Topic: Designing Qualitative Research

Subject: Educ 330(Advanced Qualitative Research)

Prepared by: Dr. Legardo R. Palaca Jr.

Introduction

Since qualitative research mostly investigates the complexities of human situations, human
behavior, and social phenomena and poses inquiries about events in daily life, this kind of research is
closely tied to reality.

Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research designs do not use hypotheses. They merely
state a problem or pose questions, the answers to which are explored lengthily and deeply by the way of
varied research designs like the case study, ethnography, phenomenological approach, and a host of
others.

After data have been gathered through procedures like the interview, participant observation,
focus group discussions and a lot more, data are subjected to analysis that requires categorizing of data,
coding, while at the same time, being attentive to themes that surface, which could be the answers
sought by the researcher.

Sources of research topics are likewise tied to real life experiences, and research is conducted in
the research participants’ natural setting.

In designing your research project, include the goals of your study, the theoretical frameworks,
the research questions (your guide), ethics and the methods you will use to analyze your data.

Congruence of Research Questions, Data Collection and Data Analysis

Qualitative research experts say that there must be congruence between the methods of data
analysis and the research questions, and where the method of data collection turns out data that are
appropriate to the method of analysis.

Examine closely the table below which classifies research questions as those that ask about:

a. Understanding and perceptions

b. Practices/accounts of practices

c. Influencing factors

d. Representations

e. Construction

f. Language practice

And shows congruence between data collection procedures and data analysis. From the above listed,
two examples are given.
Types of research question with real life examples Suitable types of data Suitable analytic
methodDifficulty rating Suitable sample

Understanding and perceptions

Such as: perceptions of the impact of air travel on climate change (Becken, 2007); Focus groups,
qualitative surveys, story completion tasks, vignettes and some secondary data sources (e. g. bulletin
boards, personal blogs), are ideal; TA, GT, pattern-Easy based DA Easy Moderate/large (large
enough to capture a range of perspectives; not so large that you are drowning in data

Practices/accounts of practice such as: the appearance and clothing practices of non-heterosexuals
(Clarke & Tumer, 2007); the gendered dynamics of sleep (Hislop & Arber, 2003) Interviews, focus
groups, qualitative surveys, researcher-directed diaries, some secondary data sources (e.g. bulletin
board, personal blogs) TA, GT, pattern-Easy based DA Easy/

moderate Moderate/large (large enough to capture a range of perspectives; not so large that you
are drowning in data

Braun, V. 7 Clarke V. 2013.

Research Topics and Their Sources

Research topics are as varied and numerous as the realities and complexities of daily life on a personal,
institutional, national or global level.

Sources of research topics are:

1. Pressing issues on an individual, organizations or societal level, or success stories.

As example of a research topic on an individual level is the problem of low self-esteem. On an

organizational level, a campus organization can investigate the seeming apathy of the majority of
students towards student Council elections. Success stories of groups or organizations in business,
livelihood programs and entrepreneurship are rich sources of research topics.

2. Wide reading/ critical film viewing

Varied reading materials – books, journals, magazines, newspapers, monographs can help crystallize
topics of interest. Films, as well as videos and documentaries, can spark off a research inquiry or
problem.

3. Social networking

The role of netizens I present-day society cannot be overemphasized. Netizens voice their observations,
opinions, even condemnation of current happenings, no-holds-barred.

4. Replication

Theses and dissertations are good sources of topics.

5. Lectures, talks, seminars

These are breeding grounds of ideas. Many researchers have claimed that their research topics were
offshoots of ideas in lectures or even during open forum.

6. Gray areas

These are points of interest at very little is known about them. Examples of these are: “is female
circumcision still practiced among specific groups of people? What is life-like after the rescue of
trafficked women or rape victims?

Research Title or research project is a product of real-world

observations, dilemmas, wide reading, selective viewing (television
programs, films, documentaries, videos, etc.) meaningful interactions
with significant others, and deep reflection. It is the research problem or
inquiry in capsule form.
A research title prefaces the study by providing a summary of the main idea and is usually short
and concise.
A research title should have the following characteristics:
1. It should summarize the main idea of the paper.
2. It should be a concise statement of the main topic.
3. It should include the major variables of the research study.
4. It should be a self-explanatory.
5. It should describe or imply the participants of the study.
Research Problem states the area of concern of the research paper whether it is a circumstance
needing development, a difficulty requiring attention, or an inquiry necessitating an answer.
Sources of research problems
Research problems may be derived in almost any kind of setting such as hospitals or
clinics, schools, offices, homes, or any part of the community. Research problems can be
commonly based from circumstances with the following characteristics:
1. It conveys a feeling of discomfort or difficulty.
2. It has a perceived difficulty in broad subjects such as family affairs, home management,
and leadership system.
3. It displays a gap between theory and practice: what is said by the elders and what the
students see and observe.
4. It utilizes a procedure requiring technologically advanced equipment.
5. It involves the experience of any kind of individual.
6. It shows some kind of pattern or trend.
7. It makes use of literature reviews, continuous readings, and past studies. These
readings can lead a student to a topic, and its scope and clues for further studies. The
repetition of a prior research study in a different setting and time is called replication.
8. It relates to an individual’s curiosity and interest.
Furthermore, a discerned problem is said to be researchable when the following
criteria are met:
1. Solutions are available but not yet tested and yet known by the practitioner.
2. No solutions are available to answer the gap or the problem being assessed.
 3. When the given answers or solutions, as well as the possible results, are
seemingly untested or are factually contradictory with each other.
4. A phenomenon requiring an explanation has occurred.
5. There are several possible and plausible explanations for the existence of an
undesirable condition.
Other topics of interest for titles:

1. Pandemic
2. Online selling/ online business
3. Online games
4. Behavioral problems like extreme shyness, being loner or socio-phobia
5. The rise of bicycling during pandemic
6. Low income of Tourism
7. Traffic issues. Gender inequality, financial crisis, sibling rivalry
Considerations in formulating the research problem

In the book A Research Guide in Nursing Education, Barrientos-Tan (1997) discusses the
different criteria for choosing a problem fro research. These are as follows:

1. External criteria
a. Novelty- this refers to the practical value of the problem due to its
“newness” in the field of inquiry.
b. Availability of subjects- this refers to the people with the desired capability
and willingness to participate in the study.
c. Support of the academic this refers to the assistance given by the members
of the institution, like the principal, teachers, staff, students, and the parents,
in the gathering of data and defraying the cost of the study.
d. Availability and adequacy of facilities and equipment- devices such as
computers, and telephones used in undertaking the study must be
considered.
e. Ethical considerations these include the avoidance of research problems that
pose unethical demands on the part of the research participants.
2. Internal criteria
a. Experience, training, and qualifications of the researcher- these constitute
the researcher’s knowledge and expertise as a result of experience and
study.
b. Motivation, interest, intellectual curiosity, and perceptiveness of the
researcher- these are essential attitudes that bring anticipated satisfaction or
enjoyment in the completion of research tasks.
c. Time factor- this considers the fact that studies must be pursued within a
given time frame.
d. Costs and returns-these factors matter in choosing a research problem.
Research is an expensive undertaking. The amount of funding needed, after
 all, depends on the size of the sample, the place where the research is to be
conducted, the treatment of data, and the kind of research design.
e. Hazards, penalties, and handicaps- these depend upon the researcher’s
physical and intellectual capacity and moral judgment.

Researchers should also be aware of the following factors in determining

their research problem and topic.
1. Feasibility- it is very important consideration in choosing the problem.
The time needed to conduct the study must be measured and its setting
should be defined and located.
2. External support is also an essential element to look into when
determining whether research is feasible or not.
3. The innovative quality of the topic should still be considered. A review of
literature and studies ensures that solutions are yet to be proposed for
the problem, thus showing the need to conduct the study.
Examples of Research Titles of actual studies:

1. Lack of Self-Confidence in Adolescent: Root Causes, Manifestation and Intervention

2. The Lived Experiences of Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth of Women with the History
of Social Abuse
3. Understanding Teacher Leadership in Elementary Schools of China
4. Impact of the Use of Social Networking on Non-Governmental Organization Effectiveness

RATIONALE
The rationale of your research problem is the reason for conducting
the study. A research rationale explains the significance and
uniqueness of a study. This will often explain other research and
how a study fits into the current knowledge of a topic. The rationale
should answer the need for conducting the said research. It is a very important part of
your publication as it justifies the significance and novelty of your research problem.
To write your rationale, you should first write a background on all the research that has been
done on your study topic so far. Follow this with ‘what is missing’ or ‘what are the open
questions of the study’. Identify the gaps in the literature and emphasize why it is important to
address those gaps. This will form the rationale of your study.
https://www.editage.com/insights/what-is-the-rationale-of-the-research-problem
Example of Rationale:
Machine biases are systematic patterns of machine decisions that humans judge as
unfair, biased or irrational. Recent studies in this area have been confined to anecdotal
evidence of such occurrences. The mechanisms by which such biases are created are
loosely explained as machines that have been influenced by human biases, organizational
biases, “bad” data or simply machine error. No study or publication to date has
 documented the concrete patterns by which such biases may be introduced to
algorithms or artificial intelligence. This study documents a list of 44 antipatterns that
allow machine biases to be introduced to decision making systems. This is based on
interviews with artificial intelligence experts, algorithm designers and software architects
together with case studies that determine the root cause of instances of machine bias.

Research Questions, Scope and Delimitation of Research

The value of research in the area of interest; the specificity and feasibility of the problem
posed

Simply stated, conducting qualitative research is justified because it can help solve or shed light
on problems or issues encountered day to day by individuals, organizations, communities,
industries, business, among others.

Intent or purpose of the study

The intent or purpose of the study shows succinctly the need for qualitative research on
an individual, or societal level.
The study intends to investigate the following:
1. The root causes and manifestation of lack of self-confidence in adolescents and to
determine ways of addressing or solving said problem
2. The impact of social networking in addressing problems, issues and concerns
3. The causes, prevention, treatment and care of Zika virus
4. The dangers to health of direct and indirect smoking, as well as their prevention and
cure
5. The success factors in marketing a selected garment popular brand
6. The causes of HIV, its prevention, treatment and care of patients
7. Why some livelihood projects fail (or succeed)
8. How retail business succeeds
9. Why some barangays are successful in their peace and order campaigns or health and
sanitation projects
10. The humanitarian conditions of war victims and intervention done by peace-keeping
agencies
The aforementioned examples show that these topics are products of a researcher’s
observations, discoveries or even ideas he/she comes across.
Research is a systematic inquiry that brings about a better understanding of phenomena,
and eventually, solutions to problematic social or behavioral circumstances.
 Lincoln and Guba (1985), on the other hand, cite the following factors for the soundness
and justification of qualitative studies:
Factors that Justify Conduct of Qualitative Research
1. Credibility – refers to the “truth value” of the qualitative study, its applicability,
consistency and neutrality.
2. Validity – refers to an in-depth description that shows the complexities of variables and
embedding of interactions in data derived from the setting.
3. Transferability – is the applicability of one set of findings to another context. Under this
factor is triangulation which is the act of bringing more than one source of data to bear
on a single point.
4. Dependability – refers to the researcher’s attempts to account for changing conditions
in the phenomenon chosen for study, as well as change in the design created by
increasing refined understanding of the setting.
5. Conformability – answers the following question: do the data help confirm the general
findings and lead to the implications?
Credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability are assured when the
research design is well-explained, when assumptions are stated, when there is much
evidence from raw data to show the connection between the findings presented and the
real world, when the research questions are stated, and the research study answers those
questions and leads to further questions, when data collection strategies are efficient, when
evidences are presented and when the different methods are used to check the findings,
when participant observations are made of a full cycle of activities over a period of time,
when data are preserved and available for analysis, when field work analysis is fully
documented and when meaning is derived from cross-cultural perspectives.
One qualitative research on bullying comes to mind as one of the best justifications for
conducting such study, first and foremost, in seeking solutions to problems in daily life.
A private educational institution was in the headlines for a period of time, not to
mention a main topic of broadcast talk shows, and commentaries for several days because
of the problem of bullying.
The institution commissioned qualitative research to get at the root of bullying, the
nature of the bully and impact of the harassment and mistreatment on the bully’s victims.
A questionnaire was first floated to get the demographic profile of the respondents and
to determine bullying behavior and the effects of bullying on the victims.
To triangulate survey results, interviews, both structured and unstructured, were done,
as well as focus group interviews.
One of the offshoots of said research is that the bullying problem was reduced to a
minimum.
Close monitoring and caring of students by parents, school administration, faculty, the
school community, particularly, units like the Guidance and Counselling, can put a stop to
this negative behavior of some students.
This is one instance when qualitative research found a solution to a problem in daily life,
which, if unchecked or not investigated, could have led to more serious problems.
 Stating Research Questions

Stating Research Questions

Typical research questions

Neuman (2007) advances the following as typical research questions for
qualitative researchers:
1. How did the social situation originate?
2. How was the condition/situation maintained over time?
3. What are the process by which a condition/situation changes, develops or operates?
A different type of question tries to confirm existing beliefs or assumptions. Another type
of question tries to discover new ideas.
Techniques for Narrowing Down A Topic into a Research Question
Neuman (2007) likewise presented technique to narrow down a topic into a research
question:
1. Examine the literature. Published articles are an excellent source of ideas for research
questions that focus on the following:
a. Replicate a previous research project exactly or with slight variations.
b. Explore unexpected findings discovered in previous research.
c. Follow suggestions an author gives for future research at the end of an
article.
d. Extend an existing explanation or theory to a new topic or setting.
e. Challenge findings or attempt to refute a relationship.
f. Specify the intervening process and consider linking relations.
2. Talk over ideas with others
a. Ask people who are knowledgeable about the topic for questions about it
that they have thought of.
b. Seek out those who have opinions that differ from yours on the topic and
discuss possible research questions with them.
3. Relate the topic to a specific context.
a. Focus the topic on a specific historical period or time period.
b. Narrow the topic to a specific society or geographic unit.
c. Consider which subgroups or categories of people units are involved and
whether there are differences among them.
4. Define the aim or the desired outcome of the study.
a. Will the research question be for an exploratory, explanatory, or descriptive
study?
b. Will the study involve applied or basic research?

Examples of research questions

1. On Lack Of Self-Confidence In Adolescents
 a. What are the root causes of lack of self-confidence in
adolescents?
b. What kind of behaviour do adolescents who lack self-
confidence manifest?
c. What can the following groups of people do to boost up the
self-confidence of adolescents?
 The parents
 The siblings
 The church
 The teacher
 The guidance counsellors
 The peers

2. On Smoking Hazards
a. What dangers to one’s health can smoking bring about?
b. How is the non-smoker’s health affected when in the presence
of people smoking?
c. What medical interventions can address the problem of
smoking?
d. What psychological interventions can address the problem of
smoking?
3. On The Market Success Of A Garment Popular Brand
a. What are the items in a market plan?
b. What factors contribute to the successful marketability of a
selected garment popular brand?
c. Why is the buying behaviour of consumers an important
factor to consider in a market plan?
d. What are the success indicators of the market plan of a
selected garment popular brand?
4. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
a. What is human immunodeficiency syndrome?
b. How do humans get this virus?
c. What are the causes of HIV?
d. What are the ways of preventing this virus to affect human
health?
e. What caring interventions can be done to ensure the full
recovery of an HIV victim?
It is important at this point to reiterate that qualitative research is such that somewhere
in the course of the investigation like data gathering or data analysis, new questions can crop
up, so the researcher will have no refine previous questions or add new ones in the light of new
discoveries during the research process.
Clear ideas about the nature of the research questions are also necessary for checking
the appropriateness of methodological decisions in the following respects: which methods are
necessary to answer the questions?
 The Research Question in The Research Process
Flick (2002) elaborates on the formulation of the research question in the research
process as shown in the following figure:
Formulation of the overall question

Formulation of specific research question

Formulation of sensitizing concepts

Selection of research groups with which to study the question

Selection of appropriate design and methods

Evaluation and reformation of the specific research questions

Collection of data

Evaluation and reformation of the specific research questions

Analysing data

Generalization and evaluation of the analyses

Formulation of the findings

Examples of research questions from actual qualitative studies:

Research questions:
1. What reactions do Filipino fathers and mothers experience during and after a
natural disaster?
2. How do they cope with the experience of a natural disaster?
3. How do the experiences of Filipino fathers and mothers differ in terms of
coping and reaction?
Now that you have been given a good number of examples of research
questions, continue reflecting on the research topic you would like to work on.
List in a small notebook the possible research questions you might include in
your research study. Keep this notebook in your pocket or bag. You’ll never know
when the idea of a good question or the question itself will pop out. Make it a
habit to write in that small notebook your ideas or questions for your research
project.

Definitions
Scope of study – is determined primarily by the selection of variables that the research study
will focus on. Defining the scope of the research requires the careful selection of variables that
will be investigated, as well as the attributes that will define and measure these variables.
Variable refers to any characteristics that can have different values or traits that may vary
across research participants. Variables are measured, controlled, and manipulated by the
researcher.
Attributes are important elements of a variable. It refers to the value assigned to a specific
variable.
Variables have the following important characteristics:
1. Dependence – this refers to how the variable is considered in a cause-and-effect
relationship. Independent variables are those characteristics that are changed,
manipulated, or selected by the researcher. Dependent variables, on the other hand,
are those that change because of changes to the independent variables.
2. Mutually exclusive – this means that a participant or respondent cannot possess two
attributes of a variable.
3. Exhaustive – this means that the researcher should consider all possible attributes of a
certain variable.
Kinds of variables
1. Continuous variables – variables that may have an infinite number of values and may
vary widely among the research participants.
2. Discrete variables – variables that have specific limits to their value.
3. Categorical variables – these cannot be expressed in numbers but are given in non-
quantitative, descriptive terms.
Delimitations – describes the various limitations that arose during the design and conduct of
the study.
The following may be the possible limitations that may arise from the research design and
methodology:
1. Sample size. The research design and methodology will determine whether the research
will have a small or large size.
2. Lack of available and/or reliable data. Missing and unreliable data will limit the scope of
analysis and the ability of the researcher to determine meaningful trends and
relationships among the data.
3. Lack of prior studies. This will limit the effectiveness of the literature review and may
limit the initial understanding of the research problem. This, however, can be a basis for
identifying avenues for further research.
4. Chosen data collection method. Limitations in the data collection instrument may affect
the quality of data collected. Unclear or vague questions in a questionnaire will result to
unclear or erroneous answers from the respondents. The method employed in data
collection may also affect the quality of the data.
5. Nature of the information collected. Relying on preexisting data may impose limits on
the researcher as he or she can no longer clarify certain data.
Apart from the design and methodology, the characteristics of the researcher and the
limits that he or she experiences in the conduct of the research will also give rise to
limitations. These are as follows:
 1. Access. The amount and quality of data will depend on the ability of the
researcher to access people, organizations, libraries, and documents that can
provide him or her the best available data.
2. Time period. The length of time devoted to the study will affect almost all
aspects of the research.
3. Bias. This refers to a way of viewing a certain thing, issue, or idea, and may
be influenced by the researcher’s background.
4. Language. This may have an effect on data collection, especially if the
researcher is involved with respondents that speak a variety of languages.
Examples of scope and delimitation from actual qualitative studies
1. Title of study: workplace ergonomics: perceptions on Employees’ Stress Levels and
Safety (Lao, 2014)
The focus of this study is on the workplace ergonomics in the corporate office
setting. The study would focus on the relationship of workplace ergonomics and its
effects on employees’ stress levels and safety. Moreover, the study would look into the
current behaviour and approach o workplace ergonomics that Philippine corporations
employ in their work environment. This study on workplace ergonomics does not
encompass benefits received by employees outside of the said subject matter. In
addition, this study does not aim to measure productivity levels of its respondents.
The participants of this study would be limited to large corporations whose
employees engage in repetitive tasks. The companies involved in this study limit to
multinational companies within the country. The data from the study would come from
existing literatures, interviews, and surveys from company employees. Furthermore, the
data results from this study would only be qualified from the instruments stipulated by
the researchers.
2. Title of the study: Employee Commitment To Environmental Stewardship As A
Component Of Corporate Social Responsibility (San Diego, 2010)
To conduct this research, 100 regular or contractual employees were the primary
respondents. They came from the different working areas in Makati City, where
convenience and availability to carry out the questionnaire needed in this study
were factored in. work position of the employee were taken. The study
investigated the big and remarkable companies that practice environmental
stewardship as their CSR. Environmental Stewardship has two objectives. The
first objective basically tackles the conservation of wildlife, protection of natural
resources, and protection of the historic environment. The second objective
tackles genetic conservation and flood management. This study focuses only on
the first objective, specifically the reforestation and improvement of the
environment. The researchers selected environmental stewardship because of
the alarming changes in the environment that our society is witnessing today.
This is to bring about the sense of urgency and responsibility in all members of
the community.
3. Title of the study: Experiences of Reaction and Coping of Filipino Fathers and Mothers:
During and After A Natural Disaster (Casal I. J., Chingkoe, J.C., Gonzales, K.J., Tan, M.V.,
2015)
 The study covers individual experiences and coping of Filipino fathers and
mothers. It will focus only on individuals who were affected by natural disasters,
specifically those who were affected by floods due to typhoons. The researcher
focused only on two specific typhoons: Ondoy and Habagat, because they
believed that these typhoons had the most significant impact on people’s lives.
The severity of the impact of these typhoons was so tragic that the research
participants were able to instinctively recall information and their experiences
that happened during those events.
This research focused on the perspective of fathers and mothers. Another
limitation of this research was the area covered wherein the researchers focused
only on Filipino participants who resided in the National Capital Region (NCR)
during and after the typhoons struck.

Cites Benefits and Beneficiaries of Research

Competency:
Cites Benefits and Beneficiaries of Research (CS_RS11-llic-e-
6)

Concepts

Research is a very noble undertaking if it makes significant contributions to the community, to

the academic field or discipline where the researcher is affiliated with. Essentially, this lesson
informs the reader on how the study will contribute to the well-being of a person or progress of
a group or society in general.

That is why the significance of the study should clearly discuss the purpose that the research
will serve the society, the community, the government, the institution or agency concerned, the
curriculum planners, developers and research community.

Significance of the Study describes the contribution of the study to the existing body of
knowledge.

It could be the following:

a. A new knowledge in the field
b. A confirmation of major findings of others studies,
c. A verification of the validity of findings in a different population
 d. Analysis of trends over time and validation of other findings using different
methodologies.

When you mull over who/what benefit from your study, focus on your problem which will guide
you in identifying the specific contribution of your study.

The researcher also has to identify the beneficiaries, the researcher should be specific in
mentioning them in paper. The Specific benefits must be enumerated and explained if
necessary. It is also important that the beneficiaries should be listed according to the
significance of the study’s results to them.

Examples

Example 1.
Title of the Study: THE EFFECTS OF COMPUTER- ASSISTED INSTRUCTION IN THE
PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN ASIAN HISTORY AND CIVILIZAION (Cuenca, 2008)

The findings of the study may provide deeper insights on how teaching can be made easier and
more meaningful by the use of computer –aided instruction. The study determine the
significant effects of slide presentation in instruction, a form of computer instruction on the
performance of the students in the subjects Asian History and Civilization.

To the Students, the results may serve as an inspiration for them to continuously improve their
skills in suing computers because they will realize the comfort that computer kills offers in
complying with the requirements of major subjects in the coming years.

To the administrators, the results may serve as a guide in the program- planning and
implementation of the IT department so that they can be of great help to the teachers of the
University.

To the Teachers, the results may serve as an eye opener or those who are comfortable on the
use of computers in their class lesson presentations. The findings of this study may encourage
more of them to apply computer- aided instruction in teaching.

Example 2.

Title of the Study: PORTABLE BOBBIN WINDER: AN INNOVATIVE DEVICE FOR THREAD
WINDING (Galan, 2018)

The result of this study is imperative to the following:

Garments Technology Students. The product of this study will help the students in an easy
access to a bobbin winding gadget which makes their work faster and hassle free.
Garments Technology Instructors. This study will benefit the instructors in imparting innovative
skills and operation in bobbin winding to the students.

Local Dressmakers or Tailors. The product of this study will benefit the dressmakers or tailors
in the faster 14 manufacturing of garment products through easier operation of a portable
bobbin winding machine.

Future Researchers. This study will serve as basis in developing a better machine for future
researchers.

Example 3.

Title of the Study: ESTABLISHING HYDROPONICS FARMING TECHNOLOGY IN PASIG CITY

The importance of this feasibility study primarily revolves on the assumption that there is need
to find a new ways of sustaining the growing demand for food in the country. Hence, the idea
of bringing simple and innovative technologies in the homes of consumers to start their won
urban garden of farms is reasonable, economically sound, and beneficial.

The study can be of help to farmers ad large scale gardeners to advance and modernize their
farming or planting methods. Interested investors and entrepreneurs can venture into the
farming industry with the guidance of this study. Research institutions and government bodies
can utilize the study to implement sound economic programs with the aim of increasing food
production and nutritive value of crops. Moreover, the study itself can be used as a “prototype”
for developing studies of even larger and more scientifically advanced hydroponics farming
systems. It is equally important that this study emphasizes the utilization of business as a driver
to move progress in economic sectors, not as a tool wealth in the smaller fractions of the
industry.

The best significant role that the study might contribute to the country as a whole is its
enlightening the government and its people in using technology to provide practical solutions
to long-term economic problems.

Presentation of Written Statement of the Problem

 Competency: Presents Written Statement of the Problem (CS_RS11-llic-e-7)

Concepts

Statement of the Problem. Is the description of an issue currently existing which needs to be
addressed. It is the focal point of research. It provides the context for the research study and
generates questions which the research aims to answer.

Purposes of the Statement of the Problem

Marshall and Rossman (1995) explain clearly the purposes of the problem statement or inquiry:

1. To describe the substantive focus of the research study

2. To frame it as
a. A larger theoretical policy
b. A practical problem and thereby, develop its significance
3. To pose initial research questions
4. To forecast the literature to be discussed in the second section and
5. To discuss the limitations of the study

Key Components of the Statement of the Problem

1. The problem itself, stated clearly and with enough contextual detail to establish why it is
important
2. The method of solving the problem, often stated as a claim or a working thesis
3. The purpose. Statement of objective and scope of the project being proposed.

Note: Statement of the problem should be brief. One page is enough.

Example.
Title of the Study: Narcissism in teenagers: Root causes, Manifestations and
Interventions

Statement of the Problem

Major Problem: This study aims to investigate the root causes of narcissism, as well as its
manifestations and possible forms of intervention.

Specific Problems: Specifically, it seeks answers to the following questions:

1. What are the underlying causes of narcissism?
2. How has technology contributed to narcissistic behavior?
3. What are the manifestations of narcissistic behavior in adolescents?
 4. What forms of intervention can be done to address this behavior of
adolescents?
5. How can the following help in developing healthy self-esteem, positive
outlook and attitudes in adolescents?
a. Parents
b. Curriculum Planners
c. Administrators
d. Teachers
e. Guidance Counsellors
f. Peers

Performance Task. Presentation of the Written Statement of the Problem

From your proposed research study present your written Statement of the
Problem which comprises of the following sections:

1. Title of your research/chosen title:

2. Purpose Statement
The researchers seeks to:

3. Central question:

4. Sub- Questions:

5. Other questions:

REFERENCES

Abdullah, S.N. (2018) .Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint

slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Baraceros, E.L. (2016).Practical Research 1. Ist ed. Rex Book Store. Manila
Buenseco, D.B, Dacanay, D.E., Manalo, G.A. (2016).Department of Education
Practical Research 1. Teachers Guide .Ist ed. Lexicon Press, Inc. Pasig City.

Calmorin, L.P. (2016).Research and Thesis Writing with Statistics and Computer
Application. Rev.ed.Rex Book Store

Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016). Practical Research 1 for Senior High
School. Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc. Quezon City.
Lichtman, M. (2013).Qualitative Research in Education (3rd ed).US SAGE
Publication. USA

Palasan, E.B (2018). Qualitative Research: Importance in Daily Life [PowerPoint]

available online with http://www.slideshare.net.ppt

Silverman, L. (2013).Doing Qualitative Research..(5th Ed).SAGE Publication.USA.

Suter, W. (2012) Qualitative Data, Analysis, and Design. 2nd Edition. DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483384443.n12.

Walliman, N. (2014).Research Methods: The Basics. (9th ed) SAGE Publishing.USA.