The Research Problem

 Facilities and equipment

 Ethical considerations

2. Internal Criteria
 Interest/experience of the researcher
 Training
 Cost
 Time
Sources of a Research
Problem
 Actual problems encountered
 Technological changes and curricular development
 The graduates academic experience
 Consultation
 Specialization
 Analysis in the area of knowledge
 Consideration of the existing practices and needs
 Repetition or extension of investigation
Elements of Research
Problem
 1. Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation.
This answers the question WHY?
 2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated
(WHAT)
 3. The place or locale where the research is to be
conducted (WHERE)
 4. The period or time of the study during which the
data are to be gathered (WHEN)
 5. Population or universe from whom the data are
collected (WHO/WHOM)
Guidelines in the Selection of
Research Problem
Within the interest of the
researcher.
The research problem or topic should
be within the interest of the
researcher so that the researcher
will focus his full attention on the
research work.
Competence of the
researcher.
The researcher must have a workable
understanding of his study such as
the method of research to be used
to the problem to his problem.
 Specialization of the
researcher.
Research problem or topic should be
within the specialization of the
researcher to make research work
easier for him.  This will also improve
his specialization skills, and
competence of his profession.
Research budget.
The researcher should be able to
finance or find funding for his
research until his study is
completed.
Personal choice of the
researcher problem or
topic.
This is to prevent from blaming others
or offering excuses for any problem
encountered.
Researchable and manageable
research problem or topic.
All the data used should be accessible as well
as equipment and instruments for research
are available and can give valid and reliable
results. Also, the hypothesis formulated are
testable and the research problem or topic
should be able to meet the standards of
accuracy, objectivity and verifiability.
Within period of time.
Research topic should be completed within a
reasonable period of time.  There must be a
project time table.
Relevant to the present time.
Research topic should be significant, important
and relevant to the present time and
situation, and of current interest. In addition,
it should be able to arouse people’s interest.
Add human knowledge.
Research topic must contribute a new bit of
knowledge to what we already have since all
the facts and knowledge are the products of
research.
Solve problems.
Prove the way for the solution of the problems
or problems intended to be solved.  After
research or project have been conducted,
recommendations are made for the solution
and if implemented can solve the problems.
Moral and spiritual values.
Research topic must promote divine values and
admirable human values including love,
peace, goodwill, etc.
Quality of human life.
Research topic must improve the quality of
human life or show how to improve
unsatisfactory conditions
Originality

Try to choose something that has an element of

originality. Although it may be based on some
prior or existing knowledge you may have, it
could be carried out from another angle for
example.
Feasibility
When thinking of a topic, think of something
that is feasible and within your knowledge
base, academic abilities, budget and time
constraints.
Precise
The visibility and clarity of the expected
outcomes or results are observable.
Formulating a Research
problem
 It is the first and most important
step in the process
 Identifies your destination (tell
your reader what you intend to
research
 Evaluate it according to:
 financialresources
 time available
 your own and your supervisor’s
expertise and knowledge in field of
study
Specific Steps in Formulating a
Research Problem:
1. Select a topic/area that :
 is within your area of your interest;
work areas;
 is timely
 can solve observed problems
 can contribute as added inputs to an
existing theory
 can contribute to building of theoretical
knowledge
 you feel there is a need to undertake an
investigation
2. Formulate the Research Title
 Title is used as “guide” in the search
for literature and developing the
outline of your paper
 Ideal total number of words and phrases
including articles and prepositions is 12-15
 Words or phrases to be Avoided
 “ A Study of”; “ An Analysis”; An Assessment:
An Evaluation: or similar phrases
 Focus more on the subject and direction of
the research
 Should answer the questions: what?, where?
Who or for whom; and when (if necessary)
Guidelines in Formulating the
General and Sub-Specific Problems

 1. The general SOP should and sub-specific problems

should be formulated first before conducting the
research
 2. It is customary to state the specific problems in the
interrogative form
 3. Each specific question must be clear and unequivocal
that is, it has only one meaning . It must not have dual
meanings.
 4. Each specific questions researchable apart from the
other questions that is, answers to each specific
question can be found even without considering the
other questions.