Inquiries, Investigations and Immersion

Alternative Delivery Mode

Quarter 3–Module 2: Identifying the Problem and Asking the Questions

What I Need to Know

In the previous module, you have learned that choosing a research topic needs a lot of
consideration and thinking. Not only that research should be focused and well-defined, but
it should also be well-timed and contributive to a field or discipline. In accordance to the
guidelines and steps discussed, you were able to determine your topic to be investigated.
Now that you have a research problem in mind, this module will harness you on how to
write the basic parts of a research paper.

After this module, you are expected to:

1. identify the following parts of a research paper:
a. background of the study
b. statement of the problem
c. research hypothesis (for quantitative research)
d. significance of the study
e. scope and delimitation of the study
f. conceptual framework
g. definition of terms
2. describe the importance of each part of the research paper; and
3. formulate clearly the statement of the problem.

What I Know

Identify the basic parts of a research paper described in each statement. Choose your
answers from the word bank below and write them on your answer sheet.
Introduction Significance of the Study
Scope and Delimitation Definition of Terms Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem Hypothesis

Thispart…
1. serves as the plan or the blueprint of the study.
2. includes definitions of words operationally used in the study.
3. serves as an overview of the research topic under investigation.
4. sets the parameters of the study which narrow down the scope of inquiry.
5. states the concrete terms that a researcher expects to happen in the study.
6. cites the benefits certain groups of persons will get from the outcome of the study.
7. clearly expresses the specific direction or focus of the research problem or inquiry.
8. elaborates the origin of the research problem which led to the conduct of the study.
9. covers the general statement of the problem as well as the specific research
questions to be answered in the study.
10. gives the concepts to be covered in the study as well as its boundaries in terms of the
respondents/participants, sampling technique, locale and the research methods to
be used.

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 Lesson 1: Identifying the Problem and Asking the Questions

Starting a research investigation is similar to embarking on a journey. First, you have to

project a clear picture of your destination. You have already accomplished this initial step
as you have trimmed down your area of interest into a specific research problem in the
previous module. The next step is to strategize how to arrive at the destination.

One way to strategize is to pinpoint all the factors and considerations that may affect the
route towards your goal. This module discusses these contributing elements which will also
serve as the bedrock of your study.

What’s In
One of the purposes of research is to address the pressing issues in the society. As a student who is a
keen observer and is aware of the local, national or international affairs, list 1 crucial concern and
propose a solution for it. Write your answers on your answer sheet. (5 points)

For example:
Problem 1 (Local): Diesel price hike
Proposed Solution: Used Cooking Oil as a Substitute for Diesel

What’s New
Read the given research scenario carefully and answer the questions that follow. Choose the
letter of the best answer. Write your answers on your answer sheet.

A group of student-researchers from Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School

intends to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the Tobacco Free Generation
(TFG) program in Dinalupihan, Bataan. Medical doctors, nurses and volunteers
in Singapore started the said program in 2016 and was adopted by Bataan in
the same year. TFG founder, Dr. Koong Heng Nung, considered Bataan as the
first province in the Philippines to adopt this campaign. According to Koong
(2018), TFG aims to educate and encourage the youths to be part of the tobacco
free generation.

1. Where is the locale of the study?

A. Bataan B. Dinalupihan C. Philippines D. Singapore
2. What is the objective of the study in the given selection?
A. to uncover the history of the TFG program
B. to measure the effectiveness of the TFG policies
C. to identify the effects of the TFG to the community
D. to solicit the experiences of smokers and non-smokers
3. Who do you think should be the respondents of the study?
A. residents of Dinalupihan C. founder of the TFG program
B. medical doctors and nurses D. All of the above.
4. Who do you think will benefit from this study?
A. Community B. local government C. future researchers D. All of the above.
5. Why do you think there is a need to conduct this study?
A. to gauge the status of the program
B. to see whether the program needs revision
C. to measure the compliance level of the residents
D. All of the above.

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What is it
Now that you have clearly formulated a research problem, the next step is to accomplish the
baseline of your research paper. You must explain the context of your study by giving its
background. This may aid you in identifying your specific questions for your statement of
the problem as well as your hypothesis. There is also a need to list down the beneficiaries of
your research which will be presented in the significance of the study. You must also set the
boundaries of your study by writing your scope and delimitation. A definition of terms must
also be furnished to facilitate understanding of your study. These parts are discussed as
follows:

A. The background of the study is an explanation of the context of study which involves
the current data or status of the problem, existing studies about it and its history
that paved way to the development of the research problem. It explicates the
rationale why you, as a researcher, are conducting the study. Writing this particular
part of the paper may lead you to your research questions.
As you write the background of the study or introduction, take into consideration the
following guidelines:
1. It should clearly state the reason for conducting the study.
2. It should move from broad to specific.
3. It should state the current condition of the research problem.

Prior to writing and reading various literature and studies, making an outline is a helpful
tip to facilitate the process. Here is an example of an outline of the background of the
study:

Discuss the topic

in general. Start
Reading Skills and Its Importance
from a holistic or
world perspective.
Insert a condition
that is directly
related to the Poor Reading Skills
topic and to the
focus of your
study.
Identify the
Factors Affecting Poor Reading Skills
factors
in General
contributing to
the focus of your
study.

State the current

School’s Philippine Informal Reading
condition of the
topic in your
Inventory (Phil-IRI) result
school or locale.

State the reason

why you chose to Reason of the researcher
study the topic.

Source: Jerry C. Perello, presented at Learning and Development Activity for Schools
Research Committee Cum Crafting Research Write Ups, 2019.

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 Example of a Background of the Study

Title of the Study: Nami Plant Extract as Termite Repellent

Discussion from a holistic

According to Eiseman (2010) in his article which focused

or world perspective.
on termites, termites cause less than 75-80% of damage
economically due to home, wood and crop infestation in North
America. He stated that the reason is that termites are drawn
to their food source and that makes them drawn to any type of
wood like timber, logs, firewood and other wood made
A condition related to the topic or

structures. He also added that termites can be harmful to

humans due to its bites that may cause any allergic reaction.
Vulcan (2017) enumerated different tips that can help
in preventing termites from eating wood and one of it is using
a treatment like Rust Oleum, a named product used to paint
focus of the study

wood to prevent termite’s infestation. This has been proven

effective; however, the price is relatively expensive.
On the other hand, Onwueme (2016) published an
article about an intoxicating yam named Dioscorea hispida.
Yam is a root crop which contains poisonous alkanes that are
harmful to human’s health. It can cause nausea and vomiting
if its ripe fruit is ingested in the body. Although it has toxic
content; it can be a source of food. Due to food scarcity and
famine in some parts of the Philippines, this can be an
alternative to rice given its abundance. Its toxicity can be
removed once boiled.
As described by Dukar (2012), intoxicating yam is a
twining vine, arising from tuberous roots, and reaching a
length of several meters. Juice of underground stems reported
to possess narcotic properties. It is found in the Himalayas,
from Nepal to Sikkim, at altitudes up to 1500m, and also in
the tropics of Asia from South India to Taiwan, Philippines,
New Guinea.
Mat (2013) conducted a study regarding Dioscorea
hispida Dennst which is the Malaysian term for “yam.” In their
previous ethnobotanical survey carried out on the Malay
villagers in Pulau Redang, Kuala Terengganu district of
Terengganu, it was found out that Dioscorea hispida tuber is
used as food, traditional medicines to treat diabetes and
shingle infestation, for de-worming as well as fish poison. On
the other hand, the villagers of Sainnamari and Thanarbaid,
Tangail, Bangladesh had used the poisonous tuber paste of

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 Dioscorea as poison in hunting.
While in the Philippines, Nami or intoxicating yam was
investigated to have some insecticidal properties. In the late
research of the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST), they had proven that this species of yam has various
chemical compositions that may negatively affect some
various insects. Moreover, the seed also has some poison

Reason of the conduct

mimicking cyanide intoxication.
With this being said, the researchers aim to formulate
a product with this intoxicating yam by disregarding its

of the study
toxicity and instead using it as an advantage. The researchers
intend to make a cheap, inorganic termite wood repellent.

Source: Ceejay S. Mallari, et al, “Nami Plant Extract as Termite

Repellent” paper presented at Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High
School, 2020.

B. The next part to be accomplished is the statement of the problem. Aside from being a
tool in solving dilemmas in the society, another purpose of research is to guide people
towards a better understanding of phenomena, human behavior, human interactions
and other events in daily life. This premise indicates the importance of meticulously
crafting of the research questions as it sets the focus and drives the course of the
study.
The statement of the problem has two parts:
• General statement of the problem/Objective
• Specific research questions

How to formulate general statement of the problem

The purpose of this ethnographic study (type of study) is to describe (exploratory and non-
directional verb) the training (central phenomenon of the study) of Aeta teachers from
Castillejos, Zambales (participants) for the past ten years (when) to provide insights into the
formulation of a continuing education model for indigenous teachers (purpose). (Creswell
and Clark, 2014)

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 
Guidelines in formulating specific question or sub-questions:

1.Begin the research questions with the “WHAT?” or

“HOW” explanation of the research design. (Qualitative)

2.“WHY?” implies an explanation of an occurrence and

suggests a cause- and-effect type of thinking. (Quantitative)

3.Focus on a single phenomenon or concept.

4.Qualitative research uses exploratory and non-directional verbs.

The study will: discover (grounded theory); seek to understand
(ethnography); explore the process of (case study); describe the
experiences of (phenomenology); report the stories (narrative research).

5.Quantitative research uses directional verbs such as: affect;

effect; influence; impact; cause; relation; relate; and determine.

6.Expect research questions to evolve and change during the

study in a manner consistent with the assumptions of the emerging
design.

7.Use open-ended questions without reference to the literature or

theory unless otherwise indicated by a qualitative strategy of inquiry.

8.Specify the participants and the research site of the study, if the
information is not yet given.

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C. A hypothesis is a preconceived idea, assumed to be true and is tested for its truth or
falsity. It has two types: the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis. The null
hypothesis indicates that there is no significant difference or relationship between
specified populations or variables. Significant difference is used when testing
whether there is difference between the means of two or more populations or
variables while significant relationship is used in situations where one is examining
the association between any two sets of variables (King’oriah, 2004). Null hypothesis
is the hypothesis the researcher will try to disprove or discredit. An alternative
hypothesis, on the other hand, is one that states that there is a significant difference
or relationship between specified populations or variables.

Note that not all studies test hypothesis. Sometimes a study is designed to be
exploratory. Exploratory research intends to investigate a problem that is not clearly
defined; hence will not provide conclusive results.

D. The significance of the study pinpoints the benefits certain groups of people will gain
from the findings of the study. It must start from the most to the least benefitted
ones.

Example of Significance of the Study

Title of the Study: Effects of Verbal Bullying to the Academic Performance of Grade 9
Students in Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School

Significance of the Study

Verbal bullying is one of the leading causes of mental illnesses such as depression,
anxiety disorder and mood disorder. School, as studies reported, is one of the places
this type of bullying perpetuates in. Despite the many policies implemented to reduce
the cases of verbal bullying, still the problem continuously takes place.

This study focuses on the effects of verbal bullying to the academic performance of
grade 9 students in Jose C Payumo Jr. Memorial High School S. Y. 2019-2020.

The result of this study will be valuable to the following:

To the students, this will provide them knowledge about the forms of bullying and
how to deal with it once encountered.

To the school administrators, the result of this study may provide information and
may serve as a basis to encourage them to make regulations about the problem. In
addition, this may lead them to assuring the full and strong implementation of the
existing policies on bullying.

To the teachers, the findings of this study may help them to spread awareness on
how destructive verbal bullying can be. Constant guidance from the teachers can
also be an upshot of this study. Moreover, teachers may conceptualize activities or
other solutions to create a positive and friendly atmosphere inside their
classrooms.

To the parents, this study may inform them on the possible negative
circumstances like bullying that may happen to their children. As an effect, this
may encourage them to guide their children properly.

To the future researchers, this study will serve as a basis for related topics. A
continuation of this study may be done to fill in the gaps of this research that may
result to proactive solutions to counter any form of bullying.

Source: Jocelyn C. Gambas, et. al, “Effects of Verbal Bullying to the Academic Performance of Grade 9
Students in Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School, School Year 2019 – 2020” paper presented at Jose
C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School, 2020.

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 E. Scope and Delimitations of the Study states the coverage of the study. It must
answer the following parameters as much as possible:
What  The topic and the variables to be included
Why  The general objectives
Where  The specific locale
When  The time frame
How  Research design, instrument and methodology

F. A conceptual framework serves as an outline or a blueprint that you can follow in

doing your research. It is presented in a flow chart, map, diagram or narrative form. When
using a diagram, it is still a must to include narrative to explain the details. Here you show
the variables that influence your research. Variable is anything that has quantity or quality
that varies in a research. For example, if you are studying the COVID-19 outcomes, you
might study home life, school and community. For school, your variables might be learning
process and quality of learning. To make your conceptual framework thorough, it is
encouraged to make it more detailed.

G. Definition of Terms lists down and defines the key terms as used in the study in
alphabetical order. An operational definition refers to a specific definition of concept in a
research study. This is necessary because it will clarify the purpose and direction of the
study.

What’s More
Formulate a null and an alternative hypothesis for each of the following. (5 points each)
For example: Taking of aspirins daily and heart attack risk

Null:
Taking aspirins daily does not affect heart attack risk. or
There is no significant relationship between taking aspirins daily and heart attack
risk.
Alternative:
Taking aspirins does affect heart attack risk. or
There is a significant relationship between taking aspirins daily and heart attack
risk.

1. Effect of temperature on plant pigmentation

Null: Alternative :

2. Effects of fertilizer on plant growth

Null: Alternative:

What I Can Do

Accomplish the tasks below by following the instructions carefully. Base your answers on
your chosen research problem in the previous module. Write your answers on your answer
sheet.

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A. Background of the Study (5 points). Outline your background of the study by answering
the following question below. Answer in a complete sentence.

1. What is the status

of your research
problem on a holistic,
___________________________________ national or world
___________________________________
perspective?
___________________________________

2. What is the
___________________________ condition that is
___________________________ directly related to the
___________________________ focus of your study?

3. What are the factors

contributing to the
____________________
____________________ focus of your study?
__________________

4. What is the current

_____________ status of your
_____________ research problem in
__________
your research locale?

__ 5. Why did you

choose to study the
__ research problem?
_

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B. Significance of the Study (5 points)

Write the title of your chosen study from the previous module. Afterwards, identify at
least four beneficiaries of your research and specify the benefits they can get. Write your
answers on your answer sheet.

Title of the Study: __________________________________________________

BENEFITS

Beneficiary 1:
__________________

Beneficiary 2:
__________________

Beneficiary 3:
__________________

Beneficiary 4:
__________________

Assessment
A. Read the statements carefully and choose the letter of the best answer. Write your
answers on your answer sheet.
1. This refers to a proposed explanation for a phenomenon.
a. Conceptual Framework c. statement of the problem
b. significance of the study d. hypothesis
2. This is a structure that best explains the development of a study.
a. Background of the study c. statement of the problem
b. conceptual framework d. hypothesis
3. This is an important part of a research paper where the key or important terms in the
study are clearly defined.
a. conceptual framework c. statement of the problem
b. significance of the study d. definition of terms
4. This provides context to the information that you are discussing in your
paper. It introduces your readers to the topic of your research.
a. background of the study c. statement of the problem
b. definition of terms d. hypothesis
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5. This part explains the extent to
specifies the parameters within
operating.
a. significance of the study
b. definition of terms
which the research area will be explored in the work and
which the study will be
c. statement of the problem
d. scope and delimitation

B. With your chosen research problem, formulate the general objective consistent with the
pattern given by Creswell and Clark (2014). Write your answers on your answer sheet.
(10 points)

Research Title: ______________________________

The purpose of this ____________ (type of study) is to __________

(exploratory and non-directional verb) the ____________ (central
phenomenon of the study) of ___________ from ____________ (participants)
for the ____________ (when) to _______________________________ (purpose).

Additional Activities

Using the issue that you have written in What’s In, formulate a statement of the problem.
Write your answers on your answer sheet. (15 points)
Issue
General Statement of the Problem

Specific Research Questions

1.
2.

Rubrics for What’s In

Criteria/ 5 3 1
Indicators Excellent/Outstanding Satisfactory Needs Improvement
Relevance and The problem is
Timeliness of the The problem is very The problem is timely untimely and irrelevant
Problem timely and relevant and relevant
Significance of the The problem is highly The problem is highly The problem is
Problem significant at this point significant at this point insignificant at this
in time in time point in time
Specificity and The solution is specific, The solution is slightly The solution is broad,
Feasibility of the clear and doable specific, clear and unclear and
Solution doable unattainable

Rubric for Assessment (B)

Criteria/ 5 3
Indicators Excellent/Outstanding
The elements are
Appropriateness of exactly appropriate to
Elements what is being asked
Specificity of Elements The elements clarify the
point of the inquiry of
the research
1
Satisfactory Needs Improvement
The elements are The elements are
exactly appropriate to exactly inappropriate to
what is being asked what is being asked
with few misplaced with many misplaced
details details
The elements slightly The elements make the
clarify the point of the point of the inquiry of
inquiry of the research the research vague and
broad

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References
A Baraceo, Esther L. Practical Research 1. Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store, 2016.
Cristobal, Amadeo P. and Maura C. Dela Cruz. Practical Research 1 for Senior High School. Quezon
City: C& E Publishing, Inc., 2017.
Gamba, Jocelyn C. et. al. “Effects of Verbal Bullying to the Academic Performance of Grade 9
Students in Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School, School Year 2019 – 2020” Paper
presented at Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School, March 17, 2020.
Goles, Alaine Marc. “Perpetuity of family-owned business in the Philippines: A causal model.”
Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of Sto. Thomas, 2016.

Kenpro.org. “Fundamentals of applied statistics.” Last modified January 27, 2020.

https://www.kenpro.org/significant-relationship- versus-significant- difference

LinkedIn Corporation. “Identifying and Stating the Problem.” Last modified July 5, 2020.
http://www.slideshare.net/mobile/CarlaKristinaCruz/ chapter-2-identifying-and-
stating-the-problem.
Magtanong, Jan Adams D. “Morphological Analysis of the Language of the
Netizens in Social Media.” Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Bataan Peninsula State University –
Main Campus, 2018.
Matir, Myna. Qualitative Research. 2014
Perello, Jerry C. “The Qualitative Research.” Presented at Learning and
Development Activity for Schools Research Committee Cum Crafting Research Write Ups,
Dinalupihan, Bataan, November 25, 2020.
Prieto, Nelia F., Naval, Victoria C., and Carey, Teresita G. Practical Research 2 for Senior High School.
Metro Manila, Philippines: Lorimar Publishing, Inc, 2017.
Quintos, Reyna Carolyn. “An assessment of farm-to-market road projects in Pola, Oriental Mindoro.”
Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Sto. Tomas, 2013.
Salcedo, Raynaldo. “Conditional Cash Transfer: An Assessment of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino
Program’s Human Capital Investment Toward Alleviating Poverty.” 2013.

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Inquiries, Investigations and Immersion
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3–Module 2: Identifying the Problem and Asking the Questions
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

SENIOR HS MODULE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Author
Co-Author – Language Editor
Co-Author – Content Evaluator
Co-Author – Illustrator
Co-Author – Layout Artist
: Marilou A. Bugtong
: Samantha F. Batalla
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REGIONAL OFFICE 3 MANAGEMENT TEAM:

Regional Director : May B. Eclar, PhD, CESO III
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