Problem Formulation

The word problem comes from the Greek problema, meaning, originally, “a shield, bulwark or a hurdle, or an impediment.” Although there is a range of meanings in present-day usage of the word, it retains the sense of an impediment, a blockage, an unresolved dilemma, or something that stands in the way of moving forward. Problems come in various forms, depending on what it is that constitutes the hurdle or impediment. Among these, for example, are practical problems, ethical problems, political problems, and intellectual problems.

Intellectual problems are characterized by curiosity or puzzlement, and it is the effort to solve such problems that drives scientific research, including case study research. To be sure, it is usually some other kind of blockage standing in the way of human action, such as a practical, ethical, or political problem that ultimately motivates research; however, it is only when curiosity arises as to why the blockage exists, or how it might be removed, that research begins. Thus, problem formulation is the act of identifying an unresolved dilemma for further study and lays the foundation for ensuing research.