The Research Problem Statement

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The Research Problem Statement
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Research Problem

• The research problem defines the mission and
  objectives behind conducting primary research

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Research Problem

• A comprehensive problem statement that includes
• Problem definition
• Justification for research
• Specification of informational needs

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Research Problem Statement (1)Problem Definition

• Goal Answers the objective for doing research
• Example
• Gator Credit Union would like to increase the
  number of customers who take out loans through
  the bank over the next year, but is unsure of
  what criteria people use to choose a lender.

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Research Problem Statement (2)Justification for
Research

• Provides support for why research is an optimal
  path to problem resolution
• Example
• Research is necessary in order to improve the
  clients understanding of what criteria influence
  bank selection. Since no current information is
  available, research will help Gator Credit Union
  avoid costly target marketing and communications
  mistakes.

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Research Problem Statement (3)Specification of
Informational Needs

• Specifies what variables will be the focus of the
  research investigation.
• Does NOT specify what questions will be explored
• Example
• Research will examine 1) the decision-making
  criteria customers used in selecting a loan
  institution and 2) general attitudes customers
  have toward credit unions.

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The Composite Research Problem Statement

• Gator Credit Union would like to increase the
  number of customers who take out loans through
  the bank over the next year, but is unsure of
  what criteria people use to choose a lender.
  Research is necessary in order to improve the
  clients understanding of what criteria influence
  bank selection. Since no current information is
  available, research will help Gator Credit Union
  avoid costly target marketing and communications
  mistakes. Research will examine 1) the
  decision-making criteria customers used in
  selecting a loan institution and 2) general
  attitudes customers have toward credit unions.