RESEARCH PROBLEM

In any research, selecting and properly defining a research problem is the first and foremost step. Kothari (2011) defines a research problem as some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same. Thus, geographical research problems come from subject matters related to the discipline such as population, migration, climate change and various theories. One of the research problems could be “THE IMPACT OF POPULATION PRESSURE ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION”.

On the other hand, research objectives and questions are linked terms for the former grow out of the latter. Research questions are more specific, focused questions that communicate in greater detail the nature of the study. Research objectives are the goals a researcher sets out to attain in his/her study. These transform research questions into behavioral aims by using action oriented words such as to find out, to determine and to examine aiming at informing a reader of what the researcher wants to achieve through the study (Kumar: 2005; Allyn and Bacon: 2011).

Research methods refer to the behavior and instruments used in selecting and constructing research techniques. They include experiments schedules, analysis of historical records, questionnaire, observation, case studies and interviews (Kothari: 2011).

Several research objectives and questions can be developed on the above named research topic. Two kinds of objectives can be developed; general and specific. Since the two are interconnected, research objectives can be drawn from the questions.

 General objective:

The study intends to gain familiarity on the impact of population pressure on agricultural production.

Specific objectives:

        i.            To examine the causes of population pressure.

      ii.            To determine the impact of population pressure on agricultural production.

    iii.            To find out measures on population pressure.

Possible research questions:

        i.            What are the causes of population pressure?

      ii.            In which ways does population pressure affect agriculture?

    iii.            What can be done to solve the problem?

A number of methods can be applied to obtain answers on the above named research problem. However, the selection of these methods is based on the usefulness of each technique in relation to what the researcher is to do in accordance to the selected research problem. Here are the methods:

One is through observation method. This is a method in which a person uses his/her eyes to look at the phenomenon and record what is seen (Kothari: 1990). It is a fundamental way of finding out about the world around us. Human beings are very well equipped to pick up detailed information about the environment through senses. As a method of data collection for research purposes, observation is more than just looking or listening.

Observation is a best method for quantitative research where the purpose is to provide reliable quantifiable data (www.datacollection.com). Thus, the option to use observation is because the study will involve both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Observation provides rich qualitative data and that is why it can be used in the study selected.

Observation is of two categories; participant and non-participant observation. Participant observation is also referred to as direct observation. This is a method of data collection involves a group of people in which the researcher becomes part and parcel of people under observation (Keith: 1965). Under non-participant observation the researcher observes actions, behaviors and activities of the group that is studied without participating in the life of those people (Keith: 1965).

There are a number of reasons as to why the method is preferred for the selected study. First, the method is reliable since it involves collection of first hand data. Second, it is time saving as one does not have to look for data elsewhere. Third, it allows full participation of the learner in the learning process. Fourth, it helps to develop skills such as observation, recording, interpretation and imagination of geographical phenomena (Kothari: 1990). Fifth, it helps the researcher/observer to memorize.

Another applicable method is questionnaire. Key (1997), defines questionnaire as a means of eliciting the feelings, beliefs, experiences, perception or attitudes of some sample of individuals. According to Conway (2006), questionnaire is an internal research tool and is one means of eliciting the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, experiences and attitudes of sample group of individuals. In other words, it is a concise, pre-planned set of questions designed to yield specific information about a particular topic from one or more groups of people.

Again, under the proposed study topic, the rationale for using questionnaire is on its advantages. First, it is economical. The use of questionnaires reduce expenses and time involved training the interviewers and sending to interview. Second, there is uniformity of the questions. Each respondent receives the same set of questions phrased in exactly the same way. Questions may therefore yield data more comparable than information obtained through other techniques.

Another advantage is that it allows standardization. If the questions are highly structured and the conditions under which they are answered are controlled, then the questionnaires could become standardized. They can also reach many respondents within a short time.

The limitations on the use of questionnaires vary depending on the nature of population. Questionnaires are not suitable for illiterate people. They also give no chance to seek for clarification on the questions or responses as interview can do. Another disadvantage is that there may be a delay in delivery.

Interview can also be applied in such a study. Kothari (2004) defines interview as a research method used for collecting data by involving presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral-verbal responses. It can be personal or telephone interview.

Under personal interview questions are to be asked in a face to face contact to the respondent. However, telephone interview is conducted without direct contact with the respondent but rather through phone in which responses are recorded.

It can also be structured or unstructured interview.  Structured interview involves the use of a set of pre-determined questions and of highly standardized techniques of recording. Therefore, an interviewer asks questions following a rigid procedure laid down. Unstructured interview does not follow the system of pre-determined questions and standardized techniques of recording information. Here, a researcher has greater freedom of asking questions (Kothari: 2004).

There is a need to apply interview in the selected study because of its advantages. First, it provides and allows more information to be collected. Second, there is a greater flexibility. Third, personal information can easily be obtained. Fourth, it is easy to select who is to answer the question. Fifth, sample can be controlled easily.

Despite these advantages the method has some shortcomings like biasness as a researcher has freedom to select persons to be interviewed, can also influence answers. If not well managed, it can be time consuming to interview and record at the same time. It is also not suitable for a large population as well as cost and time.

Another applicable method under the selected study is focus group discussion. This involves gathering people from similar backgrounds or experiences to discuss specific topic of interest. The group can be of ten or fewer people and is guided by a moderator or facilitator who introduces topic for discussion and helps the group to participate in a lively and natural discussion.

Focus group discussion can be used to explore the meanings of survey findings that cannot be explained statistically, the range of opinions/views on a topic of interest and to collect a wide variety of local terms. It can be useful be useful in providing an insight into different opinions among different parties involved in the change process, thus enabling the process to managed more smoothly. It is also a good method to apply prior to designing questionnaires (Robinson: 1999).

The rationale for choosing the method is because it first, it is time and cost efficient compared to individual interviews. Second, it allows interaction among the members hence easy to generate a new thinking. Third, it allows the researcher to get information from non-verbal responses like facial expressions or body language. Fourth, the researcher can seek for immediate clarification for ambiguous information.

Some shortcomings of the method include biasness as some individuals can dominate the discussion, respondents can be influenced by peer pressure, also controlling the discussion is not easy and it becomes difficulty to project the findings.

Conclusively, getting answers to research problems needs skills and therefore proper selection of the techniques to be applied is of great deal so as to make the study live and significant. Thus, suitability, strengths and weaknesses of the methods to be applied are to be carefully considered.