you begin a research study by identifying a topic to study-typically an issue or problem in education that needs to be resolved. Identifying a research problem consists of specifying an issue to study, developing a justification for studying it, and suggesting the importance of the study, for select audiences that will read the report. By specifying a "problem," you limit the subject matter and focus attention on a specific aspect of study. Consider the following "problems," each of which merits research: