The Research Process
finding a research mentor and other
Conceptualizing a Research Study
Conceptualizing a Research Study
Conceptualization is the process of refining the
important concepts and terms by giving them
conceptual or theoretical definitions.
At the end of this, the students are expected to:
Conceptualize a research study;
Write a research title that describes what the
study is all about;
Write the statement of the problem;
Write an appropriate background of the study;
Identify the independent and dependent
variables; and
Formulate the hypothesis.
Research Process:
The research process has three (3) phases:
a. Conceptual Phase
b. Empirical Phase
c. Interpretative Phase
CONCEPTUAL PHASE
- the process that determines which questions
are to be addressed by the research and how
research procedures are to be used as tools in
finding the answers to these questions.
- involves bringing together several
considerations to identify a good research idea.
- is guided by the theoretical framework,
research perspectives or approach in the research
study.
CONCEPTUALIZATION
- involves bringing together several
considerations to identify a good
research idea.
Components:
1. conducting a thorough search of the
peer-reviewed literature;
2.
collaborator;
3. considering methodology and study
design; and
4. assessing feasibility
(Jain, Lindley & Rosen, 2013)
Research Topics:
The first step in research is identifying a topic. It
defines the area of research. They are not the
same as the title of the research study.
Conceptualizing would include:
Finding your focus
What are the gaps in the literature?
Where to start?
Refining research topics
Questions to ask yourself
Conceptualizing would include:
Finding your focus
a. which aspect of your discipline
interest you most?
b. what have you observed that you have
questions about?
c. what articles have you read that you
have raised questions in your mind?
What are the gaps in the literature?
a. By topic (what is not being looked
at?)
b. Methods (what is not being done?)
c. Populations (who is not being
studied?)
d. Comparison (who is not being
compared?)
Where to start?
a. Read
b. Detailed literature searches
c. attend seminars, conferences and
presentations
 d. discusses subject area with peers
e. Listen and ask questions
Conceptualizing (continue…)
Refining research topics
a. Discuss with fellow researchers
b. Discuss with stakeholders
c. Assess what is most critical to learn
d. Assess research sources available
Questions to ask yourself?
a. Is this good idea
b. who cares?
c. Can it be addressed using approach
research methods?
d. Will it stimulate interest by others and
the sponsors?
e. Is it feasible/practical/doable?
f. Is it fundable?
Characteristics of an Ideal Topic
The subject should be timely.
Your work should lead to a well-defined set of
results to which you can lay claim.
The best research topic shows a high level of
creativity - and are often somewhat speculative.
It is often unclear at first how the ideas will
develop.
You should really enjoy the subject, and want to
spend the next several years with it.
Concept Mapping
A structure approach that groups can use to map
out organize their ideas on any topic.
Good Maps
• Start with the topic
• Include all important concepts/ theories
• Break down concepts/ theories broadly and
deeply
• Show relationships among bubbles
• Include relevant works
• Show gaps
• Are innovative – not replications of existing
literature reviews
RESEARCH PROBLEM AND
OBJECTIVES
By and large, majority of the thesis
writers and neophytes in research find difficulty
in searching for a research problem. Once a
problem is found, they still find difficulty in
formulating specific problems and objectives.
Sometimes, they do not see that a simple
question may actually be a research problem
stated in an interrogative form.
They are misled into thinking that
research objectives are the same as instructional
objectives.
The Research Problem
There are five factors to consider to determine
whether that 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 solutions 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.
Characteristics of a Research Problem
Whether a research problem is
historical, descriptive, experimental or case
study, the characteristic of a research problem
must be S.M.A.R.T.
S – specific
M – measurable
A – achievable
R – realistic
T – time bound
SPECIFIC
 - The problem should be
specifically stated.
MEASURABLE
- it is easy to measure by using
research instruments, apparatus or equipment.
ACHIEVABLE
- the data are achievable using
correct statistical tools to arrive at precise result.
REALISTIC
- real results are attained
because they are gathered scientifically and not
manipulated.
TIME-BOUND
- time frame is required in every
activity because of shorter completion of the
activity.
Sources of Research Problem
There are several sources of research
problem that a researcher can investigate.
It is said that:
“Research was born out of man’s
problems and man’s major problem demands
research.”
(Good and Scates, 1972)
The sources of research problems are:
Specialization of the researcher
Current and Past Researches
Recommendations from theses, dissertations
and research journal.
Original creative ideas of the researcher
based on the problems met in the locality and
country.
Criteria of Good Research Problem
The criteria of a good research problem are:
1.INTERESTING
- an interesting research
problem attracts the attention of the researcher
and other people to conduct the research project
even without incentive or research grant at all.
2. INNOVATIVE
- though replicability in
conducting research is allowed, it is advisable
that a research problem is something original
and unique to attract the attention of the people.
3. COST-EFFECTIVE
- a good research problem
should be economical and effective in solving
the needs and problems of the society.
RELEVANT TO THE NEEDS AND
PROBLEMS OF THE PEOPLE.
- researches must keep in mind
that they conduct research not for their personal
aggrandizement but to solve the needs and
problems of the people.
5.RELEVANT TO GOVERNMENT’S
THRUSTS
- a research problem must respond to the
government’s thrusts.
MEASURABLE AND TIME-BOUND
- a good research problem is measurable by
using research instruments and equipment as
well as statistical tools to arrive at scientific and
meaning results. A research problem can be
completed within a time frame stated. The
shorter the completion of the project, the better.
The Research Objectives
The investigator must not be confused that
research objectives are different from
instructional objectives.
In a research paper, either a problem or objective
it used. It is not advisable to use both problem
and objective in a research paper because each
problem /objective stated in Chapter 1 is
answered in Chapter 4 of the study.
A research objective is defined as “statement of
purpose for which investigation is to be
conducted” (Ardales, 1992). The research
objective is a statement of purpose because this
is the guide to be accomplished by the
researcher in conducting his/her research
project.
Research objectives have same characteristics,
SMART with research problem (but they differe
in form because the research problem is stated in
interrogative or question form while objective is
in declarative form.
The research objective are stated specifically in
simple language in order that the investigator
finds them easy to measure by using research
instruments (i.e. questionnaire, test, checklist,
rating scale, interview) in gathering data and
these data are achieved when correct statistical
tools are used to arrive at real results (not
manipulated), but for every activity to be done,
time frame is required because the shorter the
completion of the activity, the better
Hypotheses
Is defined as wise guess that is formulated and
temporarily adopted to explain the observed
facts covered by the study.
It is important for it tells the researcher what to
do and how to go about solving the research
problem.
Significance of the study
The explanation of the significance of the study
is presented either in the inductive or deductive
perspective.
Inductive perspective – the investigator state the
importance of the study from the particular to
general. 🡪 he starts from the target beneficiaries,
to the researcher, to the people in the
community, province, region, and nation.
Deductive perspective - general to particular
Significance of the study
The researcher should prove that the study has
important contributions in relation to:
A. solving the problem and need
B. bridging a knowledge gap
C. improving social, economic and
health conditions
D. enriching research instruments,
methods, and strategies
E. supporting government thrust

Types of Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (H0)
Is a denial of an existence of a trait,
characteristics, quality, value, correlation or
difference of the result.

it is always stated in negative form.

Types of Hypothesis
Alternative hypothesis (H1)
is the opposite extreme of the null
hypothesis because the former is stated in
positive form.

it is an affirmation of the existence of

phenomena. It is always stated in affirmative
form.

Assumptions
Are presumed to be true statements of facts
related to the research problem. They are clearly
stated to give readers of research papers, theses,
dissertations, research projects foundation to
form conclusions resulting from assumptions.