The Research topic,

problem and title

Research Topic
 Itis a dilemma anyone would like to
study or explore
 Itstarts with researchers’ interests that may
come from:
 Daily experiences
 Academic Readings
 Personal hobbies
 Attention-catching situations
Factors may be considered in choosing
research topic

Personal Factors
External Factors
Guideline in Choosing a
research topic
 Interest in the subject matter
 Timeliness and relevance of the topic
 Limitations on the subject
 Personal Resources
Identifying a Research Topic

Afterrecognizing your interests

you have to examine and review
some related literatures by:
Reading
Asking
Observing
Reminders in choosing research topic
 Do not choose a research topic only because it seems
workable consider the nature of data that is required
in the research
 Have the means of data collection
 Consider your technical skills, capability and
limitations
 Consider your interests and support system
 Do not spellbound and fascinated
with the allure and attraction of topic
consider possible consequences that
the research may bring about.
 Study all possible angles.
Techniques in narrowing down
a topic into a research question

 Examine the literature

 Talk over ideas with others
 Apply to a specific context
 Define the aim or desired outcome of
the study.
Research Problem
It is a statement about an area
of concern, a condition to be
improved upon or a difficulty
to be eliminated.
It is considered as the heart of
the research
Characteristics of a Research Problem

 It is not just answerable by yes or no.

 Research problem implies observation or
relationship between the variables of the study.
 Problem should be stated in clear, unambiguous
manner.
 A researchable problem must imply interpretation
and analysis of data.
Research Problem should be S.M.A.R.T.

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time-bound
Type of research questions
(In general)
 Problem questions
Example:
What is the capability of lemongrass as an organic insect repellent when combined
with different types of oils against insects?
 Topic Questions
Example:
What is the extent on the use of lemongrass with comparative oils of chili,
garlic, and coconut insect repellent in terms of:
1.1 effectiveness; and
1.2 odor?
In quantitative there are different
type of questions
 Descriptive research questions
 Relation questions
 Causal questions
Two approach in choosing problem

 Deductive approach
 Inductive approach
Guidelines in formulating
Research questions
 Establish a clear relation between the research questions and the
problem or topic.
 Base your research questions on your RRL
 Formulate your research questions that can trigger your curiosity and
surprise you with discoveries or findings
 State your research questions in way that you include all the
independent and dependent variables.
 Make sure that your research questions aim to answer the main
problem
 Avoid asking questions answerable by “yes” or “no” and use “how”
and what” questions only.
Research Title
Well-written research titles draw
interest from the readers.
It gives weight and reputation to
the research paper.
Elements of a Research Title

Aim (Purpose)
Topic (Subject Matter)
Place (Locale)
Period (Time duration)
Population or Respondents