A Scientific Problem

(Module 1)
“Identifying
STEM-based
Research Problems”
RHODA S.R. CAYANAN, LPT,RPh
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify a scientific problem or question.

2. Differentiate between applied problem and

basic research problem.
3. Present a written statement of the STEM-based
problem.
4. Assimilate the STEM-based research culture to
the research study.
5. State the importance of STEM-based research
as geared to economic growth.
6. List the elements of conducting a STEM-based
research.
Research
Research is a very important undertaking
that may potentially stimulate or
encourage economic growth and
development.

A particular research may focus on

different fields of study such as fields in
the STEM track.
 STEM-based Research
Researches based
on the STEM track
are conducted
primarily to:

Produce new Solve real-

and innovative Create cost- world
Produce new technological effective problems
scientific products, designs and using
knowledge devices, and structures engineering
processes tools.
 Scientific Research

Is a methodological or systematic
endeavor aimed at generating new
ideas, developing creative designs
and processes, finding solutions to
real-life situations and challenges,
and producing technology-based
devices and products.
 5 Basic Stages of Research Process
5 Basic
Stages of 1. Formulation 2. Manipulation 3. Activation 4. Assimilation
5.
Research Dissemination
Process
Scientific Problem

Is a written statement about an

issue that is usually not fully
explored yet or one that has
very limited sources of
information in scientific
literatures.
Research Project
A research • Your innovative thinking allows you to look
project is at those specific issues and concerns
within philosophical bounds (Kumar, 2014).
anchored on • With this perspective, you can determine
creativity, what needs to be done to solve the
problems and the means to solve them.
originality, • Furthermore, you will be able to consider
and the potential impact of your study if
rightfully pursued.
flexibility.
 Motivation for a STEM-based
Research
Need to solve a peculiar problem

Desire to advance the given field of study

Love of work and profession

Demand for new technologies

Fascination with intellectually challenging situations

Interest and fulfilment

Categories of the Conduct of Scientific
Research

Intended
applications Approaches Purpose or
of the adopted in the goal of
results of the study the study
the study
2 Types of Scientific Inquiry
Basic or Pure Applied
Research Research

to address a specific
To develop new research problem,
knowledge from a resulting in a new
tested hypothesis. device or a new
process.

The goal of basic Applied Research aims

research is to gain new to develop a new
knowledge or new process, or a new
understanding of a economical design
previously examined based on the scientific
hypothesis. principles used.
 Example-Basic or Pure Research

1. Liu, Rui and Pei Liang.

"Determination of gold by
nanometer titanium dioxide
immobilized on silica gel packed
mierocolumn and flame atomic
absorption spectrometry in
geological and water samples."
Analytica Chimica Acta, no. 604
(2007): 114I18.
Example-Basic or Pure Research

The first study pertains This procedure

to the use of a material, eventually led to the
the nano-sized titanium development of an
dioxide, to adsorb gold analytical technique for
present in geological the measurement of
and water samples. gold.

Note that the research Therefore, this is called

produced a new form of a basic or pure
knowledge from research, fulfilling the
common chemical "proof-of-concept"
materials. nature of the study.
 Example-Applied Research

2. Guo, Qiang, Jingkui Qu,

Bingbing Han, Peiyu Zhang,
Yunxia Song, and Tao Qi.
"Innovative technology for
processing saprolitic laterite ores
by hydrochloric acid atmospheric
pressure leaching." Minerals
Engineering, no. 71 (2015): 1-6.
Example-Applied Research
The second study, on the other hand, described the innovative
process that resulted in the efficient extraction of nickel and iron in
saprolite ores.

This technology offers to a problems associated with the

industrial application of atmospheric pressure acid leaching
technology, such as the use of large volumes of acid and the
difficulty of separating nickel from iron in the leach solution.

Because the research resulted in a new technology, it is thus an

applied research.
Approaches in Research
Quantitative Qualitative Mixed
Approach Approach Approach

Follows a carefully Is generally

chosen set of descriptive in Most scientific
procedures to nature, as it deals studies are
measure variables more with the quantitative in
and establish a perceptions, nature but there
cause-and-effect opinions, views, or are some cases
relationship among sensory tests of the wherein the
several factors. subjects obtained mixed approach
via interview, is adopted.
survey, etc. than
actual
This offers measurements
objectivity in the typical in a scientific
results. experiment.
Types of Research
Descriptive Explanatory Pilot Correlational
Study Research Research Research

To correlate
various
To describe To explain To explore factors to be
the current the subjects or able to
state or occurrence issues with account for
condition of of a natural limited a cause-
a specific phenomenon information effect
problem relationship
and an
underlying
mechanism,
among
others
5 Basic Stages of Research Process
1. Formulation
• The research problem or question must be
formulated first.
• The problem must have a strong or firm
foundation to elicit a deliberate and systemic
approach.
• It may emanate from issues and challenges
requiring application of key concepts from
related fields of the STEM track.
• Do an extensive literature survey first in
order to produce a sensible inquiry.
• Literatures may either strengthen or weaken
what is already playing in your mind about a
specific subject matter.
5 Basic Stages of Research Process
1. Formulation
• Scientific Literature Review
• Brings about clarity and direction to
your research problem
• Provides you with additional
information on how to address it and
affirming the need to pursue the
study.
• The objectives of your research can
be clearly identified after the research
problem has been formulated
5 Basic Stages of Research Process
2. Manipulation
• The next step is manipulating the background
information to create or adopt a research design.
• Research Design*
• Is an action plan that details how objectives can
be attained and how the research problem can
be addressed.
5 Basic Stages of Research Process
3. Activation
• Activate or validate your hypothesis
through experimentation, computations,
modelling, and pilot testing, which is the
usual case for a scientific research.
• Rigorous mathematical testing and
measurements using analytical
techniques often aid the data-gathering
process.
• Data are gathered at this stage.
5 Basic Stages of Research Process
4. Assimilation
• The accumulated data are then subjected
to assimilation.
• Data collected are evaluated based on
completeness and reliability.
• STEM-based research, have to apply
statistical* treatment on data generated for
the final analysis of the hypothesis.
5 Basic Stages of Research Process
5. Dissemination
• Once the research process is finished, the
overall results must be disseminated through a
science-related publication or be featured in
an article of a peer-reviewed, International
Scientific Indexing (ISI)-abstracted journal.
Having the findings of your research peer-
viewed and published in a reputable journal is
another goal of the entire scientific work.
• Dissemination of results can also be made
through presentations in technical
conferences, symposiums and meetings.
Ways to Formulate a Research Problem*
3.
1. Creative 2. Divergent
Convergent
thinking thinking
thinking

Means your way Goes beyond the Mostly used in

of thinking is traditional way of the conduct of
flexible enough to doing, evaluating, research,
go beyond and seeing focuses on what
borders. things, which can is more useful
be in stark and relevant
contrast to what rather than on
you may have the timeliness of
been exposed to. concepts.
Methods to formulate a Specific Research
Problem
1. Mind- 2. Six 3. Force-field 4. Attribute
mapping thinking hats analysis listing
method method method method

This is a This makes use This requires you This is used to

map that ensure all
of six- colored to list and possible
connects imaginary hats. discuss both approaches or
idea related The color of positive and techniques, such
ideas about as those
each hat is negative forces discussed earlier
a particular reflective of the affecting of your which will help
subject nature of the proposed develop your
research
matter. ideas that you problem. problem, has
would like to been thoroughly
develop for a examined.
specific field of This will help develop
study. ways to strengthen
positive forces and
reduce negative ones.
Methods to formulate a Specific Research
Problem
5. Assumption 6. 7. Checklist
reversal Storyboarding 8. Crawford
method slip method
method method

This is like the This involves the This is a simple

reverse engineering use of diagrams technique of This is a basic
process, which is to illustrate how raising brainstorming
applied to better a specific questions, and activity wherein
address industrial research problem then you try to a team leader
or manufacturing- progress. Ideas proposes a
related problems address each general idea,
can be question with an and then seeks
with engineering represented by
solutions. appropriate comments,
any type of suggestions, o
With this method, symbol as long answer.
recommendatio
your perspectives as the overall ns from others
and assumptions on picture of the in the group.
a particular research problem This will help The responses
problem are and the develop ways to are to be
overturned to interrelation of strengthen positive consolidated to
generate new ways variables can be forces and reduce shortlist
seen. negative ones. potential
to solve the issue. research
problems.
Six thinking hats method
1. Black 2. Yellow 3. White
hat hat hat
is an exact
represents opposite of the covers facts
negative ideas, black hat. It or figures
such as focuses on
challenges or positive thoughts that can be
limitations, which or advantages of acquired
point out the the study, through a
reasons the offering an
research problem optimistic view
synthesis of
may not be that the research previous
feasible. problem could literatures.
work in the entire
process.
Six thinking hats method
4. Green 5. Red 3. Blue
hat hat hat
is more inclined
toward creative implies you are
thinking. It directed to look
contains possible
alternatives, may be useful at the whole
fresh ideas, and when it comes research process
anticipated as an overview,
changes when a
to developing like "a little of
particular a hypothesis. everything" kind
research problem of thinking.
is pursued.
 Summary
Research is a very important A particular research may
undertaking that may potentially focus on different fields of
spur economic growth and study such as those fields
development. in the STEM track.

Two types of A research problem fosters the

conduct of a research study.
Research Several techniques are available
to facilitate the formulation of a
research problem.

Applied research
Basic research results in the generation of
is pursued to contribute a new design, process,
new information to an device, or solution to a These include the six
existing of body of certain academic area of thinking hats, attribute listing,
knowledge. concern. and reversed assumption
method, among others.