Module 3:

Planning A Research Study

 Introduction

 Engaging in research can be an exciting and

rewarding endeavor.
 Through research, we attempt to answer some
questions, acquire new knowledge, describe how
things work, and ultimately improve the way we
live.
 Despite the exciting and rewarding nature of
research, deciding to conduct a research study
can be intimidating for both inexperienced and
experienced researchers alike.
 The early stages of planning a
research study can often seem
overwhelming especially for
novice researchers with little
experience. Hence, the purpose of
this chapter is to introduce you to
the planning stage of a research
study.
 Lesson 1:
Selection of a Research Problem
Learning Objectives

 At the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to;

1. Identify the sources of research problems.

2. Formulate a relevant research problem.
Let’s Begin!

Part 1

Let us have a short activity entitled “Plan for It”

wherein you’re going to list all the steps or
procedures in preparing a big event (note: In
choosing an event (your choice) example: birthday,
Wedding, Christening, beach picnic and etc. Write
the title of the event, and the steps/procedures of
the events.
Let’s Begin

Part 2

 After doing the activity in

planning an event, what
specific advantage you were
able to realize after the
preparation plan? (Give at least
three benefits).
Let’s Explore !

Formulation of a Research Problem

 What is a research problem?

A research problem is any significant, perplexing and

challenging situation, real or artificial, which requires
a solution through reflective thinking. It is considered
as the heart of every research investigation because
without a problem no research can be undertaken.
Thus, the situation is simple: no problem, no
research. Therefore, the formulation of a problem is
often more essential than its solution.
 Elements of a research problem
 There are certain elements that a problem must possess before it
becomes a research problem ready for investigation. These elements
respectively answer questions starting with why, what, where, when,
and which. The elements of a research problem are:
1. Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation.
2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated.
3. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted.
4. The period or time of the study during which the data are to be
gathered.
5. Population or universe from which the data are to be gathered.
The biggest obstacle of students about
to make a research proposal
 For most students, the most difficult problem in preparing a
research proposal is having no problem.
 This might be due to the assumption of the students that they
will be given a research problem to work on by their research
adviser.
 The students should realize that the adviser is there only to help
them in deciding upon a problem or to assist them in evaluating
the merits of two or more possible research topics they have
presented.
Other possible reasons:
1. They do not know the sources of research problems.
2. They do not know what specific problem they have in mind.
3. There are so many research problems that they could not decide which one to
pursue.
4. Some problems are very interesting but the data needed are very difficult to
obtain.
5. Not all research problems are empirically testable at the moment.
Sources of Research
Problems
 Sources of Research Problems

One possible reason why student have no research

problem to work on is that they do not have any idea where to
look for it. There are actually various sources from which
researchers may draw a problem to be investigated.
Sources of Research Problems are the following
1. Specialization.
2. Past researches.
3. Journals, theses and dissertations.
4. Friends, professors, consultants.
Sources of 1.Specialization.
The specialization of a researcher is a good means for
Research research problem.

Problems If a researcher likes Chemistry, he may desire to

determine the protein content of all commercial fish sold
in the market, and recommend to the consumers certain
species of fish which is the cheapest yet with highest
protein content.
Sources of 2. Past researches.
Research Existing and past researches are rich sources of research
problems even using research replication utilizing the
Problems same instrument but administered to different group of
subjects and area in order to compare the similarities and
differences of the findings.
 3. Journals, theses and dissertations.
Sources of These are also rich sources of research problems. From any of these sources
an investigator can draw research issues or problems which require a
Research scientific study.

Problems
Authors of these materials usually recommend problems for other
researchers to look into.
 4. Friends, professors, consultants may prove helpful in
Sources of coming up with a good research problem.
 Asking questions or their opinions on certain issues
Research may lead to realizing that there is a gap in knowledge
which needs to be filled, that what has been decided on
Problems by a body left many questions unanswered, or that
means by which a goal has been achieved is being
questioned for its moral and legal implications.
 Selection of a
Research Problem
Selection of a Research Problem
To some persons choosing a good research problem is not an easy task.
This is particularly true to novice researchers who do not know on what
bases or criteria a research problem should be judged as good.
The following criteria proved useful in making a decision as to which among
the probable research problems or topics should be given priority.
1. Interesting

A good research problem must be

interesting, one that can attract the
attention of the investigator to study the
problem further.

An interesting problem makes him

motivated and determined to work on it for
months or even years until its completion,
disregarding or tackling whatever difficulty
or obstacle that comes along his way.
2. Relevant

A research problem should have

some bearing on the current issues,
events, or problems of a society.

Researchers must keep in mind that

they work not for themselves but
for the people.
3. Innovative

A good research problem may not be

necessarily new or novel.

It may be a restatement and a restructuring of

an old problem to make it new.

In this manner, results will be more relevant

and useful to a greater number of people.
 4. Specific

A good research problem should be specific or well-defined.

Problem definition includes clear statements of key concepts in the study and
specification of its scope or coverage vis-à-vis issues or concerns, area coverage,
subjects, time requirement and type of data needed.
Unless the researcher has all the time, money, manpower and expertise to cover
all aspects of social problems, it is deemed realistic and practical that he sets the
scope of his study.
5. Measurable
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.

Somehow, some quantification and statistical analysis, however

basic or elementary, are needed in a study.

This is true even in qualitative studies where figures or numbers

are not of much use and given less emphasis.
6. Time-bound
A good research problem is time-bound. This means that a study of a
research problem or topic can be completed within a specific period
of time.

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.

A study which is meant to contribute to solving a problem but lasts

longer than six months or a year may be overtaken by events which
will render its results useless.

The shorter the time allotment for the study of a problem the more
practical it is, although there are some studies that because of the
nature of their problems may require a longer period of time.
 • A research problem is good if it is manageable.
Manageability implies that the investigator has
what it requires:
 A research expertise,
problem skilledif manpower,
is good it is
money and time.Manageability implies that
7. manageable.
the investigator has good
what research
it requires:
• What is conceptually problem
Manageable mayexpertise, skilled
not be good manpower,
at all money and
if the researcher does not
time.
have the required expertise or resources to carry
out
 theWhatstudy.
is conceptually good research
problem may not be good at all if the
researcher does not have the required
expertise or resources to carry out the
study.
Let’s Try and Do !
Part 1 . Given below are examples of research problems that were already conducted by lab high
school students . Try to assess whether their research title / research problem follows the criteria
in selecting a good research problem. Use the following criteria : interesting, relevant,
innovative , specific , measurable , time bound and manageable.

Research Title 1 Production of Alternative Wine from Bittern Yam (Dioscorea hispidia Dennts) Root
Extract

Research Title 2 Littoral and Sublittoral Macrobenthic Algae or Malitbog and Tomas Oppus ,
Southern Leyte . A Basis for a Field Guide

Research Title 3 The Utilization of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas ) Peelings Into Homemade
Polvoron
Part 2 What are the considerations in selecting a research problem.
Part 3 Create at least research problem of your interest . Include a short
description why you choose that research problem. You may include the
research topic that you have submitted in Activity 1 .