Formulating a research topic into a research problem is a critical step in the research process because it transforms a broad area of interest into a precise and manageable issue that can be systematically investigated. The process begins with identifying a general topic that aligns with the researcher’s interests, expertise, and the field of study. At this stage, the researcher surveys existing literature, observes current trends, and reflects on gaps in knowledge. A good topic should be significant, relevant, and feasible, providing a foundation for generating questions that have potential practical or theoretical implications. Once a general topic is chosen, the next step involves narrowing it down to a specific area. Broad topics are often too expansive to study directly, so the researcher refines the scope by considering aspects such as population, context, time frame, or phenomena. For instance, instead of studying "education," a researcher may focus on "the impact of digital tools on primary school mathematics learning." This narrowing process often involves preliminary reading, informal discussions with experts, and examining recent studies to identify areas where there is limited knowledge or unresolved questions. After the topic is narrowed, the researcher identifies the central problem. A research problem is essentially a question that arises from the topic, reflecting a gap, contradiction, or unresolved issue in existing knowledge. At this stage, the researcher examines the topic critically, asking questions such as: What is not known? What issues have conflicting findings? What practical challenges exist that require empirical investigation? The objective is to convert the general curiosity into a researchable question. This involves reviewing previous research studies, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings to pinpoint areas that require further exploration. Clarity and specificity are crucial in defining the research problem. A well-formulated research problem should be precise enough to allow for systematic investigation yet flexible enough to adapt based on emerging findings. One common approach is to operationalize key concepts, which means defining them in measurable or observable terms. For example, if the research topic is about "stress among college students," the research problem would specify what type of stress is being investigated (academic, social, or financial), the target population (undergraduate students in a specific region), and the methods for measuring it (surveys, interviews, physiological indicators). Operationalization ensures that the