This article describes in simple terms the meaning of research, difficulties faced while selecting a research problem, sources of research problems and factors to be kept in mind while finalizing a research topic. Though the world is full of problems, selecting a problem for academic research is a challenging task. It is the selection of the area and the topic that decide the success of the entire research work. Experience has shown that hurried finalization has cost time, energy and money on the part of research scholars. The author has shared her own personal experiences she had while deciding to work on a research topic. The crucial step in any academic research is deciding on the problem. It is expected that this article will be helpful to those interested in carrying out any academic research done for the sake of getting degrees. 

 

Keywords: Research; Theories; Replication; Problem for research