MODULE 5

Statement of the Problem

BEGIN

”
By now, you may have already outlined your research questions
and identified the parameters of your study. The next thing to do is to
set the focus and direction of your study by defining your research
problem.
Philosopher Kaoru Ishikawa once said: “You will have a problem
half-solved by defining it correctly on the first day”. Indeed, it is very
important to formulate clearly and precisely the statement of the
problem or the main focus of your investigation.
In this competency, you will learn the correct process of developing
a clear and specific written statement of the problem.

YOUR TARGETS
At the end of the lesson you should be able to:
1. Define statement of the problem in research context;
2. Describe the content of the statement of the problem;
3. Understand the process of formulating the statement of the problem;
and
4. Formulate and present the statement of the problem of your own
study.
 TRY THIS
PRE-TEST
Directions: Read and analyze the statements below. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Quantitative research problem deals more with _________.

A. description and general explanation of phenomena
B. description and explanation of situations
C. precision and specificity of the problem
D. trends and patterns of chosen group

2. It refers to an issue that has not been fully addressed by previous studies.
A. Research problem C. Research question
B. Research topic D. Research gap

3. Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE?

A. Statement of the Problem is generally composed of research questions.
B. A research can be done with or without Statement of the Problem.
C. Statement of the Problem sets the focus and direction of the study.
D. Problem statement is the description of the issue currently existing that needs to be
addressed.

4. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good statement of problem?

A. It should address a gap in knowledge.
B. The approach towards solving the problem may be unethical.
C. It should lead to further research.
D. Questions must be clear and specific.

5. What should be the primary characteristic of a quantitative research problem?

A. specific and measurable
B. broad and interesting
C. complicated and immeasurable
D. expansive and subjective
 DO THIS
When reading a newspaper or watching news on television, you may encounter
recent and important issues in the country posing problems.
Below is a short new story from recent issue that you may find relevant and
interesting. Being an inquisitive and speculative researcher, you resort to thinking what
will be your contribution to address the problem and help find solution to it.
On the space provided, state the main problem of the news story and justify the
need to solve the problem.

1. St Luke’s Hospital announces full capacity for Covid-19 patients

ST. LUKE’S Medical Center announced that its wards and intensive care unit
(ICU) for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients have remained at full capacity
as of Friday.
In a statement posted on social media, the hospital said that its branches in
Quezon City and Global City, Taguig also had their emergency rooms fully occupied
with people experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.
The hospital requested that those requiring immediate care from Covid to seek
other hospitals in the meantime. (By Red Mendoza of The Manila Times)

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EXPLORE

Thinking of a research problem to research on is the beginning act of the

research process. Research is known by its inquiry or problem-based nature which
is shown in the Statement of the Problem. Once the research problem has been
identified, it is important to clearly and precisely formulate research questions that
you want investigate. Here, the use of deductive method is needed in order to
narrow down research problem into specific questions.
Below are sample statements of the problem from various studies. You may
study the development of the formulation of research questions for each sample.
Sample 1 (Experimental Study for STEM)

Title: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY ON DIFFERENT LEVELS OF AROMA (ACASIA

FARNESIANA) FRUIT EXTRACT AS ORGANIC INSECTICIDE AGAINST
MOSQUITO

Statement of the Problem:

This study aims to answer the following questions:
1. What is the effect of different levels of Aroma fruit extract as organic insecticide
against mosquito in terms of?
a. Time period of effectiveness;
b. Number of dead mosquitos; and
c. Mortality rate
2. Is there a significant difference on the effect of different levels of Aroma fruit
extract as organic insecticide against Mosquito?
3. What is the appropriate level of Aroma fruit extract that give best result as
organic insecticide against mosquito?

Sample 2 (Descriptive Study for HUMSS)

Title: ASSESSING WORK IMMERSION PERFORMANCE AND CAREER

PREPARATION OF GRADE 12 STUDENTS IN BULALACAO SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOL S.Y. 2019-2020: A BASIS FOR STRATEGIC INTERVENTION

Statement of the Problem:

This study aims to assess the level of Grade 12 students’ Work Immersion
performance and career preparation.
Specifically, it seeks to give answer to the following questions:
1. What is the extent of the conduct of work immersion among Grade 12
students in Bulalacao Senior High School in terms of:
a. Work Immersion Program
b. Delegation of Work
c. Area of Expertise
d. Work Environment
2. What is the level of career preparation of selected Grade 12 students of
Bulalacao Senior High School in terms of:
a. Career Guidance Advocacy Program (CGAP)
b. Track and Strand
c. Career Preference
3. Is there a significant relationship between the extent of the conduct work
immersion and level of career preparation of Grade 12 students in Bulalacao
Senior High School?
4. What proposed strategic intervention can be made from the result of this
study?
Sample 3 (TVL-Related Study)

Title: ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF GUAVA LEAVES EXTRACT

AGAINST E. COLI IN SWINE

Statement of the Problem:

This study seeks answer to the following questions:
1. What is the color of swine manure as affected by antibacterial properties
properties of guava leaves extract?
2. Is there a significant difference on the color of swine manure as affected by
antibacterial properties of Guava leaves extract?
3. What is the level of guava leaves extract that will give best result against
E.Coli?

Guide Questions:
Directions: Answer the following questions based on the samples given.
1. How will you describe the statement of the problem in the examples above?
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2. How are the research questions developed and presented?
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3. Are the sample problem statements clearly and precisely written? Justify your
answer.
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TRY IT YOURSELF – WRITE THE QUESTIONS

Directions: Complete the table by formulating at least two (2) specific research
questions out of the given research titles.

Research Title:
Effects of Parenting Style on Children’s Study Habits
Research Questions:
1.
2.
Research Title:
The Impact of Media Exposure to the Learning Behavior of Grade 11 Students
in San Roque National High School: A Basis for Strategic Intervention
Research Questions:
1.
2.
 KEEP THIS IN MIND
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM IN RESEARCH

According to Bwisa (2018), the first and most important step in any
research is to identify and delineate the research problem: that is, what the
researcher wants to solve and what questions he/she wishes to answer. A
research problem may be defined as an area of concern, a gap in the existing
knowledge or a deviation in the norm or standard that points to the need for further
understanding and investigation.
Your problem statement is the backbone of the research proposal initially
presented to give background for the study. The ultimate goal of a statement of
the problem is to transform a generalized problem (something that bothers you; a
perceived lack) into a targeted, well-defined problem; one that can be resolved
through focused research and careful decision-making.
Writing a statement of the problem should help you clearly identify the
purpose of the research project you will propose. Often, the statement of the
problem will also serve as the basis for the introductory section of your final
proposal, directing your reader’s attention quickly to the issues that your proposed
project will address and providing the reader with a concise statement of the
proposed project itself.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF A STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A good research problem should have the following characteristics:

1. It should address a gap in knowledge.
2. It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research
3. It should lead to further research
4. The problem should render itself to investigation through collection of data
5. It should be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time, and
resources
6. The approach towards solving the problem should be ethical

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Once you have already enumerated your research questions for your study, it
is important that you consider its quality to answer and explain your research problem.
The following are good characteristics of research questions, as described by Fraenkel
and Wallen (2020).

Feasible. Consider the amount of time, energy, money, respondents, and even
your current situation as a student-researcher. Is the research problem possible? Will
it not spend unreasonable amount? Consider these examples: “How do parents feel
about the blended learning modality for elementary learners?” and “How would giving
each learner their own laptop to be used in this blended learning modality affect their
performance tasks?” The first example is definitely a more feasible research question.
Considering the resources, it is more possible to gather the data needed to answer
the question.

Clear. The clarity of how the questions stated lead to agreement of meaning of
the readers of your study. Since your research questions are also considered as the
main focus in the gathering and analyzing the data, it is therefore very important that
these are stated clearly.

Significant. Ask if your research questions are relevant or important. Will

answering these questions provide an additional contribution to address the given
research problem? In other words, are the research questions really worth
investigating?
At this point, you do not just consider the time and money that you will spend,
but more importantly, the value of what you are trying to investigate. So aside from the
reason that your chosen research problem is within your interest, you should also
provide a sound justification of your choice as a researcher.

Ethical. Always consider the welfare of people, animals or who so ever involve
in your study. Look into ways of answering the research questions without inflicting
physical and psychological harm to persons involved.

FORMULATING RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Research questions can be generally classified into two: general and specific.
The general question of the study is derived from the research problem while the
specific questions are anchored on the general research problem.

For example:

This study aims to determine the relationship between the types learning
delivery mode and students’ learning styles. Furthermore, it seeks to answer the
following research questions: (1) What are the different learning delivery modes of the
school? (2) What the various learning styles of the students? (3) Is there a significant
relationship between the different learning delivery modes of the school and the
learning styles of its students?

Notice that a general problem was presented first. Then it was followed by the
specific questions considered as research questions of the study.

In stating quantitative research questions, you should also consider the design
of your quantitative research. For the purpose of writing your research question, here’s
a quick guide of research questions for descriptive research, correlational research,
Ex Post Facto research, Experimental, and Quasi-experimental research.

Research Questions for Descriptive Research focuses on observing and

reporting factors or aspects of the research problem. Phrases such as how
often/frequently, how many/much, what is/are, to what extent/degree, and the likes are
used in these questions. For example, you study the use of social media among Senior
High School Students, you can ask the following questions:
 What are the various social media platforms used by Senior High Students?
How many hours students spend on social media per week?

Research Questions for Correlational Research aim to determine the

relationships among two or more variables in your research problem. Correlational
research questions usually begin with the phrases “Is there a significant relationship”
or “What is the relationship between/among”. In the study of use of social media and
level of digital literacy of students following questions can be asked:

What is the relationship between the length of hours spent on social media and
level of digital literacy of students?

Is there a significant relationship between the type of social media used and the
level digital literacy of students?

Research Questions for Ex Post Facto Research attempt to identify the

causes of the phenomenon in the context of your research problem. It is also assumed
that no control or manipulation of variable has been done in order to cause the effect.
It is understood that the cause of the problem already exists before you conducted
your study. For example, ex post facto study on family background and digital literacy
of students, the following questions can be asked:

Is there a difference in the literacy level of students between their cultural and
educational family background?

Research Questions for Experimental and Quasi-experimental Research

suggests that answers to these questions are brought about by manipulation or control
of a certain variable during the conduct of the study. These questions provide
explanation to the causal relationship of variables. The following research questions
can be asked on studies on elementary student’s remedial sessions and academic
performance of students:

Is there a significant difference in the posttest scores of the control group and
experimental group?
 APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Directions: Identify one significant problem in your school or community that you want
to address through research. (Example: Water Pollution or Lack of Clean Water
Supply; Youth Fraternity Involvement; Drop-Out Rate; Low Academic Performance).
Formulate your statement of the problem by enumerating three (3) or more specific
questions that you want to research on.

Research Problem

Research Title

Statement of the Problem

1.

2.

3.

REFLECT & SHARE

Directions: As you have learned from this lesson, answer each question comprehensively.

1. What do I know about statement of the problem?

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2. I have learned that good research questions are

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3. This time, I have learned that when formulating written statement of the problem
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 ASSESS WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
DIRECTIONS: Read and analyze carefully the following questions. Write the
letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following is TRUE about writing a statement of the problem?

A. It should include individuals and groups who will benefit from the study.
B. It should clearly state specific research questions that need answers.
C. It should include relevant published literatures to support the problem.
D. It should discuss ethical issues about the problem.

2. What does a statement of the problem consist of?

A. problem and ethical issues C. problem and solution
B. list of beneficiaries D. research problem and questions

3. What type of study focuses on observing and reporting factors or aspects of the
research problem?
A. Correlational C. Ex-Post Facto
B. Descriptive D. Experimental

4. Quantitative research problem deals more with

A. description and general explanation of phenomena
B. description and explanation of situations
C. precision and specificity of the problem
D. trends and patterns of chosen group

5. What characteristic of a research question pertains to considering welfare of people,

animals or who so ever involve in your study, looking for answers without inflicting
physical and psychological harm to persons involved?
A. Feasible C. Ethical
B. Significant D. Clear

6. The research questions beginning with the phrases “Is there a significant
relationship” or “What is the relationship between/among” are for what type of study?
A. Experimental C. Correlational
B. Quasi-Experimental D. Descriptive

7. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good statement of problem?

A. It should address a gap in knowledge.
B. The approach towards solving the problem may be unethical.
C. It should lead to further research.
D. Questions must be clear and specific.

8. What is the ultimate goal of statement of the problem?

A. To state potential solutions to the research problem.
B. To clarify misconceptions about the research problem.
C. To a transform generalized problem into a targeted, well-defined problem.
D. To state evidences of the existence of the research problem
9. How should a statement of the problem be written?
A. It should be presented from general to specific.
B. It should include not more than three questions.
C. It should state well-defined problem through questions.
D. It should be presented in numerical form.

10. What is the LEAST thing to consider in stating research questions?

A. the nature of the problem C. the beneficiaries of the study
B. the research design D. the variables of the study

GLOSSARY
Correlational Research. It is a type of non-experimental research that shows the
extent and direction of variable relationships, that is, whether a negative or positive
relationship exists between or among them.
Descriptive Research. It is a type of non-experimental research that depicts an image
or a picture of an individual or a group.
Ethical. This term in research means the act of following standards of conduct in order
to protect the dignity, rights and welfare of research participants.
Experimental Research. It is quantitative type of research that is conducted through
a scientific activity called experiment, in which a test or examination of a thing under
a controlled environment is done to determine the validity or truthfulness of such thing.
Ex-Post Facto. It is a non-experimental type of research which means “that which is
done afterwards” and has the purpose of deriving data from things that are by nature
taking place, so as to obtain explanations about past events.
Feasible. In research context, it means most likely to happen or capable of being
carried out successfully and conveniently.
Inquiry. It involves the quest for truth, information, or knowledge through asking
questions. It could be passed from one generation to generation from ancestors or
parents to offspring. This process is needed in order to acquire knowledge using
sensory perceptions in an increasing difficulty as one develops to adulthood.
Inquisitive. It is the state of being intellectually curious, having the desire to give
certain answers to some questions.
Quantitative Research. It is a kind of research that involves quantifiable values which
will be subjected to statistical treatment that provides information which could be
based on observation, questionnaires and secondary data.
Quasi-Experimental Research. It is an experimental type of research with the
capacity to yield findings that are seemingly or more or less true, and is incapable of
establishing cause-effect relationships.
Research gap. It refers to what is lacking or what needs to be done in the study. It
may contain some areas of the study that haven’t been investigated or explained
thoroughly.
Research problem. It is the most important element of research since it sets the need
to investigate a certain phenomenon. It is statement about an area of concern, or a
condition to be improved or a difficulty to be eliminated.
Research questions. These are the specific questions about the research problem
that needs to be investigated and answered.
Significant. It means important, relevant or noteworthy.
Statement of the Problem. It is an important part of research that states a well-
defined problem and provides a clear and concise background to the research
problem being investigated.

REFERENCES

Bwisa, Henry. “The Basics of Writing a Statement of the Problem for your Research
Proposal.” Last Modified May 15, 2018. https://www.editage.com/insights/the-basics-
of-writing-a-statement-of-the-problem-for-your-research

Hoogterp, Anna. “How To Write a Problem Statement.” Last Modified June 19, 2020.
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NA. “How To Write A Problem.” Last Modified March 3, 2009.

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NA. “How To Write A Problem Statement.”

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.sheffield.ac.uk
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Mendoza, Red. “The Manila Times.” Last Modified August 8, 2020

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