statement is therefore the axis which the whole research revolves around, beacause it explains in short the aim of the research. 1 WHAT I A R! !AR"H #R$%&!'(

A research problem is the situation that causes the researcher to feel apprehensive, confused and ill at ease. It is the demarcation of a problem area within a certain context involvin) the WH$ or WHAT, the WH!R!, the WH!* and the WH+ of the problem situation. There are many problem situations that may )ive rise to reseach. Three sources usually contribute to problem identification. $wn experience or the experience of others may be a source of problem supply. A second source could be scientific literature. +ou may read about certain findin)s and notice that a certain field was not covered. This could lead to a research problem. Theories could be a third source. hortcomin)s in theories could be researched. Research can thus be aimed at clarifyin) or substantiatin) an existin) theory, at clarifyin) contradictory findin)s, at correctin) a faulty methodolo)y, at correctin) the inade,uate or unsuitable use of statistical techni,ues, at reconcilin) conflictin) opinions, or at solvin) existin) practical problems. I.!*TI/I"ATI$* $/ TH! #R$%&!'

The prospective researcher should thin0 on what caused the need to do the research 1problem identification2. The ,uestion that he3she should as0 is4 Are there ,uestions about this problem to which answers have not been found up to the present( Research ori)inates from a need that arises. A clear distinction between the #R$%&!' and the #5R#$ ! should be made. The problem is the aspect the researcher worries about, thin0 about, wants to find a solution for. The purpose is to solve the problem, ie find answers to the ,uestion1s2. If there is no clear problem formulation, the purpose and methods are meanin)less. 6eep the followin) in mind4 $utline the )eneral context of the problem area. Hi)hli)ht 0ey theories, concepts and ideas current in this area. What appear to be some of the underlyin) assumptions of this area( Why are these issues identified important( What needs to be solved( Read round the area 1sub7ect2 to )et to 0now the bac0)round and to identify unanswered ,uestions or controversies, and3or to identify the the most si)nificant issues for further exploration.

The research problem should be stated in such a way that it would lead to analytical thin0in) on the part of the researcher with the aim of possible concludin) solutions to the stated problem. Research problems can be stated in the form of either ,uestions or statements. The research problem should always be formulated )rammatically correct and as completely as possible. +ou should bear in mind the wordin) 1expressions2 you use. Avoid meanin)less words. There should be no doubt in the mind of the reader what your intentions are.

.emarcatin) the research field into mana)eable parts by dividin) the main problem into subproblems is of the utmost importance.

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ubproblems are problems related to the main problem identified. ubproblems flow from the main problem and ma0e up the main problem. It is the means to reach the set )oal in a mana)eable way and contribute to solvin) the problem. 9 TAT!'!*T $/ TH! #R$%&!'

The statement of the problem involves the demarcation and formulation of the problem, ie the WH$3WHAT, WH!R!, WH!*, WH+. It usually includes the statement of the hypothesis. : "H!"6&I T /$R T! TI*; TH! /!A I%I&IT+ $/ TH! R! !AR"H #R$%&!'

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1 Is the problem of current interest( Will the research results have social, educational or scientific value(

- Will it be possible to apply the results in practice( 8 .oes the research contribute to the science of education( 9 Will the research opt new problems and lead to further research( : Is the research problem important( Will you be proud of the result( < Is there enou)h scope left within the area of reseach 1field of research2( = "an you find an answer to the problem throu)h research( Will you be able to handle the research problem(

> Will it be pratically possible to underta0e the research( ? Will it be possible for another researcher to repeat the research( 1@ Is the research free of any ethical problems and limitations( 11 Will it have any value( 1.o you have the necessary 0nowled)e and s0ills to do the research( Are you ,ualified to underta0e the research( Is the research viable in your situation( .o you have enou)h time and ener)y to complete the pro7ect(

18 Is the problem important to you and are you motivated to underta0e the research( 19

1: .o you have the necessary funds for the research( 1< Will you be able to complete the pro7ect within the time available( 1= .o you have access to the administrative, statistic and computer facilities the research necessitates( T$TA&4