LESSON 5

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

 The term Research Problem implies an investigation, inquiry or studies to be conducted.

How to Select a Problem?

Good and Scates describe factors as both external and personal in selecting a research problem:

• Novelty and avoidance of necessary duplication

• Importance to its respective field

• Availability of data and choice of method

• Interest, Intellectual curiosity and drive

• Time required

A good research problem is the one with a “Gap”

 When there is an absence of information resulting as a gap in our knowledge.

 When there is a contradictory results.

 When the solution can be answered by using statistical methods and techniques.

 When there are probable solutions, but they have not yet been tested.

 When the occurrence of phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at precise solutions.

Elements of a Research Problem

A problem should possess the following elements before it becomes a research problem.

1. Why? – Aim, objectives, targets, or purposes. Why is there an investigation or study?

2. What? – The subject matter. What is to be investigated?

3. Where? – Research locale. Where is to be investigated?

4. When? – When is the study to be carried out?

5. Who? – The population/universe. Who are the respondents?

Chapter I
The Problem and Its Background
Introduction

What to include in the Research Introduction?

• As the word implies, it introduces the concept of the study. Statements in this
chapter should not only signify the importance of the topic but shall also
cause an impact on the reader(Adanza,1995)

• It starts with the macro level, the aim or goal which the study is trying to
contribute or fulfill.

• It strikes the heart of the reader to emote interest in the study.

• Provides the reader a mental warm-up, thus giving them information and
readiness as to what the research is all about. MICRO (Specific)
• Give the context in terms of content of the research project.

• Discusses the background of the study that presents the problem situation in a more detailed and picturesque
manner on the basis of presenting the research gap through evidences.

• It presents where the problem area is located (research locale)

 • Closing portion should be intriguing and challenging to the readers in knowing the results of the study. It should
link the introduction and statement of the problem.

General phases associated with writing an introduction:

1. Establish an area to research by:

• Highlighting the importance of the topic, and/or

Macro Level,
• Making general statements about the topic, and/or
General/Broad idea
• Presenting an overview on current research on the subject.

2. Identify a research niche by:

• Opposing an existing assumption, and/or Micro Level, Specific

• Revealing a gap in existing research, and/or idea

3. Place your research within the research niche by:

• Stating the intent of your study, Closing portion of the

• Outlining the key characteristics of your study. Introduction

The three overarching goals of a good introduction:

1) ensure that you summarize prior studies about the topic in a manner that lays a foundation for understanding the
research problem;

2) explain how your study specifically addresses gaps in the literature, insufficient consideration of the topic, or other
deficiency in the literature; and,

3) note the broader theoretical, empirical, and/or policy contributions and implications of your research.

Issues to keep in mind that will help the narrative flow in your introduction:

1. Your introduction should clearly identify the subject area of interest.

 A simple strategy to follow is to use key words from your title in the first few sentences of the introduction. This
will help focus the introduction on the topic at the appropriate level and ensures that you get to the subject matter
quickly without losing focus, or discussing information that is too general.
2. Establish context by providing a brief and balanced review of the pertinent published literature that is available on
the subject.
 The key is to summarize for the reader what is known about the specific research problem before you did your
analysis. This part of your introduction should not represent a comprehensive literature review--that comes next.
It consists of a general review of the important, foundational research literature [with citations] that establishes
a foundation for understanding key elements of the research problem.
3. Why did you choose this kind of research study or design?
 Provide a clear statement of the rationale for your approach to the problem studied. This will usually follow your
statement of purpose in the last paragraph of the introduction.
 When you are first learning to write in this format it is okay, and actually preferable, to use a past statement like,
"The purpose of this study was to...." or "We investigated three possible mechanisms to explain the...."

REMEMBER:

A well-written introduction is important because, quite simply, you never get a second chance to make a good first
impression. The opening paragraphs of your paper will provide your readers with their initial impressions about the logic
of your argument, your writing style, the overall quality of your research, and, ultimately, the validity of your findings and
conclusions. A vague, disorganized, or error-filled introduction will create a negative impression, whereas, a concise,
engaging, and well-written introduction will lead your readers to think highly of your analytical skills, your writing style,
and your research approach.