The Research Problem

What is a research problem? From the book written by Dr. Mariano M. Ariola “Principles and Methods of Research (2006)” she mentioned that different authors have different meaning of what is the research problem.

Some authors used terminologies such as “problem”, another used “topic” while others used “thesis subject” But all of them all mean the same thing and that is – research problem.

A problem is a “big question mark”. Before a researcher can conduct a research study he must have a research problem to work on. The quality of the problem determines the quality of the entire research process and its product.

` According to Garcia and Reganit (2010), the research problem is the heart of any research project, without it there is no research.

However, according to Magsajo- Sarno (2010), that research problem is one of the most critical stages in research writing. This is one of the reasons that delay the students in pursuing a thesis.

A research problem, as defined by Calderon and Gonzales (1993) is that: (1) It is any significant, perplexing and challenging situation, real or artificial, the solution of which requires reflective thinking and (2) It is a perplexing situation after it has been translated into a question or series of questions that help determine the direction of subsequent inquiry.

The problem of a study, as stated by Frankael and Wallen (1993) sets the stage for everything. The problem statement should be accompanied by a description of the background of the problem (what factors caused it to be a problem in the first place) and a rationale or justification for studying it.

The term research problem implies that an investigation, inquiry or study is to be conducted, or that the problem is ready for investigation, inquiry or study.

Elements of a Research Problem: Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation. This answers the question “Why?” Why is there an investigation, inquiry or study?

Elements of a Research Problem: The subject matter or topic to be investigated. This answers the question “What?” What is to be investigated or studies?”

Elements of a Research Problem: The place or locale where the research is to be conducted. This answers the question “Where?” Where is the study to be conducted?

Elements of a Research Problem: 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?”

Elements of a Research Problem: Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected. This answers the question “Who?” or “from whom?” Who are the respondents? From who are the data to be gathered?”

The research problem or topic must be chosen by the researcher himself. This is to avoid blaming or offering excuses for any obstacles encountered. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It must be within the interest of the researcher. This is to make sure that the researcher will focus his full attention on the research work. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It must be within the specialization of the researcher. This will in some way make the work easier for him because he is working on familiar grounds. Besides, this may improve his specialization, skill, and competence in his profession. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle. The researcher must know the method of research and other research procedures applicable to his problem and he must know how to apply them. He must have a workable understanding of his study. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance; otherwise he must be able to find funding for his research. Research involves not a small amount of expense and the researcher must be able to foot the bills until his study is completed. There must be a budget, which he must be able to shoulder. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It is researchable and manageable, that is: –Data are available and accessible. –The data must meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity, and verifiability. –Answers to the specific questions (subproblems) can be found. –The hypotheses formulated are testable, that is, they can be accepted or rejected. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It is researchable and manageable, that is: –It can be completed within a reasonable period of time unless it is a longitudinal research, which takes a long time for its completion. –It is significant, important, and relevant to the present time and situation, timely, and of current interest. –The results are practical and implementable. –Equipment and instruments for research are available and can give valid and reliable results. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It is researchable and manageable, that is: –It requires original, critical, and reflective thinking to solve it. –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. –It must contribute to the national development goals for the improvement of the quality of human life. –It must contribute to the fund of human knowledge. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It is researchable and manageable, that is: –It must show or pave the way for the solution of the problem or problems intended to be solved. –It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people. –It must not advocate any change in the present order of things by means of violence but by peaceful means. –There must be a consideration of the hazards involved either, physical, social or legal. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

It is researchable and manageable, that is: –There must be a return of some kind to the researcher, either one or all of the following, if the research report is completed: Monetary, either increase in salary or publication of the results in which there is some kind of royalty. Advancement of position, promotion. Improved specialization, competence, and skill in professional work especially if the research subject is related to the profession. Enhanced prestige and reputation. Satisfaction of intellectual curiosity and interest, and being able to discover truth. Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem

Steps in Choosing a Topic As cited by Magsajo-Sarno (2010) from the research author Baugh (1997), there are eight keys to remember to make a first rate research: 1.Select and Focus Your Topic 2.Set Up a Research Strategy 3.Develop a Preliminary Thesis Statement 4.Conduct In-Depth Research 5.Take Good Notes 6.Choose the Best Structure – Create an Outline 7.Complete the First Draft 8.Revise Your Draft

First Key: Select and Focus Your Topic What type of research do you need to write – descriptive, historical, experimental? Choose an appropriate topic that it is not too broad or too narrow.

Second Key: Set Up a Research Strategy Because your research is usually written under tight deadlines, you need to know how to find information quickly and efficiently. The strategy begins with general references and takes you through various research materials to books, periodicals, and special documents.

Third Key: Develop a Preliminary Thesis Statement The thesis statement establishes what you want to say or prove in your research. This statement acts like a general map, guiding your research efforts.

Fourth Key: Conduct In-Depth Research Learn the key steps of research that will save you hours of effort: –Set up key terms and searches –Locate sources –Retrieve and evaluate sources –Create bibliography cards

Fifth Key: Take Good Notes Learn how to skim material for key words and concepts, then take notes only the information pertinent to your topic. –Set up a system –Paraphrase, summarize, outline, quote

Sixth Key: Choose the Best Structure – Create an Outline Once you know the basic structure of any research, and the particular arrangement of information for each type, creating an outline is relatively painless. A good outline makes writing the first draft considerably easier. –Insert source materials –Select illustrations

Seventh Key: Complete the First Draft If you suffer from the fear of the blank page – relax. The key to writing the first draft is to set your critical mind aside and simply write until you have completed the paper. Begin at the beginning if you can. If you can’t, start in the middle or at the end. Don’t worry about elegant phrasing, paragraph structure, or grammatical mistakes at this stage. Use your outline as guide and keep on writing until you finish. Save any criticism or judgment for the final step.

Eight Key: Revise Your Draft Revision can turn a mediocre or flawed draft into a first- rate work. When you work on your research paper on a chapter- by-chapter basis, this will help your instructor to check it well, and will make your revision easier. –Create works cited / works consulted list –Check logical flow –Revise all parts in each chapter –Prepare final illustrations