Writing Research BASIC CONCEPTS

Questions and the

Statement of the Problem
Presented by John Medina

Differentiating Some Basic Concepts Differences Among Area,

Problem, Purpose and Questions
 A research topic is the broad subject matter
being addressed in a study. It is a source of a Topic/area
research problem.
Research Problem
 A research problem is an educational issue or in Purpose Statement
issue in a field or problem in the study
Research Question
 A purpose or purpose statement or main Science Education
problem is the major intent or objective of the Anxiety in Science
Classes
What is the anxiety
To study the anxiety level of students who
study. among students who attend form four
attend chemistry chemistry classes?
 Research questions are questions the classes
Is there a difference
researcher would like answered or addressed in in the anxiety level
among male and
the study to attain the research purpose or main female form 4
students?
problem.

Differences Among Area, Differences Among Topic, Problem,

Purpose and Questions
Problem, Purpose and Questions
General Topic Distance Learning
Topic/area
Research Problem
Purpose Statement Research Lack of students in distance
Problem classes
Research Question
Online Learning
Isolation in the To study why students do not
Online Learning To study how Purpose
students perceive attend distance education classes at
Environment What is the online Statement
social presence in learning learners’ a community college.
the online learning perception of
environment social presence in Research Does the use of web site technology
an online learning in the classroom deter students
environment? Question
Specific from enrolling in a distance
education class?

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 So far we have already discussed the meaning of
THE RESEARCH research topic and research problem. Let us focus
on the research purpose or purpose statement
PURPOSE STATEMENT and research questions. Research purpose and
research questions are written in the part of the
research paper or report known as the Statement
of the Problem.

Statement of the Problem Statement of the Problem is like this…

Heart of the whole

research paper

Contains the General

objective and
Specific Objectives.

The Purpose Statement The Purpose Statement (cont.)

 It is a declarative statement that advances  It is linked to the primary research problem
the overall focus of the study. It is also known and gives the bigger picture, aim or goal
as the General Objective of the Study or
the Main Problem. of the study.
 It is used both in quantitative and qualitative  It is usually broken to sub-problems or to
studies. It is usually found in the Introduction, specific research questions or specific
the last sentence for Journals and in Chapter objectives.
1 for Research Manuscripts.
 It provides the context for the research
 Sometimes it begins with, this script: “The
purpose of this study is…” or “The study study and generates the questions which
seeks to…” the research aims to answer.

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The Purpose Statement (cont.) Elements of qualitative purpose statement
 Single sentence
 A good problem statement is just one  “The purpose of this study . . . ”
sentence It is written in a general  Central Phenomenon
problem statement followed by sub-  State qualitative type of design (e.g.
problems. phenomenology, grounded theory,
etc.
 State the general objective in infinitive
 Qualitative words (e.g. “explore,”
form (to + verb). Example: “The study “understand,” “discover”)
aims to determine …  Participants and Research Site
Educational Research 2e:
Creswell

Elements of quantitative purpose statement Sample Purpose Statements

 Single sentence
 “The purpose of this study . . .” Sample Purpose Statement
 Theory, Concepts or Constructs (Qualitative Study)
 Quantitative words (e.g. “Describe” • The purpose of the study is to explore
(for Descriptive Studies) “Relate,” (for how mental health stigma influences
Correlation Studies) “Compare,” help seeking behavior among teens
“Determine Effects…” (for Causal- with mental health problems in a low
Comparative Studies or Experimental income neighborhood in Angeles City
Studies)) Pampanga.

Educational Research 2e:

Creswell

Sample Purpose Statements Sample Purpose Statements

Sample Purpose Statement Sample Purpose Statement
(Quantitative Study) (Mixed Methods Study)
• The purpose of the study is to • The purpose of the study is to determine the
determine the effect of mental health relationship between mental health stigma and
stigma (Independent Variable) on help help seeking behavior among teens with mental
health problems in a low income neighborhood
seeking behavior among teens Angeles City Pampanga. (Quantitative Aspect)
(Dependent Variable) with mental health In addition, the study will focus on examining
problems in a low income neighborhood how they seek for help to address their mental
in Angeles City Pampanga. health problems (Qualitative Aspect).

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 Guidelines in Writing Purpose
Let us focus further on Statements for Quantitative Studies
framing the research  A quantitative purpose statement identifies the
purposes statements for variables, their relationship, participants and the
site for research.
QUANTITATIVE STUDIES!  Begin “The purpose of the study” to clarify the
readers.
 If you plan to use a theory, introduce it in this
statement by stating that you plan to test a
“theory”.
 Use the words relate or compare, or describe to
indicate whether variable will be related, groups
will be compared or variables will be described.

Guidelines in Writing Purpose Statements for Guidelines in Writing Purpose Statements for
Quantitative Studies (cont.) Quantitative Studies (cont.)
Three options exists for using variables in this statement:  If variables are related or groups compared,
specify the independent and dependent
Seek to relate two or variables or any control or intervening variables.
Describe one variable
more variables
(Descriptive  State independent variable first, followed by the
(Correlational
Research) dependent variable, if control or mediating
Research)
variables are used, state them last. The
placement is very important because
Compare a variable compose of two or quantitative researchers often view variables as
more groups in terms of the dependent related from left to right.
variables (Causal-Comparative or
Experimental Research)  Identified the participants to be studied and the
research site at which they will be studied.

Sample Script for Quantitative Studies Sample Script for Quantitative Studies
 To apply these guidelines consider completing the
 To apply these guidelines consider completing following script by filling in the blanks:
the following script by filling in the blanks:
(Comparing 2 groups: Causal-Comparative
(Relating variables: Correlational)
or Experimental Research)
 The purpose of this study is to test Fine’s  The purpose of the study is to test Smart’s
theory (1996) {the theory} by relating theory (1999) {the theory} by
the leadership style {independent comparing autocratic leaders {group I}
variable} to autonomy {dependent with consensus building leaders {group
variable} for teachers {participants} in II} in terms of satisfaction of teachers in
high schools in X state. {research site} college in state X {research site}

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 Research Questions
THE RESEARCH
QUESTIONS  A clear research purpose statement or main
problem or general objective must be translated
into research questions.
 Research questions are specific or secondary
objectives are the specific actions or activities
needed to answer the main problem or research
purpose statement. Secondary Objectives or
research questions indicate what we are trying
to get from the study or the expected results /
outcome of the study.

Research Questions (cont.) Research Questions (cont.)

 In quantitative research, the questions relates  Narrow the purpose statement to the specific
attributes or characteristics of individuals or questions that researchers seek to answer.
organizations called variables.  Typically develop them before identifying the
 In qualitative research, the questions include method of study. (i.e. type of data to be
the central concepts being explored also collected, analyzed and interpreted in the
called central phenomenon. study.
 The research questions are typically at the  Researchers both in quantitative and
qualitative research, states multiple research
end of the introduction of the “statement of questions so that they can fully explore the
the problem” section or immediately following topic, but their elements differ depending on
the review of the literature. the type of research being conducted.

Research Questions (cont.) Format of Research Questions

 Should be presented as concise
statements linked to the secondary Question • Ex. “Is there a significant difference
on the level of job involvement
research problems. Format between permanent and
(Interrogative) contractual instructors in BISU?
 Should point and guide you to what you
will do to solve the main problem and
what data you will gather by your • Ex. To determine the difference on
Statement
research activities. Format the level of job involvement
between permanent and
 These are the achievable, outcome-based (Declarative) contractual instructors in BISU
specific aims of the research

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Example: Research Topic – Exploratory study on Example: Research Topic – Exploratory study on
Ethnic population and product choices with Ethnic population and product choices with
reference to Indian settlers in Africa. reference to Indian settlers in Africa.

 Research Questions (RQ) & Objectives(RO)  Research Questions (RQ) & Objectives (RO)
 [Link] far do settlers stick to their culture and  RQ 2. To what extent is the assimilation of
values which is then reflected on consumption? cultures taking place which will have a bearing on
consumption.
 RO1. To measure the percentage of the Indian
settlers in select African countries who still follow  RO2. To determine the extent the Indian settlers
the culture and customs of their Country Of Origin. that have a tendency to assimilate with the host
country.

Example: Research Topic – Exploratory study on

Example: Research Topic – Exploratory study on Ethnic population and product choices with
Ethnic population and product choices with reference to Indian settlers in Africa.
reference to Indian settlers in Africa.  Research Questions (RQ) & Objectives (RO)
 RQ 4. Based on the study’s results, what model can
 Research Questions (RQ) & Objectives (RO)
be proposed which can be applied by the exporters to
 RQ 3. To what extent host culture is showing use the ethnic advantage in their Product design.
changes in adopting immigrant’s culture and  RO 4. To develop a model which can be applied by
values. the exporters to use the ethnic advantage in their
 RO 3 To find out whether the second and Product design.
subsequent generation of Indian settlers exhibit  NOTE: (This objective specifically is focused on
similar behavior of the first generation of Indian Researcher’s contribution to the body of knowledge –
settlers. in a major project or thesis)

Sample of a Research Purpose and Sample Purpose Statement and

Research Questions Research Questions (cont.)
Research Purpose Statement
Purpose Statement (Quantitative Experimental Study)
• The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of
Research Question
high school students to mandated drug testing programs The purpose of the study is
to determine the effect of What is the effect of mental
Specific Research Questions/Objectives mental health stigma on health stigma on help
help seeking behaviors seeking behaviors among
• Question Format: What are the differences between among teens with mental
freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior students’ teens with mental health
health problems in a low problems in a low income
attitudes toward mandated high school drug testing income neighborhood in
programs? neighborhood in Angeles
Angeles City Pampanga. City Pampanga?
• Statement Format: To examines the differences between
males’ and females’ attitudes toward mandated high
school drug testing programs.

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 Sample Purpose Statement and Sample Purpose Statement and
Research Questions (cont.) Research Questions (cont.)
Purpose Statement (Quantitative Correlational Study) Purpose Statement (Qualitative Study)
Research Question Research Question
The purpose of the study is to The purpose of the study is
determine the relationship to explore how mental
between mental health stigma What is the correlation health stigma influences How does mental health
and help seeking behaviors between mental health help seeking behavior stigma influence help
among teens with mental stigma and help seeking seeking behaviors among
health problems in a low
among teens with mental
behaviors among teens with health problems in a low teens with mental health
income neighborhood in mental health problems in a
Angeles City Pampanga. income neighborhood in problems in a low income
low income neighborhood in Angeles City Pampanga. neighborhood in Angeles
Angeles City Pampanga? City Pampanga?

Some researchers preferred to use statement Example of Research Questions

format because they want to state each data
needed to be gathered as an objective. In any
case, just as an objective must be achieved, a A quantitative research question
question must be answered – both requires
research effort and activity! However, many still • “What is the effect of parent-teacher internet
preferred to use the question format. o communications to student performance in
the classroom?”
A qualitative research question
• “What type of internet experiences do
parents have with teachers about the
performance of the parents’ children?”

Importance of Research Questions Writing Quantitative Research Questions

 Research question narrow and focus the
Serves as clear signposts that purpose statement and restate the
specifies the aspects of central idea purpose in specific questions that
or problem needed to be addressed researchers seek to answer.
in your study.
 Basically research questions are
confirmatory. Research questions
Guides author in identifying the most describe the participant’s reaction to a
appropriate methods for collecting single variable, compare groups on an
data for the study. outcome, or relate two variables.

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 Acceptable and Non-Acceptable Research Level of Questions or Sub-problems
Questions in Quantitative Research (cont.)
Level 1 Questions – • What are some of the problems
questions that usually start encountered by state universities
with “what” and are and colleges of Region 1 in the
Research questions exploratory in nature. implementation of production?

• Cannot be answered by yes/no

Level 2 Questions – ask • Is there a significant correlation
Research questions should ask: relationships or differences
between independent and
between the level of skills and
attitudes of teachers in the use of
dependent variables. instructional materials?
• What happens when? Below are some examples:

• What’s going on here?

• How does this happen? Level 3 Questions – • How effective is the adoption of
research questions are production in raising financial
• Why does one thing work better than another? usually stated in “why” and resources of state universities
“how” questions. and colleges in Region 1?

Three Popular Forms of Three Popular Forms of Quantitative

Quantitative Research Questions Research Questions (cont.)
These are asked to find out the frequency, duration,

Trochim’s Classification range and intensity of an event or a behavior

performed by a subject.
Descriptive
Questions Descriptive Questions ask about who, what, when,
and where of an event or a behavior.
Causal-
Descriptive Relational (Mostly
Comparison Used for Aims to identify participants’ responses to a single
Descriptive variable or question.
Studies)
e.g., effect of
e.g., percentage of e.g., link between age behavior change E.g. How frequently do Filipino Americans
regular exercisers and exercise intervention on (participant) feel isolated (variable) on college
exercise participation campuses (research site).

Three Popular Forms of Quantitative Three Popular Forms of Quantitative

Research Questions (cont.) Research Questions (cont.)
Seek to answer the degree and magnitude of the relationship Seek to answer the degree and magnitude of the
between two or more variables. What is the relationship relationship between two or more variables. What is
between X and Y? the relationship between X and Y?
Causal or
Relationship Comparison
These questions often relate different types of variables in a Questions
Ask to find out how two or more groups on an
Questions study, such as independent variables to dependent variables independent variable differ in terms of one or more
or dependent variables to control variables. outcomes variables. What is the effect of X on Y.
(Mostly Used
(Mostly for
Used for Experiments employ comparison questions and the
The most common case occurs when researchers relate the Experimental
Correlational independent variable to the dependent variables.
researchers provides some intervention to one group
and Causal-
Studies) Comparative
and withholds from the second group.
Studies)
How do feeling of isolation (independent Variable) relate to (or E.g. How do Filipino American (group I) and Euro
influence) the ethnic identity (dependent variable) of Filipino American (group II) compares in their perceptions of
Americans (participants) in the Northville School (the site) ethnic identity (dependent variable)?

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 Quantitative Research Question Scripts
Descriptive Research Questions
• What is the profile of… as regards their…?
Let us take a look at other
• How may the profile of… be described…in terms of…. ?
• How frequent/What is the level? sample Purpose Statements
Relational Research Questions
• What relationship is observed between____ and ____ ?
and Research Questions!
• What relationship and interrelationship is observed between and among _____?
(enumerate the variables usually three or more variables are correlated).
• Is there a significant relationship between X and Y?
• Is there a significant correlation between ____ and ____ ?
• What is the best predictor of ____ ?
Causal-Comparative or Experimental Research Questions
• What is the observed effect of ____ on ____ ?
• What is the effect of ____ versus ____ on ____ ?
• Is there a significant difference on the ____?
• What significant difference in the (variable) between _____ and _____?
• How does X when applied/utilized/tested affect Y?

General Problem: This study aims to find out Therefore, your specific problems can be stated as:
the find out the influences of the teaching of
Technology and Livelihood Education in the 1. How does teaching of Technology and
employment capabilities and entrepreneurial Livelihood Education be described in
attributes of secondary students at ACNTS.
terms of:
• There are three things you need to know first in order to
address the general problem: • 1.1 choice of the learning component in THE;
• First, you need to know the indicators in teaching TLE • 1.2 skills development;
• Second, you need to know the employment capabilities • 1.3 interest and motivation;
and entrepreneurial attributes of the secondary students • 1.4 extent of importance given in the different
• Third, you need to know the difference in the component in TLE
employment capabilities and entrepreneurial attributes • 1.5 problems met in teaching the subject; and
vis-à-vis the teaching of TLE as assessed by teachers
and students. • 1.6 finding solutions to the problems encountered?
• From the above, start formulating the specific questions

Therefore, your specific problems can be stated as:

Let us focus on the research
2. To what extent do the employment capabilities of the
secondary students be described?
purpose statement and
research questions in
3. To what extent the entrepreneurial attributes of the
qualitative research!
secondary students be described?

4. Is there a significant difference in the employment

capabilities and entrepreneurial attributes of the secondary
students vis-à-vis the teaching of technology as assessed by
the students and teachers?

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Central Phenomenon or Central Central Phenomenon or Central Question
Question in Qualitative Research in Qualitative Research (cont.)
 It is the concept or a process explored in  Researchers may not explore
qualitative research; the overarching
question researcher explore in his study. comparisons or relationships in qualitative
Example: “The process of negotiation by a inquiry.
female superintendent with her principals.”
 Researcher learns the participants views  Rather than using cause and effect logic
and rather than imposing his own view on as in quantitative research, the qualitative
the situation. Hence, it is exploratory in research seek and understand one single
nature as opposed to the confirmatory phenomenon.
nature of quantitative research.

Emerging Process in Emerging Process in

Qualitative Research Qualitative Research (cont.)
 Purpose statement and research
questions may change in during research  The purpose of qualitative study is to
process. develop central phenomenon not to
 Emerging process indicates that that the develop consensus of opinion. Qualitative
purpose of a study and the questions research establish the detailed meaning of
asked may change based on the inquiry or information rather than to generalized the
feedback from participants because the results.
qualitative inquirer allows the participants
to set the direction.

Guidelines in Writing Qualitative

Sample Script for a Qualitative
Purpose Statement Research Purpose Statement
 State the central phenomenon you plan to
explore. The purpose of this qualitative
 Use words that convey intent about the study will be to (explore/
exploration, such as explore, discover,
understand and describe. discover/ understand/ describe)
 Mention the participants in the study. (the central phenomenon ) for
 Refer to the research site where you will
study the participants. (participant) at (research site).

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 Sample Script for a Qualitative Sub Questions in Qualitative Research
Research Purpose Statement (cont.)  In addition to a central question
researchers pose sub questions. These
The purpose of this qualitative study is to sub questions poses the qualities of as
describe classroom learning using the central question (i.e. open ended,
newly-produced internet virtual reality for emerging, neutral in language and few in
five high school students participating in a number)
sign language class.  They provide greater specificity to the
• Central Phenomenon: Classroom learning using the questions in the study.
newly-produced internet virtual reality  Sub questions into two types:
• Participants/Subjects: five high school students
 Issue Sub Questions
• Research site: A class in sign language at X high
school  Procedural Sub Questions

Sub Questions in Qualitative Sub Questions in Qualitative Research (cont.)

Research (cont.) Example of Issue Sub Questions

What is self
ISSUE SUB QUESTIONS esteem for high
school students?
(Central question)
• That narrow the focus of the central
questions into specific question (or
issues) the researcher seeks to What is self
What is self
learn from participants. What is self
esteem for the
esteem as
esteem as seen experienced in
• State the sub questions immediately through friends?
participant’s
family? (Sub
extracurricular
(Sub question) activities in school.
just after the central question question)
(Sub question)?

Sub Questions in Qualitative Sub Questions in Qualitative Research (cont.)

Example of Procedural Sub Questions
Research (cont.) Central Question: What is the essence of the
phenomenon of sense of community in online courses?
PROCEDURAL SUB QUESTIONS
(Step 1.)What statements
• Break the central phenomenon into the describe teachers’ and
(Step 2.) What meanings
can be inferred from these
procedures that will be used to answer it; students’ experiences of
statements?
sense of community?
• Indicate the steps to be used in analyzing
the data in qualitative study.
• Less use in than issue question, because
the procedures for a qualitative study will (Step 3.)What themes
(Step 4.) What are the
evolve during a study. emerge from these
contexts of and thoughts
about the experiences of
meanings?
sense of community?

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 TYPES OF SUBQUESTIONS IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

ISSUE SUB QUESTIONS PROCEDURAL SUB QUESTIONS

Qualitative Research Question Scripts
Intent To subdivide the central questions
into detailed questions
To subdivide central questions into
steps for data collection during the Capturing participants‘ realities
study
• “What is the nature of…?”
Example Central Question Central Question

What does it mean to be a What is the change process in the

• “What are the lived experiences of…?”
professional teacher? revision of a general education
curriculum on a college campus?
• “What is it like being…?”
Issue Sub Questions Procedural Sub Questions Understanding phenomenon
1. What do professionals 1. How did the process unfold?
teachers do? 2. Who were the people involved? • “How does…?”
2. What is difficult/easy about 3. What events occurred?
being a professional educator? 4. What were the outcomes? • “What does it mean to be…?”
3. When did the teacher first
become aware of being a • “What factors influence…?”
professional?

Using a Sample Question Script Problems Typically Found in Central Questions in Qualitative Research

Poor Example of a Better Example of a

Problems
Research Sub Question Research Sub Question
Script: What is (the central Too general What is going on here? What is the process being used
phenomenon) for (participants) at by the general education
(research site) committee at the liberal arts
School?

• Example: What is creativity for five students Too Focused How did committee make a What is the process of the
at Roosevelt High School? curriculum decision about a curriculum committee in making
• Beginning: “What” course on the decisions about courses?
environment?
• The central phenomenon: Creativty
• The Participant: five students Too laden How did the curriculum What was the role of the
with address its alienation from college administration in the
• The research site: Roosevelt High School assumptions the college administration? curriculum committee’s
deliberations?

Process of Asking Qualitative Questions (cont.) Process of Asking Qualitative Questions (cont.)
Ask open ended, general questions that the researcher
would like answered during the study. (Closed-Ended Closed-Ended Open-Ended
Questions requires only a "yes" or "no" response)
Question Question
Closed-Ended Open-Ended How would this fit into
Question Question Do you think you would your work? Or How might
use this? this change the way you
How satisfied or do that today?
Are you satisfied? dissatisfied are you with
this process?
What happened when
you did this before? Or
What would (did) you Have you done this
Did it act as you Please describe your
expect to happen when before?
expected? level of experience with
you ... ? Why? …

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Process of Asking Qualitative Questions (cont.) Process of Asking Qualitative Questions (cont.)
Use neutral, exploratory language refrain from
Closed-Ended Open-Ended conveying and expected direction. Avoid leading
Question Question questions.

What’s most confusing or

annoying about … ? Or
Is this easy to use?
What worked well for
you? Why?

What would you most

want to change about … ?
Do you like this?
Or Which things did you
like the best about … ?

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