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REPORT Research Problem and Objectives

[DOCUMENT]: The document discusses the research problem and objectives. It defines a research problem and lists its key elements as the aim, subject matter, place, period of time, and population. Objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. The objectives provide direction to investigate solutions or variables related to the research problem.

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2K views6 pages

REPORT Research Problem and Objectives

[DOCUMENT]: The document discusses the research problem and objectives. It defines a research problem and lists its key elements as the aim, subject matter, place, period of time, and population. Objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. The objectives provide direction to investigate solutions or variables related to the research problem.

Uploaded by

Lady Paul Sy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND ITS OBJECTIVES

The Research Problem


A PROBLEM - is any significant,perflexing and challenging situation,real or
artificial,the solution of which requires reflective thinking.
The term RESEARCH PROBLEM implies that an investigation, inquiry or study.
There are certain elements that a problem must possess before it becomes a
research problem for investigation. These are:
1. The Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation. This answers the
question”why?” Why is there an investigation, inquiry or study?
2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated.This answers the question
“what?” What is to be investigated or studied?
3. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted. This answers the
question “where?”. Where is the study to be conducted
4. The period or time of the study during which data are to be gathered. This
answers the question “when?”. When is the study to be carried out?
5. Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected. This
answers the questions “who?” or “From whom?” Who are the
respondents?From whom are the data to be gathered?
Summarizing, the elements of a research problem are aim or purpose, subject
matter or topic, place or locale, period of time,and population or universe. They
respectively answer questions starting with why,what,where,when and who or
from whom.

Example of a Research Problem:


To determine the status of teaching science in the high schools of Province X
during the school year 2018-2019.
Aim or purpose: To the determine the status
Subject matter or topic: The teaching of science
Place or locale: In the high schools of Province X
Period or time: During the school year 2018-2019.
Population: The respondents are implied to be either the teachers or the pupils
or both.

Characteristics a Reasearch Problem


SPECIFIC – the problem shouldd be specifically tested
MEASURABLE – it is easy to measure by using research instruments or equipment
ACHIEVABLE – the data are achievable using correct statistical tools to arrive at
precise result
REALISTIC – real results are attainded because they are gathered scientifically and
not manipulated or maneuvered
TIME-BOUND – time frame is required in every activity because the shorter
completion of the activity, the better

Sources of Research Problem


1. Specialization of the researcher
2. Current and Past Researches
3. Recommendations from theses,dissertations, and research journals.
4. Original and creative ideas of the researcher based on the problems met in the
locality and country.

Identification of research problem


Identification of research problem is the first step in a scientific method for
conducting a research. To initiate a research, there should be pre-occurred ideas
that generated the necessity for the research to be carried out. The ideas are
developed while goin through literatures, discourses with experts and
continuation of activities related to the subject matter that will be interesting or
rewarding if investigated. These topics generally caled problems

Some guidelines for selecting problems


The problem should be such in which the researcher may be deeply interested.
The problem shoudld be related with the chin of thinking. Stray problems can
mislead the whole reearch project
The problem selected should not necessarily be new one. It may be old problem
or on on which work has already been done i.e., verification of old problem may
be equally useful
The problem should be within manageable limts i.e., it should not be to
comprehensive

Five Factors to consider to determine that a problem is researchale or not


1. The problem existing in the locality or country but no known solution to the
problem
2. The solution can be answered by using statistical methods and techniques
3. There are probable solutions but they are not yet tested
4. The occurrence of phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at
precise solution
5. Serious needs/problems of the people where it demands research

Research Objectives
Research Objectives are a specification of the ultimate reason for carrying out
researdch in the first place. They help in developing a specific list of information
needs. Only when the researcher knows the problem that manageent wants to
solve can the research project be designed to provide the pertinent information
Objectiv e is clear concern and declarative sentence which provide direction to
investigate solution or variable

Characteristics of Objective
Research objectives have the same characteristics, SMART, with research
problem.
SPECIFIC – clear about what, where, when, and how the situation will be changed
MEASURABLE – able to quantify the targets and benefits
ACHIEVABLE – able to attain the objectives (by knowing the resources and
capacities at athe disposal of the community)
REALISTIC – able to obtain the level of change reflected in the objective
TIME-BOUND – stating the time period in which they will each be accomplished
Research Problem and Research Objectives have the same characteristics
(SMART) but they differ in form because the Research Problem is stated in
interrogative or question form and the Research Objectives, in declarative form.

Types of Research Objective


1. BROAD OBJECTIVE or GENERAL – states what is to be achieved by the study in
general terms
Usually only one per study
Related to core problem and topic of the study
Shows target population and place
Example: To determine the factors associated with increased number of diarrhea
cases among under fives in ABC Village

2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE – it is short in term and small to focus general objective can
broken in small general objective completed by specific objective and describe the
variables that are measured by the study
Several in one study
Use action verb
Example:
To find out methodds used for excreta disposal
To find out methods used for water treatment
To determine the feeding habits of the under fives

How to state research objectives

Use of active verbs

 Samples of active verbs

 Analyse; Evaluate; Explain ;Clarify; Verify;Calculate;Identify; Establish; Compare;


Describe; Relate; Demonstrate; Discuss; Illustrate.

Well written i.e. concise and clear

 Begin with the most important ones

e.g.

 To identify the factors contributing to consumption of potent gin...

 To determine the relationship between consumption of potent gin and heath...

 To find out the level of consumption of potent gin...


Illustration

General research objective:-

 To explore to what extent the consumption of potent liquor affects the


health of the rural male poor of…

Overall research question:-

 To what extent does consumption of potent liquor affect of male rural


poor of…?

 Specific objective:-

To identify the factors contributing to consumption of potent gin

Specific question:-

 What are the contributing factors to consumption of potent gin among male rural poor
of...?

Specific objective

 To determine the relationship between consumption of potent gin and heath of male
rural poor of...

Specific question

 What is the relationship between consumption of gin and health of male rural poor of…?

 From these questions research hypotheses can be stated

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