Exercise I: Formulation of a research problem Quantitative studies Now that you have gone through all the chapters that constitute Step I of the research process, this exercise provides you with an opportunity to apply that knowl- edge to formulate a research problem that is of interest to you. As you know, select- ing a research problem is one of the most important aspects of social research, so this exercise will help you in formulating your research problem by raising questions and issues that will guide you to examine critically various facets and implications of what you are proposing to study. The exercise is designed to provide a directional frame- work that guides you through the problem formulation path. Keep in mind that the questions and issues raised in this exercise are not prescriptive but indicative and directional, hence you need to be critical and innovative while working through them. Thinking through a research problem with care can prevent a tremendous waste of human and financial resources.