Defining the Research Problem

Problems and research objectives are completely different, however, interrelated. Problems are situations calling to make decisions among alternatives. Objectives is what must be produced by the researcher as this clearly defines what information will be collected, from whom and in what format. The purpose of research objective must state the construct to be measured in and in what units of measurement. Construct is an abstract idea inferred from specific instances. Symptoms are not problems, instead, symptoms are changes in the level of some key measures towards the achievement of an objective. 

As a researcher, there is a need to determine all possible causes for the symptoms  The selection of a probable cause creates the decision. Hypotheses are stated to help guide the development of research objectives. A hypotheses  are statements taken as true for the purpose of an argument or investigation. A researcher here, will be making assumptions about the consequences of decision alternatives.