Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem
Identifying the inquiry and clearly stating the problem are crucial early steps in any research process.
These steps define the scope of the research, guide the methodology, and help in formulating relevant
questions and hypotheses.
1. Identifying the Inquiry
The inquiry refers to the central question or issue that motivates the research. It’s the subject of
investigation that drives the research process. The inquiry typically arises from gaps in existing
knowledge, real-world challenges, or the need to solve specific problems. Here are the key points to
consider when identifying the inquiry:
Relevance: The inquiry should address a significant issue or question within a specific field or
context. It should contribute meaningfully to the body of knowledge or solve a practical problem.
Exploration: Often, an inquiry begins broadly to explore a phenomenon or topic, which later
narrows down as the researcher identifies key areas of focus.
Formulating Questions: The inquiry typically leads to open-ended questions that guide the
direction of the research. These questions are often exploratory or descriptive.
For example, an inquiry in health research might be: "How do dietary habits influence the mental health
of teenagers?" This broad inquiry would then lead to more specific research questions like, "What role
do processed foods play in the development of anxiety in adolescents?"
2. Stating the Problem
Once the inquiry is defined, the next step is to clearly state the research problem. The problem is a
specific issue or gap in knowledge that the research aims to address. A well-defined problem is crucial
because it provides direction, justifies the research, and helps define objectives. Key elements in stating
the problem include:
Clarity: The problem statement should be clear and concise, providing a specific focus for the
research.
Contextualization: The problem should be framed within a relevant context, drawing on
existing literature or real-world scenarios to demonstrate its importance.
Scope: A well-stated problem should delineate the scope of the research, indicating what will be
explored and what will be excluded.
For example, a problem statement for the inquiry about dietary habits and mental health could be:
"Despite increasing concerns about adolescent mental health, there is limited research on the specific
impact of processed food consumption on anxiety levels in teenagers."
