Lesson 4
Writing a Research Statement for
Quantitative Research
Statement of the Problem
• A statement of the problem is an
integrative but brief discussion of the
research problem, its context, and the
questions of the study.
• It is written as part of the introduction
and provides a concise overview of the
topic in relation to the research
questions
Research Questions
• A research question identifies the
specific aspects of the topic that the
current study seeks to investigate and
may vary depending on the extent of
their focus.
A statement of the problem usually begins
with introducing your general problem
statement followed by the specific research
questions that aim to address the research
problem.
Categories of Research Questions
Descriptive research questions
● Descriptive research question are used to
describe certain patterns and focus on single
and noncomplex variables.
● It may also be used to quantify or categorize
variables in the study
How frequent is the production of essential oils
for herbal medicines?
What criteria are considered by customers in
choosing a store?
Comparative research questions are mainly used
for comparing and contrasting similarities
and differences between groups and variables.
● What is the difference between the quality of
natural and synthetic ink?
● How do Gen Z and millennials differ in terms
of dating attitudes?
Evaluative research questions are formed to
assess a particular observation or phenomenon
based on an established model or theory.
● They are usually observed in organizations,
workplace, programs, and effectivity of
projects.
● How satisfied are you with the implementation
of the K-12 curriculum?
● Did the art therapy program work for the
patients with post-traumatic stress disorder?
Explanatory research questions are formed to
explain, predict change or outcomes on
observed relationships between variables, and
determine how one variable may have an
effect on another.
● How does nurse intervention affect a patient’s
presurgery stress level?
● How does employment tenure contribute to
productivity of workers?
Characteristics of Good Research Questions
Relevant
All research questions must be relevant to the
research problem.
Specific
It must not be too broad or too detailed.
Clear
Research questions should use simple language to
be comprehensible.
Analytical
It does not simply ask “yes or no” questions but
needs complex analysis.
Measurable
The measurability of research questions indicate
their feasibility and is measured through
standardized tests or experiments.
Writing the Research Statement
The following guidelines may be observed in
creating a well-structured research
statement.
Writing the Research Statement
1. Finalize the research topic.
This will allow you to draft a coherent statement
of the problem and give you guided starting point
and inquiry.
Topic: Effects of Facebook photo “likes” on
the self-esteem of teenagers
Independent variable Facebook photo ‘likes’
Dependent variable Self-esteem of teenagers
2. Draft the research questions.
Based on the finalized research topics, the
draft of the research questions will reflect the
aspects that the research is focused on.
Explanatory
How do Facebook photo ‘likes’ affect the self-
esteem of female adolescents?
Descriptive
What are the factors that affect the number of
Facebook photo ‘likes’?
3. Write the general problem statement.
● The general problem statement establishes
the overall goal and direction of the research.
● It should contain the research topic, the main
objective of the study, and the variables.
This study aims to find out the effect of
Facebook photo ‘likes’ on the level of
self esteem of female senior high school
students in XYZ School.
4. Refine the statement of the problem.
● A refined statement of the problem includes
the research questions and the potential
benefits of the current study.
● The research questions should be written in
declarative sentences.
Tip
Keep the statement of the problem short and
simple. Make sure that the statement of the
problem reflects the research problem,
research questions, and the aims of the
study.
The statement of the problem provides
context to the research problem. It is usually
included in the introductory part of a
research study.
The research questions are the basis of the
statement of the problem. There are four
main categories of research questions,
namely: descriptive, comparative, evaluative,
and explanatory research questions.
Quantitative research questions must be
relevant, specific, clear, analytical, and
measurable
Statement of the problem – surroundings
Research Problem
Research Questions
Objectives