Recap

Research Says
 Lesson 5:
Stating a Research
Problem
 Competencies

1. designs a research useful in daily life CS_RS12-Id-e-1

2. writes a research title CS_RS12-Id-e-2

3. describes background of research CS_RS12-Id-e-3

Activity:

The Pre-Cal Case:

In Quarter 2 Exam it was found out

that in Pre calculus Class, among 167
SHS Students, 130 Failed the subject
and 37 passed. If you are to write a
research title or state the research
problem, what will be like? State your
position.
 Q & A: What are
things to remember
in
Stating a Research
Problem?
 The problem statement sets the direction of the study.

It is the verbalization of the “question” which the study

proposes to answer.

This is divided into the main problem and the subsidiary

problems.

These can be stated in declarative (infinitive) or interrogative

(question) form.

The main problem is the whole focus of the study. This is

reflected in the title of the study.

The sub problems are the break down of the main variables
into their components. When the answers to the sub-problems are
put together, they answer the main question.
Techniques to facilitate problem identification:

• Visit the library and browse books and other reading

materials
• Consult your research teacher about the research
thrusts of the school
• Observe needs and concerns in your workplace,
community or school
• Search related topics from journals and other scholarly
materials
• Analyze the possible causes of the present problems or
current issues and their possible solutions
• Read recommendations from unpublished materials
(theses and dissertations)
Hypothesis

Hypothesis is a temporary working explanation

pertaining to the relationship or difference of variables
being investigated. It must be used whenever there is a
basis for prediction.

Choosing the type of hypothesis to be used in the

study is important because it shows the logical coherences
with the theoretical background and statement of the
problem.

It also guides the researcher on the choice of

respondents or subjects of the study and the statistical
treatments to be used.
Further, it guides the researcher on the critical
value in the rejection or non rejection of the null
hypothesis.

Formulation of the hypothesis is based on

the statements of the problem (or atleast one of
the sub-probems) the paradigm and the variables
being investigated. Hypothesis must be stated
clearly and in a declarative or interrogative form
and the variables are stated in their operational
forms.
Characteristics of a Research Problem or Objectives (Calmorin and
Calmorin, 2014)

The characteristics of a good problem possesses the

acronym – SMART. This means that a research problem should be:

Specific. The problem is in simple and specific manner. The

variables, locale and subjects of the study are specifically stated.

Measurable. It is easy to measure and quantify by using

research instruments in collecting data. Instruments or tools
include questionnaire, index, survey form, observation sheet,
interview schedule on scale;
 Achievable. The data are achievable using
correct statistical techniques to arrive at precise
results;

Realistic. Real results are not manipulated.

Findings are observable and comparable to reality;
and

Time-bounded. Time frame is required in

every activity because the shorter completion of
the activity the better. Time table should be
developed to guide the researcher on the step by
step process of the study.
Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem or
Topic

1. The research problem or topic must be chosen by

the researcher himself/herself which is within his/her
interest, specialization and competence of the
researcher. It must be within the ability of the
researcher to finance, otherwise he/she must be able
to find funding for his research.
2. It is researchable and manageable, which means that
data are available and accessible. The data must meet
the standards of accuracy, objectivity, and verifiability.
Answers to the specific questions (sub problems) can be
found. The hypotheses formulated are testable, that is,
they can be accepted or rejected. Equipment and
instruments for research are available and can give valid
and reliable results.
3. The research can be completed within a reasonable
period of time. It is significant, important, and relevant
to the present time and situation.

4. The results are practical and implementable and

requires original, critical, and reflective thinking. It can
be delimited to suit the resources of the researcher
but big or large enough to be able to give significant,
valid and reliable results and generalizations.
5. The study must contribute to human knowledge
particularly on the national development goals for the
improvement of the quality of human life. It must show
or pave the way for the solution of the problem or
problems intended to be solved.

6. It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values

and must not advocate any change in the present order
of things by means of violence but by peaceful means.
7. There must be a return of some kind to the
researcher. The return may be: Monetary; advancement
of position, promotion; improved specialization,
competence, and skill in professional work; enhanced
prestige and reputation; and satisfaction of intellectual
curiosity and interest, and being able to discover truth.

8. There must be a consideration of the hazards

involved, either physical, social, or legal of a person or
other living things.
Guidelines for Critiquing Research Problems, Research
Questions and Hypotheses
In formulating the problem statement, the following criteria should
be considered:

1. The research problem/objective is written in question

(problem) or declarative/infinitive form (objective).

Example:
1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1 age;
1.2 gender;
1.3 religion; and
1.4 highest educational attainment?
or
1. to determine the profile of the respondents in terms of
age, gender, religion, and highest educational attainment.
2. The research problem identifies a specific area.

Example:
Teaching Performance of Male Clinical Instructors in the
Microbiology Department of University of San Carlos

3. The topic is phrased in workable and manageable

terms.

Example: What is the Level of Stress of the Engineering

teachers in University of San Jose Recoletos?
4. The scope is limited to realistic parameters that are not
narrow nor too broad. The words used are unbiased,
objective and not emotion-laden and that the relationship
between variables to be studied are clearly cited.

Example: Emotional Quotient and Performance in the

Licensure Examination of Medical Technologist student at
Southwestern University

5. The phrases and words are measurable and can be

empirically proven.

Example: What is the level of self-esteem of the Grade 11

students in STEC?
 The following are the guidelines in the formulation of
the research title. These are also the characteristics
of the title.
1. Generally, the title is formulated before the start of
the research work. It may be revised and refined later
when needed or upon the suggestion of the research
committee.

2. The title must contain the subject matter of the

study, the locale of the study and the population involved.

3. The title indicates what is expected to be found

inside the research report by stating the aspects of the
subject matter to be studied.
4. It must be as brief and concise as possible.
Maximum of 15 words.

5. Avoid using the terms “An Analysis of,” “A

Study of,” “An Investigation of,” and the like. All
these things are understood to have been done or
to be done when a research is conducted.

6. If the title has more than one line, it must be

written like an inverted pyramid and all words
should be capitalized.
 MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES OF SOPHOMORE STUDENT NURSES,
SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

1. Object of the study/variable: Multiple Intelligences

2. Sample Population included: Sophomore Student Nurses
3. Setting: Southwestern University
4. Design: Evaluative
5. Outcomes: Enhancement Program
 LEARNING STYLES AND BRAIN DOMINANCE OF FRESHMEN
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS IN VELEZ COLLEGE

1. Object of the study/variable: Learning Styles and Brain

Dominance
2. Sample Population included : Medical Technology Students
3. Setting: Velez College
4. Design: Evaluative
5. Outcomes: Learning Plan
MARIGONDON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: ACADEMIC PROBLEMS AND
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

1. Object of the study/variable: Academic Problems

2. Research Subjects: Senior High School Students
3. Setting: Marigondon NHS
4. Design: Action Research
5. Ultimate end of the research: Proposed solutions/Intervention
Plan
APPLICATION:

Title: COMMERCIALIZATION OF BLOOD DONATION IN

MACTAN DOCTORS’ HOSPITAL

1. Object of the study/variable:

2. Research Subjects:
3. Setting:
4. Design:
5. Ultimate end of the research:
APPLICATION:

Title: MATH AND ENGLISH SKILLS AS PREDICTORS OF

RESEARCH SKILLS IN STEC SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOL STUDENTS

1. Object of the study/variable:

2. Research Subjects:
3. Setting:
4. Design:
5. Ultimate end of the research:
APPLICATION:

LACK OF PARENTAL SUPPORT AND LOW ACADEMIC

PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

1. Object of the study/variable:

2. Research Subjects:
3. Setting:
4. Design:
5. Ultimate end of the research:
APPLICATION:

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS OF

CLASSROOM OFFICERS IN STEC

1. Object of the study/variable:

2. Research Subjects:
3. Setting:
4. Design:
5. Ultimate end of the research:
APPLICATION:

GENDER-BASED SKILLS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS

IN STEC

1. Object of the study/variable:

2. Research Subjects:
3. Setting:
4. Design:
5. Ultimate end of the research: