Identifying a Research Problem

Abstract

The current chapter concentrates on both the theoretical and practical aspects of identifying a research problem, one of the most important steps in the research process. Based on the scholarship in the disciplines of applied linguistics and language education, this chapter attempts to provide a thread covering key concepts, characteristics, stages and strategies in facilitating researchers to identify a research problem. The final objective is to outline a methodical approach to developing a specific research question that could be useful for data collection and even data analysis procedure. It is expected that the chapter would be able to equip researchers and practitioners with a thorough set of guidelines on how to identify a research problem in the targeted disciplines, thus contributing to the existing body of knowledge of the research process.