Chapter 3

Selection of a
Research Problem
3.1 Formulation of a Research Problem
A. What is a research problem?
A research problem is any significant, perplexing and
challenging situation, real or artificial, which requires a
solution through reflective thinking. It is considered as the
heart of every research investigation because without a
problem no research can be undertaken.
B. Elements of a research problem
There are certain elements that a problem must possess before it
becomes a research problem ready for investigation. These
elements respectively answer questions starting with why, what,
where, when, and which. The elements of a research problem are:
1. Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation.
2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated.
3. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted.
4. The period or time of the study during which the data are to be
gathered.
5. Population or universe from which the data are to be gathered.
C. The biggest obstacle of students about to make
a research proposal
 Having “No Problem”
Other possible reasons:
1. They do not know the sources of research problems.
2. They do not know what specific problem they have in mind.
3. There are so many research problems that they could not
decide which one to pursue.
4. Some problems are very interesting but the data needed are
very difficult to obtain.
5. Not all research problems are empirically testable at the
moment.
3.2 Sources of Research Problems
1. Specialization. The specialization of a researcher is a
good means for research problem. If a researcher likes
Chemistry, he may desire to determine the protein
content of all commercial fish sold in the market, and
recommend to the consumers certain species of fish
which is the cheapest yet with highest protein content.
3.2 Sources of Research Problems
2. Past researches. Existing and past researches are rich
sources of research problems even using research
replication utilizing the same instrument but
administered to different group of subjects and area in
order to compare the similarities and differences of the
findings.
3.2 Sources of Research Problems
3. Journals, theses and dissertations. These are also rich
sources of research problems. From any of these
sources an investigator can draw research issues or
problems which require a scientific study. Authors of
these materials usually recommend problems for other
researchers to look into.
3.2 Sources of Research Problems
4. Friends, professors, consultants may prove helpful in
coming up with a good research problem. Asking
questions or their opinions on certain issues may lead to
realizing that there is a gap in knowledge which needs
to be filled, that what has been decided on by a body
left many questions unanswered, or that means by
which a goal has been achieved is being questioned for
its moral and legal implications.
3.3 Selection of a Research Problem
1. Interesting - A good research problem must be
interesting, one that can attract the attention of the
investigator to study the problem further. An interesting
problem makes him motivated and determined to work
on it for months or even years until its completion,
disregarding or tackling whatever difficulty or obstacle
that comes along his way.
3.3 Selection of a Research Problem
2. Relevant - A research problem should have some
bearing on the current issues, events, or problems of a
society. Researchers must keep in mind that they work
not for themselves but for the people.
3.3 Selection of a Research Problem
3. Innovative - A good research problem may not be
necessarily new or novel. It may be a restatement and a
restructuring of an old problem to make it new. In this
manner, results will be more relevant and useful to a
greater number of people.
3.3 Selection of a Research Problem
4. Specific - A good research problem should be specific
or well-defined. Problem definition includes clear
statements of key concepts in the study and
specification of its scope or coverage vis-à-vis issues or
concerns, area coverage, subjects, time requirement and
type of data needed. Unless the researcher has all the
time, money, manpower and expertise to cover all
aspects of social problems, it is deemed realistic and
practical that he sets the scope of his study.
3.3 Selection of a Research Problem
5. Measurable - A good research problem should be
measurable. If the concepts or variables covered by the
research problem do not allow measurement, the
researcher will have an impossible task of coming up
with the result or findings of the study. Somehow, some
quantification and statistical analysis, however basic or
elementary, are needed in a study. This is true even in
qualitative studies where figures or numbers are not of
much use and given less emphasis.
3.3 Selection of a Research Problem
6. Time-bound - A good research problem is time-bound.
This means that a study of a research problem or topic
can be completed within a specific period of time. A
study which can be finished within a short period of
time is more attractive and useful than that which can be
completed in an indefinite or longer period of time.
3.3 Selection of a Research Problem
7. Manageable - A research problem is good if it is
manageable. Manageability implies that the investigator
has what it requires: expertise, skilled manpower,
money and time. What is conceptually good research
problem may not be good at all if the researcher does
not have the required expertise or resources to carry out
the study.