What is the Difference Between Research Problem and Research Question?

The difference between a research problem and a research question lies in their purpose and structure. Here are the key distinctions:

Research Problem:

1. Refers to an issue, difficulty, or gap in knowledge that is being addressed in the research.
2. Provides the significance of the topic and gives a clue about the direction of the research.
3. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question.
4. A research problem is something that needs to be investigated.

Research Question:

1. A statement made in a question form seeking to study, learn, explore, or examine more about the research topic.
2. Aims to distill or focus the research problem.
3. Research questions help determine the methodology and hypothesis of the research.
4. A research question guides the specific inquiry.

In summary, a research problem sets the stage for the research, while a research question guides the specific inquiry. The research problem introduces the significance of the topic and gives a clue about the direction of the research, whereas the research question is a statement in the form of a question aiming to study, learn, examine, and explore more about the research topic.

Comparative Table: Research Problem vs Research Question

Here is a table comparing the differences between a research problem and a research question:

In summary, a research problem identifies an issue or gap in knowledge that needs to be addressed, while a research question is a specific query that helps to determine the methodology and hypothesis of the research. The research problem sets the stage for the research, and the research question guides the specific inquiry.