CHAPTER 2 Research Problem and Objectives By and large, majority of the thesis writers and neophytes in research find difficulty in searching for a research problem. Once a problem is found, they still find difficulty in formulating specific problems and objectives. Sometimes, they do not see that a simple question may actually be a research problem stated in an interrogative form. Likewise, they are misled into thinking that research objectives are the same as instructional objectives. It is a must that thesis/dissertation writers and neophyte researchers should know how to choose a researchable problem, formulate specific problems and objectives. They should also see that even simple questions are research problems stated in interrogative forms. Moreover, they should see the difference between research objectives and instructional objectives. The Research Problem There are five factors to consider to determine whether that a problem is researchable or not. These factors are as follows: (1) the problem is existing in the locality or country but no known solution to the problem; (2) the solution can be answered by using statistical methods and techniques; (3) there are probable solutions but they are not yet tested; (4) the occurrence of phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at precise solution; and (5) serious needs/problems of the people where it demands research. Based on the foregoing factors, the investigator can choose a researchable problem. The research problem must be stated vividly and explicitly expressed in interroe ve form for “questions have the virtue of posing a problem directly.” (Kerlinger, 1986). ~~ A good research problem should respond to the economic recove: f the country wherein the research out; i 7 ol intry where e: output can be converted into smal] and medium enterprises (SMEs). Descriptive research is held in), like the Philippines, because the abavenss ta re syuneatment (ROL) at all Rassias budget is exhausted due 101 RVEST principle. That is, if a researches should focus on Be in research, he harvests or gains money. By invests or spends monty vhausted and the profit-can contribute to thy researcher/entrepreneur pays his taxes. +h problem with return of For example, an experimental research pI f Fish Bone Meal i is “Utilization and Commercialization of Fish Bone eal as investment is “Utilization a1 h Tapa, and Tilapia Fillet into Offal of Boneless Milkfish, Goatfis! ipa, follows: Lance Met Te a of ih ne i i a i: eee Seed 9 tkfish, goatfish tapa, and tilapia fillet j 2 ? ee ® 4 profit of — meat from bone il tfish, and tilapia? 3. wees Sos is most acceptable, salable, profitable, and with highest return of investment? 4. Isthere a significant difference on the acceptability of the quality attributes of these products? 5. What is the percentage of protein and calcium contents of fish luncheon meat from bone meal of milkfish, goatfish, and tilapia? Another example of experimental research problem wherein the research output can be converted into small and medium enterprises based on the results of the study is “Cultivation of Eucheuma Using Lantay and Hanging Methods in Municipal Waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines.” The specific problems are as follows: 1, What is the mean growth increment of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Ioilo, Philippines using lantay and hanging methods? 2. Which of the two methods, lantay in cultivation of Eucheuma? 3. Is there a significant differenc; of Eucheuma cultured in m or hanging, is more effective eon the mean growth increment unicipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, id hanging methods? 5; re as follows: 1. What is the yield of tomatoes p and chicken dung as fertilizers? 2. Which of the fertilizers ni i i h of » night soil or chicke i effective in planting tomatoes in pots? — a lanted in Pots using night soil3. Is there a significant difference on the yield of tomatoes planted in pots using night soil and chicken dung? An example of descriptive research problem: The major problem is “Achievement and Nutritional Intake of Teacher Education Students Who Reside at Home and Boarding Houses,” The specific problems are as follows: : 1, What is the achievement and nutritional intake of teacher education students who reside at home and boarding houses? 2. Which of the teacher education students, residing at home or boarding houses, have higher achievement? 3, Is there a significant difference on the achievement and nutritional intake of teacher education students who reside at home and boarding houses? Another example of descriptive research problem is “Educational Qualification and Performance of Teachers in the City and Province of Iloilo, Philippines.” The specific problems are as follows: 1. What is the mean educational qualifications of teachers in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines? 2. What is the mean performance of the teachers in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines? 3. Isthere a significant difference on the educational qualification and performance of teachers in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines when they are classified as to age, gender, civil status, experience, and academic rank? Characteristics of a Research Problem ~~Generally speaking, whether a research problem is historical, descriptive, experimental or case study, the characteristics of a research problem has the acronym SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time bound. This means that a research problem should be: Specific. The problem should be specifically stated. For instance, for experimental research, “What is the mean growth increment of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, lloilo, Philippines using lantay and hanging methods? For descriptive research, “What is the mean performance of teachers in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines?” Measurable. It is easy to measure by using research instruments, apparatus, or equipment. For example, in experimental research, the equipment and apparatus used in collecting data on the cultivation of Eucheuma using /antay and hanging methods are weighing scale to get the weight of seaweed; refractometer, salinity of water; thermometer, temperature of water; DO meter, dissolved oxygen of water; and pH meter, acidity of water.29 | Research Methods ana Thess Brine For descriptive research, the instruments used in fathering are questionnaires, tests, checklists, and many others Achievable, The data are achievable using correct statistic, tools , Arrive at precise results. For example, Hest is the appropriate Latinti, tool used in this specifie problem “Is there a significant difference on th, mean growth increment of Eucheuma cultured in muncipal wate,, 7 Estancia, Toilo, Philippines, using /antay and hanging methods” Ir . results show significant difference, this means the mean growth increm, of Eucheuma using /antay and hanging methods really differ with other and one method, either /antay or hanging, is better: If NO-significany difference existed, this means the mean ee of Eucheum, using Jantay and hanging methods are almost the same. "yor descriptive research, Friedman's two-way ANOVA (analysis 5 variance) is the statistical tool used to determine the Significan, difference of the achievement and nutritional intake of teacher educatio, students who reside at home or boarding houses. If significant differen, exists, this means achievement and nutritional intake of teac).. education students who reside at home and boarding houses really diffe, with each other. If no-significant difference exists, this Mean; achievement and nutritional intake of teacher education students w},, reside at home and boarding houses are almost the same. Realistic. Real results are attained because they are gathere scientifically and not manipulated or maneuvered. Time-bound. Time frame is required in every activity because the shorter completion of the activity, the better. OF day Men ‘ac Sources of Research Problem There are several sources of research problem that a researcher can investigate. It is said that “Research was born out of man’s problems and man’s major problem demands research,” (Good and Scates, 1972) The sources of research problems are (1) specialization of the researcher, (2) current and past researches, (3) recommendations from theses, dissertations, and research journals, and (4) original and creative ideas from the researcher based on the problems met in the locality and country. 1. Specialization of the researcher. Specialization of the researchtt is an impetus towards research. If the researcher's forte is Fis Processing, he may investigate to determine the acceptability and nutritive values of fish value-added products from offal boneless milkfish, goatfish tapa, canned sardines, canned tu’ and boneless siganid. If the products are acceptable aM nutritious, he recommends to the consumers throug? advertisement in radio and television that fish value-added2. products from offal of boneless milkfish, goatfish tapa, canned sardines, canned tuna, and boneless siganid are acceptable and nutritious, Likewise, the researcher disseminates also the information through technology transfer like outreach activities to housewives, rural folks, out-of-school youths, and unemployed graduates in order that these individuals can avail of the technologies and make them livelihood projects, hence, augment their income, alleviate poverty, and improve their quality of life. On the other hand, if English is the field of specialization of the researcher and wishes to improve his method of teaching English, thus, he conducts a study on the teaching of English using different methods to high and low achievers. If significant difference exists on the achievements of high and low achievers, he may use the best method of teaching English that is most effective to both high and low achievers. Current and Past Researches, Current and past researches are Tich sources of research problems even for research replication by using the same instrument, apparatus, or equipment. But for descriptive research, the instrument such as questionnaires or tests are administered to different groups of subjects and areas in order to compare the similarities and differences of the findings. For experimental research replicability, though using the same method, species of test plants or animals, apparatus and equipment, but the study is conducted to different location or research stations to compare the similarities and differences of the results. Recommendations from. theses, dissertations, and research _ journals. The researchers of the said theses, dissertations and research journals recommend for future researches to be conducted as sources also of research problem. Original and creative ideas of the researcher based on the problems “met in the locality and country, For instance, the problems met in the locality and country are fish wastes pollution, food insecurity, and poverty. Fish bone meal as offal of fishery products for export such as boneless milkfish and tilapia fillet are thrown here and there which pollute the environment. Through original and creative ideas of the researcher of these problems, he conducts a study on the utilization and commercialization of these fish wastes into value added products like burger, luncheon meat, embotido, spread, meat loaf, sausage, quekiam, polvoron and many others. Hence, these research products solve fish wastes pollution, wherein “trash turns to cash,” attain food security, and alleviate poverty in the locality in particular and to the country in general.Criteria of a Good Research Problem The criteria of a food research problem are: (1) interesting, ¢y, 3) cost-effective, 4) relevant to the needs and problem, of government’ thrusts, and (6) measurapy, research problem attracts the attentiy to conduct the research projery tat all. Due to enthusians innovative, the people, and time-bound. 1. Interesting. An inte of the researcher an even without incentive or research gran| : ; to conduct the research project, the researcher will use his persona, money to finance the research project and will perform beyong official hours and is determined to work on. it until its completion 2. Innovative, Though replicability in conducting research is allowed, aan Je that a research problem is something "ove, origin] and unique to attract the attention of the people and contribute ty, the economic development of the country. For instance, the Study is “Utilization and Commercialization of Fish Bone Meal from Offal of Boneless Milkfish int cheon Meat.” This study is new, to Lun’ original, and unique for it is the first of its kind in the world that sffal of boneless milkfish which only pollutes the environment when thrown are utilized into fish value-added products, like luncheon meat. The product is salable and profitables, and contributes to the economic development of the country. Cost-effective. A good research problem should be economical and effective in solving the needs and problems of the society; it should also augment socioeconomic and health conditions of the people and many others. The “Invest and Harvest” principle is stil] expected in a good research problem. If a researcher invests or spends money in research, he also harvests or gains money from research output. In other words, a research output has return of Hear (ROD). Moreso, it is nutritiously good for the health of people. For example, the research output of milkfish luncheon meatis commercialized and is salable, profitable, economi: with high return of i DET cata tan h rn of investment. Moreso, it contains protein and calcium, Protein is used to build and repair wi ea tha bod Cali prevents odteoparusis hans deh atl caries (tooth decay). Se cane cette Hence, milkfish luncheon i because it is cost-effective due tabs ones Zeon problem to augment socioeconomic and health co: age pad gece dt_ Relevant to the needs Gnd problems of the mn. ee must Keep in mind that they cod cet eee Researchers personal aggrandizement b *y conduct research not for their ut to solve the needs of the people. A good research probl eeds and problems em responds to the needs 5) relevant to resting d other people iand problems of the people, For example, food insecurity and Poverty are problems of the people, Hence, a research problem should jibe with this need for food and poverty alleviation fl ae sepa ofa research project to respond to the foregoing cation Sa blem of the people is “Utilization and Commercial- Tuna” Om, ie from Offal of Boneless Milkfish and Canned can a ‘al of boneless milkfish such as backbone, intermuscular , dorsal fin, and flesh scrap as well as canned tuna wastes such as backbone, head, tail, rib bones, and flesh scrap are utilized into burger. Housewives, rural folks, fisherfolks, out-of-school youths, jobless adults, and unemployed graduates should put up livelihood projects on milkfish burger and tuna burger, thus, augment their income, alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life. Food security can also be attained. 5. Relevant to government's thrusts. Aresearch problem must respond to the government’s thrusts. For instance, government's thrust is on “waste management” or “War on Wastes.” An investigator will conduct a study to fight against wastes. An example of a research problem on “war on wastes” is “Utilization of Fish Wastes from Goatfish Tapa, Canned Sardines, and Boneless Siganid into Sausage.” By so doing fish has “zero wastes.” Another example on “war on wastes” is “Utilization of Garbage into Fertilizer.” Hence, utilization of fish wastes into value-added products and garbage into fertilizer respond to the government's thrust. Likewise, TRASH TURNS TO CASH. 6. Measurable and time-bound. A good research problem is “measurable by using research instruments, apparatus or equipment, as well as statistical tools to arrive at scientific and meaningful results. Hc : A good research project can be completed within a time frame stated. The shorter the completion of the project, the better. The Research Objectives The investigator must not be confused that research objectives are different from instructional objectives. Though, research and instructional objectives have the same characteristics > SMART — but in tructional objectives are expressed in three domains of behavior, ha cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective tpaluen)s And the time frame is at the end of the period. If the class is one-hour period, hence, the instructional objectives must be completed seh -hour period. Re nee Sieh thesis, dissertation, and research project, either a problem or objective is used. It is not advisable to use both problem30 | Research Methods and Thesis Writing and objective in a research paper, thesis, dissertation and research Pap, because each problem/objective stated in Chapter Tis answereg |) Chapter 4 (Results and Discussion) of the study. Aresearch objective is defined as “statement of purpose for which the investigation is to be conducted” (Ardales, 1992). The research objectiy, i a statement of purpose because this is the guide to be accom plished byte researcher in conducting his research project. Research objectives haye the same characteristics, SMART, with research problem. Similarly, the research objectives are stated specifically in simp), language in order that the investigator finds them easy to measure by using research apparatus (i.e., refractometer or salinometer, DO meter, thermometer, pH meter, and others) or instruments (i.e., questionnaire test, checklist, rating scale, interview) in gathering data and these dat, are achieved when correct statistical tools are used to arrive at req) results (not maneuvered), but for every activity to be done, time frame is required because the shorter the completion of the activity, the better Statement of Research Problem/ Objectives Research problem and research objectives have the same characteristics (SMART) but they differ in form because the former is stated in interrogative or question form and the latter, in declarative form, Example (Experimental Research) Let us have a study entitled “CULTIVATION OF EUCHEUMA IN MUNICIPAL WATERS OF ESTANCIA, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES USING LANTAY AND HANGING METHODS.” Based on this major problem, the specific problems are as follows: Problem. The main problem of this study is to cultivate Eucheuma in municipal waters of Estancia, lloilo, Philippines using lantay and hanging methods. Specifically, it attempts to answer the following questions: 1. What is the mean weight increment of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines, using lantay and hanging methods? : 2. What is the mean temperature, pH, and oxygen of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Ioilo, Philippines using lantay and hanging methods? 3. Which of the methods, lantay or hanging, is more effective in cultivating Eucheuma in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines? 4, Is there a significant mean difference on the weight increment of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines?Chapter 2 Research Problem and Objectives fal 5. Is there a significant mean difference on the temperature, ee and oxygen of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters - Estancia, lloilo, Philippines using Jantay and hanging methods’ Otyectives. The main purpose of this study is to cultivate Eucheuma in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines, using /antay and hanging methods. Specifically, it attempts to answer the following research objectives: 1. Todetermine the mean weight increment of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines, using /antay and hanging methods. 2. Tofind out the mean temperature, pH, and oxygen of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines using lantay and hanging methods. 3. To identify which of the methods, lantay or hanging, is more effective in cultivating Eucheuma in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines. 4. To determine if there is significant mean difference on the weight increment of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines. 5. To find out if there is significant mean difference on the temperature, pH, and oxygen of Eucheuma cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines using /antay and hanging methods. Example (Descriptive Research) Let us have a descriptive study on the “CORRELATION BETWEEN JOB-RELATED PROBLEMS AND JOB PERFORMANCE OF STAFF NURSES IN PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF ILOILO, PHILIPPINES.” Based on the major problem, the specific problems are as follows: Problem. The main problem of the study is to correlate between job- related problems and job performance of staff nurses in private and government hospitals in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines. Specifically, it attempts to answer the following questions: 1. What is the extent of seriousness of job-related problems as perceived by staff nurses in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines in relation to: (a) administration of top management, (b) administration of middle management, (c) administration of lower management, (d) communication, (e) financial condition, (f) hospital facilities, and (g) job hazard when classified as a whole, civil status, age, and length of nursing practice? 2. What is the mean job performance of staff nurses in private and government hospitals in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines?Jt 32 | Research Metheals and Thests Wrang Jation between job-related problems ang performance yf staff nurses in private and government hog, i erformance d ce Jo, Philippine: > city and province of lloilo, 4 InIBES an eenc 0 ete probly ee 2 : a varceiyed by staff nurses in private and government hospits, in the city and province o} 3. What is the corre : Pity, i ly { Tloilo in relation to: a) administrag, of top management, (b) administration re Managemen, (c) administration of lower managemen’, 1 communicating (e) financial condition, (1) hospital facilities, ®) job hazayy ‘when classified as to civil status, age, and length of nuryjp, aciise? : puso Te main purpose of this study is to correlate betie, job-related problems and job performance of staff nurses in the city a province of Iloilo, Philippines. Specifically, it attempts to answer th, following objectives: 1. To determine the exte as perceived by staff ni nt of seriousness of job-related problem, ‘arses in the city and province of Noi, Philippines in relation to: (a) administration of top management (b) administration of middle management, (c) administration of lower management, (d), communication, () financial condition, (f) hospital facilities, and (g) job hazard when classified as, whole, civil status, age, and nursing practice. 2. To find out the mean job performance of staff nurses in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines. 3. Tocorrelate between job-related problems and job performance of staff nurses in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines. 4. To test the significant difference on job-related problems as perceived by staff nurses in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines in relation to (a) administration of top management, (b) administration of middle management, (c) administration of lower management, (d) communication, (e) financial condition, (f) hospital facilities, and (g) job hazard when classified as a whole, civil status, age, and nursing practice. _The Hypotheses A hypothesis is defined as a wise guess that is formulated and temporarily adopted to explain the observed facts covered by the study: A hypothesis guides the researcher in that it describes the procedure t0 follow in conducting the study. Hypothesis is important for it tells the researcher what to do and how to go about solving a research problem: The investigator is in much better position if there are hypotheses '° guide him on the kind of data to collect (Leedy, 1981).Types of Hypothesis There are two types of hypothesis. These are (1) null hypothesis (H,) and alternative hypothesis (H.). These hypotheses are stated in declarative sentence form and are always based from the specific problems or objectives, : The null hypothe. sts (H,) is a denial of an existence of a trait, characteristic, quality, value, correlation or difference of the result. Null hypothesis (H,) is always stated in negative form. In contrast, the alternative hypothesis (H,) is the opposite extreme of the null hypothesis because the former is stated in positive form. Alternative hypothesis (H,) is an affirmation of the existence of observed phenomena. Example H, (Experimental Research) Specific problem. Is there a significant difference on the yield of peanuts planted in pots using night soil and chicken dung as fertilizers? Null hypothesis (H,). There is no significant difference on the yield of peanuts planted in pots using night soil and chicken dung as fertilizers. H,,X, =X, =0 Where, H, stands for null hypothesis; X,, mean of the yield of peanuts using night soil as fertilizer; and X,, mean of the yield of peanuts using chicken dung as fertilizer. Since there is no significant difference on the mean yield of peanuts planted in pots using night soil (X,) and chicken dung (X, ) as fertilizers, thus, the null hypothesis (H,) is equal (=) to zero (0). Example H, (Descriptive Research) Specific problem. Is there a correlation between job-related problems and job performance as perceived by staff nurses in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines? Null hypothesis (H,). There is no correlation between job-related problems and job performance of staff nurses in the city and province of Iloilo, Philippines. H,;:X=Y=0 Where, H, stands for null hypothesis; X stands for job-related problems of nurses; and Y, job performance of nurses. Since correlation between X and Y or job-related problems and job performance of staff nurses is zero, hence, it is equal or there is no correlation at all.Alternative Hypothesis Alte: re hypothesis (H,) is an affirmation of the existenc, of S eree 1 aha stated in affirmative form and is the opposiy, of null hypothesis (H,)- Example H, (Experimental Research) m. Is there a sig) on mea’ .) ble nificant mean difference on the gene Pilty of lunche t from bone meal of milkfish and ape: is a significant mean differen > , thesis (H,). There is a 818) ee erence on Se oan of | Juncheon meat from bone meal of milkfish and goatfish. : a i : H, X, + X, ;either, X, > XK, or X, < X, r 4: Since there is a mean difference on the general acceptability of luncheon meat from bone meal of milkfish and goatfish, thus, the oe is not equal, either X, is greater than X, or X, is lesser than X,. Example H, (Descriptive Research) Specific problem. Is there a significant difference on the educational qualification and socioeconomic status of professors in state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines? . Alternative hypothesis (H,). There is a significant difference on the educational qualification and socioeconomic status of professors in state universities and colleges in the Philippines. H,: X, # X, ;either, X, > X, or X, < X, Since there is a difference on the educational qualification and socioeconomic status of professors in state universities and colleges in the Philippines, hence the difference is not equal, either the educational qualification (X, ) is greater than socioeconomic status ( X,)or xX, is lesser than X,. In practice, the null hypothesis (H,) is commonly used because it is easy to reject and accept it. For instance, if the result is significant, reject H,; if insignificant, accept H,. Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Some thesis/dissertation writers use both the theoretical and the conceptual framework. However, it is advisable to use only one, either the theoretical or conceptual framework.Both theoretical and conceptual frameworks provide clear explanation regarding the relationships of variables. The fact that variables can be associated but does not guarantee that the relationship of variables has significant difference with each other, hence, research study must have theoretical framework to describe properly the relationships of variables. Theoretical Framework The theoretical framework shapes the justification of the research problenv/research objectives in order to provide the legal basis for defining its parameters. It is desirable for an investigator to identify key concepts that are used in the study for better understanding of the role of theory in research. _Theoretical framework is a symbolic construction which uses abstract concepts, facts or laws, variables and their relations that explain and predict how an observed phenomenon exists and operates. A researcher is required to formulate existing theories which link the study because theories are useful devise for interpreting, criticizing, and unifying established scientific laws or facts that serve as guide in discovering new generalizations. Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework presents specific and well-defined concepts which are called constructs. Its function is similar to theoretical framework because the constructs used are derived from abstract concepts of the theoretical framework. Example (Experimental Research) Level Independent Intervening Dependent Variables Variables Variables Theoretical Lantay and Ecological Yield of Hanging Methods —_— Parameters Eucheuma Conceptual Lantay and Hanging Methods ‘Temperature, 900 kg Oxygen, pH, 700 kg Salinity Example (Descriptive Research) Level Independent Intervening Dependent Variables Variables Variables Theoretical Academic Rank Values PerformanceVariables Dependent Level Independent Variables Intorvenint Values Variabley Conceptual Col/Univ Professor Attitudes Outstanding Professor toward work, Very Satisfactory Associate Professor Socioeconomic Batata tory : ‘a Assistant Professor status, Age, i! ri Instructor Civil Status, Gender Unsatisfactory Assumptions statements of facts related ty d to give readers of research undation to form “ASSumptions are presumed to be true the research problem. They are clearly state ; papers, theses, dissertations, research projects fo conclusions resulting from assumptions. Some researchers may state their assum advisable that evidences or arguments in supp’ are presented first. F Not all studies have a section on assumption in their study because some of these are included in the background of the study. Examples 1. Utilization of fish offal of boneless mil d into luncheon meat solves environmental pollution problem. 2. Milkfish and goatfish luncheon meat are nutritious for they contain protein and calcium. Protein builds and repairs worn- out tissues of the body. Calcium prevents osteoporosis (bone decay) and dental caries (tooth decay). Thus, improves the health of the people for health is wealth. 3. Luncheon meat from offal of boneless milkfish and goatfish tapa as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) provide livelihood projects for housewives, rural folks, fisherfolks, out-of-school youths, jobless adults, and unemployed graduates, hence, augment their income, alleviate poverty, and improve their quality of life. 4. Commercialization of milkfish and goatfish luncheon meat responds to the economic recovery and austerity measures of the Philippines. ptions outright, but it is ort of these assumptions Ikfish and goatfish tapa Significance of the Study The significance of the study in a research paper, thesis, dissertation or research project is a must. For a research project seeking for financial assistance from other agencies, significance of the study is presented comprehensively to convince the screeni i i ae ly e screening committee the importanceChapter 2 Research Problem and “njectives The explanation of the significance of the study is presented either in the inductive or deductive perspective. In an inductive perspective, the investigator states the importance of the study from the particular to general. He starts presenting the importance of the study from the target beneficiaries, to the researcher himself, to the people in the community, province, region, and nation, Likewise, in deductive perspective, general to particular, presentation of the importance of the study starts from the national level, regional, provincial, local, to the researcher, and target beneficiaries, ' The researcher should prove that the study has important contributions in relation to: (a) solving the problem and need, (b) bridging, caknowledge gap, (c) improving social, economic and health conditions, (d) enriching research instruments, methods and strategies, and (e) supporting government thrusts. In other words, in developing countries, like the Philippines, researches with return of investment (ROI) must be given priority as importance of the study. Likewise, research for commercialization not for publication only to make the Philippines economically secured. Scope and Limitations of the Study ~~ Scope and limitations of the study is an important section of a thesis, dissertation, and research paper. This includes the coverage of the study area, the subjects, the research apparatus, equipment or instrument, the research issues and concerns, the duration of the study, and the constraints that have direct bearing on the result of the study. Definition of Terms This is the last section of a thesis, dissertation, and research paper in Chapter 1. Thesis and dissertation do not include this section of the study if there are more than fifteen terms defined because this part is for the glossary. In this section of Chapter 1, the key terms are defined clearly. There are two ways of defining the key terms used in the study. These are: (1) conceptual, and (2) operational definition. 1. Conceptual definition. The definition of terms are based on concepts or hypothetic ones which are usually taken from dictionary, encyclopedia, and published journals. 2. Operational definition. The definition of terms are based on observable characteristics and how it is used in the study. It is advisable that the researcher should use two ways in defining the terms to make the meaning clear. The operational definition is preferable when defining technical terms.