UNIT III

THE RESEARCH
PROBLEM NAD
FORMULATION OF
HYPOTHESIS
Research Problem Identification
DEFINING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
Defining a research problem is the fuel
that drives the scientific process, and is
the foundation of any research method
and experimental design from true
experiment to case study.
• It is one of the first statements made
in any research paper and as well as
defining the research area. Should
include a quick synopsis of how we
the hypothesis was arrived at.

• Operationalization is then used to

give some indication of the exact
definitions of the variable, and the
type of scientific measurements used.
• This will lead to the proposal of a
variable hypothesis. As an aside when
scientist are putting forward
proposals for research funds, the
quality of their research problem
often makes the difference between
success and failure.
EXAMPLE OF DEFINING
RESEARCH PROBLEM
An anthropologist might find some
references to relatively unknown tribe
in Papua New Guinea. Through
inductive reasoning, she arrives at the
research problem and asks, “ How do
these people live and how does their
culture relate to nearby tribes?”
STRUCTURING THE
RESEARCH PROBLEM
Look at any scientific paper and you
will see the research problem, written
almost like statement of intent.
Defining a research problem is crucial
in defining the quality of the answers
and determines the exact research
method used. A quantitative
experimental design uses deductive
reasoning to arrive at testable
hypothesis.
Qualitative research
designs inductive
reasoning to propose
research statement.
Formulation of Conceptual Framework
• Theory-Theories are constructed in
order to explain, predict and master
phenomena (e.g. Relationship, event,
or the the behavior)In many instance
we constructing models of reality. A
theory makes generalization about
observations and consists of an
interrelated, coherent set of ideas and
models.
Formulating the Theoretical
Framework
The Theoretical framework of the
study is a structure that can hold or
support a theory of a search work. It
presents the theory which explains
why the problem under study exists.
Thus, the theoretical framework is but
a theory that serves as a basis for
conducting research.
Purpose of Theoretical Framework
• It helps the researcher see clearly the
variables of the study;
• It can provide him with a general
framework for data analysis;
• It is essential in preparing a research
proposal using descriptive and
experimental methods.
In the formulation of theoretical
framework, important consideration
should include;
1. Specifies the theory used as basis for
the study
2. Mentions the proponents of the
theory
3. Cites the main points emphasized in
the theory
4. supports his exposition of the theory
by Ideas from other experts;

5. Illustrates his theoretical framework

by means of a diagram; and

6. Reiterates his theoretical proposition

in the study.
Conceptual framework
After formulating the theoretical
framework, the researcher has to
develop the conceptual framework of
the study.
Concept
is an image or symbolic representation
of an abstract idea. Chinn and Kramer
(1999) define a concept as a "complex
mental of experience”
While the theoretical framework is the
theory on which the study is based, the
conceptual framework is the
operationalization of the theory.
• It is the researcher's own position on
the problem and gives direction to
the study.
• It may be an adaptation of a model
used in a previous study, With
modifications to suits the inquiry.
Aside from showing the direction of
the study, through the conceptual
framework, the researcher can be able
to show the relationships of the
different constructs that he wants to
investigate.
Important consideration in formulating
the conceptual framework;
1. Cite your conceptual framework or
paradigm,
2. Identify your variables;
3. Point out the dependent and
intervening variables:
4. Show the direction of the study.
Once the conceptual framework has
been determined, the next for the
researcher is to determine what
research methods to employ to best
answer the research problem through
the proposed framework.
3.4 Review of Existing Literature
What is Review of related literature?
A review of related literature is an
integral part of theses or dissertations.
It may also be a required part proposal.
The main purpose of a review of
related literature is to analyze scientific
works by other researchers that you
used for investigation critically.
How to write the
introduction a
Review of Related
Literature?
In order to make the Introduction
elaborately, take the following steps.
1. Identify the general topic of the
sources under discussion. Thus, you will
provide the context of your review of
related literature;
2. Discuss what was already presented
about the topic of your paper: conflicts
in a theory, conclusions, gaps in research
and scholarship, etc.
3. Explain why the literature used is
worth reviewing.
How to Write the Body of a Review of
Related Literature?
When writing the Body, do the following:
1. Group the sources according to their
common dominators (approaches,
objectives or any specific chronologies)
2. Give the examples of how to sort out
these groups. Use quotations, evidences,
data, etc. They will make your review of
related literature more valid.
How to Write the Conclusion of a
Review of Related Literature
To make the Conclusion, do the following:
*Summarize the contributions of the
literature sources made to the area of
study you investigate, Maintain the central
focus in the Introduction;

*Give a kind of insight into the relationship

between the topic of your review and a
larger study area (e.g. a discipline, a
scientific endeavor, etc.)
Thank you!