Note problem formulation

 Research Problem

               The first and most important step of a research is formulation of research problems. It is like the foundation of a building to be constructed. To solve a problem someone has to know about the problem. So, the problem identification and formulation is very crucial for the researcher before conducting a research, and this is perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of any research undertaking. The "problem" is stated in the opening passages of a study and, in effect, provides a reader the rationale for why the study is important and why it is necessary to read.

         The formulation of the problem can be interpreted as a short writing that is in the opening section of a scientific paper. This section explains in detail the phenomena that occur in certain questions. The formulation of the problem is part of the problem that raises a question that will be sought for answers through data collection and data processing. The lowing is explained in advance regarding the problem from several experts .According to suryabrata (1994), it is explained that the problem is a gap between expectations and reality, between needs and reality and between what should be and what is real. So it can be concluded that the formulation of the problem is a formula that questions a phenomenon that occurs due to gaps, and is used as limitations in research variables that need to be sought for answers and conclusions:

Type of Problem Formulation

                      In absolute terms, a research problem can be defined as the statement regarding the area of concern, or a condition that needs to be improved, an unresolved question that exists in the literature, a difficulty that needs to be eliminated or any point that needs some meaningful investigational research problems are of three types:

• Descriptive (pertains to issues that need studying) .
• Causal research or comparative (problems that look at cause and effect).
• Relational or associative (research questions which focus on the relationship between two or more factors).

Descriptive . The descriptive problem formulation is a problem with the independent variables only in one or more variables. Researchers will not make comparisons of one variable with another sample variable, but only look for relationships between variables.

    Eg. How high is the level of community satisfaction with agricultural extension services in     agriculture?

Comparative. In the type of comparative or casual problem formulation, it is inversely proportional to the descriptive type, where the formulation of the comparative problem is a comparison obtained between variables without having to be described. In short, this type of problem formulation will compare one variable with another.

Eg; Are there differences in immunity between children from the village and city (one variable two samples).

Associative . The formulation of the problem using an associative or relational model is formed from the relationship and also the comparison between variables. In short, this model is known as a mixed model. Making the problem formulation closer to several related questions, then these questions will be answered in the discussion of scientific papers. There are three forms of relationship in this type, among others:

• Symmetry relationship. A relationship between two or more variables which coincidentally occur together. Examples of problem formulations include;

          Eg; Is there a relationship between hair colour and the intelligence of students at school?

• Causal relationship . A relationship that is causal in nature, so there are independent variables (variables that influence) and the dependent variable (variables that are affected).

         Eg; Is there an effect of parental education on children’s learning achievement (Parents ‘ 

         education as the independent variable and learning achievement as the dependent variable)

• Interactive or reciprocal relationship . Namely relationships that influence each other where it is not known which the independent and dependent variables are.  

         Eg; The relationship between intelligence and wealth. Intelligence can lead to wealth, but a rich             person can also increase intelligence.

Characteristics of Problem Formulation

• It should address a gap in knowledge.
• It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research.
• It should lead to further research.
• The problem should render itself to investigation through collection of data.
• It should be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time, and resources
• The approach towards solving the problem should be ethical.