ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

SCHOOL OF HERITAGE EDUCATION

Department of General Education

Course Code: MARRES 333

Course Title: Maritime Research
Program: BSMT
Module 2: The Components of a Research Problem

Developed by

VICTOR M. CAJALA

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MODULE CODE : <MOD–MARRES 333–M–002>

MODULE TITLE : The Components of a Research Problem

I. SCOPE

The module has three (3) learning outcomes (LO) and each LO has one (1)
teaching-learning activities (TLA).

II. COURSE OUTCOMES

CO NO. 2 : Formulate a research topic with corresponding

background, problem statement/s, scope, theoretical
and/or conceptual framework, and significance.

LO No. 1 : Choose and assess the proper variables of a research

title.
LO No. 2 : Formulate a research title.
LO No. 3 : Construct the components of a research problem.

III. OVERVIEW OF THE MODULE

LO No. 1 : Choose and assess the proper variables of a research

title.

TLA No. 1 : Interactive discussion and graded recitation on

the meaning and types of variables.

LO No. 2 : Formulate a research title.

TLA No. 1 : Interactive discussion and exercise in

formulating a research title.

LO No. 3 : Construct the components of a research problem

(Chapter 1).

TLA No. 1 : Interactive discussion and graded recitation on

the various components of Chapter 1.

IV. REFERENCE/S

1. Research Methods and Thesis Writing (2nd Edition)

By: Laurentina Paler-Calmorin & Melchor A. Calmorin (2010)

2. Developing Technical Writing Towards Meeting Academic Challenges (2010)

By: Casela & Cuevas

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LEARNING OUTCOME NO. : 1

LEARNING OUTCOME STATEMENT : Choose and assess the proper variables
of a research title.

I. CONTENT DISCUSSION

1.1 TLA No. 1 : Interactive discussion/Graded recitation. Discussion

on the meaning and types of variables.

1. A prelude to variable

“No two individuals are alike even identical twins are different. Even if twins
have the same sex, they differ in their personality, attitude, character, skills,
abilities and values.”

Question on point:

Do you agree with the above prelude to variables? The answer is actually
yes. Then, why do you think so?

2. Meaning of variable

A variable is a quantity susceptible of fluctuation or change in value or

magnitude under different conditions. Numerical values or categories
represent these quantities.

Question-in-point:

Can you cite examples of numerical values or categories found in various

research papers representing its respective variables?

3. Two major types of variable

A. Independent variable (IV)

 This is the stimulus variable which is chosen by the researcher to
determine its relationship to an observed phenomenon.

B. Dependent variable (DV)

 This is the response variable which is observed and measured to
determine the effect of the independent variable.

Case-in-point:

The “Makahiya” phenomenon. The “Makahiya”

plant, also known as the “Touch me not plant”,
is a famous plant in the Philippines. What is
unique on this plant is that its leaves fold
inwards when touched or aggravated by other
external forces such as wind and water. In
reference above, the dependent variable (DV) is
the “Makahiya” plant as its response is
dependent on the external forces applied on its
leaves; while the external forces are the
independent variables (IV) as they serve to be
the stimuli for the plant to react.
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Rubrics for recitation

Category Poor Fair Good Excellent

1 2 3 4
Engagement Student never Few Proactively Proactively and
40%) participates in contributions to contributes to regularly
class class class contributes to
discussion; fails discussions; discussion; asks class discussion;
to respond to seldom questions and initiates
direct volunteers but responds to discussion on
questions. responds to direct questions. issues related to
(10%) direct questions. (30%) class topic.
(20%) (40%)
Relevance to Contributions Contributions are Contributions Contributions are
the Topic are off-topic or sometimes off- are always relevant and
(30%) distract from topic or distract relevant. promote deeper
discussion. from discussion. (22.5%) analysis of the
(7.5%) (15%) topic. (30%)
Listening Does not listen Does not listen Listens and Listens without
when others carefully; appropriately interrupting and
Skills (20%) talk; interrupts comments are responds to the incorporates and
or makes often contributions of expands on the
inappropriate nonresponsive to others. (15%) comments of
comments. discussion. other students.
(5%) (10%) (20%)
Preparation Student is not Student has read Student has Student is
(10%) adequately the material but read and consistently well
prepared; does not closely, or thought about prepared;
not seem to has read only the material sometimes adds
have read the some of the before class. relevant
assigned material before (7.5%) information
material before class. (5%) beyond the
class. (2.5%) assigned
reading. (10%)

II. PERFORMANCE TASK

2.1 Activity No. 1 : Variable identification exercise. Underline the major

variables in the following titles and label them
according their types.

A. Effect of pellets upon the survival rate of prawn

cultured in the fishpond
B. Effect of academic rank on the research
performance of professors

III. SELF-ASSESSMENT

3.1 Assessment No. 1: Variable identification. Identify the types of variable in

the given research titles.

3.1.1 Instructions:
3.1.1.1 Read carefully the research titles listed below.
A. Student Values Formation through Merchant
Marine Cadetship Program of the Asian Institute
of Maritime Studies
B. Supply of Senior Marine Officers and Senior
Marine Engineers: Its Demand and Adequacy

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as Perceived by Selected Manning Agencies in

Metro Manila
C. Probing the International Operational Status of
Bulk Carrier Vessels as Perceived by Selected
Manning Agencies in the Philippines
D. Extent of Racial Discrimination, Degree of
Conflict, and Coping Strategies of Selected
Filipino Seafarers
E. Problems in Shipboarding and Maneuvering of
Deck Officers at Iloilo Ports
3.1.1.2 Underline the words/phrases which you think
represent the variables of the study.
3.1.1.3 Then identify as to what type of variable in each
of the underlined words/phrases.
3.1.1.4 Take note that in every title, there can be one or
more IVs or DVs. Therefore, judge critically.
3.1.1.5 You are given 30 minutes to finish the activity.
3.1.1.6 This is a 15-point activity to be credited under
Quiz 2-A.

3.1.2 Covered Topics:

3.1.2.1 Meaning of variable.
3.1.2.2 Types of variable.

IV. REFERENCES FOR FURTHER READING

4.1 Variables: Definition, Types of Variables in Research

https://www.iedunote.com/variables

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LEARNING OUTCOME NO. : 2

LEARNING OUTCOME STATEMENT : Formulate a research title.

I. CONTENT DISCUSSION

1.1 TLA No. 1 : Interactive discussion. Discussion in selecting and

narrowing a topic; research topic domains; and
formulation of title.

1. Selecting the topic

 One may begin by assessing his interest so that he/she would not
consider writing a research paper and academic burden.
 Interest is the first source for choosing a topic because researchers
practically work on the topic they like.

2. Topic domains in the maritime transportation track

 Seafarer Life
 Maritime education
 Maritime English
 Marine pollution
 Employment rate of seafarers
 Maritime industry
 Manning agencies
 International maritime regulations
 Occupational hazards in seafaring
 Health and safety onboard

3. Where to outsource topics for research?

 Journals particular to your discipline

 Published/Unpublished research articles
 Research abstracts particular to your course
 References cited in previous studies
 Online searches
 Seminars, symposia, research conferences

4. Narrowing the topic

When one’s research topic is sourced out, one must have sufficient
knowledge about it. He can do this by reading and surveying related
literatures and studies so that he can assess which areas have already been
investigated and which are not.

Once one has chosen a topic, assess the topic because it can be too general;
Narrow down the topic by determining the more specific topic which is
researchable;

Narrowing topic involves identifying more specific areas, concentrating on

more important details, specifying prospective respondents, and setting the
limitations.

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5. Sample narrowing of topic

1. Major topic: Health and Safety

Narrowed topic: Psychosocial Risks Affecting Work Performance

 Workload management
 Civility & Respect Factor variables

2. Major topic: Seafarer Life

Narrowed topic: Perks and Perils of a Seafaring Career

 Salary/Remuneration
 Weather/Climate Factor variables

6. Formulating the title

1. The title embodies substantive words or phrases that describe one’s

research study.
2. The title must also reflect the variables under study:
o Independent Variable. These are the stimuli that affect or
cause changes to the dependent variable.
o Dependent Variable. These are the responses brought about
by the changes caused by the independent variable.

II. PERFORMANCE TASK

2.1 Activity No. 1 : Narrowing exercise. Narrow down the following

research topics.

2.1.1 Instructions:
2.1.1.1 Read and analyze the following research topics below.
A. Marine pollution
B. Maritime education
C. Filipino seafarer
2.1.1.2 Narrow down each research topic.
2.1.1.3 List down at least 3 factor variables for each narrowed topic.

2.1.2 Covered Topics:

2.1.2.1 Selecting the topic.
2.1.2.2 Narrowing the topic.
2.1.2.3 Research topic domains.
2.1.2.4 Formulating the title.

2.2 Activity No. 2 : Worksheet 1. Submission of three proposed titles.

2.1.2 Instructions:
2.1.2.1 Nominate 3 proposed research titles aligned with your
program.
2.1.2.2 Identify the specific variables in the proposed titles.
2.1.2.3 Identify also basic topic identifications: setting and
respondents.
2.1.2.4 Submit the worksheet.
2.1.2.5 Prepare for a title defense.

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2.1.3 Covered Topics:

2.1.3.1 Selecting the topic.
2.1.3.2 Narrowing the topic.
2.1.3.3 Research topic domains.
2.1.3.4 Guidelines in writing a title.
2.1.3.5 Formulating the title.

III. SELF-ASSESSMENT

3.1 Assessment No. 1: Title defense. Defend a proposed title aligned with
the respective program/discipline.

3.1.1 Instructions:
3.1.1.1 Prepare a ppt presentation of your 3 proposed
titles (as listed in your Worksheet 1).
3.1.1.2 Each member of the group should defend 1 title.
3.1.1.3 Articulate instructions 2 and 3 of Worksheet 1.
3.1.1.4 In case an approved title was finalized, take note
of the title revisions, if any. Let the professor sign
the approved title.
3.1.1.5 In case no approved title was arrived, nominate 6
titles and defend on the following meeting.
3.1.1.6 This is a 15-point activity to be credited under
Quiz 2-B.

3.1.2 Covered Topics:

3.1.2.1 Selecting the topic.
3.1.2.2 Narrowing the topic.
3.1.2.3 Research topic domains.
3.1.2.4 Guidelines in writing a title.
3.1.2.5 Formulating the title.

IV. REFERENCES FOR FURTHER READING

4.1 Five simple steps to write a good research paper title

https://www.editage.com/insights/5-simple-steps-to-write-a-good-research-
paper-title

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LEARNING OUTCOME NO. : 3

LEARNING OUTCOME STATEMENT : Construct the components of a research
problem (Chapter 1).

I. CONTENT DISCUSSION

1.1 TLA No. 1 : Interactive discussion/Graded recitation. Discussion

on how to write the components of a research problem.

1. The Components of a Research Problem

A. Introduction
 A good introduction should lead the
reader from a generalized topic to a
particular aspect. It helps to establish
the main idea, context, research
importance and summarizes background
data on the topic.
 The introduction should also highlight
potential results and explain research
structure and organization.
 Lastly, a thoughtful introduction sets a
tone for the whole paper, grabs attention
of the reader and provides thesis
statement and hypothesis.

B. Background of the Study

 The background of the study for a thesis includes a review of the area
being researched, current information surrounding the issue, previous
studies on the issue, and relevant history on the issue.
 Ideally, the study should effectively set forth the history and
background information on your thesis problem.
 The purpose is to help a researcher prove the relevance of his thesis
question and to further develop the entirety of his thesis.

C. Statement of the Problem (SOP)

 The statement of the problem is a direct and clear statement of the
principal problem (as reflected in the title) to be investigated.
 Sub-problems (variable factors) are minor problems anchored from
the principal problem. They should be answered first as the results
will lead to solving the principal problem.
 Research problems are stated specifically in simple language so
each can be measured easily.
 Data gathered are achieved when correct statistical tools or
qualitative data gathering instruments are used to arrive at real
results.

Guidelines in writing the SOP

 Problems should be stated in both general and specific terms;
 Problems should always be in interrogative form, hence, it
must ask a question and sub-problems must follow, if needed;

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 Commonly, questions are stated using the following opening

question words: what; how; and, is there.

 SOPs identify data according to its intended yields or products.

Hence, they can be classified as listed below:
1. Profile SOP – this intends to produce data such as age,
gender, civil status, etc.
2. Descriptive SOP – this intends to generally produce data
from major variables of the study such as course
performance, situational analysis test, racial discrimination,
degree of conflict among others.
3. Inferential SOP – this intends to generate higher statistical
results and become the bases to analyze and interpret
established relationship, comparison, prediction and other
interconnections.

1st sample descriptive study:

COURSE PERFORMANCE AND SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS TEST IN
COLLISION REGULATION (DWATCH224L3) OF THIRD YEAR BSMT
STUDENTS
(Paras et al., 2016)

Sample statement of the problem:

1. What is the course performance of the third year BSMT
students in DWATCH 224L3 in terms of: (Descriptive SOP)
a. Theoretical Grade;
b. Laboratory Grade; and,
c. Final Grade?
2. What is the performance of the third year BSMT students in
terms of the situational analysis test in DWATCH224L3?
(Descriptive SOP)
3. Is there a significant relationship between the theoretical grade
and laboratory grade of the third year BSMT students?
(Descriptive SOP)
4. Is there a significant relationship between the final grade and
the situational analysis test of the third year BSMT students?
(Inferential SOP)

2nd sample descriptive study:

EXTENT OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AND DEGREE OF CONFLICT
AMONG SELECTED FILIPINO SEAFARERS
(Reyes et al., 2016)

Sample statement of the problem:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of: (Profile SOP)
1.1. Birthplace
1.2. Age
1.3. Religion
1.4. Civil Status
1.5. Type of Vessel Boarder
1.6. Year of Vessel Experience
1.7. Nationality of Senior Officer

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2. Based on social-structural theories, to what extent is the racial

discrimination experienced by selected Filipino seafarers in terms
of: (Descriptive SOP)
2.1. Language
2.2. Physical Features
2.3. Religion
3. What is the degree of conflict encountered by Filipino seafarers in
terms of: (Descriptive SOP)
3.1. Competing Interest
3.2. Higher Social Status
3.3. Social Exclusion
3.4. Stigmatization
3.5. Physical Assault
4. Is there a significant relationship between the racial discrimination
and degree of conflict experienced by the respondent seafarers?
(Inferential SOP)
5. Is there a significant difference on the racial discrimination
experienced by the selected seafarers when they are grouped
according to their profile? (Inferential SOP)

D. Hypothesis
 This is a wise guess formulated and temporarily adopted to explain
the observed facts covered by the study.
 Hypothesis is important for it tells the researcher what to do and
how to go about solving a research problem.
 The hypothesis is stated in declarative sentence form and is
always based from the specific SOP.

Two types of hypothesis

1. Null hypothesis
 The null hypothesis is a denial of existence of a trait,
characteristics, quality, value, correlation or difference of
the result.
 This is always stated in null or negative form.
 The symbol of a null hypothesis is H0.
 The equation of a null hypothesis is: H0: 𝑥 ̅1 = 𝑥 ̅2 = 0
2. Alternative hypothesis
 Alternative hypothesis is an affirmation of a trait,
characteristics, quality, value, correlation or difference of
the result.
 This is always stated in positive form.
 The symbol of an alternative hypothesis is H1
 The equation of an alternative hypothesis is:
H1: 𝑥 ̅1 ≠ 𝑥 ̅2, because 𝑥 ̅1 > 𝑥 ̅2, or 𝑥 ̅1 < 𝑥 ̅2

1st sample descriptive study

COURSE PERFORMANCE AND SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS TEST IN
COLLISION REGULATION (DWATCH224L3) OF THIRD YEAR BSMT
STUDENTS
(Paras et al., 2016)

3rd statement of the problem:

3. Is there a significant relationship between the theoretical grade
and laboratory grade of the third year BSMT students?

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Sample null hypotheses based on the 3rd statement:

H01. There is no significant relationship between the theoretical
grade and laboratory grade of the third year BSMT students.

4th statement of the problem:

4. Is there a significant difference on the racial discrimination
experienced by the selected seafarers when they are grouped
according to their profile?

Sample null hypotheses based on the 4th statement:

H02. There is no significant relationship between the theoretical
grade and laboratory grade of the third year BSMT students.

EXTENT OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AND DEGREE OF CONFLICT

AMONG SELECTED FILIPINO SEAFARERS
(Reyes et al., 2016)

4th statement of the problem:

4. Is there a significant relationship between the racial
discrimination and degree of conflict experienced by the
respondent seafarers?

Sample null hypotheses based on the 4th statement:

H01. There is no significant relationship between the racial
discrimination and degree of conflict experienced by the
respondent seafarers.

5th statement of the problem:

5. Is there a significant difference on the racial discrimination
experienced by the selected seafarers when they are grouped
according to their profile?

Sample null hypotheses based on the 5th statement:

H02. There is no significant difference on the racial
discrimination experienced by the respondent seafarers when
they are grouped according to their profile.

E. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

Theoretical framework
 A theoretical framework is a symbolic construction which uses
abstract concepts, facts, or laws 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

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 A conceptual framework presents specific and well- defined

concepts which are called constructs.
 Types of conceptual framework:
o Context-Input-Process-Product Model (CIPPM)
o Input-Process-Throughputs/Outputs (IPO)
o Combined Variable Model (CVM)
o Interactinal System Model (ISM)

F. Significance of the Study

 This is presented comprehensively to convince the screening
committee (panels) the importance of the study.
 It should prove that the study has important contributions in
relation to: a) solving the problem and need; b) bridging a
knowledge gap; c) improving social, economic, and health
conditions; d) enriching research instruments, methods &
strategies; and, e) supporting government thrusts.

 Presentation should start from the target beneficiaries, to the

people in the community, province, region, and nation.

G. Scope and Limitations

 This includes the coverage of the study area, the subjects, the
research apparatus or instruments, the research issues and
concerns, the duration of the study, and the constraints that have
direct bearing on the result of the study.

H. Definition of Terms
 This section provides the precise meaning of terms used in the
study. The terms are defined operationally, that is, meaning is
derived from the specific or appropriate use or application of the
terms in the study. There are two types:
o Operational definition. The operational definition ensures
the clarity of meaning in context with the variables under
study and avoids misinterpretation or ambiguity since
conceptual definition is to guide the researcher in terms of
the acceptable properties or distinguishing characteristics
of the term.
o Conceptual definition. The conceptual definition, taken from
dictionary, encyclopedia, and published journals, serves as
a basis in formulating the operational definition.

II. PERFORMANCE TASK

2.1 Activity No. 1: Worksheet 2. Submission of proposed statement/s of

the problem.

2.1.1 Instructions:
2.1.1.1 Nominate proposed statement/s of the problem anchored from
an approved title.
2.1.1.2 Submit the worksheet.
2.1.1.3 Prepare for a face-to-face consultation.
2.1.1.4 This is a 30-point activity to be credited under Quiz 3.

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2.1.2 Covered Topics:

2.1.2.1 Statement of the problem.

2.2 Activity No. 2 : Worksheet 3. Submission of thesis task distribution.

2.2.1 Instructions:
2.2.1.1 Distribute the writing task of the research paper
to each member of the group.
2.2.1.2 Create a group chat for easy communication.
2.2.1.3 Submit the worksheet.
2.2.2 Covered Topics:
2.2.2.1 (None)

III. SELF-ASSESSMENT

3.1 Assessment No. 1: Chapter 1. Submission of the complete components of

Chapter 1.

3.1.1 Instructions:
3.1.1.1 Each member of the group should write its
assigned part.
3.1.1.2 Members must submit to the group leader their
written assigned parts.
3.1.1.3 Leader should integrate in one file the main
research paper of the group.
3.1.1.4 Apply the required institutional format. For this
part, refer to the format provided by the Research
Office.
3.1.1.5 Submit chapter 1.
3.1.1.6 This requirement is equivalent to midterm exam.
3.1.2 Covered Topics:
3.1.2.1 The problem and its background.
3.1.2.2 Background of the study.
3.1.2.3 Statement of the problem.
3.1.2.4 Guidelines in writing the statement/s of the
problem.
3.1.2.5 The hypothesis.
3.1.2.6 Theoretical/Conceptual framework.
3.1.2.7 Significance of the study.
3.1.2.8 Scope and limitations.
3.1.2.9 Definition of terms.

IV. REFERENCES FOR FURTHER READING

4.1 Parts of chapter 1 in thesis writing

https://ihelptostudy.com/parts-of-chapter-1-in-thesis-writing.html

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