In the social and behavioral sciences, the subject of analysis is most often framed as a problem that must be researched in order to discover new knowledge and understanding, formulate a set of solutions or recommended courses of action, improve the human condition, or develop a more effective approach to applied practice. The research problem, therefore, is the main organizing principle guiding the analysis of your research. It establishes an occasion for writing and a focus that governs what you want to say and how you want to say it. The research problem represents the essential subject matter of scholarly communication and the means by which scholars arrive at other topics of conversation within and outside of their area of study [i.e., their discipline].
Alvesson, Mats and Jörgen Sandberg. Constructing Research Questions: Doing Interesting Research. London: Sage, 2013; Jacobs, Ronald L. “Developing a Dissertation Research Problem: A Guide for Doctoral Students in Human Resource Development and Adult Education.” New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development 25 (Summer 2013): 103-117; Chapter 1: Research and the Research Problem. Nicholas Walliman. Your Research Project: Designing and Planning Your Work. 3rd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2011.
A research problem sets the stage for how to design a study based, in part, on the type of conclusions, desired outcomes, recommended courses of action, or applications to practice that are expected as a result of your analysis and interpretation of the findings. In this context, a research problem not only serves as the main organizing principle of the study, but it helps frame the way in which you approach the topic.
Below are types of research problems, along with examples related to the study of climate change to help differentiate each of them while also showing their interconnectedness.
Action
Action research relates to conducting investigations in socio-organizational settings, most often utilizing qualitative methods of information gathering and interpretation. The objective of an action-based research study is to create outcomes leading to positive change within a group, community, organization, or society as a whole. The topic may also have personal significance to the researcher.
An example of an action research problem could be: A persistent challenge in transporting food aid to rural regions of Zimbabwe during persistent drought conditions is creating effective partnerships with local government and non-governmental entities that can support efficient delivery of goods and services. Working with local government leaders and nonprofit aid organizations, this study tests methods of outreach and collaboration aimed at improving transportation planning and operations in areas impacted by long-term droughts.
Applied
The purpose of applied research is to focus on addressing problems that generate practical, evidence-based solutions, interventions, or innovations that lead to measurable improvements to the human condition. Its primary objective is not only to add to existing knowledge about a topic, but to leverage this new knowledge in ways that apply to real world situations. An aim of applied research studies is often to test theoretical assumptions in real life settings.
An example of an applied research problem could be: Rising sea levels threaten the long-term stability and sustainability of low lying coastal communities in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This study uses climatological data and growing sea level estimates to measure potential sea water intrusion in these communities for the purpose of developing detailed plans for infrastructure improvements and adaptive redevelopment or relocation projects.
Casual
Causal [a.k.a., relational] research is conducted for the purpose of revealing the extent, nature, and consequences of cause and effect relationships between two or more variables. These studies require a longitudinal study design. Given this, causal research investigate topics that require new understanding about patterns of change, variation, or transformation in groups, organizations, communities, or societies.
An example of a causal research problem could be: Global warming has decreased glacial water flows throughout the world, contributing to a significant and abrupt drop in the planet's freshwater reserves. Using the loss of glacial ice atop the Andes Mountains in Chile, this study documents how reduced fresh water flow has stressed key areas of agricultural production leading to reductions in economic well-being among farmers in local communities.
Developmental
Developmental research focuses on understanding the various stages of diffusion, development, or growth associated with a specific concept or phenomenon. This approach uses techniques of data collection and information gathering to not only identify moments of change or transformation, but how these changes evolved and were reinforced, supported, augmented, or enhanced over time.
An example of a developmental research problem could be: Overall acceptance of renewable energy has improved as the government has invested increasingly in wind and solar energy projects. Prior research identifies multiple factors that could explain growing acceptance of renewable energy. This study uses polling data and survey studies to focus on how attitudes and perceptions among young adults have improved due to government-led investments in renewable energy initiatives.
Exploratory
Exploratory research is conducted to elucidate and define the nature of a specific phenomenon where little is known or understood. The objective is to reveal initial insights, obtain different perspectives, or uncover new information that can be used to identify areas requiring further research. Exploratory research is often conducted in preparation of a larger study.
An example of an exploratory research problem could be: Climate change is not only an environmental issue, but a human health issue. A significant impact of climate change has been an increase in devastating wildfires throughout the western United States. This study surveys how seasonal exposure to wildfire smoke could have a negative impact on cardiovascular health among the elderly housed in assisted living communities of rural Central California.
Predictive
Predictive research is intended to forecast or prepare for potential outcomes in the future based on detailed analysis of current or historic information. These studies often use quantitative techniques of data gathering and a longitudinal study design to examine specific conditions or variables that can be used for planning for and assessing future trends or events. Predictive research is useful when there is a need to make decisions about a problem.
An example of a predictive research problem could be: Data shows that Arctic waters are warming at twice the rate of the rest of the globe leading to possible ice-free summers by 2040. This has created tensions among Arctic border nations concerning security, maritime trade, and natural resource extraction. Given these dynamics, this study focuses on assessing the prospects for a new international treaty agreement that would regulate use of trans-Arctic maritime routes as ice continues to recede.
Theoretical
Theoretical research focuses on inquiries that seek to advance knowledge and understanding about complex concepts, ideas, and phenomena within a specific area of study or discipline. This approach furthers knowledge by systematically and critically examining prior beliefs and assumptions for the purpose of addressing basic questions about a problem. In some cases, theoretical research creates new understandings about a topic that does not have any immediate or practical applications.
An example of a theoretical research problem could be: Strategies for creating a greater public sense of urgency about climate change are often unsuccessful. However, declarations of urgency comport most often with people when messaging is placed within the context of cultural values and belief systems. This study uses Place Attachment Theory, the idea that people have an emotional affinity with specific landscapes, to examine the benefits of referencing threats to natural parks and monuments to highlight the the need to address climate change.
Chinagozi, OSADEME Gloria. “Research Problems in Management Sciences: An Expository Approach.” International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science 7 (June 2023): 438-450; Kamper, Steven J. "Types of Research Questions: Descriptive, Predictive, or Causal." Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 50 (August 2020): 468-469; Singh, Sunaina. "What is a Research Problem? Characteristics, Types, and Examples." Researcher.Life, August 22, 2023; Walia, Ashni and Priya Chetty. “Different Types of Research Problems and Their Examples.” Project Guru, June 1, 2020; Ellis, Timothy J., and Yair Levy. “Framework of Problem-based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-worthy Problem.” Informing Science: The International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline 11 (2008): 17-33; Luse, Andy, Brian Mennecke, and Anthony Townsend. “Selecting a Research Topic: A Framework for Doctoral Students.” International Journal of Doctoral Studies 7 (2012): 143-152; Tracy, Sarah J. “Taking the Plunge: A Contextual Approach to Problem-based Research.” Communication Monographs 74 (March 2007): 106-111.
Do not assume that identifying a problem to investigate will be a quick and easy task! You should be thinking about it during the beginning of the course. There are generally three ways you are asked to write about a research problem:
I. How To Begin: You are given the topic to write about
Step 1: Identify concepts and terms that make up the topic statement. These terms can be found in the description of the writing assignment. For example, your professor wants the class to focus on the following research problem: “Is the European Union a credible security actor with the capacity to contribute to confronting global terrorism?" The main concepts in this problem are: European Union, security, global terrorism, credibility [hint: focus on identifying proper nouns, nouns or noun phrases, and action verbs in the assignment description].
Step 2: Review related literature to help refine how you will approach examining the topic and finding a way to analyze it. You can begin by doing any or all of the following: reading through background information from materials listed in your course syllabus; searching the USC Libraries Catalog to find a recent book on the topic and, if appropriate, more specialized works about the topic; conducting a preliminary review of the research literature using multidisciplinary databases such as ProQuest or subject-specific databases from the "By Subject Area" drop down menu located above the list of databases.
Choose the advanced search option in the database and enter into each search box the main concept terms you developed in Step 1. Also consider using their synonyms to retrieve additional relevant records. This will help you refine and frame the scope of the research problem. You will likely need to do this several times before you can finalize how to approach writing about the topic.
NOTE: Always review the references from your most relevant research results cited by the authors in footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography to locate related research on your topic. This is a good strategy for identifying important prior research about the topic because titles that are repeatedly cited indicate their significance in laying a foundation for understanding the problem. However, if you’re having trouble at this point locating relevant research literature, ask a librarian for help!
ANOTHER NOTE: If you find an article from a database that's particularly helpful, paste it into Google Scholar, placing the title of the article in quotes. If the article record appears, look for a "cited by" reference followed by a number [e.g., Cited by 37] just below the record. This link indicates how many times other scholars have subsequently cited that article in their own research since it was first published. This is an effective strategy for identifying more current, related research on your topic. Finding additional cited by references from your original list of cited by references helps you navigate through the literature and, by so doing, understand the evolution of thought around a particular research problem.
Step 3: Since social science research papers are generally designed to encourage you to develop your own ideas and arguments, look for sources that can help broaden, modify, or strengthen your initial thoughts and arguments. For example, if you decide to argue that the European Union is inadequately prepared to take on responsibilities for broader global security because of the debt crisis in many EU countries, then focus on identifying sources that support as well as refute this position. From the advanced search option in ProQuest, a sample search would use "European Union" in one search box, "global security" in the second search box, and adding a third search box to include "debt crisis."
There are least four appropriate roles your related literature plays in helping you formulate how to begin your analysis:
NOTE: Remember to keep careful notes at every stage or utilize a citation management system like EndNotes or RefWorks. You may think you'll remember what you have searched and where you found things, but it’s easy to forget or get confused. Most databases have a search history feature that allows you to go back and see what searches you conducted previously as long as you haven't closed your session. If you start over, that history could be deleted.
Step 4: Assuming you have done an effective job of synthesizing and thinking about the results of your initial search for related literature, you're ready to prepare a detailed outline for your paper that lays the foundation for a more in-depth and focused review of relevant research literature [after consulting with a librarian, if needed!]. How will you know you haven't done an effective job of synthesizing and thinking about the results of our initial search for related literature? A good indication is that you start composing the outline and gaps appear in how you want to approach the study. This indicates the need to gather further background information and analysis about the research problem.
II. How To Begin: You are provided a list of possible topics to choose from
Step 1: I know what you’re thinking--which topic on this list will be the easiest to find the most information on? An effective instructor would never include a topic that is so obscure or complex that no research is available to examine and from which to design an effective study. Therefore, don't approach a list of possible topics to study from the perspective of trying to identify the path of least resistance; choose a topic that you find interesting in some way, that is controversial and that you have a strong opinion about, that has some personal meaning for you, or relates to your major or a minor. You're going to be working on the topic for quite some time, so choose one that you find interesting and engaging or that motivates you to take a position. Embrace the opportunity to learn something new!
Once you’ve settled on a topic of interest from the list provided by your professor, follow Steps 1 - 4 listed above to further develop it into a research paper.
NOTE: It’s ok to review related literature to help refine how you will approach analyzing a topic, and then discover that the topic isn’t all that interesting to you. In that case, choose a different topic from the list. Just don’t wait too long to make a switch and, of course, be sure to inform your professor that you are changing your topic.
III. How To Begin: Your professor leaves it up to you to choose a topic
Step 1: Under this scenario, the key process is turning an idea or general thought into a topic that can be configured into a research problem. When given an assignment where you choose the topic, don't begin by thinking about what to write about, but rather, ask yourself the question, "What do I want to understand or learn about?" Treat an open-ended research assignment as an opportunity to gain new knowledge about something that's important or exciting to you in the context of the overall subject of the course.
Step 2: If you lack ideas, or wish to gain focus, try any or all of the following strategies:
Step 3: To build upon your initial idea, use the suggestions under this tab to help narrow, broaden, or increase the timeliness of your idea so you can write it out as a research problem.
Once you are comfortable with having turned your idea into a research problem, follow Steps 1 - 4 listed in Part I above to further develop it into an outline for a research paper.
Alderman, Jim. "Choosing a Research Topic." Beginning Library and Information Systems Strategies. Paper 17. Jacksonville, FL: University of North Florida Digital Commons, 2014; Alvesson, Mats and Jörgen Sandberg. Constructing Research Questions: Doing Interesting Research. London: Sage, 2013; Chapter 2: Choosing a Research Topic. Adrian R. Eley. Becoming a Successful Early Career Researcher. New York: Routledge, 2012; Answering the Question. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Brainstorming. Department of English Writing Guide. George Mason University; Brainstorming. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Chapter 1: Research and the Research Problem. Nicholas Walliman. Your Research Project: Designing and Planning Your Work. 3rd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2011; Choosing a Topic. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Mullaney, Thomas S. and Christopher Rea. Where Research Begins: Choosing a Research Project That Matters to You (and the World). Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2022; Coming Up With Your Topic. Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College; How To Write a Thesis Statement. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Identify Your Question. Start Your Research. University Library, University of California, Santa Cruz; The Process of Writing a Research Paper. Department of History. Trent University; Trochim, William M.K. Problem Formulation. Research Methods Knowledge Base. 2006.
Resources for Identifying a Research Problem
If you are having difficulty identifying a topic to study or need basic background information, the following web resources and databases can be useful:
Descriptions of resources are adapted or quoted from vendor websites.
Not Finding Anything on Your Topic? Ask a Librarian!
Don't assume or jump to the conclusion that your topic is too narrowly defined or obscure just because your initial search has failed to locate any relevant studies. Librarians are experts in locating and critically assessing information and how it is organized. This information will help you develop strategies for analyzing existing knowledge in new ways. Therefore, always consult with a librarian before you consider giving up on finding information about what you want to investigate. If there isn't a lot of information about your topic, a librarian can help you identify a closely related topic to study. Use the Ask-A-Librarian link above to either chat with a librarian, send a general email to the librarians, or identify a subject expert librarian related to the course you are taking or the research problem you are investigating.
A Research Problem is Not a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement and a research problem are two different parts of the introduction section of your paper. The thesis statement succinctly describes in one or two sentences, usually in the last paragraph of the introduction, what position you have reached about a topic. It includes an assertion that requires evidence and support, along with your argument about what you are researching and why. There are three general types of thesis statements that are intended to set forth a claim that you will seek to validate through the research you describe in your paper:
1) analytical statements that break down and evaluate the topic;
2) expository statements that present facts and research about the topic; and,
3) argumentative statements that make a claim about the topic and defend that claim. An argumentative thesis statement is the most common type of statement required in social sciences writing assignments.
Before the thesis statement, however, your introduction must include a statement about a problem in which you describe either a key area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling issue that exists. The research problem describes something that can be empirically verified and measured and is often followed by a set of questions that underpin how you plan to approach investigating that problem. In short, the thesis statement presents your argument about the research problem and summarizes how you plan to address it.
Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Write a Strong Thesis Statement! The Writing Center, University of Evansville; Thesis Statements. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Tutorial #26: Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences. Writing Center, College of San Mateo; Creswell, John W. and J. David Creswell. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 5th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2017.
Don't be a Martyr!
In thinking about what to study, don't adopt the mindset of pursuing an esoteric or overly complicated topic just to impress your professor but that, in reality, does not have any real interest to you. Choose a topic that is challenging, but that has at least some interest to you or is something that you care about. Obviously, this is easier for courses within your major, but even for those nasty general education classes that you must take in order to graduate [and that provide an additional tuition revenue for the university], try to apply perspectives to the writing assignment that reflect your major.
For example, if you are an international relations major taking a GE philosophy class where the assignment asks you to write a paper concerning the question of "what is truth" to some aspect of life, you could choose to study how government leaders attempt to recast factual truth through the use of nationalistic propaganda. Applying problems to write about based on your major will not only help you engage with the class assignment, but it can create opportunities to understand research problems within your preferred area of study from an interdisciplinary perspective.