Module 2 | IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM

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 Module 2 | IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM
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Module 2

IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM

In this module, you are expected to demonstrate understanding of the significance of identifying the
inquiry and stating the problem in the conduct of research. It begins with a pre-assessment and a diagram
that outlines the topics covered by this module. Specifically, you should be able to write a research title,
describe the justifications for conducting the research, state research questions, indicate scope and
delimitation of research, cite the benefits and beneficiaries of research and present a written statement of the
problem. As you go through the lessons, you have to think of these important questions: What topic should I
consider in doing my research? What are my research questions? What problem would my research attempt
to solve? Who will benefit from my research? Why do I need to conduct this research?

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this module, you are expected to:

1. decide on a narrowed down research topic;
2. write a research title that describes what the study is all about;
3. define the problem and state the research questions;
4. identify the different sections of Chapter 1;
5. compose an introduction and background of the study;
6. illustrate a conceptual and theoretical framework; and
7. collaborate to write the significance of the study, scope and delimitation, and definition of terms.

PRE-ASSESSMENT

Instruction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is the reason for consulting handbooks, yearbooks, encyclopaedias, or reviews in the initial
stages of identifying a research topic?
a. They are readily available.
b. They provide an overview of the issues related to a topic.
c. They are primary sources.
d. They avoid reporting statistical data to interpret the results more readily.

2. Which of the following are excellent sources for research topics?

a. Theory
b. Personal experience
c. Replication of prior research
d. All of the above
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3. A business student plans a research project of an online business. Due to its limited information
(the title) on the nature of the business, which one of these best applies to the idea?
a. It is too broad.
b. It is a highly technical subject.
c. It has an acceptable method.
d. It has an acceptable purpose.

4. Which of these would be assured by you when selecting factors for a study in general?
a. They have been investigated before
b. They are available to investigate
c. They are not of interest to you
d. They do not lead to another question

5. Which of the following is a good way to find a research topic?

a. Personal experience
b. Getting an idea from your adviser
c. Looking for the next step in the research process
d. All of the above

6. Which of the following is a not true of a research title?

a. Read the most, and it is usually read first
b. Least important element that defines the research problem.
c. Contains few words that describe the purpose of the research
d. All of the above

A. Answer TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is incorrect.

________7. The researcher's own personal interests and observations may be a valuable source of
questions.
________8. Theories of other researchers are not a particularly good source of research questions.
________9. Successful research often raises new questions, even while it answers old questions.
________10. Scope and delimitation of research indicates the boundaries, exceptions, and reservations in
your study.
________11. The Significance of the Study cites the benefits and beneficiaries of the study.
________12. The 'Definition of Terms' section provides the technical or operational meanings of words used
in the study.
________13. The research questions are presented under the Statement of the Problem.
________14. The research title must answer 'WH' questions such as what, who, where, and when.
________15. The Background of the Study gives the context and justification for conducting a study.
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MODULE MAP

Working Title & Specific Draft of Chapter 1

Deciding on a
Research Guidelines in (Research
Topic
Questions Writing Chapter 1 Proposal)

In this module, you are expected to decide on what topic to work on, formulate a working title and research
questions, and produce a draft of Chapter 1 (The Problem & Its Setting) by following a set of specific
guidelines.

CORE CONTENTS

ENGAGE: Getting Started

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✓ What specific problems and issues around me do I need to address?

✓ Why is it important to address the problem?
✓ Who will benefit if the problem is solved?
✓ What can be the appropriate solution to the problem?
✓ How will my study add up to what is already known about the problem?

Activity 1: Give a one-sentence answer to each of the questions stated above.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

EXPLORE: Breaking It All Down

Activity 2: Reading Activity

INSTRUCTIONS: Closely read the text below.

The Subject Matter of the Research

Every research begins with a topic and a problem. Once you have decided on a topic to pursue, each
step of the research will fall into place one by one. There is no one way of shaping your research topic and
often you will need to consult your teacher for advice and guidance along the way.

Here are some pointers you can use in selecting a research topic (Babbie 2013):

1. Interest in the subject matter. Interest in a subject drives you to research, investigate, or inquire about it
with full motivation, enthusiasm, and energy.

2. Availability of information. Information will serve as evidence to support your claims about your subject
matter from varied forms of literature like books, journals, and newspapers, among others, is a part and
parcel of any research work.

3. Timeliness and relevance of the topic. How relevant is the topic? It should yield results that are useful in
society and must be relevant to the present.

4. Limitations on the subject. Connect your choice with course requirements. You need to decide on one
topic to finish your course.

5. Personal resources. Do an assessment on your research abilities in terms of your financial standing,
health condition, mental capacity, available facilities, and time schedule to enable you to complete your
research. You have to raise an amount of money needed to spend on questionnaire printing and interview
trips.

Research Topics to be Avoided

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1. Controversial topics. It depends more on the writer’s opinion leading to biases. Facts cannot support this
topic.

2. Highly technical subjects. It is not advisable for beginners as these topics require an advanced study,
technical knowledge, and skills.

3. Hard-to-investigate subjects. This happens if there are no available reading materials about it and if such
materials are not up-to-date.

4. Too broad subjects. It prevents you from giving an in-depth analysis of the subject matter. Narrow down or
limit the subject to eliminate the problem.

5. Too narrow subjects. These subjects are so limited or specific that an extensive searching is necessary.

6. Vague subjects. Titles beginning with indefinite adjectives such as several, many, some, etc., as in “Some
Remarkable Traits of a Filipino” or “Several People’s Comments on the RH Law,” are vague enough to
decrease the readers’ interests and curiosity.

Sources of Research Topics

1. Mass media communication – press (newspapers, ads, TV, radio, films, etc.)

2. Books, Internet, peer-reviewed journals, government publications

3. Professional periodicals like College English Language Teaching Forum, English Forum, the Economist,
Academia, Business Circle, Law Review, etc.

4. General periodicals such as Readers’ Digest, Women’s Magazine, Panorama Magazine, Time Magazine,
World Mission Magazine, etc.

5. Previous reading assignments in your other subjects

6. Work experience – clues to a researchable topic from full-time or part-time jobs, OJT (on-the-job training)
experience, fieldwork, etc.

Research Problem Defined

A research problem is an area affected by the identified topic or trend in the field that you would like
to address, investigate, or study (de Guzman, 2015). It is the focus or reason for engaging in your research.
Research problems are the issues, controversies or concerns by researchers (Creswell, 2005). These
problems exist in our surroundings.

The research problem is included in the introduction section of a paper. It consists of three
components, namely: the context, the rationale, and the significance of the research problem.

Sources of Research Problems

• Government agencies or NGOs

• Your own experiences or genuine interest in a topic
• Previous research findings (validation or replication)
• Present political, economic or social issues
• Reviews of Related Literature
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What is a Research Title?

1. It is the most important element that defines the research problem.

2. It is usually read first and the most read part of the research.
3. It contains the least words enough to describe the contents and the purpose of your research paper.
4. It can be revised any and many times as the research develops and reaches its final phase. It
becomes final on its final oral defense before the panelists.

✓ A good research title summarizes what the paper is all about. It is usually made up of 12 or less
substantive words.

Formulating the Research Questions

A research question is a way of expressing the researchers’ interest in a problem or phenomenon.

There could be more than one research question for a study, depending on the complexity of the proposed
work. Each question should be clear and specific. However, your ability to formulate the research questions
depends on the background knowledge you have about the chosen topic.

Writing the Research Proposal

Once your research topic is approved, the next step to do is to write your research proposal.
A research proposal is a written plan about a study intended to be conducted. As such, it contains the
Introduction, Theoretical Framework or Review of Related Literature and Methodology. Because it is a plan
about what to be done, the research methodology is expressed in future tense.

Chapter I of the research paper is called The Problem and Its Background.

It is composed of the following sections:

✓ Introduction
✓ Framework of the Study
✓ Statement of the Problem
✓ Hypothesis
✓ Significance of the Study
✓ Scope and Limitations of the Study
✓ Definition of Terms

Introduction

Purpose of the Background of the Study

a. The general definition of the topic/problem area.

b. Historical basis for the existence of the problem.
c. Efforts made towards addressing similar challenges.
d. How the efforts failed to be realized hence the need for your study.

Contents of the Introduction:

a. Presentation of the problem. Describe the existence of an unsatisfactory condition or a problem that needs
a solution.

b. Historical background of the problem - Give the historical background of the problem, if applicable.

c. Geographical conditions of the research locale - If applicable, describe the geographical location of the
study.

d. Rationale of the study - Give the reason(s) why the study should be conducted.
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Example:

Academic performance is an important indicator for a successful student in the future (Junio -
Pachejo & Allaga, 2013; Orlanda-Ventayen, 2019). The students’ performance can be
measured in the test results or in the general average every quarter or semester, and it is a
strong basis for the graduation of every student.

The Philippines is one of the new implementers of the Senior High School education program.
Pangasinan, as one province in the country, abide by the law and mandates of the Department
of Education (Tucay, 2015). Maticmatic National High School is one of the Barangay High
Schools in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. As of this School Year 2017-2018, it has 546 and 102
students in Junior and Senior High School respectively. The school believed that in order to
have more improvements aside from its physical development is to have directly linked with
students’ academic performance.

With regard to the condition of Grade 11 students in Senior High School, some of them have the
level of below average in their academic performance in the first semester. Despite the remedial
classes that the teachers are doing, there were still students who failed the quizzes and exams.
It was then observed that Senior High School students do not practice a habitual study.
Students who have poor study habits receive low grades in school, thus, a good study habit is a
prerequisite for good academic performance.

Due to the increasing nature of the below average academic performance of the Grade 11
students of Senior High School in the first and second quarter, the School Head gathered all the
teachers in the SHS Department and conducted a brainstorming regarding the performance of
the students. It was not indeed on the teaching strategies of the teachers since the school is
equipped with the things needed by the teachers and students. The researcher then suggested
that excellent performance is needed for the student to form good study habits. It was then
thought by the researcher the possible factors or indications of the study habits of the students
that might lead them into this situation (Crede & Kuncel, 2008).

Source: https://sajst.org/online/index.php/sajst/article/view/99

Framework of the Study

Essential Elements of a Theoretical Framework

Description of the theory – State the chosen theory, who is the proponent behind it and the year when it
was developed. Describe what the theory is all about, its historical background and the assumptions or
propositions it was able to prove.

Relevance of the theory to the research – The chosen theory will be of no use if it could not be related to
the current investigation. This portion of the theoretical framework discusses the relevance of the theory to
the current study. It provides the basis as to how the situation will be investigated.

Examples:

(Sample 1)

The Theory of Assimilation

Festinger’s theory of dissonance (1957) forms the basis for the theory of assimilation. The
theory of dissonance states that the consumer makes a sort of cognitive comparison between
the expectations regarding the product and the product’s perceived performance. If there is a
discrepancy between expectations and the product’s perceived performance, the dissonance
will not fail to appear. This point of view on post-usage evaluation was introduced in the
literature discussing satisfaction under the form of the theory of assimilation. (Anderson, 1973)
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According to Anderson, the consumers try to avoid dissonance by adjusting their perceptions of
a certain product, in order to bring it closer to their expectations. In a similar way, the consumers
can reduce the tension resulted from the discrepancy between expectations and the product’s
performance, both by distorting the expectations so that they could be in agreement with the
product’s perceived performance, and by increasing the level of satisfaction through minimizing
the relative importance of experimental disconfirmation (Olson and Dover, 1979).

The theory presumes the consumers are motivated enough to adjust both their expectations
and their product performance perceptions. If the consumers adjust their expectations or
product performance perceptions, dissatisfaction would not be a result of the post-usage
process. Consumers can reduce the tension resulting from a discrepancy between expectations
and product/service performance either by distorting expectations so that they coincide with
perceived product performance or by raising the level of satisfaction by minimizing the relative
importance of the disconfirmation experienced (Olson and Dover, 1979).

Some researchers have discovered that the control on the actual product performance can lead
to a positive relationship between expectations and satisfaction. (Anderson, 1973)
Consequently, it is assumed that dissatisfaction could never appear unless the evaluation
process began with the customers’ negative expectations.

Thus, in the context of the study, online customers, even if they are not fully satisfied with the
services of the company, will make subsequent purchases if they will tend to lower their
expectations.

(Sample 2)

The Adolescence-limited theory of Terrie Mofitt's developmental taxonomy constitutes the lion's
share of delinquents; indeed, nearly 90% of offenders are this type. According to Moffitt,
adolescence-limited offenders are able to stifle any antisocial impulses that they may have and
are therefore generally law-abiding citizens. However, as their name implies, they engage in
delinquency for a brief period during their teen years. The impetus driving their deviance is the
ambiguity of puberty and adolescent development. During the life phase, youth have difficulty
grappling with quickly changing expectations and responsibilities that are a function of age. By
observing the delinquent behavior of serious delinquents, a process Moffitt refers to as social
mimicry, adolescence-limited offenders ascertain that a certain level of autonomy and adult
reinforcement comes from "bad" behavior. Indeed, a recent empirical assessment of
adolescence-limited offenders found that, as theorized by Moffitt, they engaged in rebellious but
not violent forms of delinquency during the difficulty stages of puberty.

Conceptual Framework (the Schematic Diagram)

This section plays an important role in every research study. This is where the researchers defend
and justify their hypotheses and variables. The conceptual framework is a tentative theory regarding the topic
under investigation usually shown in a diagram (Punch, 2009).

A researcher may also use the Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model to illustrate the conceptual
framework of the study. This model is applicable when the researcher conducts a survey research or
intervention studies.

Example:
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Statement of the Problem

The problem statement is the researcher’s guide during the research process. It is the verbalization
and the breaking down of the “questions” which the researcher wants the study to answer. This set of
questions used in researching the topic is composed of these two elements:

1. The general statement of the problem (the purpose statement) and

2. The specific sub-problems or sub-questions (or research questions).

Guidelines in Writing the Statement of the Problem (Calderon & Gonzales, 1993)

1. The general statement of the problem and the research questions should be formulated first before
conducting the research.

2. Research questions should be stated in the interrogative and each should be clear to avoid confusion.

3 Each research question should be researchable separately from the other questions and must be based
upon known facts and phenomena which are accessible to the researcher.

4. Answers to each research question can be interpreted apart from the answers to the other specific
questions and must contribute to the development of the whole research study.

5. The summary of the answers to all the specific questions will give a complete development of the entire
study.

6. The number of research questions should be enough to cover the development of the whole research
study.

Example:

(Sample 1)

The research aims to evaluate the communicative competence of AB English students in

Northeastern Mindanao Colleges, Academic Year 2021-2022.

This study is proposed to seek answers to the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age;
1.2 Sex;
1.3 Socio-economic background?
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2. What is the level of communicative competence of the AB English majors in terms of the
following areas:
2.1 grammar;
2.2 sociolinguistics;
2.3 discourse; and
2.4 strategic?

3. Is there a significant difference between the respondents’ profile and their level of
communicative competence?

(Sample 2)

This research aims to examine the implementation of the aftercare support services for children
in conflict. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 age;
1.2 sex;
1.3 civil status;
1.4 years in service?

2. How do the respondents assess the implementation of the After-Care Support Services for
Children in Conflict with the Law, in terms of:

2.1 After-Care Support Programs;

2.2 Systems and Procedures;

2.3 Inter- Agency Coordination; and

2.4 Funds?

3. What are the problems encountered in the implementation of the After-Care Support Services
for Children In Conflict with the Law as assessed the respondents with regard the above-
mentioned variables?

4. What measures may be proposed to address the problems encountered in the

implementation of the After-Care Support Services for Children in Conflict with the Law?

5. Is there any significant difference on the assessment of the respondents with regard to the
assessment in the implementation of the After -Care Support Services, problems encountered in
the implementation of the After-Care Support Services and proposed measures to address the
same?

The Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables (Kerlinger,
1973). It is always in declarative sentence form, and it relates variables. A hypothesis cannot be proven, it
can only be tested or verified. It has two types:

A null hypothesis is a non-directional statement of condition between two variables. It states that
"there is no significant relationship/difference between" two parameters.

An alternative hypothesis is a directional statement of a relationship between variables. It states

that "there is a significant relationship/ difference between" two parameters.

Note: Your research hypothesis should always be stated in null form.

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Example:

Hypothesis

In line with the research problem, the researchers hypothesize that:

There is no significant difference in the assessment of the respondents on the implementation

of the after-care support services for children in conflict with the law;

There is no significant difference in the assessment of the respondents on the problems

encountered in the implementation of the after-care support services for children in conflict with
the law;

There is no significant difference in the assessment of the respondents on the proposed

measures to address the problems encountered in the implementation of the aftercare support
services for children in conflict with the law.

Significance of the Study

The significance of the study discusses the purpose that the research will serve to society, the
country, the government, the institutions or agencies concerned, the curriculum planners and developers,
and the research community. This section describes the contribution of the study to the existing body of
knowledge.

It could be any of the following:

a. A form of new knowledge in the field,

b. A validation of the major findings of other studies,
c. A verification of the validity of findings in a different population,
d. Analysis of trends over time, and validation of other findings using different methodologies.

The researcher must specify the beneficiaries who will directly gain from the results of the study,
mentioning them in the paper according to the significance of the result. The specific benefits must also be
enumerated and explained if necessary.

Example:

Significance of the Study

This study will substantially describe the perception of students on EJK and the level of
awareness of students on EJK. The topic is timely since and in context since there is a
nationwide spread of the rampant problem thereby resulting in a restructuring of legal and
political programs in the government. The generalization of this study can also be of great
significant to the following:

BS Criminology Students. The results of this research serve as springboard for them to continue
on knowing and equipping themselves of knowledge and information on what really is EJK, how
it affects the life of every innocent person like them and to look for further protection against
being a victim of EJK.

Professors, Police Officers, Social Workers. The results and findings of this research give the
Professors, Police Officers, Social Workers an idea of how students, youth, civilians and citizens
be educated about EJK since the results also focus on the level of awareness. Likewise, the
findings of this research could be used by concerned to preach and advocate to eradicate EJK
in the country.

The Researcher. The results of this research answer the researcher’s questions and the light in
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the students’ level of awareness on EJK and the perception of students on EJK.

The Future Researchers. The results findings and generalizations of this research give insights,
reference and intuitions on the topic for further research to conduct. This research, likewise,
adds new knowledge, wisdom and information to the existing stock of information that we have
with regards with the person’s legal rights.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This section details the coverage of the research to be explored which includes the facts and theories
about the subject. It limits the scope and outlines the boundaries of the study.

The scope presents the content and coverage and what variables are included in the study. It also
includes explanation as to why some areas are not taken into consideration or not included as variables.

The scope of the problem should be stated specifically. It defines when and where the study is
conducted and who the subjects are.

On the other hand, the limitation of the study sets the precise boundaries of the problem area,
variables and the samples; what are included and excluded. It also defines the procedural limits in terms of
tools used to gather data, the geographical setting and period covered.

Example:

(Sample 1)

Scope and Limitation

The scope of this study was for the Grade 11 Senior High of Maticmatic National High School.
Its main objective was to determine the factors affecting the study habits of the target
respondents. It also sought the general characteristics of grade 11 students, their current study
habits, the frequency of studying their lesson and the relationship between study habits and
academic performance. This research study does not include the other students’ issues but only
in their study habits. The researcher made use of questionnaires and interview-survey to gather
valid and reliable information.

(Sample 2)

Scope and Limitations

This study will be limited to the investigation in the level of awareness on EJK of B.S
Criminology students of the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College – Ajuy Campus during the
second semester of the school year 2020-2021. Variables of this research are age, sex, year
level. The subjects of this research are the group of students taking up Bachelor of Science in
Criminology (BS Crim.) in the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC) Ajuy Campus,
Ajuy, Iloilo during the second semester of the school year 2020-2021.

Defining Variables in Research

There are two ways of defining a variable. One is by constitutive or conceptual definition which
defines a word by using other words. For example, we define intelligence as ability to think abstractly. The
other way of defining a variable is by operational definition which is assigning a meaning to a variable by
specifying the operations needed to measure it. It is a sort of manual instructions to the researcher in
measuring the variable. Here are examples of operational definitions:
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Annual income refers to the gross income of the respondent.

Attitude refers to whether the respondent agrees or disagrees or undecided about the mining operation in
the municipality.

Monthly income refers to the gross income of the respondent from all sources.

It is the operational definition that should be clearly stated in a research write up. It should be
emphasized that the operational definition is NOT a dictionary definition. The part of the research write up
Operational Definition of Variables is NOT a glossary.

EXPLAIN: Checking for Comprehension

Activity 3.1: Concisely answer the given questions.

1. What is the most important consideration to make in choosing a research topic?

2. What is the difference between a research problem and a research title?

3. Why do we have to formulate the research questions?

4. What is the difference between an "Introduction" and a "Background of the Study"?

5. Differentiate Conceptual Framework from Theoretical Framework.

Activity 3.2: Specify the ‘section’ of Chapter 1 (The Problem and Its Background) which is being referred to
by each of the following statements.
_______________________1. This section presents the origin of the problem.
_______________________2.It discusses relevant theories based on a literature review.
_______________________3.It defines the variables for your study and maps out how they relate to each
other in a visual format.
_______________________4. It identifies the issue to be addressed or condition to be improved on.
_______________________5. This section specifies the potential beneficiaries and the desired/expected
benefits for them.
_______________________6. It states which is and which is not covered by the study.

EXTEND: Jumpstarting the Collaborative Work

Activity 4: Brainstorm with your groupmates on the issues that surround your field of specialization
(Criminology). The purpose of this brainstorming is to make you become more aware of the issues and topics
that are researchable in your own field.
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A. To help your group agree on what research topic to work on, use the table below in identifying the
subject/trend and its focus.

Group Output:

Identified Topic or Trend Identified Focus of the Study

(Affected Areas by the Trend)

B. Once you have decided on a topic, the next step is to compile a preliminary bibliography to
jumpstart your study. You will know then if the topic is manageable or it can be pursued because of
the availability of references. For your chosen topic to gain more focus and depth, search for ten (10)
journal articles related to it. Collect, compile and present their bibliographic information in a list. The
following are the data needed:

• Title of the material

• Author’s name
• Publisher
• Place & date of publication
• URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

C. Your group must submit ten (5) research titles for the instructor to choose from and approve. They
must be related and relevant to your field of specialization. Every research title must capture the
following information:

Elements of a Research Title

1. The subject matter or topic to be investigated (“What?”)

2. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted (“Where?”)
3. The population refers to the respondents (“Who”?)
4. The time period of the study during which the data are to be collected. (“When”?)

D. Come up with research questions for the approved working title.

Group Output:

Group No.:

Members:

Approved Research Title:

Research Questions:
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1.

2.

3.

4.

EVALUATE: Making Your First Draft

Activity 5: Collaborate with your groupmates to write the first draft of your 'Chapter 1 - The Problem and Its
Background'. Consult and seek corrections / recommendations from your instructor. The encoded draft must
be submitted on or before the deadline. Please follow the guidelines.

Guidelines in Writing Chapter 1

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction
● Before discussing the main topic/problem of your thesis, you should be able to introduce it first in a
broad perspective. Your introduction should be able to offer an overall view of the research area and
the general nature of the study.
● A good introduction answers the following questions:
- What is the problem?
- Why is it a problem?
- How it should be solved?
- Why it should be solved?
- What is the purpose of the study?
● Mention the rationale of the study or what motivated you to conduct the study. Essentially, it is a
synthesis of what you have read and observed regarding the phenomenon that you are trying to
explain.

Framework of the Study

Theoretical Framework
● It is composed of theory/theories that are related to the topic under study.
● Present theories as sufficient as possible since they are the bases of your variables to be studied.
● Cite the theory and discuss it fully.
● Relate or anchor you research study to the theory/theories cited.

Conceptual Framework
● 1 page
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● Also known as the research paradigm that serves as the basis or backbone of your research study
(thesis).
● Your conceptual framework can be presented in an IV-DV form (Independent Variable and
Dependent Variable) or through the Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model.
● It is a graphical or pictorial presentation of the research flow / process.
● Briefly describe or explain the conceptual framework.

Statement of the Problem

● 1 page
● In this section you should be able to state clearly and directly the research questions.
● Start this section with a sentence or two stating the general aim of the study, followed by the specific
research questions.

Significance of the Study

● Make an introductory statement or paragraph.
● State clearly the people who may benefit from your study and how they may benefit from it (e.g. for
curriculum planners, school administrators, teachers, parents, students, etc.) by spelling out why you
believe or think the research questions should be answered or the objectives be achieved, and it may
also show how the findings are expected to have an effect on the research area.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

● Scope sets the delimitation and establishes the boundaries of the study.
● Indicate where and when the study will be conducted and who the participants will be.
● Honest acceptance of the limitation brings credibility to the study.

Definition of Terms
● Define all important variables, terms and concepts present in the proposed study.
● Give both the conceptual definition (dictionary meaning) and operational definition (how a term or
concept is used in the study) of the key terminologies if applicable.
● Do not assume that all your readers know what you mean by each important key term.
● The terms to be defined should be arranged in alphabetical order and each is encoded in boldface,
upper and lower case letters.

-end-
TOPIC SUMMARY
In this lesson, you have learned that …
• As per Babbie (2013), the following must be considered in choosing a research topic: (1.) Interest in
the subject matter; (2.) Availability of information; (3.) Timeliness and relevance of the topic; (4.)
Limitations on the subject; and (5.) Personal resources.

• The research problem is included in the introduction section of a paper. It consists of three
components, namely: the context, the rationale, and the significance of the research problem.

• A good research title summarizes what the paper is all about. It is usually made up of 12 or less
substantive words.

• A research proposal is a written plan about a study intended to be conducted. As such, it contains the
Introduction, Theoretical Framework or Review of Related Literature and Methodology. Because it is
a plan about what to be done, the research methodology is expressed in future tense.

• Chapter 1 – The Problem and its Background is composed of the following sections: the Introduction,
Framework of the Study, Statement of the Problem, Hypothesis, Significance of the Study, Scope and
Limitations of the Study, and the Definition of Terms.
 Module 2 | IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM
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POST-ASSESSMENT

Instruction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is the reason for consulting handbooks, yearbooks, encyclopaedias, or reviews in the initial
stages of identifying a research topic?
a. They are readily available.
b. They provide an overview of the issues related to a topic.
c. They are primary sources.
d. They avoid reporting statistical data to interpret the results more readily.

2. Which of the following are excellent sources for research topics?

a. Theory
b. Personal experience
c. Replication of prior research
d. All of the above

3. A business student plans a research project of an online business. Due to its limited information
(the title) on the nature of the business, which one of these best applies to the idea?
a. It is too broad.
b. It is a highly technical subject.
c. It has an acceptable method.
d. It has an acceptable purpose.

4. Which of these would be assured by you when selecting factors for a study in general?
a. They have been investigated before
b. They are available to investigate
c. They are not of interest to you
d. They do not lead to another question

5. Which of the following is a good way to find a research topic?

a. Personal experience
b. Getting an idea from your adviser
c. Looking for the next step in the research process
d. All of the above

6. Which of the following is a not true of a research title?

a. Read the most, and it is usually read first
b. Least important element that defines the research problem.
c. Contains few words that describe the purpose of the research
 Module 2 | IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM
19

d. All of the above

B. Answer TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is incorrect.

________7. The researcher's own personal interests and observations may be a valuable source of
questions.
________8. Theories of other researchers are not a particularly good source of research questions.
________9. Successful research often raises new questions, even while it answers old questions.
________10. Scope and delimitation of research indicates the boundaries, exceptions, and reservations in
your study.
________11. The Significance of the Study cites the benefits and beneficiaries of the study.
________12. The 'Definition of Terms' section provides the technical or operational meanings of words used
in the study.
________13. The research questions are presented under the Statement of the Problem.
________14. The research title must answer 'WH' questions such as what, who, where, and when.
________15. The Background of the Study gives the context and justification for conducting a study.

REFERENCES

Books:

Alicay, C. 2014. Research Methods and Techniques. Great Books Publishing. Quezon City.

Babbie, E. (2014).The Basics of Social Research. 6th ed. Wadsworth- Cengage

Learning.USA.

Baraceros, E. (2016). Practical Research 1 - First Edition. Rex Book Store, Inc., Metro Manila.

Barbour, R. (2014). Introducing Qualitative Research: A Student Guide. Sage Publishing, Los
Angeles, California, USA.

Bordo, P. E. C., E. D. Mercado, M. G. Gayeta, E. S. Magtoto, & L. F. Noroña (2010). The elements of
writing across disciplines. Jimcyzville Publications, Malabon, Metro Manila.

Calderon, J. F. & E. C. Gonzales (1993). Methods of research and thesis writing. National Book
Store, Inc., Mandaluyong, Metro Manila.

Calmorin, L.P. (2016).Research and Thesis Writing with Statistics and Computer
Application .Rev.ed.Rex Book Store.Manila

Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016). Practical Research 1 for Senior High
School .Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc. Quezon City.

De Belen, R. (2019). Research and Thesis Writing - Outcomes-Based Manual. Jobal Publishing
House, Quezon City.

Garcia, M. (2019).Criminological Research Made Simple - A Practical Guide for Criminology

Students. Wiseman's Books Trading, Inc., Quezon City.

Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2008). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and
mixed approaches. Sage Publications. Thousand Oaks, CA.
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Lichtman, M. (2006). Qualitative research in education: A user’s guide. Sage Publications. Thousand
Oaks, CA.

Marquez-Fong, S. (2016). Practical Research 1. Vibal Group, Inc. Quezon City.

Pastor, M. (2020). Alternative Delivery Mode - Practical Research 1 First Edition. Bureau of Learning
Resources, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

Prieto, N. et.al. (2017). Practical Research for Senior High School 1 – Qualitative. Lorimar Publishing.
Metro Manila.

Yazon, A. (2019). Learning Guide in Methods of Research. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc. Quezon
City.

Online:

Abdullah, S.N. (2018). Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint slides].Retrieved from
http://www.academia.edu./ppt. Retrieved 5 August 2020.

Balbaguio, L. et al. (2019) Level of Awareness on Extra Judicial Killing of Bachelor of Science in
Criminology Students. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3670031. Retrieved 10 January
2022.

Department of Education - Republic of the Philippines. (2016)

Practical Research 1 Teacher's Guide - First Edition. Retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/35269763/Teachers_Guide_Department_of_Education_Republic_of_the_
Philippines. Retrieved 5 August 2020.

Isac, F.L. (2014). Theories of Consumer’s Satisfaction and the Operationalization of the Expectation
Disconfirmation Paradigm. Retrieved from https://www.utgjiu.ro/revista/ec/pdf/2014-
02/10_Isac,%20Rusu%201.pdf. Retrieved 5 August 2020.

Tamayo, J. (2014). The Relationship of Social Media with the Academic Performance of Bachelor of
Science in Information Technology Students of Centro Escolar University-Malolos. Retrieved from
http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0514/ijsrp-p29125.pdf. Retrieved 5 August 2020.