A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, contradiction, or gap in existing knowledge that a study will address.
It is the central focus of investigation and serves as the entire foundation of the research process, guiding the formulation of research questions, objectives, and methodology.

The research problem is stated typically as a problem statement which includes:
- The current situation: Describes the desired state vs. ideal situation, then context of the current problematic situation.
- The Gap: Clearly state the specific issue, difficulty, or knowledge gap that exists. This is "what is missing or what is unknown."
- The Solution/Significance: Explain the significance of addressing the problem. Why is it important to solve this? What are the practical or theoretical implications?

Feasible: The problem is researchable within the available constraints of time, resources, expertise, and data access.
Interesting: The problem should sustain interest in the researcher and the academic community, yielding significant and high-quality output.
Novel: It fills a gap in existing knowledge or explores a new angle, context, or dimensions of an old issue, making a unique contribution.
Ethical: The study must not cause harm to participants and must be conducted according to accepted ethical standards.
Relevant: Addressing the problem must have a positive impact on the field, policymakers, or society.
Clear and Specific: It must be precisely articulated, avoiding ambiguity and making it easy for others to understand.

Research is a systematic, rigorous, and ethical process of inquiry designed to generate validated knowledge through methodological investigation and critical analysis.

Systematic: Follows a structured, logical sequence of steps with a clear plan.
Empirical: Based on observable evidence and data collected from the real world.
Rigorous and Critical: Subjected to careful scrutiny, using validated methods and critical appraisals to ensure accuracy.
Objective and Logical: Strives to minimize bias, driven by evidence and reasoning rather than personal belief.
Refutable: The process is documented and detailed so that others can study or verify findings.
Cyclical and Iterative: New findings lead to new questions, requiring further research in an ongoing cycle.
Ethical: Conducted with integrity, honesty, and respect for subjects (e.g., informed consent, confidentiality).

Formulation of Research Problem: Identifying the broad area of interest and narrowing it down to a specific, researchable question.
Literature Review: Systematically identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing existing research related to the problem.
Formulation of Hypothesis/Research Questions: Developing testable