Identifying the Inquiry

& Stating the Problem

Rita Balanay-Daliwag
St. Paul University Philippines
Grade 11
2016-2017
 Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to demonstrate understanding of:
• research project related to daily life;
• writing a research title;
• justifications/reasons for conducting the research;
• stating research questions;
• the scope & delimitation of research; and
• the benefits & beneficiaries of research.
Getting started on a Research

…How do I/we start a research?

…Where do I/we begin?

…How do I/we choose my/our

topic?
What could be the answer to these questions?

…As researchers, we need to start with our own…?

…i n t e r e s t s.
 Know Your Interest
…sources of interests
1. From what we have experienced.

2. From what we have read.

3. From what we enjoyed doing.

4. From what caught our attention.
Identify a Research Topic
…we already know our interest
…need to identify a particular research topic
related to the interest
…need to broaden our
knowledge about our interest so
that we can choose a topic
related to it.
Identify a Research Topic

We need to…
…READ books, articles, & other publications
regarding this interest;
…ASK questions that might help us gather more ideas
& perspectives; &
…OBSERVE things around that might help us
experience different things about this interest.
Identify a Research Topic

We can also base from…

…current events or emerging ideas
…problems that require solutions
…products that may be tested
…reports about what scientists are working on
…problems encountered when using technology
…specific needs of a certain community
Identify a Research Topic Factors that may be considered

a. Personal Factors.
…related to our experiences,
professional qualifications, & expertise
…motivation, intellectual curiosity, &
perceptiveness of the researcher
…time element
…benefits & hazards
Identify a Research Topic Factors that may be considered

a. External Factors.
…includes uniqueness or novelty,
importance or value of the research,
critical mass (availability of data &
materials), department or unit where
the research is to be undertaken, &
ethical considerations
Identify a Research Topic Some reminders we always need to
remember:

a. not only to choose a workable & feasible research

concern but also to consider the nature of data
that is required of the research;
b. to have the means of data collection;
c. to consider your technical skills, capability, &
limitations;
d. to consider your interest & support systems;
Identify a Research Topic Some reminders we always need to remember:

e. not to get spell bound & fascinated with the

allure & attraction of a topic without
considering the possible consequences
that the research will bring about;
f. to study the angles as possible. It will be
difficult to turn back when so much
effort, time, & resources have already
been expended.
 Keep in mind!

…it is better to be
…SLOW but SURE
Narrow Down Your Topic

…from a broad topic to a

specific topic
…read further & find as
many information as possible
regarding the topic you have
identified
Narrow Down Your Topic

…take note of the following

• What is current & what is new;
• Recommendations of researchers who have
conducted similar studies;
• What has already been studied; &
• New ways of gathering data.
Narrow Down Your Topic

…helpful tips
…scan the list of references from your readings
(contact numbers of authors are sometimes included)
…try to correspond with them
…communicate by email & wait for their
responses
…they give advice on what you could do to
improve your study
Activity: Performance Task # 6
The Real Thing: Grouping!
The Real Thing: GROUPING!
 The Real Thing: GROUPING!

REMINDER

YOU ARE A
R. E. S. E. A. R. C. H. E. R.
Researchers’ Activity: Brainstorming Web
 Researchers’ Activity
Performance Task # 8
 Researchers’ Activity: Brainstorming Web

Procedure
Performance Task # 6

1. Think of a broad topic that will interest you (e.g. animals,

ICT, games, medicine, etc.)
2. From the broad topic, think of a possible smaller topics that
are connected to this broad topic.
3. Choose one from the smaller topics & make this topic more
specific.
4. Ask questions regarding this specific topic you have chosen.
5. Use the Brainstorming Web to help you concretize your ideas.
 Researchers’ Activity: Brainstorming Web
Performance Task # 6

specific
topic

Broad
Topic

Question 1.______________________________
Question 2.______________________________
Question 3.______________________________
ormulate Your Research Problem
Formulate Your Research Problem
…ready to formulate your research questions?

…RESEARCH PROBLEM
….declarative or question from
…what you aim to answer
Characteristics of Research Problem
…when can we say that a research problem
is RESEARCHABLE?
…CONSIDERATIONS
• A research problem is not just answerable
by YES or NO. It should imply the
explanations & justifications regarding the
true situation or observation are required.
 Characteristics of Research Problem

…CONSIDERATIONS

• A research problem implies

relationship between the variables
of the study.
• The problem should be stated in
clear, unambiguous manner.
• A researchable problem must imply
interpretation & analysis of data.
Criteria for Evaluation of a Good Research Problem
Criteria for Evaluation of a Good Research Problem

…when can we say that we have a

GOOD research problem?
…should present the following
CRITERIA
1. Novelty …should be something that is
new…may be a new process of doing
things, a new product or technology,
or a new principle, theory or idea
 Criteria for Evaluation of a Good Research Problem

…CRITERIA

2. Interesting …should draw

attention & interest from other
people
3. Has practical value …should be
useful & beneficial to its target
population
 Criteria for Evaluation of a Good Research Problem

…CRITERIA

4. Innovative …should improve the current

state of existing technology
5. Cost-effective …should provide a good
value for money, time, resources, &
manpower while conducting the study…
should be economical in addressing the
problems of the community
Another criteria: SMART
Criteria for Evaluation of a Good Research Problem

…CRITERIA: SMART
Criteria for Evaluation of a Good Research Problem

…CRITERIA: SMART
Criteria for Evaluation of a Good Research Problem

…CRITERIA: SMART
Activity: a SMART research problem
 Researchers’ Activity
Performance Task # 9
 Researchers’ Activity:

a SMART research problem

…analyze and revise the statement so that it will be a

SMART research problem.

“Attitudes and Behaviors Towards

Environmental Problems”
The Research Problem
The Research Title (or
Problem Statement)
Research Title
…first thing that can be seen & noticed
…need to develop & write our research title
effectively to draw interest from the readers
…gives weight & reputation to the research paper
Research Title

…qualitative research --- working title

…tentative title
…highlights are
included as the study progresses,
data are gathered & analyzed, the
context of the study & the manner
of the subjects are revealed
The Elements of a Research Title
…serve as a guide for the researcher in constructing
the research problem statement
The Elements of a Research Title
The Elements of a Research Title
Example: identifying the elements of the research title
…Research Title: Problems Met by Science &
Mathematics Teachers in Public High Schools in
Cagayan, Valley from School Year 2010-2011 to
School Year 2014-2015
Aim/Purpose:
Topic or Subject Matter:
Place or Locale:
Period:
Population or Respondents:
 Example:
…Research Title: Problems Met by Science & Mathematics Teachers in Public
High Schools in Cagayan, Valley from School Year 2010-2011 to School Year
2014-2015
Aim/Purpose: To determine the problems met by science & math
teachers
Topic or Subject Matter: Science & math teaching & learning

Place or Locale: Public High Schools in Cagayan, Valley

Period: Six years
Population or Respondents: Students, teachers, & school administration
Activity: Quick Q
 Quick Quiz

Answer:
 Quick Quiz
Analyze the Research Statement below & identify the
elements of a research title.
Relationship of Perceived Stress & Self-esteem among
Grade 11 Students of St. Paul University Philippines
for the School Year 2016-2017

Answer:
Quick Quiz: Answer
Relationship of Perceived Stress & Self-esteem among Grade 11 Students of
St. Paul University Philippines for the School Year 2016-2017
Aim/Purpose: To determine the relationship of perceived stress &
self-esteem of Grade 11 students
Topic or Subject Matter: Relationship of perceived stress & self-esteem
Place or Locale: St. Paul University Philippines
Period: Two (2) years
Population or Respondents: Grade 11 students & teachers
Researchers’ Activity: Our Research Title
 Researchers’ Activity
Performance Task # 10
 Researchers’ Activity:

Our Research Title

…the group’s RESEARCH TITLE

…construct five (5) working titles or final titles
…identify the elements of each title
Deadline: after 1 week

Focus: The Environment or Environmental Problems

(concerns/perceptions/awareness/attitudes/
behaviors/practices)
Helpful Tips
…you can apply the SMART principle
…it is a powerful tool to help you construct
your research titles effectively
The Parts of the Research Paper
The Parts of the
Research Paper
Researchers’ Activity: Jigsaw
 Researchers’ Activity
Performance Task # 11
 Researchers’ Activity:

Chapter I

…JIGSAW…

The Introduction or Chapter I

 Researchers’ Activity:

Chapter I

…JIGSAW…
Post activity quiz.
Introduction or Chapter I
Introduction or Chapter I
…the rationale behind the study is explained
…the research problems & hypotheses are also stated
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts
…Background of the Study
…Statements of the Problem
…The Hypotheses
…Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
…Assumptions
…Significance of the Study
…Scope and Limitations/Delimitations
…Definition of Terms
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:

Background of the Study

…gives the readers important information about

the research being conducted
…presents the rationale, setting, bases, need for the
study, & the overall benefits that can be derived
from the study
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:

Background of the Study

1. It gives the reason why the researcher choose to

study this particular topic.
…the researcher writes about his personal
observations, difficulties, issues, & other relevant
experiences that lead him to conduct a study about his
chosen topic
…the researcher may cite local, national, or even
international relevant events that might have pushed
him to pursue studies about a particular topic
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Background of the Study

2. It describes the setting or the place where the

research will be taking place.
…different localities have different needs that are
needed to be addressed
…important to note where the study will be
conducted
…gives special consideration on the needs of that
particular locality that needs to be attended
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Background of the Study

3. It presents bases that may support or negate the

claims of the researcher.
…the researcher may present various literatures that
may be related to the study he is conducting
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Background of the Study

4. It gives justification for the need for the research

study.
…the researcher may cite benefits & other advantages
that the research study might present after it has been
done
…the researcher must establish the gravity & the
intensity of the importance to conduct the research
study
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Background of the Study

5. It explains the overall benefits that may be

derived from the study.
…the most important thing to establish is how the
research could contribute in the improvement of the
society
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Background of the Study

…in summary
…it provides brief explanation to how the study
was conceived & how will it be conducted & the
possible contribution it may give to the society
Statements of the Problem
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:

Statements of the Problem

…also called the ‘heart of a research study’

…the researcher presents the general & specific
problems or objectives that he would like to
answer or attain at the end of the research
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Statements of the Problem

…introductory statement is usually the general

problem or goal based from the research title
…followed by specific problems or objectives that
will be thoroughly studied in the course of the
research
…written in question form & will be
answered at the end of the study
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Statements of the Problem

…research problems --- question form

…need to be followed by
statements of hypotheses
…research objectives --- declarative form
…may not be followed by a
hypothesis
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Statements of the Problem

TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS

A. Factor-isolating questions
…purpose: to categorize or name factors & situations
…examples:
1. What is the effectivity level in terms of …?
2. What concentrations could yield the most
effective…?
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Statements of the Problem
TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS

B. Factor-relating questions
…purpose: to establish relationships between the factors
that have been identified
…examples:
1. What relationship exists between variable A
and variable B?
2. What is the significant difference between the
two factors A and B in terms of efficiency?
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Statements of the Problem
TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS

C. Situation-relating questions
…purpose: to see the changes that might happen to
one variable when the other variable changes
…need experimentation in order to get the results
 Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Statements of the Problem
TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS
C. Situation-relating questions

…examples:
1. What is the effect of the changes in
concentration of variable A to variable
B?
2. Is there a significant difference between the
effects of substances A, B, and C to
variable X?
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Statements of the Problem

TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS

D. Situation-producing questions
…purpose: to promote explicit course of action or
conditions under which a goal could be
accomplished
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
Statements of the Problem
TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS
D. Situation-producing questions

…examples:
1. What treatment could be possibly
applicable to cure X disease?
2. How can method A be effective in solving
Problem X?
The Hypotheses
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:

The Hypotheses

…an ‘educated guess’ adopted to provide a

temporary answer to a research problem
…will help the researcher to be guided through the
processes needed in answering the research
questions posed
…guide to plan for the research design needed to
be undertaken
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
The Hypotheses

…each statement of the problem should have a

corresponding hypothesis
…always stated in statement or declarative form
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
The Hypotheses

…qualitative research --- may emerge as the study

progresses; some cases --- not needed for a
particular qualitative research
…depends on the purpose of the study
…e.g. descriptive research --- do not need
hypotheses to be able to describe what is going
on or to describe a particular phenomenon or
idea
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
The Hypotheses

TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
1. Null Hypothesis
…suggests a negative relation between variables
…negates the existence of a characteristic or
negates a difference in effect of the variables
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
The Hypotheses

TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
1. Null Hypothesis
…examples
a. There is no significant difference between the
effect of treatment A and treatment B to subject X.
b. Fertilizer A and fertilizer D has comparable effect
to the growth of plant Z.
c. Variable X has no significant effect to subject A.
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
The Hypotheses

TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
2. Alternative Hypothesis
…suggests a positive relation between variables
…suggests the existence of a characteristic or
suggests a difference in effect of the variables
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
The Hypotheses
TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
2. Alternative Hypothesis
…examples
a. There is a significant difference between the effect
of treatment A and treatment B to subject X.
b. Fertilizer A and fertilizer D differ in effect to the
growth of plant Z.
c. Variable X has significant effect to subject A.
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts:
The Hypotheses

…from the specific questions, give at least one null

& one alternative hypothesis
…commonly uses the null since it is easier to be
proved or be disproved by statistics
…most test statistics would suggest
acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

…discusses about the different principles from where

your study is anchored on
…ideas developed from readings and/or experiences
that are part of your related literatures
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

…give the audience an overview of what you

think the current situation is and how your research
would be able to bridge the gap from ‘what is
current’ to ‘what should it be’
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

…you present a number of concepts or ideas

from where you have based your study from
…develop your own theory that suggests the
importance and the need for what you are
studying
…include a graphical representation of these
concepts which will encapsulate the entire
research idea – research paradigm
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Assumptions
…to have a basis for our data
analysis
…there are things that we
need to set in order for us to
have a baseline from where
we are going to base our data
analysis
 Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Assumptions

…e.g., we need to set that we assume that all

situations are ideal for us to see whether in these
situations, the observation that we have still holds
true or not if the situation that we have created is
different from the ideal one
…we need to assume an ideal situation so that
we can differentiate the ideal from the non-ideal one
Significance of the Study
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Significance of the Study

…explains how the study will be

beneficial to the society
…enumerates how the research is
advantageous to the different
stakeholders of society; written in a
narrative form
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Significance of the Study

…we should identify our target beneficiaries or target

users of the study
…should be clear to them the advantages and
the significance that the research might bring once
it is done
Manner on how to discuss the Significance of the
Study

…deductive – from general

benefits to specific benefits of
the study
…inductive – from specific
advantages or benefits going to
general advantages or benefits
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Significance of the Study

…should establish that the

research is beneficial in relation
to:
…solving a particular
problem or addressing a
particular need
…adding additional
knowledge to what already exists
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Significance of the Study

…should establish that the research is beneficial in relation to:

…bridging the gap of knowledge

or ideas
…improving social, economic,
cultural, socio-political
conditions, research methods
…supporting government’s
thrusts
Scope and Delimitation
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Scope and Delimitation
…presents the:
…variables or subjects of the study
…extent to which the research will be covering
…possible factors or nuances that will be given focus
on the course of the study
…possible challenges that the researcher might
encounter
…other things that might be related to the topic but
are beyond the control of the researcher
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Scope and Delimitation 2 sections

…scope – covers the explanation as to up to

what extent the we would want to ‘explore’ or
interpret in our research
…limitations or delimitations – is a justification
as to the ‘limits’ or boundaries of the research
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Scope and Delimitation

…limitations – conditions beyond the

control of the researcher that may
cause restrictions that will make the
conclusions to be generalizable only
to conditions set by the researcher
…the conclusions might not
hold true for other situations or
context
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Scope and Delimitation

…delimitations –
conditions which the
researcher purposely
controlled
…the limits that are
beyond the concern of
the study
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Scope and Delimitation

…will be of help for the research to keep things and

situation on his control
…will also support the researcher to be economical
since he will be guided on the things that is of
concern of the research or not
Definition of Terms
 Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Definition of Terms

…presents the important and key terms used in the study

…to construct, it is better to start with a simple
introductory paragraph followed by the alphabetical list
of terms which you are going to define together and
side by side with its corresponding definition
 Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Definition of Terms

…2 ways to define a particular term

…conceptual definition – used to explain the meaning
of a particular term using the dictionary…based on
established concepts and ideas that has been already
defined and is commonly used and understood by
readers
…operational definition – used to describe a term by
how the researcher used the term in his study
Introduction or Chapter I: Parts: Definition of Terms

…the use of both types of definition is encouraged to

make the meaning clear to the audience
…technical terms are defined using operational
definition to help the laymen understood the terms
easily
Researchers’ Activity
Researchers’ Activity
 Researchers’ Activity
Performance Task # 12
 Researchers’ Activity:

Chapter I
…the group’s
INTRODUCTION or CHAPTER I
…background of the study
…statements of the problem
(…hypothesis)
…theoretical and conceptual framework
(…assumptions)
…significance of the study
…scope and delimitations
…definition of terms

Deadline: after 1 week

…

Thank you!
Quiz!
…