Chapter 1 The Problem and Its Background

Content of the Chapter

Introduction and Background of the Study
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem
Hypotheses
Significance of the Study
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Definition of Terms

Introduction and Background of the Study

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Introduction is the careful presentation of the importance and validity of the research problem.

How to write an effective research paper introduction:

1. Establish the foundation of your research paper
2. What is set in the introduction should apply to all parts of your paper

Purpose of the Introduction

• To set the chronological flow from Introduction to the Conclusion.
• Introduction content should lead reader to the discussion section (Research Chapter 5)

The Introduction should be able to answer these major questions:

• Why is this study needed to fill in the gap in the scientific knowledge?
• Why does this gap need filling?

Flow of Objectives of writing the Introduction:

1. Identify the knowledge gap
2. Explain why it needs to be filled
3. Summarize how the study will attempt to fill that gap

Introduction Structure:
Introduction Content:
1. Brief background information about the research topic
2. Review of pertinent literature
3. Rationale for undertaking the study (reason for filling the gap)
4. Key references to previous studies or closely related papers
5. Clarifications of terms, definitions, and abbreviations

When should I write the introduction?

• Write the Introduction after finishing Chapter 3.
• Edit the Introduction after writing the findings and conclusion.

Introduction writing tips:

• Write in the active voice when possible. Use strong verbs when possible.
• Write concise sentences.
• Do not overuse first person pronounce (I, we, my, our).
• Organize your thoughts from broad to specific.

Steps in writing the Introduction:

Step 1: Show what is already known (Background Information).
• Give a strong statement that reflects your research subject area.
• State the topic and the problems explored in your study. Ask questions to frame the aims of the
study.
• Use keywords from your title.
• Do not state obvious broad facts about your topic. Highly relevant information is always more
useful.
• Be sure to cite all of the sources referenced.
• Only give useful background information.
 • Only review relevant, up-to-date primary literature that supports your explanation of current
base of knowledge.
Step 2: Show the gap in knowledge.
• Highlight areas of too little available information.
• Explain why and how we should fill in the gap
• Explain what logical steps can be developed based on existing research
• Show you have examined current data and devised a plan
• Show your peers your awareness of the direction of your field.
• Show confidence in pursuing your study
Step 3: Show how your study fills in the knowledge gap. (Purpose and Hypothesis)
• State your purpose and give a clear objective of the study.
• Tell what useful knowledge will be gained.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

“To define a problem means to specify it in detail and with precision. Each question and subordinate
question to be answered is to be specified, the limits of the investigation must be determined.
Frequently, it is necessary to review previous studies in order to determine just what is to be done.
Sometimes it is necessary to formulate the point of view or educational theory on which the
investigation is to be based. If certain assumptions are made, they must be explicitly noted.” Monero
and Engelhart.

Identification of a Research Problem:

The following steps are to be followed in identifying a research problem:
Step I - Determine the field of research in which a researcher is keen to do the research work.
Step II - Develop the mastery on the area or it should be the field of your specialization.
Step III - Review the research conducted in area to know the recent trend and studies are being
conducted in the area.
Step IV - On the basis of review, consider the priority field of the study.
Step V - Draw an analogy and insight in identifying a problem or employ his personal experience of
the field in locating the problem. Seek help from superior or expert.
Step VI - Pinpoint specific aspect of the problem which is to be investigated.

Sources of the Problem:

1. The classroom, school, home, community, and other agencies of education are obvious sources.
2. Social developments and technological changes are constantly bringing forth new problems and
opportunities for research.
3. Record of previous research such specialized sources as the encyclopedias of educational,
research abstracts, research bulletins, research reports, journals of researches, dissertations and
many similar publications are rich sources of research problems.
 4. Textbook assignments, special assignments, reports, and term papers will suggest additional
areas of needed research.
5. Discussions-Classroom discussions, seminars, and exchange of ideas with faculty members and
fellow scholars and students will suggest many stimulating problems to be solved, close
professional relationships, academic discussions and constructive academic climate are
especially advantageous opportunities.
6. Questioning attitude: A questioning attitude towards prevailing practices and research oriented
academic experience will effectively promote problem awareness.
7. The most practical source of problem is to consult supervisor, experts of the field and most
experienced persons of the field. They may suggest most significant problems of the area. He
can discuss certain issues of the area to emerge a problem.

Kerlinger has identified following three criteria of good problem statements.

1. A problem should be concerned with relation between two or more variables.
2. It should be stated ‘clearly and unambiguously in question form.
3. It should be amenable to empirical testing.

Objectives of Assumptions about the Problem:

1. To make the research work feasible.
2. To delimit the scope of the problem.
3. To establish the proper frame of reference.

Aspects of Delimiting a Problem:

1. Delimited to certain variables that should be mentioned clearly in the problem.
2. Delimited to the area or level as primary level, secondary level, college, or university level.
3. Delimited to size of sample, considering the time, energy, and money.
4. Delimited to the best method only.
5. Delimited to the best available tool for measuring the variable.
6. Delimited to the most appropriate techniques.
7. Other delimitations particular to a problem.

Evaluation of the Problem:

When considering a problem, a researcher is required to ask himself a series of questions about it. These
are helpful in the evaluation of the problem based on personal suitability of the researcher and social
value of the problem.

Following questions must be answered affirmatively before the study is undertaken:

1. Is the Problem Researchable?
2. Is the Problem New?
3. Is the Problem Significant?
4. Is the Problem Feasible for the Particular Researcher?

To be feasible, a problem should agree with the following:

1. Research competencies of the Researcher
2. Interest and enthusiasm of the Researcher
3. financial consideration in the Project
4. Time requirement for the Project
5. administrative considerations in the Project.

How to write Research questions:

• Depend on the type of your research study
• Set the direction as to where your study will go
• State what you want to accomplish or achieve in the study

Two parts of statement of the problem:

1. General problem - restatement of the title, anchor to the title.
2. Specific problems

Two general types of Research Questions:

1. Non-researchable questions – are questions of value, answerable by yes or no.
Example: Do all Accounting Students eat breakfast before attending their morning class?
How frequent do accounting students skip breakfast before attending their morning class?
a. never b. 1 to 2 times a week c. 3 to 4 times a week d. every time
2. Researchable questions - are questions of value, opinions, or policy raised to gather data; and
use who, what, when, where, why, or how.
Example: 1. What is the profile of the students in terms of:
1.1 age;
1.2 gender;
1.3 year level; and
1.4 Health condition?
Other examples of Researchable question:
o What are the effects of online learning on the level of performance of accounting
students?
o Based on the findings, what policy may be formulated to improve the school’s modular
distance learning modality?
Example 1:
Research Title:
Peer Tutoring: Its Effects on the problem-solving proficiency of the Accounting Students
Statement of the Problem:
The study aimed to determine peer tutoring and its effects on the problem-solving proficiency
 of Senior Accounting Students of National University, Manila.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. How may peer tutoring be described as a strategy in solving problems?
2. What is the level of problem-solving proficiency of senior accounting students at National
University?
3.Does peer tutoring have significant effect on problem solving proficiency?

Example 2:
Research Title:
Spiral Curriculum in Mathematics Education: An Assessment (Bautista, Perjes, et al 2018)
Statement of the Problem:
The study was directed towards its main objective of making an assessment regarding the use of
spiral curriculum in Mathematics Education.
Specifically, the researcher sought answers to the following questions:
1. How may the profile of Mathematics teachers be described in terms of:
1.1 age;
1.2 gender;
1.3 highest degree of educational attainment; and
1.4 years of teaching Mathematics?
2. What are the perceptions of teacher-respondents in the spiral curriculum?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using spiral curriculum in Mathematics?

HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

Definition of hypothesis:
- A prediction of what your study will find.
- A tentative prediction about the relationship between two or more variables under study
- Translates the research questions into a prediction of expected outcomes.
- A predicted answer to your research question.
- An intelligent guess on the relationship between your variables.

Hypothesis may be 1 to 2 sentences of supposition or explanation, often written in an “If…then…”

format. The plural of hypothesis is hypotheses.

Characteristics of well-defined hypothesis:

• states the expected relationship between variables
• Testable
• Derived from the problem statement
• Simple and concise

When do you write hypothesis?

- When you have independent and dependent variables?
If the result of the study is the same as the hypothesis, the hypothesis is accepted at the conclusion of
the study.

Kinds of hypotheses:
1. Simple hypothesis – formulated when predicting a relationship between an independent
variable and a dependent variable.
Example: The stress level of fathers is related to the stress level of mothers.
2. Complex hypothesis - formulated when predicting a relationship of two or more independent
variables to two or more dependent variables.
Example: The hours of reviewing and study preference have no relationship with student
passing the licensure exam.
3. Directional hypothesis – a hypothesis that specifies not only the existence but also the expected
direction of relationship between independent variable and dependent variable.
Example: The types of online advertisement positively affect the level of buying preference of
customers.
4. Non-directional hypothesis – a hypothesis that does not stipulate the direction of relationship
between independent variable and dependent variable.
Example: The number of hours in reviewing is associated with the level of performance in the
departmental exam.
5. Null hypothesis – formulated for the purpose of statistical analysis. It is always expressed as a
negative statement using the word no or not. It is general denoted as H0
Example: Peer tutoring has no significant effect on student’s reading fluency.
6. Alternative hypothesis – used as contrary or as an alternate to null hypothesis. It is generally
denoted as H1.
Example: Peer tutoring has significant effect on student’s reading fluency.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Definition:
Theory – a conceptual idea formulated to explain, predict, and understand a phenomenon.
Framework – skeleton, a basic structure or frame of reference designed to support something.
Theorical framework – theories that serve as the building blocks or skeleton for the foundation or bases
of the study.

Its importance - Theorical framework strengthens your study

- Permits the readers to evaluate your topic, or the research problem critically.
- Connects the researcher to existing knowledge.
- Makes the research focus on questions of why and how.
- The researcher cites and discusses related theories that serve as the foundation of the variables
and their relationship, to make the study more scientific and understandable to the readers.
- It makes the study more credible.
How to write the theoretical framework?
Step 1 – Examine the research problem and consider the key variables in your research.
Step 2 – Review your related literature and choose the theory applicable to your study.
Step 3 – Discuss the theory and its relation to your present study.

Content in the paragraph of the theoretical framework:

1. Title of the theory
2. Author or proponent of the theory
3. The theoretical principle
4. Relationship or relevance to the present study

Prompts (beginning of the sentence):

• The study is anchored on …
• This study is supported by the theory of …
• This study is founded on the theory of …
• The theoretical underpinning of this study is …

Samples of Theories:
1. Learning theories:
• Cognitive learning theory - Plato, Descarte, John Seely Brown
• Behaviorism Learning theory - Pavlov
• Constructivism learning theory - Jerome Bruner
• Thinking - Jean Piaget
• Motivation reinforcements - Maslow, Lockes, Alderfer, Vroom, McClelland
• Schema theory - Roger Schank
• Performance – K. Anders Ericson
• Multiple Intelligences – Howard Gardner
• Social development – Lev Vygotsky, Albert Bandura
• Experimental learning theory – Jerome Bruner
2. Customer satisfaction:
• Customer satisfaction model – Thomassen
• Theory of dissonance - Festinger
3. Emotional Quotient – Daniel Goleman
4. Theory of negativity – Carlsmith & Aronson

We also search through the internet by typing “theory on … type your topic” in the search box.
Sample:
Problem statement: The major concern of the study is to determine the roles of the college deans in
improving the performance of students taking the licensure examination.
Theoretical framework:
 The study is anchored from the theoretical support of the three models on the effects of
Principals on student literacy and achievement by Hallinger and Heck (1996-1998), - the direct-effects
model, where principals directly affect student outcomes without mediating variables; the mediated-
effects model, where principals indirectly affect student outcomes through mediating variables; and the
reciprocal-effects model, where the principals have a critical leadership role to play in helping students
improve their reading skills or literacy. This is the principal, according to Crawford and Torgesen (2007),
who inspired high standards and the confidence that the goals of high standards can be achieved.
Through the achievement of high standards, effective student performance maybe integrated into the
culture of the school.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Conceptual Framework:
• Illustrate what the researcher expects to find in the research; it guides the researcher by giving a
clear direction to the research.
• It explains the major variables in the study. It is a diagram representing the relationship or
connections of the variables.
• The paradigm is like a visual presentation of the entire research paper.

What to consider?
- Research title

- Research Questions
Research Title:
Spiral Curriculum in Mathematics Education: An Assessment (Bautista, Perjes, et al 2018)
General Statement:
The study was directed towards its main objective of making an assessment regarding the
use of spiral curriculum in Mathematics Education.
Research questions:
 1. How may the profile of Mathematics teachers be described in terms of:
1.1 age;
1.2 gender;
1.3 highest degree of educational attainment; and
1.4 years of teaching Mathematics?
2. What are the perceptions of teacher-respondents in the spiral curriculum?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using spiral curriculum in Mathematics?

Conceptual framework – input-process-output model

It explains the major variables in the study. It is a diagram representing the relationship or
connections of variables.

Important point to Remember:

You do not just create conceptual framework out of nowhere.

Research paradigm is a diagram representing the directional relationship or connections of the

variables.
How to write the Conceptual framework?
Conceptual framework = research paradigm + Explanation in paragraph form.

Common types of research paradigm:

1. IV-DV model – is used in experiment-based studies.

2. Input-process-output model (IPO model): Largely used to isolate the factor or major variable
that causes the problem/phenomenon under investigation.

3. Predictor-criterion model (PC model): used when relating or assessing the influence between
two or more variables.
 4. Program model (-P model): used in research studies that propose a program or any intervention
measure.

5. Proposed original model (POM): used when the researcher presents an original paradigm.

Actual sample: IV-DV Model

 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

• Identifies the beneficiaries and the benefits the study will give when the problem is solved.
• Contributions of your study to the particular group of individuals, organizations, or entities.

What do we consider in writing the significance of the study?

- In writing the significance of the study, always refer to the statement of the problem. This way,
you can clearly define the contribution of your study.
- Your research should answer the question – “What are the benefits or advantages of the study
based on the statement of the problem?”

Two formats:
 1. Paragraph form

2. Enumerated form

Two styles:
1. Hierarchical style – enumeration of the beneficiaries depends on the position or authority.
Example: Teachers, DepEd officials, students

2. According to importance style – enumerates the beneficiaries based on the most benefited to
the least benefited.
Example: Teachers, DepEd officials, students
How to write the Significance of the Study:
1. Write an introductory sentence or paragraph first.
2. Be specific – direct to the point
3. Make it short and simple

Sample:
Research Title: Peer Tutoring: Its Effects on Reading Fluency of Senior High School Students
Introductory sentence:

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Scope of the Study
- The extent to which the research area will be explored.
- Explains the parameters within which the study will be operating.
Prompts:
• This study will focus on …
• The scope of this study will be …
• The study will cover …
• The study will consist of …

Difference between limitation and delimitation:

• Limitations – aim to identify the potential weaknesses of the study. These are influences,
shortcomings, or conditions that the researcher cannot control.
• Delimitations – aim to narrow the scope of the study. These are choices made and boundaries
set by the researcher which should be mentioned.

Where are they to be found?

Delimitation of the study is placed in Chapter 1. Limitation is written and mentioned in the final section
of the study, usually in Chapter 4 or 5.

Purpose of the Delimitation of the study:

- The boundaries of the study
- Aims to narrow the scope of the study

Prompts:
The study will be limited to …
This study is confined to …
The study will not cover the …

Content in the Scope and Delimitation:

- General purpose of the study
- Important details of the study
- Population/target respondents, sample size
- Geographical location/setting
- Duration/research timeline or limit

Sample:
Research Title: Peer Tutoring: Its Effects on Reading Fluency of Senior High School Students
 DEFINITION OF TERMS

- An alphabetical list of important items or acronyms that you define in your research paper,
particularly unclear terms or those used in a special way.
- It is important because the jargons or terms are clarified and are clearly defined for the readers
of the paper.

Example:
Market

- the people who might want to buy something, or a part of the world where something is sold.
- the business or trade in a particular product, including financial products.
- a composition of systems, institutions, procedures, social relations, or infrastructures whereby
parties engage in exchange.

Two types of definition:

1. Conceptual definition - the basic dictionary definition. It is the universal meaning of the terms
2. Operational definition – how the term is applied or used in the research.

Writing the definition of terms:

- What to define:
o Only words or phrases that have special meanings in the study
o Important words in the title, such as the variables
 o technical terms applied or used in the paper
o words for treatments and measurements such as data analysis terms, etc.
- Define terms conceptually or operationally or both.
- If the terms are from dictionaries, books, encyclopedia, and other publications, acknowledge the
source.
- If there are uncommon acronyms, include them; spell them out; and give the meaning.
- Definitions should be short, clear, and unambiguous.

Let us try!
SAMPLE: