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Chapter 2 • PORE Master Curriculum

Defining the Research Problem & Framing Scholarly Inquiries

Problem Identification, Conceptual Scoping & Boundary Delimitation

Problem Formulation Research Gap Analytical Scope Objectives
Executive Overview & Learning Objectives

A research problem clearly stated is half-solved. Learn how to isolate core research gaps from ambiguous intellectual puzzles, formulate testable questions, and set analytical boundaries.

1. Foundational Concepts & Core Principles

1

What is a research problem: necessity of intellectual doubt and epistemic gap

Rigorous academic inquiry requires precise delimitation of this principle to ensure internal consistency, falsifiability, and methodological replicability.

2

Techniques involved in defining a problem: broad statement, understanding nature, literature survey

Rigorous academic inquiry requires precise delimitation of this principle to ensure internal consistency, falsifiability, and methodological replicability.

3

Developing operational definitions and working hypotheses

Rigorous academic inquiry requires precise delimitation of this principle to ensure internal consistency, falsifiability, and methodological replicability.

4

Common pitfalls: overly broad scope, triviality, and unfeasible data requirements

Rigorous academic inquiry requires precise delimitation of this principle to ensure internal consistency, falsifiability, and methodological replicability.

2. Methodological Comparison & Trade-offs

Descriptive Gap

Lack of empirical documentation on a phenomenon or historical event.

Theoretical Gap

Contradiction between existing models or unexplored epistemic dimensions.

Methodological Gap

Existing studies rely on flawed or incomplete apparatus.

3. Practical Guidelines & Common Methodological Pitfalls

Best Practices (Do This)
  • Explicitly state operational definitions before measurement.
  • Acknowledge potential confounders and data limitations in the methodology section.
  • Pre-register hypothesis and statistical tests when conducting quantitative trials.
  • Provide full provenance for historical, epigraphical, and archival texts.
Critical Pitfalls (Avoid This)
  • Confusing statistical correlation with causal determination.
  • Using non-probability convenience samples to claim population generalizations.
  • Failing to report negative results or unexpected anomalies.
  • Relying on unverified secondary citations without reading the primary source.
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