The Research Process

The Research Process

Problem
Theoretical/ Data Processing
Identification
Conceptual
Framework
Review of
Construction Data Analysis
Related
and
Literature
Interpretation
Research Design
Objectives
Selection
Formulation Report Writing

Formulation of Data Selection

Hypotheses and
Assumption
 TEST
QUESTION HYPOTHESIS HYPOTHESIS

NEW DRAW
THEORIZE CONCLUSION
QUESTION
THEORY
THEORY
QUESTION GATHER DATA

NEW DRAW
THEORIZE
QUESTION CONCLUSION
"the problem is the heart of every research
project because it is paramount in
importance to the success of the research
effort, thus the situation is simple: no
problem, no research." -Leedy (1980)

"the formulation of a problem is often more

essential than its solution." -Selltiz (1959)
 What do you want to
know about your topic?
 Characteristics of Researchable
Problem

1. When there is no known answer or solution to the

problem such that gap in knowledge exists
2. When there are possible solutions to it but the
effectiveness of which is untested or unknown yet
3. When there are answers or solutions but the possible
results of which may seem or factually contradictory
4. When there are several possible and plausible
explanation for the undesirable condition
5. When the existence of a phenomenon requires
explanation
 Conditions for a Problem to be
Researchable...

1. The concept must be clear enough so that one can

specify in words exactly what the question is.
2. The concepts must be such that they can be
represented by some sort of evidence which is
obtainable through direct observation or other
less direct activities.
3. It must be feasible to carry out such operations or
activities.
 Good Research Problem

1. A research problem should be of great interest

to the researcher.
• With much interest on the topic the
researcher is motivated and determined
to work on it for months or even years
until its completion, disregarding or
tackling whatever difficulty or obstacle
that comes his/her ways.
 Good Research Problem

2. A research problem should be relevant and

useful to a specific group of people.
• The idea that the result of one's
investigation will be of much use to a
group of people provides the
researcher an impetus to pursue the
conduct of research on the problem as
well as a drive to bring it to completion.
 Good Research Problem

3. A research problem is good when it is novel in

that it possesses the element of newness or
freshness.
• This implies that avoiding doing a study
on topics which have been subjects of
many investigations and pursuing those
which were not studied before, or if they
were not thoroughly studied.
 Good Research Problem

4. A good research problem should be well-

defined or specified.
• Problem definition includes clear
statement of key concepts in the study
and specification of its scope or
coverage vis-a-vis issues or concerns,
area, coverage, subjects, times
requirement and type of data needed.
 Good Research Problem

5. A good research problem should be

measurable.
• If the concepts or variables covered
by the research problem do not
allow measurement, the researcher
will have an impossible task of
coming up with the result or
findings of the study.
 Good Research Problem

6. A good research problem is time bound.

• A study which can be finished
within a short period of time is
more attractive and useful than
that which can be completed in an
indefinite or longer period of time.
 Good Research Problem

7. A good research problem is good if it does

not cause ethical or moral violations.
 Good Research Problem

8. A research problem is good if the study of

it will contribute to refinement of certain
important concepts, creation or improvement
of research instruments and analytical
systems, and will permit generalization.
 Good Research Problem

9. A research problem is good if it is

manageable.
• Manageability implies that the
investigator has what it requires to
answer the question.
Defining the Research
Problem
 “It is common for a researcher, particularly the
beginner, to select a research topic or problem so
broad that he does not know where to start or,
worse, it appears overwhelming and a dreadful task
to take that he unceremoniously drops it.

INSTEAD OF BEING DISCOURAGED WHAT HE SHOULD

DO IS TO DEFINE HIS RESEARCH TOPIC OR PROBLEM
BECAUSE IN SO DOING HE NARROWS IT DOWN TO A
SCOPE AND SOPHISTICATION THAT IS NOT
FORMIDABLE BUT RATHER MANAGEABLE.”

–Venancio B. Ardales
First step in defining the research
problem...

Clearly define the major concepts

The concepts/terms/variables must be such
that they mean according to how the
researcher wants them to be understood and
they can be represented by some evidence
which can be obtained through direct or
indirect activities which are feasible to carry
out.
 Second step in defining the
research problem...

Limit the scope of the study

Define the issues, area coverage,
target population and/or sample
population, source of data, time
allotment, data requirement (quali or
quanti or both).
 Justifying the Research
Problem
Is the problem a current and timely one?
Is it pervasive or widespread?
Does it affect a special group of people (mothers, children, LGBT,
etc)?
Does it relate to ongoing programs (family planning, rehab,
etc)?
Does it relate to broad social, economic, and health issues?
Who else is concerned about the problem -- school,
professionals?
What are its direct and indirect, short- and long-range impact on
the welfare of a group of people or the society as a whole?