PHILIPPINE CENTRAL
ISLANDS COLLEGE
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATION, AND
IMMERSION
Quarter 3-Module 1 & 2-Week 1 - 4
Brainstorming For Research Topics
Identifying the Problem and Asking the
Questions
WHAT I KNOW
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There are 15 words that are possible sources for a research topic hidden in the words square below. Words
appear vertically, horizontally, diagonally, backwards and forwards. Search for these words and write your
answers on your notebook.
LESSON 1:
BRAINSTORMING FOR RESEARCH TOPICS
One of the most important considerations for every research is selecting a research topic. A research topic
serves as the basis of each research undertaking. It directs how the research will be carried out.
A good researcher must carefully choose a topic that is doable and significant to a certain discipline or field.
Many researchers find selecting a research topic a difficult task. Some do it through brainstorming or by
observing their surroundings.
In this module, you will be guided on how to easily choose a research topic from your area of interest.
WHATS IN
Taking into consideration your experiences from your previous research subjects, decide whether each
sentence must be a criterion in choosing a good research problem. On your notebook, write YES if the
statement can be considered as a criterion and NO if otherwise.
A research topic should…
1. be original.
2. be ambiguous.
3. fill in a research gap.
4. be costly and ambitious.
5. be general and not specific.
6. arouse intellectual curiosity.
7. be within the researcher’s interest.
8. make use of ineffective research instrument.
9. be completed beyond the given period of time.
10. be insignificant to the field of study or discipline.
WHATS NEW
A common challenge when beginning to write a research paper is determining how to narrow down your topic.
To assist you in the selection process, here are some guidelines given by Baraceros (2016:38-39)
1. INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER
Being interested in a topic is usually due to the richness of your stock knowledge about it or because of its
familiarity to you. Curiosity about an issue/topic is one of the factors that motivate a person to unravel the
unknown in a topic. Thus, the researcher’s interest increases the possibility of the success of the study.
2. RICHNESS OF AVAILABLE SOURCES OR SUPPORTING EVIDENCES
One of the things that you should do is to collect a lot of information on your topic of interest. This enables you
to find evidences that would support your topic. You must ensure that your sources come from a wide variety
of literature such as books, journal, periodicals, online articles, etc. Hence, going to the library and surfing the
internet are some of the activities that you should do as a researcher.
3. TIMELINESS AND RELEVANCE OF THE TOPIC
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Your topic should be relevant and timely. A topic is relevant if it serves as an instrument in improving
the society or if it answers or solves current issues which are some of the reasons why research is
conducted.
4. LIMITATIONS OF THE SUBJECT
Aside from your interest, you must also consider the significance of the topic in your track and strand.
Remember that research is conducted to contribute something valuable to a particular area or
discipline.
5. PERSONAL RESOURCES
Prior to finalizing your chosen topic, you must assess your research abilities as a student. You may do so by
taking your financial capability, health condition, personal qualifications and trainings as a researcher, needed
facilities and time allotment into account. It is important that all of these aspects are considered in order for you
to guarantee the accomplishment of your research.
WHAT IS IT
Now that you have learned the considerations in formulating a research problem, here are the steps that will
guide you trim down your area of interest.
1. Focus on your track, strand or area of specialization.
• For example:
HUMSS
2. Recall the specific area, lesson or issue in your respective field or strand that has piqued or
aroused your interest the most.
• Public Speaking
3. Generate an unanswered question or an unresolved problem from your chosen area or
lesson.
• Why do people feel anxious when speaking in public?
4. Assess the question or problem based on the five guidelines stated above.
• I'm interested in the topic.
• There are available sources of data.
• It is timely and relevant.
• It will contribute to my strand.
• It is doable considering my personal resources.
5. Write your research problem.
• Factors Affecting the Speaking Anxiety of Students
When formulating an effective research title, take the following guidelines into consideration:
1. Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study.
2. The title must be limited to 10 to 15 substantive words. Conjunctions (and, but, because), prepositions (in,
on, at) and articles (the, a, an) are not counted.
3. Do not include analysis of, study of, an investigation of and the like.
4. The title must be in the phrase form.
5. Avoid title that gives too much information.
WHATS MORE
A. Arrange the following steps in correct sequence using numbers 1-5. Write your answers on your notebook.
1. Write your research problem.
2. Generate an unanswered question or an unresolved problem from your chosen area or lesson.
3. Recall the specific area, lesson or issue in your respective field that has piqued your interest the most.
4. Assess the question or problem based on the five guidelines stated above.
5. Focus on your track, strand or area of specialization.
B. Read each statement below carefully. On your notebook, put a if the statement is correct and if
otherwise.
6. The title must include the accurate scope of the study.
7. Choose a title that is a sentence than a phrase.
8. Very long titles are preferable than short ones.
9. If possible, titles must not exceed 15 substantive words.
10. Analysis of, A Study of, An Investigation and the like are not encouraged.
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
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Test your wits and complete the paragraphs below by sharing your learnings from the previous discussions.
Write your answers on your notebook.
(15 points)
When deciding on a research topic, there are guidelines that we must follow. These are
______________, ______________, ______________,
______________, and ______________. These guidelines must be considered
because __________________________________.
The research topic must be simple and specific enough for us to accomplish it with consideration of
our limitations and within the given period of time. To attain this, first we have to
________________________ and then
________________________. After this, we must ________________________ to be
followed by ________________________. To complete the procedure, we can now
________________________.
WHAT I CAN DO
Think of at least two specific research topics from the broad topics listed below following the guidelines
explained above. Write your answers on your notebook. (5 points each)
▪ Fingerprinting ▪ DNA
▪ Ethics and Genetics ▪ Insecticides
▪ Humans and Wildlife ▪ Export and Import
▪ Malnutrition ▪ Intermittent Fasting
▪
Psychology of Plastic Surgery ▪ Food Nutrition
▪ Vaccines ▪ Privacy Issues
▪ Violence ▪ Mobile Games
▪ Racism ▪ Computer Literacy
▪ Sex Education ▪ Online Selling
▪ Social Media ▪ Accounting System
▪ Terrorism ▪ Marketing Strategies
▪ Online Learning ▪ Technology and Business
▪ Gender Roles ▪ Thermal Insulation
For example:
Broad Topic: Online Selling
Specific Topic: Influence of Internet Based Marketing Activities on Digital Consumer’s Mind
1. Broad Topic: __________________________________________________________
Specific Topic: ________________________________________________________
2. Broad Topic: __________________________________________________________
Specific Topic: ________________________________________________________
ASSESSMENT
A. Let us apply the five steps mentioned previously for you to arrive on your specific research topic. Answer
the following questions briefly on your notebook. (2 points each)
STEPS IN SPECIFYING THE ANSWER
RESEARCH TOPIC
1. What is your track and strand?
2. What is the specific lesson or issue
in your track and strand that has
piqued your interest the most?
3. What is the unanswered question or
unresolved problem, or issue involved
in the lesson or issue?
4. Assess the question or problem • Is it within your interest?
based on the five guidelines. Yes___No____
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• Are there available data,
resources and evidences that
will support the topic?
Yes___No____
• Is it timely and relevant?
Yes___No____
• Will it contribute to your track
and strand?
Yes___No____
• Is it within your personal
resources?
Yes___No____
5. If all of your answers are yes, then
write down your specific research
problem. If no, reevaluate your research
question or problem.
B.
B. Based on the research problem that you have written above, write your research plan by answering the
following questions on the table below. Answer briefly on your notebook. (2 points each)
RESEARCH PLAN
1. Research Problem:
(What is your research problem?)
2. Rationale:
(Why do you want to conduct this study?)
3. Significance:
(Why is it important to be conducted?)
4. Objective:
(What is your goal to achieve in this study?)
5. Method and Design: (Is it a quantitative Respondents:
or a qualitative study?) (Who or what will be the source of your data?)
Sample Size:
(How many respondents does your study need?)
Sampling Technique:
(How will you choose your respondents or source of
data?)
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Using the guidelines stated above, formulate a tentative research title based on your chosen research problem
in Assessment. Write your title on your notebook. (15 points)
The checklist below will guide you in assessing the tentative title you have written. However, the research title
may still be changed along the course of the study.
Self-Assessment Checklist YES NO
1. Is it original?
2. Is it concise?
3. Is it clear?
4. Is it specific?
5. Does it reflect the topic to be explored?
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LESSON 2: IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEMS AND ASKING QUESTIONS
Starting a research investigation is similar to embarking on a journey. First, you have to project a clear picture
of your destination. You have already accomplished this initial step as you have trimmed down your area of
interest into a specific research problem in the previous module. The next step is to strategize how to arrive at
the destination.
One way to strategize is to pinpoint all the factors and considerations that may affect the route towards your
goal. This module discusses these contributing elements which will also serve as the bedrock of your study.
WHATS IN
One of the purposes of research is to address the pressing issues in the society. As a student who is a keen
observer and is aware of the local, national or international affairs, list down three crucial concerns and
propose a solution for each. Write your answers on your notebook. (5 points each)
For example:
Problem 1 (Local): Diesel price hike
Proposed Solution: Used Cooking Oil as a Substitute for Diesel
WHATS NEW
Read the given research scenario carefully and answer the questions that follow. Choose the letter of the best
answer. Write your answers on your notebook.
“A group of student-researchers from Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School intends to conduct a
study on the effectiveness of the Tobacco Free Generation (TFG) program in Dinalupihan, Bataan. Medical
doctors, nurses and volunteers in Singapore started the said program in 2016 and was adopted by Bataan in
the same year. TFG founder, Dr. Koong Heng Nung, considered Bataan as the first province in the Philippines
to adopt this campaign. According to Koong (2018), TFG aims to educate and encourage the youths to be part
of the tobacco free generation.”
1. Where is the locale of the study?
A. Bataan
B. Dinalupihan
C. Philippines
D. Singapore
2. What is the objective of the study in the given selection?
A. to uncover the history of the TFG program
B. to measure the effectiveness of the TFG policies
C. to identify the effects of the TFG to the community
D. to solicit the experiences of smokers and non-smokers
3. Who do you think should be the respondents of the study?
A. residents of Dinalupihan
B. medical doctors and nurses
C. founder of the TFG program
D. All of the above.
4. Who do you think will benefit from this study?
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A. community
B. local government
C. future researchers
D. All of the above.
5. Why do you think there is a need to conduct this study?
A. to gauge the status of the program
B. to see whether the program needs revision
C. to measure the compliance level of the residents
D. All of the above.
WHAT IS IT
Now that you have clearly formulated a research problem, the next step is to accomplish the baseline of your
research paper. You must explain the context of your study by giving its background. This may aid you in
identifying your specific questions for your statement of the problem as well as your hypothesis. There is also a
need to list down the beneficiaries of your research which will be presented in the significance of the study.
You must also set the boundaries of your study by writing your scope and delimitation. A definition of terms
must also be furnished to facilitate understanding of your study. These parts are discussed as follows:
A. The background of the study is an explanation of the context of study which involves the current data or
status of the problem, existing studies about it and its history that paved way to the development of the
research problem. It explicates the rationale why you, as a researcher, are conducting the study. Writing
this particular part of the paper may lead you to your research questions.
As you write the background of the study or introduction, take into consideration the following guidelines:
1. It should clearly state the reason for conducting the study.
2. It should move from broad to specific.
3. It should state the current condition of the research problem.
Prior to writing and reading various literature and studies, making an outline is a helpful tip to facilitate the
process. Here is an example of an outline of the background of the study:
Example of a Background of Study
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Title of the Study: Nami Plant Extract as Termite Repellent
According to Eiseman (2010) in his article which focused
on termites, termites cause less than 75-80% of damage
economically due to home, wood and crop infestation in North
America. He stated that the reason is that termites are drawn
to their food source and that makes them drawn to any type of
Vulcan (2017) enumerated different tips that can help
in preventing termites from eating wood and one of it is using
a treatment like Rust Oleum, a named product used to paint
wood to prevent termite’s infestation. This has been proven
effective; however, the price is relatively expensive.
On the other hand, Onwueme (2016) published an
article about an intoxicating yam named Dioscorea hispida.
Yam is a root crop which contains poisonous alkanes that are
harmful to human’s health. It can cause nausea and vomiting
if its ripe fruit is ingested in the body. Although it has toxic
content; it can be a source of food. Due to food scarcity and
famine in some parts of the Philippines, this can be an
alternative to rice given its abundance. Its toxicity can be
removed once boiled.
As described by Dukar (2012), intoxicating yam is a
twining vine, arising from tuberous roots, and reaching a
length of several meters. Juice of underground stems reported
to possess narcotic properties. It is found in the Himalayas,
from Nepal to Sikkim, at altitudes up to 1500m, and also in
the tropics of Asia from South India to Taiwan, Philippines,
New Guinea.
Mat (2013) conducted a study regarding Dioscorea
hispida Dennst which is the Malaysian term for “yam.” In their
previous ethnobotanical survey carried out on the Malay
villagers in Pulau Redang, Kuala Terengganu district of
Terengganu, it was found out that Dioscorea hispida tuber is
used as food, traditional medicines to treat diabetes and
shingle infestation, for de-worming as well as fish poison. On
the other hand, the villagers of Sainnamari and Thanarbaid,
Tangail, Bangladesh had used the poisonous tuber paste of
Dioscorea as poison in hunting.
While in the Philippines, Nami or intoxicating yam was
investigated to have some insecticidal properties. In the
late research of the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST), they had proven that this species of yam has various
chemical compositions that may negatively affect some
various insects. Moreover, the seed also has some poison
mimicking cyanide intoxication.
With this being said, the researchers aim to formulate a product
with this intoxicating yam by disregarding its toxicity and
instead using it as an advantage. The researchers intend to
make a cheap, inorganic termite wood repellent.
Source: Ceejay S. Mallari, et al, “Nami Plant Extract as Termite
Repellent” paper presented at Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School,
2020.
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B. The next part to be accomplished is the statement of the problem. Aside from being a tool in solving
dilemmas in the society, another purpose of research is to guide people towards a better understanding of
phenomena, human behavior, human interactions and other events in daily life. This premise indicates the
importance of meticulously crafting of the research questions as it sets the focus and drives the course of the
study.
The statement of the problem has two parts:
1. General statement of the problem/Objective
2. Specific research questions
➢ How to formulate general statement of the problem
The purpose of this ethnographic study (type of study) is to describe (exploratory and non- directional verb)
the training (central phenomenon of the study) of Aeta teachers from Castillejos, Zambales (participants) for
the past ten years (when) to provide insights into the formulation of a continuing education model for
indigenous teachers (purpose). (Creswell and Clark, 2014)
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Examples of Specific Questions
Title of the Study: Perpetuity of Family-owned Business in the Philippines: A Causal Model
This study seeks answers to the following questions:
1. What external factors in the enabling environment influence the family business perpetuity in terms of
political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal?
2. What internal factors in the enabling environment influence the family business perpetuity in terms of
succession, planning, family stability, stewardship, family constitution, innovation, flexibility, philosophy of
commitment, productivity-based management, governance power, and professional education?
3. What causal model best explains the perpetuity of family-owned business using the interplay and
external factors?
Source: Alaine Marc Goles, “Perpetuity of family-owned business in the Philippines: A causal model” Unpublished
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Sto. Tomas, 2016.
C. A hypothesis is a preconceived idea, assumed to be true and is tested for its truth or falsity. It has two types:
the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis. The null hypothesis indicates that there is no significant
difference or relationship between specified populations or variables. Significant difference is used when
testing whether there is difference between the means of two or more populations or variables while significant
relationship is used in situations where one is examining the association between any two sets of variables
(King’oriah, 2004). Null hypothesis is the hypothesis the researcher will try to disprove or discredit. An
alternative hypothesis, on the other hand, is one that states that there is a significant difference or relationship
between specified populations or variables.
Note that not all studies test hypothesis. Sometimes a study is designed to be exploratory. Exploratory
research intends to investigate a problem that is not clearly defined; hence will not provide conclusive
results.
D. The significance of the study pinpoints the benefits certain groups of people will gain from the findings of
the study. It must start from the most to the least benefitted ones.
Example of Significance of Study
Title of the Study: Effects of Verbal Bullying to the Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Jose
C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School
Significance of the Study
Verbal bullying is one of the leading causes of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorder and
mood disorder. School, as studies reported, is one of the places this type of bullying perpetuates in. Despite
the many policies implemented to reduce the cases of verbal bullying, still the problem continuously takes
place.
This study focuses on the effects of verbal bullying to the academic performance of grade 9 students in Jose
C Payumo Jr. Memorial High School S. Y. 2019-2020.
The result of this study will be valuable to the following:
To the students, this will provide them knowledge about the forms of bullying and how to deal with it once
encountered.
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To the school administrators, the result of this study may provide information and may serve as a basis to
encourage them to make regulations about the problem. In addition, this may lead them to assuring the
full and strong implementation of the existing policies on bullying.
To the teachers, the findings of this study may help them to spread awareness on how destructive verbal
bullying can be. Constant guidance from the teachers can also be an upshot of this study. Moreover,
teachers may conceptualize activities or other solutions to create a positive and friendly atmosphere inside
their classrooms.
To the parents, this study may inform them on the possible negative circumstances like bullying that may
happen to their children. As an effect, this may encourage them to guide their children properly.
To the future researchers, this study will serve as a basis for related topics. A continuation of this study
may be done to fill in the gaps of this research that may result to proactive solutions to counter any form of
bullying.
E. Scope and Delimitations of the Study states the coverage of the study. It must answer the following
parameters as much as possible:
Example of Scope and Delimitation of Study
Title of the Study: An Assessment on the Impact of Farm-to-Market Road Projects in Pola, Oriental
Mindoro
WHERE This study was conducted in six Barangays of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, namely: Barangay
Calubasanhon, Barangay Malibago, Barangay Maluanlaun, Barangay Pahilahan, and Barangay Pula.
WHO The population considered was limited to those households who were directly affected by the
constructed INFRES farm-to-market Road Project.
WHAT AND WHY The study was concerned with (1) the impact of the constructed INFRES Farm-to-Market
Road Project on the respondents; and (2)the relationship between construction of roads and its impact,
only in terms of the answered Household Survey Questionnaire and perception of respondents and key
officials. The condition of the respondents was to be described also in terms of their demographic profile
and other indicators included in the Impact Assessment Household Survey Questionnaire.
HOW The study included an evaluation of the economic and social aspect of the beneficiaries before and
after the INFRES farm-to-market road project, as well as of the respondents’ demographic profile, income
and employment, improved access, and perceived benefits after the INFRES road was constructed. Key
Informant Interview was also used to gather data, especially unanswered items in the survey.
F. A conceptual framework serves as an outline or a blueprint that you can follow in doing your research. It is
presented in a flow chart, map, diagram or narrative form. When using a diagram, it is still a must to include
narrative to explain the details. Here you show the variables that influence your research. Variable is anything
that has quantity or quality that varies in a research. For example, if you are studying the COVID-19 outcomes,
you might study home life, school and community. For school, your variables might be learning process and
quality of learning. To make your conceptual framework thorough, it is encouraged to make it more detailed.
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G. Definition of Terms lists down and defines the key terms as used in the study in alphabetical order.
Anoperational definition refers to a specific definition of concept in a research study. This is necessary
because it will clarify the purpose and direction of the study.
Example of Definition of Terms
In order to enable better understanding of the study, the following terminologies were operationally or
conceptually defined:
Affixation. It is a morphological method whereby a bound morpheme, an affix, is attached to a morphological
base in order to create either a different form of the morphological base or a new word with a different
definition.
Coinage. It refers to the invention or creation of a new word or phrase. In this paper, this word may refer to
any process that involves making up of new terms, phrases and expressions that are not usually found in the
dictionary.
Contrastive Analysis. Conceptually, it is the systematic investigation of a pair of languages with the purpose
of identifying differences and similarities in their structure.
Conversion. It is the process wherein the word’s function has been transformed into another but with no overt
change in form.
Facebook. It is an online social media or social networking service that makes easy for people to connect and
share with other people.
WHATS MORE
Formulate a null and an alternative hypothesis for each of the following. Write your answers on your notebook.
(5 points each)
For example: Taking of aspirins daily and heart attack risk
Null:
Taking aspirins daily does not affect heart attack risk. or
There is no significant relationship between taking aspirins daily and heart attack risk.
Alternative:
Taking aspirins does affect heart attack risk. or
There is a significant relationship between taking aspirins daily and heart attack risk.
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WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
Based on the lessons discussed, answer each question in three or more sentences. Write your answer on your
notebook. (10 points each)
1. Why do we have to write the background of the study?
2. Why should we include the list of defined terms in our study?
3. Why do we have to set the limitations in our study?
ACTIVITIY
Choose only one from the local, national and international issue that you have written in What’s In. Using this,
formulate a statement of the problem..
CREDITS TO: DEPARTMETN OF EDUCATION
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