Recap Research Says

Lesson 5: Stating a Research Problem

Competencies 1. designs a research useful in daily life CS_RS12-Id-e-1   2. writes a research title CS_RS12-Id-e-2 3. describes background of research CS_RS12-Id-e-3

Activity: The Pre-Cal Case: In Quarter 2 Exam it was found out that in Pre calculus Class, among 167 SHS Students, 130 Failed the subject and 37 passed. If you are to write a research title or state the research problem, what will be like? State your position.

Q & A: What are things to remember in Stating a Research Problem?

The problem statement sets the direction of the study. It is the verbalization of the “question” which the study proposes to answer. This is divided into the main problem and the subsidiary problems. These can be stated in declarative (infinitive) or interrogative (question) form.   The main problem is the whole focus of the study. This is reflected in the title of the study. The sub problems are the break down of the main variables into their components. When the answers to the sub-problems are put together, they answer the main question.

Techniques to facilitate problem identification:   Visit the library and browse books and other reading materials Consult your research teacher about the research thrusts of the school Observe needs and concerns in your workplace, community or school Search related topics from journals and other scholarly materials Analyze the possible causes of the present problems or current issues and their possible solutions Read recommendations from unpublished materials (theses and dissertations)

Hypothesis   Hypothesis is a temporary working explanation pertaining to the relationship or difference of variables being investigated. It must be used whenever there is a basis for prediction. Choosing the type of hypothesis to be used in the study is important because it shows the logical coherences with the theoretical background and statement of the problem. It also guides the researcher on the choice of respondents or subjects of the study and the statistical treatments to be used.

Further, it guides the researcher on the critical value in the rejection or non rejection of the null hypothesis.   Formulation of the hypothesis is based on the statements of the problem (or atleast one of the sub-probems) the paradigm and the variables being investigated. Hypothesis must be stated clearly and in a declarative or interrogative form and the variables are stated in their operational forms.

Characteristics of a Research Problem or Objectives (Calmorin and Calmorin, 2014)   The characteristics of a good problem possesses the acronym – SMART. This means that a research problem should be: Specific. The problem is in simple and specific manner. The variables, locale and subjects of the study are specifically stated. Measurable. It is easy to measure and quantify by using research instruments in collecting data. Instruments or tools include questionnaire, index, survey form, observation sheet, interview schedule on scale;

Achievable. The data are achievable using correct statistical techniques to arrive at precise results;   Realistic. Real results are not manipulated. Findings are observable and comparable to reality; and Time-bounded. Time frame is required in every activity because the shorter completion of the activity the better. Time table should be developed to guide the researcher on the step by step process of the study.

Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem or Topic   1. The research problem or topic must be chosen by the researcher himself/herself which is within his/her interest, specialization and competence of the researcher. It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance, otherwise he/she must be able to find funding for his research.

2. It is researchable and manageable, which means that data are available and accessible. The data must meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity, and verifiability. Answers to the specific questions (sub problems) can be found. The hypotheses formulated are testable, that is, they can be accepted or rejected. Equipment and instruments for research are available and can give valid and reliable results.

3. The research can be completed within a reasonable period of time 3. The research can be completed within a reasonable period of time. It is significant, important, and relevant to the present time and situation.   4. The results are practical and implementable and requires original, critical, and reflective thinking. It can be delimited to suit the resources of the researcher but big or large enough to be able to give significant, valid and reliable results and generalizations.

5. The study must contribute to human knowledge particularly on the national development goals for the improvement of the quality of human life. It must show or pave the way for the solution of the problem or problems intended to be solved.   6. It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values and must not advocate any change in the present order of things by means of violence but by peaceful means.

7. There must be a return of some kind to the researcher 7. There must be a return of some kind to the researcher. The return may be: Monetary; advancement of position, promotion; improved specialization, competence, and skill in professional work; enhanced prestige and reputation; and satisfaction of intellectual curiosity and interest, and being able to discover truth.   8. There must be a consideration of the hazards involved, either physical, social, or legal of a person or other living things.

Guidelines for Critiquing Research Problems, Research Questions and Hypotheses In formulating the problem statement, the following criteria should be considered: 1. The research problem/objective is written in question (problem) or declarative/infinitive form (objective). Example: 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of: 1.1 age; 1.2 gender; 1.3 religion; and 1.4 highest educational attainment? or 1. to determine the profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, religion, and highest educational attainment.

2. The research problem identifies a specific area.   Example: Teaching Performance of Male Clinical Instructors in the Microbiology Department of University of San Carlos 3. The topic is phrased in workable and manageable terms. Example: What is the Level of Stress of the Engineering teachers in University of San Jose Recoletos?

4. The scope is limited to realistic parameters that are not narrow nor too broad. The words used are unbiased, objective and not emotion-laden and that the relationship between variables to be studied are clearly cited.   Example: Emotional Quotient and Performance in the Licensure Examination of Medical Technologist student at Southwestern University 5. The phrases and words are measurable and can be empirically proven. Example: What is the level of self-esteem of the Grade 11 students in STEC?

The following are the guidelines in the formulation of the research title. These are also the characteristics of the title. 1. Generally, the title is formulated before the start of the research work. It may be revised and refined later when needed or upon the suggestion of the research committee. 2. The title must contain the subject matter of the study, the locale of the study and the population involved. 3. The title indicates what is expected to be found inside the research report by stating the aspects of the subject matter to be studied.

4. It must be as brief and concise as possible. Maximum of 15 words. 5. Avoid using the terms “An Analysis of,” “A Study of,” “An Investigation of,” and the like. All these things are understood to have been done or to be done when a research is conducted. 6. If the title has more than one line, it must be written like an inverted pyramid and all words should be capitalized.

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES OF SOPHOMORE STUDENT NURSES, SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY   1. Object of the study/variable: Multiple Intelligences 2. Sample Population included: Sophomore Student Nurses 3. Setting: Southwestern University 4. Design: Evaluative 5. Outcomes: Enhancement Program

LEARNING STYLES AND BRAIN DOMINANCE OF FRESHMEN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS IN VELEZ COLLEGE   1. Object of the study/variable: Learning Styles and Brain Dominance 2. Sample Population included : Medical Technology Students 3. Setting: Velez College 4. Design: Evaluative 5. Outcomes: Learning Plan

MARIGONDON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: ACADEMIC PROBLEMS AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS   Object of the study/variable: Academic Problems 2. Research Subjects: Senior High School Students 3. Setting: Marigondon NHS 4. Design: Action Research 5. Ultimate end of the research: Proposed solutions/Intervention Plan

Title: COMMERCIALIZATION OF BLOOD DONATION IN MACTAN DOCTORS’ HOSPITAL APPLICATION: Title: COMMERCIALIZATION OF BLOOD DONATION IN MACTAN DOCTORS’ HOSPITAL   Object of the study/variable: 2. Research Subjects: 3. Setting: 4. Design: 5. Ultimate end of the research:

APPLICATION: Title: MATH AND ENGLISH SKILLS AS PREDICTORS OF RESEARCH SKILLS IN STEC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS   Object of the study/variable: 2. Research Subjects: 3. Setting: 4. Design: 5. Ultimate end of the research:

APPLICATION: LACK OF PARENTAL SUPPORT AND LOW ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS  Object of the study/variable: 2. Research Subjects: 3. Setting: 4. Design: 5. Ultimate end of the research:

Object of the study/variable: 2. Research Subjects: 3. Setting: APPLICATION: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS OF CLASSROOM OFFICERS IN STEC Object of the study/variable: 2. Research Subjects: 3. Setting: 4. Design: 5. Ultimate end of the research:

GENDER-BASED SKILLS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS APPLICATION: GENDER-BASED SKILLS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS IN STEC Object of the study/variable: 2. Research Subjects: 3. Setting: 4. Design: 5. Ultimate end of the research: