The authenticity of research problems

Abstract

The definition of the research problem is fundamental, necessary to approach the study phenomenon. In spite of its relevance, it is not clear the method used to define it, which makes it difficult to design tools to approach the research phenomenon. This essay proposes a look from the concept of authenticity of the problem in the framework of analytical postmodernism to approach the named factor. In total, six study works published between 1921 and 2023 were considered, then ontological and epistemological elements underpinning authenticity were identified. The results showed that the research problem can be supported from the viewpoint of three perspectives: informal logic, critical positivism and postmodernism.