Module 1

Session Topic 2:

Choosing a Research Problem

GSIHM001
1st Trimester - A.Y. 2021 – 2022

Dr. John Paolo P. Severino

Guest Lecturer
 Learning Objectives

At the end of the session you will:

‒How to select a research problem.
‒Discuss the criteria in evaluating research problem.
‒Describe the source of the problem.
‒Describe the research proposal.
 I. Select a research problem
The student should explore or develop a research in a field that relates to
his/her interest and the undertaking will no doubt give him/her valuable
knowledge and experience in his/her area of specialization. However, the choice
of topic must be characterized by originality and uniqueness. The topic must also
be specific enough to make an appropriate treatment and significant enough to
merit investigation.

In choosing a research topic, the researcher must take into consideration the 4Ns:
1. It provides a Novel contribution or discovery.
2. It addresses a Need in the field or society.
3. It fills in Niche or Gap (blindspot or blankspot)
4. It is borne of the researcher’s Noteworthy Interest
 Guidelines for the Selection of a Topic
a. The research topic must be chosen by the researcher herself/himself.
b. It must be within the interest of the researcher.
c. It must be within the specialization of the researcher.
d. It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle.
e. It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance.
f. It is researchable and manageable.
i. Data are available and accessible.
ii. Answer to specific question and sub-problems can be found.
iii. The hypotheses formulated are testable.
iv. Equipment and instrument are available.
 Guidelines for the Selection of a Topic
g. It can be completed within reasonable time.
h. It is relevant to the present time and situation.
i. Results are practical and implementable.
j. It requires original, critical and reflective thinking.
k. It must contribute to the body human knowledge.
l. It must pave the way for a solution of the problem/problems.
m. There must be consideration of the hazard involved physical social or
legal.
n. It must contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the
Filipinos.
 Characteristics of a Research Topic
A good research topic exhibits the characteristics of a SMART topic.
S – Specific. This means the topic is clear and unambiguous; without
vagaries and platitudes. A specific topic will usually answer the five “W”
questions:
WHY did you choose the topic? What interest you about it?
WHO are the information providers on this topic? Who is the affected by the
topic?
WHAT are the major question for this topic? Is there a debate about the topic?
WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level?
WHEN is/was your topic is important? Do you want to compare your topic by
time period?
 Characteristics of a research Topic
M – Measurable. Measuring progress is supposed to help the proponents or
researchers stay on track, reach its target dates and the objective of the study.

A – Achievable / Attainable. It refers to the importance of goals that are realistic and
attainable. When you identify goals that are most important to the topic research, the
research, the proponents or researchers begin to figure out ways to make it come
true.

R – Realistic / Relevant. Choose a research topics that are within the scope of
specialization and under the relevant priority areas of the field.

T – Time-bound. The proponents or researchers must choose a topic which is

possible to cover
 II. Criteria in evaluating research problem
A title should:
‒ Capture the main idea and content of the research;
‒ Identify the variables or theoretical issues under investigation and the
relationship between them.
‒ Catch the reader’s attention and interest;
‒ Be concise, simple and with style;
‒ Mark its contribution to and distinction from the field;
‒ Match search queries and keywords so people will find your paper (and cite it); and
‒ Neither too long nor too short; as much as possible limit to 15 relevant words.
Sample Combinations and Sample Titles:
Sample Combinations and Sample Titles:
Sample Combinations and Sample Titles:
 - End -
Thank You