Problem formulation and objectives

Editor's Notes

• #2: Course Code: LLM 2002 Course Title: Research Methodology   Course Teacher: Syed Md. Sajjad Kabir Assistant Professor and Chairman Department of Psychology University of Chittagong Chittagong -4331
• #3: Problem Formulation and Objectives Topics Covered 2.1 What is research problem? 2.2 Why need to formulate the research problem? 2.3 Criteria for selection of the problem 2.4 Stages in the selection of research problem 2.5 How to identify the research problem? 2.6 Formulation of problem statement 2.7 How to write research question? 2.8 Identify research objectives.
• #4: What is Research Problem? A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. In some social science disciplines the research problem is typically posed in the form of a question. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question. McGuigan stated that problem exists on when there is no available answer of some question or problem is a question for solution. According to Kerlinger- “a problem is an interrogative sentence or statement that asks: what relation exists between two or more variables?” Problem definition may include information on- Magnitude: What is the incidence and prevalence of the problem? Time Frame: When does it occur? Is it current? Geographic area: Where does the problem generally occur? Population:  Does the problem affect certain groups of people? If so, what are their characteristics? Why? What are the probable reasons for the problem? Is there agreement or conflict over these reasons? Solutions: What solutions have already been tried?  How successful have they been?  What untried solutions might there be? Unanswered Questions:  What parts of the problem need further research?
• #5: There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem - Casuist Research Problem - this type of problem relates to the determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of general rules and the careful distinction of special cases. Difference Research Problem - typically asks the question, “Is there a difference between two or more groups or treatments?” This type of problem statement is used when the researcher compares or contrasts two or more phenomena. Descriptive Research Problem - typically asks the question, "What is...?" with the underlying purpose to describe a situation, state, or existence of a specific phenomenon. Relational Research Problem - suggests a relationship of some sort between two or more variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to investigate qualities/characteristics that are connected in some way.
• #6: The purpose of a problem statement is to- Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied. The reader is oriented to the significance of the study and the research questions or hypotheses to follow. Places the problem into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be investigated. Provides the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information.   In order to demonstrate that your problem is researchable, the statement of research problem should perform the following functions- The context of research; The focus of research; The significance of research; and The framework for results and conclusions.   Although selecting a research problem is one of the most difficult step for a student in a research process, it is unfortunately one for which the least guidance can be given. A problem statement must have the following characteristics- It should ask about a relationship between two or more variables. It should be stated clearly and unambiguously, usually in question form. It should be possible to collect data or answer the questions asked. It should not represent a moral or ethical position.
• #7: Creating a research question is a task. Good research questions are formed and worked on, and are rarely simply found. You start with what interests you, and you refine it until it is workable. Good research questions are- Relevant: Arising from issues raised in literature and/or practice, the question will be of academic and intellectual interest. Manageable: You must be able to access your sources of data (be they documents or people), and to give a full and nuanced answer to your question. Substantial and original: The question should showcase your imaginative abilities, however far it may be couched in existing literature. Fit for assessment: Remember, you must satisfy the learning outcomes of your course. Your question must be open to assessment, as well as interesting. Clear and simple: A clear and simple research question will become more complex as your research progresses. Start with an uncluttered question then unpeel the layers in your reading and writing. Interesting: Make your question interesting, but try to avoid questions which are convenient or flashy. Remember, you will be thinking about this question for an entire year.
• #8: Do not confuse a research problem with a research topic. A topic is something to read and obtain information about whereas a problem is something to solve or framed as a question that must be answered. A good research question helps to- guide the research process construct a logical argument write a literature review plan thesis chapters devise efficient search strategies.
• #9: A well defined research question has six properties- identifies the theoretical construct you want to learn more about assists you to code literature according to a logical structure transcends the data used to conduct the research draws attention to the significance of the research has the capacity to surprise the researcher as they research encourages a complex answer (i.e. not a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response).
• #10: A research question is not the same as a thesis title, research problem, hypothesis or research focus, although they are interrelated and support one another. A research question summarizes the significant issue your research will investigate. The title consists of the topic and outcome of a research project. The research problem explains the knowledge gap your research will address. A hypothesis is a predicted answer to the research question that can be tested and is based on prior research. A research focus specifies the scope or domain of inquiry. 
• #11: Why Need to Formulate Research Problem? Quite often we all hear that a problem clearly stated is a problem half solved. This statement signifies the need for defining a research problem. The problem to be investigated must be defined unambiguously for that will help to discriminate relevant data from the irrelevant ones. A proper definition of research problem will enable the researcher to be on the track whereas an ill-defined problem may create hurdles.   The formulation of a research problem is like the identification of a destination before undertaking a journey. As in the absence of a destination, it is impossible to identify the shortest – or indeed any – route, in the absence of a clear research problem, a clear and economical plan is impossible. A research problem serves as the foundation of a research study; if it is well formulated, you can expect a good study to follow. According to Kerlinger (1986), “If one wants to solve a problem, one must generally know what the problem is. It can be said that a large part of the problem lies in knowing what one is trying to do”.   In fact, formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution. It is only on careful detailing the research problem that we can work out the research design and can smoothly carry on all the consequential steps involved while doing research. The formulation of a problem is like the “input” into a study, and the “output” – the quality of the contents of the research report and the validity of the associations or causation established – is entirely dependent upon it. Hence the famuous saying about computers – “garbage in, garbage out” – is equally applicable to a research problem.
• #12: Criteria for Selection of the Problem The factors are to be considered in the selection of a research problem both the criteria external and personal. External criteria have to do with such matters as novelty and importance for the field availability of data and method, and institutional or administrative cooperation. Personal criteria involved such considerations as interest, training, cost and time, etc. Thus criteria for the selection of the problem suggested by Good and Scates are as follows - Novelty and avoidance of unnecessary duplications. Importance for the field represented and implementation. Interest, intellectual curiosity, and drive. Training and personal qualifications. Availability of data and method. Special equipment and working conditions. Approachability of the sample. Sponsorship and administrative cooperation. Hazards, penalties and handicaps. Cost and returns. Time factor.   1. Novelty and avoidance of unnecessary duplication: The question of novelty or newness is not merely one of duplication of earlier investigations. It involves the regency of the data summarized especially in the case of survey studies made during a period of great Economic, Educational and Social change.   2. Importance for the field represented and implementation: This criterion of importance in choice of a problem involves such matters as significance for the field involved, timelines and practical value in term of application and implementation of the results. Scientific researches in Education, psychology and social sciences in general have an especially urgent obligation to play a social role rendering service to society and humanity.   3. Interest, intellectual curiosity and drive: One of the personal motives of research most frequently mentioned by scientists themselves is pure curiosity, accompanied by genuine interest and a drive satisfaction and enjoyment.   4. Availability of data and method: The data under consideration must meet certain standards of accuracy, objectivity and verifiability.   5. Special equipment and working conditions: The major purpose of equipment is to define the process of observation-to provide control of conditions and accuracy or permanence of recording.   6. Sponsorship and administrative cooperation: It is a common practice for the thesis to be sponsored by a faculty adviser in whose area of specialization the problem lies.   7. Costs and returns: The candidate must consider carefully his own financial resources in the light of such facilities and assistance as can be provided by the institution.   8. Time factor: As a general rule the minimum amount of graduate work for the Master’s degree is one year, and for the Doctor’s degree three years. Historical, experimental case and longitudinal genetic studies frequently require more time than the several types of normative survey work.
• #13: Hildreth Hoke McAshan has proposed an objective guide for judging the merits of a problem. The following questions may be raised for this purpose - Is the problem really important? Is the problem interesting to others? Is the chosen problem a real problem? Does the problem display originality and creativeness? Am I really concerned with finding the solution? Am I able to state hypotheses from the problem in a testable form? Will I learn something new from this problem? Do I understand the relationship of this specific problem to the broader problem area? Will be able to select a sample from which I can generalize to some population? Will some other intelligent person be able to replicate the study? Will my proposed data-gathering instruments actually give the information which I want? Is the study, including the application of its results, practical? The number of affirmative answers should be required for a suitable problem.
• #14: Stages in the Selection of Research Problem Broadly the selection of research problem would involve following three stages, each of these stages can conveniently be divided into a variety of steps. These stages however can not be skipped, but the processes involved can be hastened.
• #15: 1. Selection of Problem Area Any problem that is not of significance to the nation or profession is definitely not worth consideration of the investigator. A research problem can be sponsored by an agency and can also be invented by the investigator him/herself. It is helpful for the investigator to keep in mind the following aspects while selecting the area of problem for research – The problem to be chosen should be such as to be meaningfully related to the interest of the investigator himself. The problem having alliance with the chain of thinking or research already in existence can be handled more confidently. The ambitious problems covering a wide range of area of interest should be avoided and the problems of manageable size and limits should be taken up. An important consideration for selecting the problem area relates to its feasibility in terms of the application of scientific techniques, availability of resources in terms of money, personnel and equipments.   When the researcher considers the points mentioned above, s/he is essentially trying to answer some such questions as – Is the problem researchable, interesting, research already in existence or manageable size? Is it a new problem or the work on the problem has already in existence?   The sources for identification of problem are diverse and would largely depend upon the area of interest of the investigator and also the nature of the problem under investigation. However, the problem can be identified from – Advanced study and critical reading. Analysis and interpretation of the already available evidences, practices, trends or needs in a particular area.
• #16: 2. Identification of the Problem The researcher after having carefully understood the pattern of thinking in a particular area of interest, seeks to consider the following aspects for the selection of the problem for study. Broadly these aspects can be classified as – External Factors Internal Factors   External Factors: While considering the external factors the following should be thoroughly explored – Novelty of the Problem- It may be replicated, but it must be observed in new situation. Significance- It’s purpose must be significant. Source- It is essential to know, explain and clearly understand the sources of problem. Techniques to be Employed – Select sample in proper way, i.e. sample must be represented of the whole population. Sponsorship – A research problem can be sponsored by an agency, specially when the scale is large. Working Conditions – Environmental conditions also include in external factors. The working conditions must be secured and helpful.   Internal Factors: In case of internal factors, the necessary consideration has to be done with respect to – Interest – Researcher must have interest in such particular research field, where s/he researches. Intellectual Curiosity – Who knows well and have curiosity, have done researcher. Training – Researcher must be trained about research work. Have vast knowledge about sampling. Temperament and Personal Characteristics – To collect information from samples, the researchers have some quality to convince the subjects.   Some other internal factors are – ▪Costs Involved ▪Risks ▪Timings, and ▪Motivation, etc.   After the title of the problem has been phrased, the next important step is to produce an adequate explanation or the statement of the problem. Errors in the phrasing of the research topic can be avoided by providing focus to the problem. This can be done by – Naming the broad area or field of study instead of a specific problem for investigation. Localizing a problem to such an extent that it may prove a “pin point” problem. For providing adequate clarity to the problem, it is essential to break the problem into its component parts so that human mind can deal with it.
• #17: 3. Interpretation or Analysis of the Problem The introductory explanation of the problem is usually followed by a detailed definition and development of back-ground concerning sub-problems, scope, the review of the related literature, sources of data, explanation of terminology used and assumptions etc. To analyze the problem in its proper perspective would be to ask five simple questions to ourselves to ensure its feasibility. A. What Do You Want to Know? These are questions to be answered by the investigation or study. These are questions which will guide in asking questions in developing questionnaire or other devices. They also guide in the methods of analysis and in presentations.   B. Where and How Will You Get the Information? This has two parts: where to get the information and how to get it. Where means from whom or from what other source, viz. farmers, students, home makers or house-wives. Another question with where, is about sampling or census enumeration. Sources are also to be identified here such as records, reports and other available documents. How includes mailing questionnaire or observing phenomenon, interviewing, tests, scaling and case studies etc.   C. Who Will Collect the Information? The next step is to decide whether a researcher or a group of other persons will collect the information. What training will be necessary if you require others to collect the information?   D. How Will the Information be Analyzed? It is going back again to first step- the information you wanted. The responses obtained on the record forms are organized and summarized to answer the questions formulated in step one.   E. What Does It Mean? What are the applications of the results to the work you are doing and to your profession. In what way these results can make your work better. After knowing the results, what changes should one make in his way of doing his work.   When the title of the problem is specific and has been identified on the basis of the criteria laid down earlier, it becomes easier for the researcher to choose appropriate concepts, constructs and variables and develop tentative relationships amongst them. It has been emphasized that the selection of the problem actually determines not only the strategy to be followed, but it also provide insight and methodology for the collection of data, and formulation of design of research as well as its format of presentation etc. In this way, even though it may take slightly longer period of time to determine the area of the problem and the identification of the same, it is a valuable input in terms of the outcome of any research proposal.
• #18: Indentifying a problem to study can be challenging, not because there is a lack of issues that could be investigated, but due to pursuing a goal of formulating a socially relevant and researchable problem statement that is unique and does not simply duplicate the work of others. To facilitate how you might select a problem from which to build a research study, consider these broad sources of inspiration-   Deductions from Theory: This relates to deductions made from social philosophy or generalizations embodied in life in society that the researcher is familiar with. These deductions from human behavior are then fitted within an empirical frame of reference through research. From a theory, the research can formulate a research problem or hypothesis stating the expected findings in certain empirical situations. The research asks the question: “What relationship between variables will be observed if theory aptly summarizes the state of affairs?” One can then design and carry out a systematic investigation to assess whether empirical data confirm or reject the hypothesis and hence the theory.   Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Identifying a problem that forms the basis for a research study can come from academic movements and scholarship originating in disciplines outside of your primary area of study. A review of pertinent literature should include examining research from related disciplines, which can expose you to new avenues of exploration and analysis. An interdisciplinary approach to selecting a research problem offers an opportunity to construct a more comprehensive understanding of a very complex issue than any single discipline might provide.   Interviewing Practitioners: The identification of research problems about particular topics can arise from formal or informal discussions with practitioners who provide insight into new directions for future research and how to make research findings increasingly relevant to practice. Discussions with experts in the field, such as, teachers, social workers, health care providers, etc., offers the chance to identify practical, “real word” problems that may be understudied or ignored within academic circles. This approach also provides some practical knowledge which may help in the process of designing and conducting your study.
• #19: Personal Experience: Your everyday experiences can give rise to worthwhile problems for investigation. Think critically about your own experiences and/or frustrations with an issue facing society, your community, or in your neighborhood. This can be derived, for example, from deliberate observations of certain relationships for which there is no clear explanation or witnessing an event that appears harmful to a person or group or that is out of the ordinary.   Relevant Literature: The selection of a research problem can often be derived from an extensive and thorough review of pertinent research associated with your overall area of interest. This may reveal where gaps remain in our understanding of a topic. Research may be conducted to: (a) fill such gaps in knowledge; (b) evaluate if the methodologies employed in prior studies can be adapted to solve other problems; or, (c) determine if a similar study could be conducted in a different subject area or applied to different study sample [i.e., different groups of people]. Also, authors frequently conclude their studies by noting implications for further research; this can also be a valuable source of problems to investigate.   The selection of a suitable problem is not an easy task. It is a serious responsibility to commit oneself to a problem that will inevitably require much time and energy and which is so academically significant. The following are the other sources to which one may proceed for a suitable research problem - Personal experiences of the investigator in the field of education are the main source for identifying suitable problem. Many of the problems confronted in the classroom or the community lend themselves to investigation and they are perhaps more appropriate for the beginning researcher than are problems more remote from his/her own teaching experiences. The other source of problem which is most frequently used by the investigator as suggested by the supervisors; is the extensive study of available literature-research abstracts, journals, hand-books of research international abstracts etc. S/he can draw an analogy for selecting a research problem or can think parallel problem in the field studied. In the choice of a suitable problem, the researcher has to decide his/her field of investigation. S/he should study the field intensively in the specific area; this may enable him/her to identify a problem from the specific field. The new innovations, technological changes and curricular developments are constantly bringing new problems and new-opportunities for Research. The most practical source of problem is to consult supervisor, experts of the field and most experienced person of the field. They may suggest most significant problem of the area. S/he can discuss certain issues of the area to emerge a problem. It is a general practice that researchers suggest some problems in their research reports. The researcher can pick up a suitable problem for his/her own study.
• #20: Formulation of Problem Statement A problem statement is a clear concise description of the issue(s) that need(s) to be addressed by a problem solving team. It is used to center and focus the team at the beginning, keep the team on track during the effort, and is used to validate that the effort delivered an outcome that solves the problem statement. It has a specific form- Vision - what does the world look like if we solve the problem? Issue Statement - one or two sentences that describe the problem using specific issues. Method - the process that will get followed to solve the problem.
• #21: The 5 ‘W’s - Who, What, Where, When and Why - is a great tool that helps get pertinent information out for discussion. Who - Who does the problem affect? Specific groups, organizations, customers, etc. What - What are the boundaries of the problem, e.g. organizational, work flow, geographic, customer, segments, etc. - What is the issue? - What is the impact of the issue? - What impact is the issue causing? - What will happen when it is fixed? - What would happen if we didn’t solve the problem? When - When does the issue occur? - When does it need to be fixed? Where - Where is the issue occurring? Only in certain locations, processes, products, etc. Why - Why is it important that we fix the problem? - What impact does it have on the business or customer? - What impact does it have on all stakeholders, e.g. employees, suppliers, customers, shareholders, etc.   Each of the answers will help to zero in on the specific issue(s) and frame the Issue Statement. Your problem statement should be solveable. That is, it should take a reasonable amount of time to formulate, try and deploy a potential solution.
• #22: 5 Ways to Formulate the Research Problem 1. Specify the Research Objectives: A clear statement of objectives will help you develop effective research. It will help the decision makers evaluate your project. It’s critical that you have manageable objectives. (Two or three clear goals will help to keep your research project focused and relevant.)   2. Review the Environment or Context of the Research Problem: As a researcher, you must work closely with your team. This will help you determine whether the findings of your project will produce enough information to be worth the cost. In order to do this, you have to identify the environmental variables that will affect the research project.   3. Explore the Nature of the Problem: Research problems range from simple to complex, depending on the number of variables and the nature of their relationship. If you understand the nature of the problem as a researcher, you will be able to better develop a solution for the problem. To help you understand all dimensions, you might want to consider focus groups of consumers, sales people, managers, or professionals to provide what is sometimes much needed insight.   4. Define the Variable Relationships: During the problem formulation stage, you will want to generate and consider as many courses of action and variable relationships as possible. Such a process involves- Determining which variables affect the solution to the problem. Determining the degree to which each variable can be controlled. Determining the functional relationships between the variables and which variables are critical to the solution of the problem.   5. Consequences of Alternative Courses of Action:There are always consequences to any course of action. Anticipating and communicating the possible outcomes of various courses of action is a primary responsibility in the research process.
• #23: How to Write Research Question? A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex and arguable question around which you center your research. You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious about. Research questions help writers focus their research by providing a path through the research and writing process. The specificity of a well-developed research question helps writers avoid the “all-about” paper and work toward supporting a specific, arguable thesis. There are some guidelines for writing a research question- Choose an interesting general topic. Even directed academic research should focus on a topic in which the writer is at least somewhat personally invested. Writers should choose a broad topic about which they genuinely would like to know more. Do some preliminary research on your general topic. Do a few quick searches in current periodicals and journals on your topic to see what’s already been done and to help you narrow your focus. What questions does this early research raise? Consider your audience. For most university papers, your audience will be academic, but always keep your audience in mind when narrowing your topic and developing your question. Would that particular audience be interested in this question? Start asking questions. Taking into consideration all of the above, start asking yourself open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic. Evaluate your question. Is your research question clear? With so much research available on any given topic, research questions must be as clear as possible in order to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her research.   Is your research question focused? Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available. Is your research question complex?  Research questions should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no” or by easily-found facts.  They should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of the writer.
• #24: Sample Research Questions Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful?Clear: How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on such social networking sites as MySpace and Facebook?   The unclear version of this question doesn’t specify which social networking sites or suggest what kind of harm the sites are causing. It also assumes that this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. The clearer version specifies sites (MySpace and Facebook), the type of harm (privacy issues), and who the issue is harming (users). A strong research question should never leave room for ambiguity or interpretation.
• #25: Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming?Focused: How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica? The unfocused research question is so broad that it couldn’t be adequately answered in a book-length piece, let alone a standard college-level paper. The focused version narrows down to a specific cause (glacial melting), a specific place (Antarctica), and a specific group that is affected (penguins). When in doubt, make a research question as narrow and focused as possible.
• #26: Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in Bangladesh?Appropriately Complex:  What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in Bangladesh, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease? The simple version of this question can be looked up online and answered in a few factual sentences; it leaves no room for analysis. The more complex version is written in two parts; it is thought provoking and requires both significant investigation and evaluation from the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quick Google search can answer a research question, it’s likely not very effective. 
• #27: Research objectives address the purpose of the investigation and types of knowledge to be generated. Looking at the objectives of a research one can anticipate what is to be achieved by the study. A research objective includes exploration, description, explanation, prediction, evaluation and impact assessment. In a descriptive study, the objectives can be stated as the research questions. In a causal study, the objectives are usually stated in the form of hypotheses. Major reasons for formulating the objectives of a research are – Focus the study so as to narrow it down to essentials; Avoid collection of data that are not strictly necessary for understanding and solving the problem in hand; Organize the study in clearly defined components or phases.
• #28: While formulating the research objectives, keep in mind that the results would be compared to the objectives when the study is evaluated. If the objectives have not been formulated clearly, the study cannot be evaluated as desired. For this reason objectives fulfill certain criteria – They are realistic to fit the local environment. They cover the different aspects of the problem. They consider the contributing factors in a coherent way and in a logical sequence. They consider the ethical issues, if any. They are clearly phrased in operational terms.
• #29: Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the research problem, giving the sponsor specific, concrete and achievable goals. It is best to state the objectives of a study in general terms first and then moving down to specific terms. From this point of view, objectives are of two types – general and specific.   General Objectives: The general objective of a study states what is expected to be achieved by the study in general terms. For example, in a study on anemia in pregnancy, the general objective can be stated as: To study the changes in the haemoglobin level with increase in duration of pregnancy. Specific Objectives: After rightly stated the general objectives, it is advisable to break it down into several smaller, logically connected parts. These are normally reffered to as specific objectives. Specific objectives should systematically address the various aspects of the problems and the key factors that are assumed to influence or cause the problems. If formulated properly, specific objectives will facilitate the development of the research methodology and will help the researcher to orient the collection, analysis, interpretation and utilization of data. Thus in the anemia survey, just cited above, the specific objectives could be – To determine through history, the duration of pregnancy parity and the last birth interval of pregnant women in the study. To assess hemoglobin level of the pregnant women using Sahli’s method. To determine the changes in hemoglobin level with the duration of pregnancy, controlling for birth and parity.
• #30: Immediate Objectives: In addition to general objective and specific objectives, a few studies, particularly evaluative studies attempt to specify immediate objective. Immediate objective serves to indicate the focus of the proposed research in behavioral terms. The objective should specify the following points – Who will conduct the study? When and where the study will be conducted? What are the key variables to be included? The following example seeks to answer the above questions and thus illustrate what immediate objectives are – (Who) The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics will conduct a child nutrition survey (When) in the year 2015 among 5000 children from (Where) rural and urban areas of Bangladesh to assess the nutritional status of the children and to identify the relationship of such common factors (Key variables) as household food security, health parameters (such as diarrhoea, measles, severe cough etc.) and child-care practices.   Ultimate Objective: Most applied research studies have a statement of ultimate objective that focuses on how the results will be used to motivate the program managers and policymakers for implementing and executing the recommendations followed from the survey results. In the anemia survey, the ultimate objective may be stated as: It is expected that findings of the study will help in enhancing understanding of the effect of pregnancy on hemoglobin level of mothers and thereby guide the physicians in correct iron therapy for pregnant women during different gestational period.