CONTENT STANDARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD

The learner demonstrates understanding of the nature of The learner should be able to
research and research processes, different standard rules in make a portfolio of abstracts of researches in his/her field of
the conduct of research, which are necessary in the interest.
preparation of the system of research documentation.

 Apply guidelines/criteria in the selection of research

Learning Competencies topic/problem.
 State the main problem and sub-problems of the
research.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

LESSON 1: RESEARCH PROBLEM CATEGORIES

WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM?

A suggestion about an area of interest.

A situation that needs to be changed.
A question that needs answer.
A problematic topic that occurs in scientific literature, theory or in action.
A research problem is the principal guiding concept that drives the paper study. The
topic under review gives us the opportunity to publish and a concentration that
determines what we want to say.

A research problem is the topic you want to discuss, investigate or study, whether descriptive
or experimental.

The identification of the research problem is the first step in the research process. It is
similar to the identification of the destination before a journey. It works as the foundation
for the whole research process . In the field of social sciences, a research problem is
presented in the form of a question. It helps in narrowing down the issue to something
reasonable for conducting a study. Defining a research problem serves three main
purposes (Pardede, 2018):

 It presents the importance of the research topic.

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  It helps the researcher place the problem in a specific context to properly define
the parameters of the investigation.

 It provides a framework that can help in presenting the results in the future.

In absolute terms, a research problem can be defined as the statement regarding the area
of concern, or a condition that needs to be improved, an unresolved question that exists in
the literature, a difficulty that needs to be eliminated or any point that needs some
meaningful investigation (Gallupe, 2007).

To conclude ideal research, one needs to find logical answers to research problems.
However, research problems are of three types: descriptive (pertains to issues that need
studying), relational (research questions which focus on the relationship between two or
more factors), and causal research (problems that look at cause and effect).

Descriptive research problems

Descriptive research problems focus on questions like ‘what is ?’, with its main aim to
describe the situation, state or the existence of certain specific phenomena. They seek to
depict what already exists in a group or population. For such studies, surveys and opinion
polls are best suitable because they require systematic observation of social issues.

For example, ‘what are the main factors affecting consumers’ purchase decisions?’ These
problems use two different ways to collect data- cross-sectional studies and longitudinal
studies. Cross-sectional studies provide a snapshot of data at a certain moment in time.
On the other hand, longitudinal studies involve a fixed and stable sample that is measured
repeatedly over time. However, in both cases, methods that can be used to collect data
include mail, online or offline surveys, and interviews. When a researcher is dealing with
a descriptive research problem, there can be no manipulation in the variables and
hypotheses as they are usually nondirectional (Hashimi, 2015).

Causal research problems

Causal research problems focus on identifying the extent and nature of causes and effect
relationships. Such research problems help in assessing the impact of some changes on
existing norms and processes. They thus identify patterns of relationships between
different elements.

For example, ‘how does online education affect students’ learning abilities?’ In such
cases, experiments are the most popular way of collecting primary data. Here, the
hypothesis is usually directional, i.e. explaining how one factor affects the behavior of
another one. Such studies give the researcher the freedom to manipulate the variables as
desired. Data for causal research can be collected in two ways: laboratory experiments
and field experiments.

Laboratory experiments are generally conducted in the artificial environment which

allows the researcher to carefully manipulate the variables. On the other hand, field
experiments are much more realistic. It is sometimes not possible to control the variables.

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This makes it difficult for the researcher to predict with confidence what produced a
given outcome (Muhammad and Kabir, 2018).

Relational research problem

This research problem states that some sort of relationship between two variables needs to
be investigated. The aim is to investigate the qualities or characteristics that are connected
in some way.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH PROBLEM CATEGORIES

Life Science
- A research area where they focus on science fields that include the scientific study of
living organisms, such as plants, animals and humans.
- Example: Antibacterial Activity of Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis rolfe) Against
Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Example: Hypoglycemic Effect of Serpentina (Andrographis paniculate) Leaves as a
Supplemental Tea for Type-II Diabetes.

Applied Science
- Application or study of the applications of scientific knowledge for technological
advancement.
- Example: Kamantigue extract as Fluorescent Tracer.
- Example: Rambutan Peel Dye as Sensitized Solar Cells.
- Example: The Use pf Algal Polysaccharides Alginates as Bio Sorbent from Aragan
Seaweed (Sargassum Crassifolium) in the Reduction of Heavy Metal Ions in Fish
Ponds.

Robotics
- An interdisciplinary science and engineering field dedicated to designing building and
using mechanical robots.
- Example: FIGHTER (Fire extinguishing, Intelligent, Governing, Heat Sensing, Two-
way mode, Evading obstacle Robot)
- Example: ABATouch GarBin (Arduino-Based Automated Touchless Garbage Bin)

Innovation
- A category of a research problem which is more concerned with an inventive new
product or service than with an incremental one. (upgrading an existing project)

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SELECTION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM
There are some suggestions for the graduate students and researchers which are drawn from
the different areas of education, social sciences as well as psychology. There are two factors
in the selection of topic external and personal. External criteria involve how the topic is
important for the field, availability of both data and data collection methods and the
administration is cooperative or not. Personal Criteria means researcher own interest, time
and cost. Criteria for selection of research problem depends on the following characteristics.
Personal Inclination. The chief motivation in the way of selecting research problem is the
personal inclination of the researcher. If a researcher has personal interest in the topic, he
would select that problem for his research work.

Resources Availability. During the selection, a researcher will see to the resources available.
If these resources like money, time, accommodation and transport are available to the
selection place, then the selection of the problem is easy.

Relative Importance. The importance and the problem also play a vital role in the selection
of research problem. If the problem is relatively important, then the researcher tends towards
the selection of the problem.

Researcher Knowledge. The researcher knowledge should play a vital role in the selection
of the research problem. The wisdom and experience of an investigator is required for well
collection of the research data. He can bitterly select a problem.

Practicality: Practicality is also responsible for the selection. The practical usefulness of the
problem is the main motivation for a researcher to attend it.

Time-lines of the Problem. some problems take little time for its solution while others take
more time. So, it depends on the time in which we have to complete his research work.

Data Availability. If the desired data is available to the researcher, then the problem would
be selected.

Urgency. Urgency is a pinpoint in the way of the selection of research problem. Urgent

problem must be given priority because the immediate solution can benefit the people.

Feasibility. Feasibility is also an important factor for the selection of the research problem.
The researcher qualification, training and experience should match the problem.

Area Culture. The culture of the area for which a researcher conducts his research is also
responsible for the selection of research problem.

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Characteristic of Research Problem

Any research is a difficult task to achieve and research needs to do a great effort. Selection of
research topic is the first step to success.

1. Research topic must be very clear and easy to understand. It should not distract
people.
2. If a topic is well defined is the only way to successful research. The topic
should not create doubt and double impression.
3. Easy language is a key to success. Use technical words if, necessary otherwise
focus of simplicity.
4. Research title should be according to the rules of titling. There are different
rules of titling, a researcher must aware before writing a research title.
5. While selecting a research topic current importance of a researcher should also
be considered. Topic should not be obsolete and it should have great
importance in the current day.

ACTIVITY SHEETS:

LEARNING TASK 1

Instruction: Create a graphic organizer that shows the differences between the three types of
research problem: (descriptive, causal, and relational) (15pts).

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 LEARNING TASK 2

Instruction: In your own words, how do you define/explain/describe a good research

problem? At least 5 sentences. (5pts)

LEARNING TASK 3

Instruction: In your own words, Explain, why the research problem is the most essential
steps in the research process. (5pts)