The First and Most Important Step of the Research Process: Defining the Decision Problem
27 Eylül 2025
The very first step when starting a research project—defining the decision problem correctly—is actually the most critical point of the entire process. Because if you set out with the wrong definition, no matter how much data you collect or how extensive your analysis is, the results will not be useful. That is why the foundation of any research is a clear answer to the question: “What is the real question we are trying to answer?”
What Is a Decision Problem?
A decision problem refers to the core issue that needs to be solved. In other words, it is the answer to the question: “Why are we conducting this research? What decision do we need to make?”
For example, suppose a company launches a new product, but it does not receive the expected level of interest from consumers. The decision problem here is:
“What should we do to ensure the product reaches the desired sales volume?”
From this point, the decision problem is translated into measurable research questions. Perhaps the price perception is too high, the advertising is not visible enough, or competing products appear more attractive to consumers.
Why Is It So Important?
Defining the decision problem correctly acts like a compass for the rest of the research process.
- Resources are not wasted,
- The research stays focused on the right target,
- The results directly guide decision-makers.
On the other hand, a poorly defined problem leads to both time and budget losses.
How to Properly Formulate the Decision Problem?
- Understand the current situation thoroughly: Existing reports, available data, and observations must be carefully reviewed.
- Focus on the core question: Ask clearly, “Which decision cannot be made if this research is not conducted?”
- Formulate research questions: A general question should be broken down into smaller, answerable sub-questions.
- Ensure results are measurable: Outcomes should support concrete decision-making.
- Avoid biases: The problem should be defined based on objective data, not assumptions.
Example in Marketing Research
Imagine a beverage brand launches a natural mineral water product, but consumer demand is lower than expected. In this case, the decision problem can be defined as:
“How should we adjust our marketing strategy to increase consumer demand?”
From here, the following questions may arise:
- “How do consumers perceive the product’s price?”
- “Are the advertising campaigns effective enough?”
- “Does the product’s taste meet consumer expectations?”
The answers to these questions will illuminate the path toward solving the decision problem.
Conclusion
The most important step of research is to define the decision problem clearly and accurately.
A well-defined problem:
- Simplifies all subsequent steps of the research,
- Ensures the findings are truly useful.
In short, just as a solid building cannot be built without a strong foundation, reliable research cannot be carried out without a clear problem definition.