RESEARCH PROBLEM

AND
OBJECTIVES
METHODS OF RESEARCH
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
• A problem that someone would like to research (Fraenkel and
Wallen.1994)
• A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, contradiction, or gap
in knowledge that you will aim to address in your research.
• A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a
condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling
question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in practice
that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate
investigation.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
• FACTORS TO CONSIDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER A PROBLEM IS
RESEARCHABLE OR NOT:

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 solution but they are not yet tested.
4. The occurrence of phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at
precise solution.
5. Serious needs/problems of the people where it demands research.
SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. Specialization of the researcher.

2. Current and Past Researches.
3. Recommendations from theses, dissertations, and research journals.
4. Original and creative ideas of the researcher.
CRITERIA OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. Interesting
2. Innovative
3. Cost-effective
4. Relevant to the needs and problems of the people.
5. Relevant to government’s thrusts.
6. Measurable and time-bound.
ELEMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation.

– this answers the question “WHY?”
Why is there an investigation, inquiry or study?
2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated.
- this answer the question “WHAT?”
What is to be investigated or study?
3. The place where the research is to be conducted.
- this answers the question “WHERE?”
Where the study to be conducted?
ELEMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

4. The period or time of the study during which the data are to be gathered.
– this answers the question “WHEN?”
When is the study to be carried out?
5. Population from whom the data are to be collected.
- this answer the question “WHO?” or “From WHOM”
Who are the respondent?
From whom are the data to be gathered?
EXAMPLE OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
• To determine the status of online teaching and learning in Region 9
provinces during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aim or purpose: To determine the status of

Subject matter or topic: Online teaching and learning
Place or Locale: Region 9 provinces
Period or time: During Covid-19 pandemic
Population: Teacher and students
EXAMPLE OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
• To determine the emission performance of Biodiesel in a Diesel
Engine during cold weather.

Aim or purpose:
Subject matter or topic:
Place or Locale:
Period or time:
Population:
CHARACTERISTIC OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

The Characteristics of a Research Problem has a acronym SMART.

S - SPECIFIC
M - MEASURABLE
A - ACHIEVABLE
R - REALISTIC
T - TIME-BOUND
GUIDELINES IN THE SELECTION OF A RESEARCH
PROBLEM
• The research problem must be chosen by the researcher himself.
• It must be within the interest of the researcher.
• It must be in the specialization of the researcher.
• It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle.
• It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance.
• It is researchable and manageable
• It can be completed within a reasonable period of time unless it is a
longitudinal research which takes a long time for its completion.
GUIDELINES IN THE SELECTION OF A RESEARCH
PROBLEM
• It is significant, important, and relevant to the present time and
situation, timely and of current interest.
• The result are practical and implementable.
• It must be contribute to the national development goals for the
improvement of the quality of human life.
• It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people.
GUIDELINES IN THE SELECTION OF A RESEARCH
PROBLEM
• There must be a return of some kind to researcher.
- Monetary
- Advancement of position and promotion
- Improved specialization, competence, and skill in professional work
- Enhance prestige and reputation
- Satisfaction of intellectual curiosity and interest.

• There must be a consideration of the hazards involved.

THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

• define as a statement of purpose for which the investigation is to be

conducted. (Ardales,1992)
• It have same characteristics , SMART, with research problem.

- RESEARCH PROBLEM and RESEARCH OBJECTIVES have the

same characterisitics (SMART) but they differ in form:

RESEARCH PROBLEM is stated in interrogative form

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES is stated in declarative form
THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

• GENERAL OBJECTIVES
- captures the title of the study which is the subject matter of the
study which is the subject of the study.
- it must be response to solve the main problem presented.

• SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
- must be explicit, prescise, and expected results are verifiable.
- criteria of SMART must be carefully considered
THE HYPOTHESIS

• A HYPOTHESIS is defined as a wise guess that formulated and

temporarily adapted to explain the observed facts covered by the
study.
• A tentative conclusion or answer to a specific question raised at the
beginning of the investigation.
• It guides the researchers in that it describes the procedure to follow
in conducting research.
• It tells the researcher what to do and how to go about solving a
research problem.
References:
• Calmorin,L., Calmorin, Melchor A.Research
Method and Thesis Writing.2nd Ed. 2012
• Calderon, J.F., Gonzales, E.C.Methods of Research and Thesis Writing
• Catane, J.A. , Conducting a Research: A Practical Application
• https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-problem/
• https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185918#:~:text=A
%20research%20problem%20is%20a,meaningful%20understanding
%20and%20deliberate%20investigation.