THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND ITS OBJECTIVES

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

A PROBLEM - is any significant, perflexing and challenging situation, real or artificial, the
solution of which requires reflective thinking.
The term RESEARCH PROBLEM implies an investigation, inquiry or study.
• It is something not adequately attained to the satisfaction of users.
• It is a situation of concern brought into focus for concentrated study.
Identification of research problem is the first step in a scientific method for conducting a
research. To initiate a research, there should be pre-occurred ideas that generated the
necessity for the research to be carried out. The ideas are developed while going through
literatures, discourses with experts and continuation of activities related to the subject
matter that will be interesting or rewarding if investigated. These topics generally called
problems.

CHARACTERISTICS:
SPECIFIC – the problem should be specifically tested
MEASURABLE – it is easy to measure by using research instruments or equipment
ACHIEVABLE – the data are achievable using correct statistical tools to arrive at precise
result
REALISTIC – real results are attainded because they are gathered scientifically and not
manipulated or maneuvered
TIME-BOUND – time frame is required in every activity because the shorter completion of
the activity, the better

ELEMENTS:
There are certain elements that a problem must possess before it becomes a research
problem for investigation. These are:
1. The Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation. This answers the
question”why?” Why is there an investigation, inquiry or study?
2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated.This answers the question “what?”
What is to be investigated or studied?
3. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted. This answers the question
“where?”. Where is the study to be conducted
 4. The period or time of the study during which data are to be gathered. This answers
the question “when?”. When is the study to be carried out?
5. Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected. This answers the
questions “who?” or “From whom?” Who are the respondents?From whom are the
data to be gathered?
Summarizing, the elements of a research problem are aim or purpose, subject matter or
topic, place or locale, period of time,and population or universe. They respectively answer
questions starting with why,what,where,when and who or from whom.

EXAMPLE OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM:

To determine the status of teaching science in the high schools of Province X during the
school year 2018-2019.
Aim or purpose: To the determine the status
Subject matter or topic: The teaching of science
Place or locale: In the high schools of Province X
Period or time: During the school year 2018-2019.
Population: The respondents are implied to be either the teachers or the pupils or both.

SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. Specialization of the researcher
2. Current and Past Researches
3. Recommendations from theses,dissertations, and research journals.
4. Original and creative ideas of the researcher based on the problems met in the
locality and country.

SOME GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING PROBLEMS

The problem should be such in which the researcher may be deeply interested.
The problem shoudld be related with the chin of thinking. Stray problems can mislead the
whole reearch project
The problem selected should not necessarily be new one. It may be old problem or on on
which work has already been done i.e., verification of old problem may be equally useful
The problem should be within manageable limts i.e., it should not be to comprehensive
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Research Objectives are a specification of the ultimate reason for carrying out research in
the first place. They help in developing a specific list of information needs

 Fine statements that show what is to be achieved by the study (outcomes)

 Conceptualisation of the relationship between variables which define the
parameters of the problem.
 The objectives of a research project summarise what is to be achieved by the study.
 Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem.
Only when the researcher knows the problem that manageent wants to solve can the
research project be designed to provide the pertinent information

CHARACTERISTICS:
Research objectives have the same characteristics, SMART, with research problem.
SPECIFIC – clear about what, where, when, and how the situation will be changed
MEASURABLE – able to quantify the targets and benefits
ACHIEVABLE – able to attain the objectives (by knowing the resources and capacities at athe
disposal of the community)
REALISTIC – able to obtain the level of change reflected in the objective
TIME-BOUND – stating the time period in which they will each be accomplished
Research Problem and Research Objectives have the same characteristics (SMART) but they
differ in form because the Research Problem is stated in interrogative or question form and
the Research Objectives, in declarative form.

TWO TYPES OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVE:

1. BROAD OBJECTIVE or GENERAL – states what is to be achieved by the study in general
terms

 Derive from the title of the study

 Overall purpose of study
 Only one. Usually only one per study
 Express the main study variables
 Shows target population and place
 States what researcher(s) expect to achieve by the study in general terms
Example: To determine the factors associated with increased number of diarrhea cases
among under fives in ABC Village

2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE – it is short in term and small to focus general objective can broken
in small general objective completed by specific objective and describe the variables that
are measured by the study.
It should systematically address the various aspects of the problem as defined under
‘Statement of the Problem’ and the key factors that are assumed to influence or cause the
problem.

 Several in one study

 Are realistic considering research conditions
 Cover the different aspects of the problem and its contributing factors in a coherent
and in a logical sequence
 Use action verb that are specific enough to be evaluated (e.g. Analyse; Evaluate;
Explain; Clarify; Verify; Calculate; Identify; Establish; Compare; Describe; Relate;
Demonstrate; Discuss; Illustrate)
Example:
o To find out methods used for excreta disposal
o To identify methods used for water treatment
o To determine the feeding habits of the under fives

WHY SHOULD RESEARCH OBJECTIVES BE DEVELOPED?

 Focus the study (narrowing it down to essentials);

 Avoid the collection of data which are not necessary for understanding and
solving the problem;
 Organise the study in clearly defined parts or phases.
 Specific objectives will facilitate the development of your research methodology
and will help to orient the collection, analysis, interpretation and utilisation of
data.
What are the perceptions of Grade V Students in ABC Elementary School regarding how
learning environments have changed during the school year 2020-2021?
The students should be able to develop self-learning skills in the changing learning
environment
How is teacher-student interaction and feedback processes of XYZ Elementary School during
home schooling in the Academic Year 2020-2021?
The researcher should be able to evaluate the teacher-student interaction and
feedback processes
How does lockdown/quarantine affects the socio-emotional development, mental health
and well-being of Grade VI students in LMN Elementary School during the school year 2020-
2021?
Can technology help mitigate the impact of COVID 19 on education of Grade VI Students in
TUV Elementary School during the school year 2020-2021?