ILOCOS SUR

POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2
CHAPTER 2
RESEARCH PROBLEM AND OBJECTIVES
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
1. name and discuss the characteristics, sources and criteria of a good
research problem
2. formulate a research problem
3. define hypothesis; conceptual framework
4. compare the two kinds of hypothesis and give examples of each
5. illustrate a conceptual paradigm
Time Frame: 3 weeks
Introduction
One of the critical steps that anyone takes in thesis writing is the choice of a
problem. A great number of students find this stage stimulating, if not challenging.
Most often, this hinders a researcher from writing a thesis.
The number one problem of a research student is a problem. Many times they
would say I don’t have a problem yet. Most oftentimes this is because they would be
confronted with whether they should choose a topic of their interest and expertise as
a beginning researcher or meet the expectation of the advisor. As much as possible,
research problem possesses the 7 M’s resources.
The ultimate goal of the research is to discover and introduce new practices,
strategies, or techniques in solving a problem.
Lesson Proper

Factors to be considered if a problem is researchable or not

1. Problem is existing in the locality or country but no solution to the problem.
2. Solution to the problem can be answered using statistical methods and
techniques.
3. There are probable solutions but not yet tested
Page | 1
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2
4. Occurrence of the phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at
precise solution
5. It is serious need or problem of the people that demands research

*a good research should respond to the socioeconomic recovery of the

country wherein the research output can be converted in to small and
medium enterprises
Criteria for choosing a research problem ( Barientos-Tan 1997 )
1. External criteria
a. Novelty – the topic must not have been used by many researchers, the
newness of a topic and its variables will inspire a researcher.
b. Availability of subjects – it is suggested that the participants should be
within the reach of the researcher.
c. Administrative support – aids or assistance that can be solicited from the
school or extended by the community.
d. Availability and adequacy of facilities equipment – devices such as
computers, telephones, wifi etc used in undertaking the research must be
considered.
e. Ethical considerations – ensure that all activities to be undertaken are
acceptable and are done in accordance with what is legal and morally
right.
2. Internal criteria
a. Experience, training and professional qualifications – constitutes the
researcher’s knowledge, expertise and experience in order for him to cope
with the research demands,
b. Motivation, interest, intellectual curiosity and perceptiveness of the
researcher- these are essential attributes that bring anticipated satisfaction
or enjoyment in the completion of research tasks.
c. Time factor – considers the fact that studies must be pursued in a given
time frame.
d. Costs and returns- these factors matter in choosing a research problem.
Research is an expensive undertaking.
e. Hazards, penalties and handicaps- are determined by the researcher’s
physical and intellectual capacity and moral judgment.
Characteristics of research problem
 Specific- clearly stated
 Measurable- easy to measure by using research instruments, apparatus and
equipment in gathering data.
 Achievable- data are achievable by using correct statistical tools to arrive at
exact results.
 Realistic- results are attained because they are gathered scientifically and not
maneuvered

Page | 2
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2
 Time bound- time frame is necessary In every activity because the shorter the
completion of the activity, the better.

Sources of research problem

1. Specialization.
2. Existing and pass researchers-.
3. Theses, dissertations, and research journals.
4. Problems met.
5. Creative ideas of the researcher.
Fish wastes like backbone, rib bones, intermuscular bones, and flesh scrap of
boneless bangus are thrown or eaten by cats and dogs.
 Burger spread
 Luncheon meat
 Fish balls
 Quekiam
 Soup
 Polvoron
 Meatloaf
Sea weeds into ice cream, puto, siopao, muffins, and pickled foods.
Criteria of a Good Research Problem
1. Interesting- attracts the attention of the researcher so that he finds research
work easy and comfortable
-Inspires the researcher to work even beyond official hours due
to his enthusiasm and strong determination to investigate until the research is
completed.

2. Relevant to government’s Thrust- must respond to the government thrust

- Trash turns into cash
- Waste management
Milkfish Offal into fish value added products like burger, polvoron,
spread, sausage, luncheon meat, fish balls, quekiam, embotido, siopao, nuggets and
others
Banana peelings into paper bags, vinegar, wine, chips
3. Relevant to the needs and problems of the people- solve the needs and
problems of other people
 Lack of supply of rice and canned goods
Farmers must research modern methods of farming to increase yield or
use new, high yield variety. Fishermen may use modern methods of
fishing to improve their catch.

Page | 3
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2
4. Innovative- Through replicability of conducting research is allowable, a good
research problem is new in order to attract the attention of the other people and can
be patented.

Utilization and Commercialization of seaweed ice cream and squash ice

cream with moringa
5. Cost Effective- good research problem must be economical and effective.
Research outputs can augment people’s income and improve their quality of life. The
7 M’s in conducting research should be well managed.
6. Inventive- new and unique that respond to the socioeconomic needs of the
country, inventive research problem is also patentable.

7.Return on Investment- Output of a good research problem has return on

investment in order to respond to the socioeconomic needs of the country. The
invest harvest principle is applied in conducting the research.

8.Original- the first of its kind in the world. Results respond to socioeconomic
needs, patentable, and have return on investment

9.Measurable- uses appropriate research instrument and statistical tool in

collecting data

10.Time-bound- can be completed within the time frame allotted. The faster and
shorter completion of the research paper, the better

Help! I don’t have a Problem. Place your answer in a yellow paper.

What to do:
1. Based on the problem situations in your school, workplace or in the
community, write 5 topics that are of interest to you in order of priority. Follow
the following example:
Topic: Bullying Practices
Respondents: Students

HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis- wise guess that is formulated and temporarily adopted to explain the
observed facts covered by the study. It is a tentative prediction about the relationship
between two or more variables in a population under study (Polit, 2007 ). It
translates a research question into a prediction of expected outcomes.
Kinds of hypothesis

1.Simple hypothesis- hypothesis formulated when predicting a relationship

between an independent variable and a dependent variable.

Page | 4
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2
Examples;
1. The nature of teachers is related to the nature of students.
2. There is a relationship between the level of exercise and weight retention
among elementary school children

2.Complex hypothesis- hypothesis formulated when predicting the relationship of

two or more independent variables to two or more dependent variables.
Examples:
1. There is no significant relationship between the profile o students and their
performance.
2. The intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies of teachers do not relate
significantly to the performance of secondary schools.
3. The personal profile of subject coordinators affect the performance level of
students.
3.Directional Hypothesis - hypothesis that specify not only the existence but also
the expected direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent
variables.
Examples:
1. Lowers levels of exercise are associated with greater weight retention than
higher levels of exercise.
2. The types of promotional campaigns positively affect the level of patronage of
customers.
3. The higher the intake of fiber, the lower is the weight of the physical mass.
4.Non-directional hypothesis- hypothesis that does not stipulate the direction of
the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Examples:
1. The sources of stress are related to the different coping mechanisms among
teachers.
2. The number of hours spent in reviewing is associated with the level of
performance in midterm examination.
5.Null hypothesis ( Ho ) - type of denial of existence of a trait, characteristic,
quality, value, correlation or difference of the result. It is always stated in negative
form.
Computed Value ( CV) > Tabular Value (TV), significant=reject
Examples;
1. There is no significant relationship between the reasons for using alternative
medicine and the level of comfort of the patients.
2. The kind of teaching methods used has no effect on the level of performance
of students.
3. Women with different levels of postpartum depression differ with regards to
weight retention.
6.Alternative hypothesis( Ha) - type of hypothesis which affirms of the existence of
observed phenomena. It is always stated in positive form.
CV< TV, significant=accept
Examples:
Page | 5
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2
1.There is a significant relationship between the reasons for using alternative
medicine and the level of comfort of the patients.
2. The kind of teaching methods used has an effect on the level of performance
of students.
3. Women with different levels of postpartum depression do not differ with
regards to weight retention.

More examples of HO and Ha

Descriptive Research
1. What is the mean scores of Mathematics and English taken by the K to 12
learners in public and private schools in Candon City
Null hypothesis: The mean scores of Mathematics and English taken by the K to 12
learners in public and private schools in Candon City is zero.
Alternative hypothesis: The mean scores of Mathematics and English taken by the K
to 12 learners in public and private schools in Candon City are not equal
2. Is there a significant difference on the mean scores of Mathematics and English
taken by the K to 12 learners in public and private schools in Candon City
Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference on the mean scores The mean
scores of Mathematics and English taken by the K to 12 learners in public and
private schools in Candon City.
Alternative hypothesis: There is a significant difference on the mean scores The
mean scores of Mathematics and English taken by the K to 12 learners in public and
private schools in Candon City.
3. Is there a significant relationship between Technology Livelihood Education and
the number of hours of study in TLE of senior high school students in public
schools in Candon City
Null Hypothesis: There is no significant relationship between Technology Livelihood
Education and the number of hours of study in TLE of senior high school students in
public schools in Candon City
Alternative Hypothesis: There is a significant relationship between Technology
Livelihood Education and the number of hours of study in TLE of senior high school
students in public schools in Candon City
Experimental Research
1. What is the acceptability of pineapple peelings soap and banana peelings soap?
Null hypothesis: Pineapple peelings soap and banana peelings soap are not
acceptable/salable/profitable
Alternative hypothesis: Pineapple peelings soap and banana peelings soap are
acceptable/salable/profitable
Page | 6
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2
2. Is there a significant difference in the acceptability of Pineapple peelings soap
and banana peelings soap
Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference in the acceptability of Pineapple
peelings soap and banana peelings soap

Alternative Hypothesis: There is a significant difference in the acceptability of

Pineapple peelings soap and banana peelings soap

Assessment. Place your answer in a yellow paper.

Write the null and alternative hypothesis of the following research problems.
1. Is there a significant difference on the yield of peanuts planted in pots using
night soil and chicken dung as fertilizers?
2. Is there a correlation between job related problems and job performance as
perceived by BSHM faculty in Region 1?
3. Is there a significant mean difference on the general acceptability of luncheon
meat from fish bone meal of milkfish and goatfish?
4. Is there a significant difference on the educational qualification and socio
economic status of professors in SUC’s in the Philippines?
5. What is the mean weight increment of seaweeds in municipal waters of the
province of Ilocos Sur using lantay and hanging method?

Conceptual Framework
Conceptual framework – presents specific and well defined concepts which are
called constructs. Its function is similar to the theoretical framework because the
constraints used are derived from abstract concepts of the theoretical framework. It
consists of two parts; the paradigm and the explanation.
Paradigm is the framework or the frame of reference that provides explanation that a
problem exits by showing the interrelationships of variables included in the study.
This differs depending on the kind of research that one does. It may be use different
styles like the circular or the rectangular shapes to make the figure more
comprehensible and appear more attractive.
Common paradigms or models are as follows
1. IV - DV model
Examples:
Job Performance of Fast Foods Employees in Candon City
IV DV

Page | 7
Personal profile
Course Code: Res 101
AgeWriting 1
Descriptive Title: Research
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
Job Performance
Sex
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2
Age
Sex Job Performance

The paradigm illustrates the relationship between the independent variables and the
dependent variables. That job performance is affected by the different variables like
age, sex and civil status.
Effects of Teaching Methodologies on the Students’ Performance
IV DV

TeachingAge
methodology
ComputerSexassisted Job Performance
instruction Students’
Performance
Demonstration method
Modular Instruction

2. IPO - Input Process Output - used when the research attempts to isolate the
factor or major variable that causes the problem, subject or phenomenon under
investigation.
Input - the variables that causes the problem, phenomenon, or transformation.
Process - method by which the variables are collected and synthesized
Output - the outcome of the variables.
Examples:
Entrepreneurs’ Role Toward Improved Work Performance
Input Process Output

Profile of Entrepreneurs
Sex
Age
Seminars attended
Work
Roles of entrepreneurs
Analysis of data Performance
Assessment
Planning
Implementation
Page | 8
Evaluation
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2

Customers’ Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction in Accommodating Businesses in Candon

City
Input Process Output

Managers’ Profile Customers’

Business Related Satisfaction/Diss
Analysis of data
Profile atisfaction

3. --P. This model is used in research studies that propose a program or any
interventions measure. It fits the situation producing level of questioning. It is just a
continuation of the IPO.
Examples:

Profile of
Entrepreneurs
Sex
Age
Seminars
attended Work Proposed
Intervention
Roles of Analysis of data Performance Program
entrepreneurs
Assessment
Planning
Implementation
Evaluation

Sex Job Performance

Teaching methodology
Computer assisted Faculty
instruction Students’
Development
Performance Page | 9
Demonstration method Program
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE 2

Other Examples

Business Manager’s

Related Profile
Profile
Food
Chains

Marketing Problems

Strategies encountered

Assessment. Place your answer in a yellow paper.

Search 5 completed research and the research paradigm used.

Page | 10
Course Code: Res 101
Descriptive Title: Research Writing 1
Instructor: Perlita F. Tomas, Ed. D.