Research
Conceptualization
JOHN ANTON E. DELA PUNTA
Instructor
WHAT IS CONCEPTUALIZATION?
Conceptualization is the process of not only selecting a topic, but formulating a
defensible and researchable research problem. (Aurini, et. Al, 2016)
Conceptualization is the art and practice of discovery, is the first and most difficult
part of research (aurini, et. Al, 2016)
Conceptualization is breaking and converting research ideas into common
meanings to develop an agreement among the users.
Good conceptualization involves moving from a general
topic to a clear research problem.
However, whether you start off with a perfectly
good research question or not, you will eventually need
to complete every step.
1. Step one: what is the topic? The first step of any
projects is to determine what you want to study.
2. Step two: what is my problem? Why should anyone
care about my problem? You must then establish
the problem your project hopes to solve, including
filling in a gap or extending the direction.
STEP ONE: WHAT IS YOUR TOPIC?
The first phase of any research undertaking is the conceptual phase which
identifies a research topic to be investigated.
Research topic broadly defines the area of research.
❑They are not the same as the title of the research study.
❑Research topic need further work to become feasible research studies
(Almeida, et. al., 2016).
Initially, pinning down a topic is useful for guiding researchers toward the
literature and some preliminary sources of data. This part of conceptualization
is an important first, but definitely not last, step forward developing an
informative and interesting research project.
Conceptualizing research topic according to Moyer, (2011) would include:
A. Finding your focus
❑Which aspects of your discipline (specialization) interest you most?
❑Which have you observed that you have questions about?
❑What articles have you read that have raised question in your
mind?
B. What are the gaps in literature?
❑By topic (what is not being looked at?)
❑Methods (what is not being done?)
❑Populations (who is not being studied?)
❑Comparison (who is not being compared?)
RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
IDENTIFY POTENTIAL RESEARCH TOPIC
1. Look for FRIN (further research is needed)
2. GIVE AN “OLD” RESEARCH A FRESH AND UNIQUE CONTEXT
3. Use mind mapping
C. Where to start?
❑Read
❑Detailed literature search
❑Attend seminars, conferences, and presentations
❑Discuss subject area with peers
❑Listen and ask questions
D. Refining research topics
❑Discuss with fellow researchers
❑Discuss with stakeholders
❑Assess what is most critical to learn
❑Assess research sources available
Conceptualizing research topic according to Moyer, (2011) would include:
E. Questions to ask yourself
❑Is this a good idea?
❑Who cares?
❑Can it be addressed using
appropriate research methods?
❑Will it stimulate interest by
others and the sponsors
❑Is it feasible/practical/doable?
❑Is it fundable?
EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL RESEARCH TOPICS
1. Effectiveness of Lagundi leaves (Vitex negundo) as supplement for patients
with mild COVID – 19 Symptoms
2. Integration of Organic Agriculture Production and Practices in the Higher
Education Institution: Basis for Curriculum Enhancement
Evaluation Topic 1 Topic 2
Originality 10 10
Impact and Relevance 10 7
Available Literature 9 10
Adherence to the 8 7
Research Guidelines
Resource available 9 8
Total 46 42
STEP TWO: WHAT IS MY RESEARCH PROBLEM?
A. A research problem is an educational issue, concern, or controversy that the
researchers presents and justifies in a research study.
The research problem articulates the gap in the literature or conceptual
and analytical shortcoming that you plan on addressing in your project.
Articulating the research problem will speak directly to how you will eventually
craft your purpose statement since it similarly forces you to articulate ‘why you
want to do the study and what you intend to accomplish’ (Locke et, al, 2000).
WHAT IS MY INTENTION?
To answer the “what is my problem?” Question, researches must first answer
the “what is my intention?”
The nature of the problem formulation will be very much shaped by the kind of
contribution you hope to make, a particular approach to research (e.g. More
inductive) and your intended audience.
B. The research purpose is the goal or interest of the study. The purpose
statement also investigates how variables (qualities, properties,
characteristics) are studied in a setting and population. It refers to the general
statement or objective of the problem.
You have to seriously evaluate
whether your intended audience is
really interested in what you
eventually hope to “sell”. Are you
hoping to contribute to the academic
or professional literature? Policy or
program? And what does your
intended audience already know or
want to know (booth et, al 2008).
Only YOU can answer these
questions.
STEPS TO USING THE “WHAT IS MY INTENTION?”
1. Identify your target audience. Your initial target audience will determine
the range of early problem formation strategies.
2. Based on your review of relevant literature and other resources, identify a
research problem based on what your specific audience already knows
and wants to know.
3. Articulate your specific research intention in a way that aligns with your
target audience and research problem formation. Ask yourself: does my
research problem formulation and potential contribution make sense
given my target audience?
WHAT IS MY RESEARCH PROBLEM?
❑ Once you have identified your intention and immediate
target audience, the question of how you plan on connecting
and contributing to the groups looms large.
❑ Strengthen your research problem rationale also forces you
to orient your project and address gaps in the literature; it
may also connect you to potential research.
A GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM MUST BE:
1. Relevant to the needs of time
2. Within the researcher’s interest and capabilities
3. SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound)
4. Information should be available
5. Harmless to people and society
6. New and researchable
EXAMPLES:
Research topic:
1. Effectiveness of lagundi leaves (vitex negundo) as supplement for
patients with mild COVID – 19 symptoms
Research question:
❑What is the ideal dosage of lagundi supplement for it to be effective?
❑How long should the lagundi supplementation be done to patients with mild
covid – 19 symptoms?
SUMMARY
❑Research topic ideation is the most crucial part of research
and can be systematized as a series of topic identification,
literature review and evaluation.
❑A well – evaluated topic saves you time , energy and
resources
ACTIVITY
❑Propose at least 5 Research Topic that you want to intend to study.
❑Out of the research topic provided, formulate your research title.
❑Then, derived a researchable and convincing research problem and
research question.
Research Research Research Problem Research question
Topic Title
Organic Influence of Commercially available 1. What is the ideal
Farming Fish Amino fertilizers are a cost-effective way FAA
Acid on to supplement soil with nitrogen(N) concentration in
Growth and for plant growth and high crop growing lettuce ?
Development yields, however, inappropriate or In terms of;
of Lettuce excessive use of N fertilizers may a. number of leaves,
lead to ground or surface water b. Width of leaves
nitrate contamination. (Foley et al. c. Length of leaves
2012;Weinert et al., 2014). d. Plant height
Because of this issue, many 1. What is the ideal
researchers conducted research to FAA
produce an organic fertilizer that concentration in
can be used by farmers without growing lettuce ?
causing harm to the environment In terms of;
and the ecosystem. a. Marketable weight
REFERENCES
❑Yazon, A.D., Callo, E.C., And buenvinida, L.P. 2019 the research problem in the
learning guide in methods of research. Pages 37-42, wiseman’s books
trading, inc., Philippines
❑Filsci hub’s research university. (2020. September 13.). Research ideation
course #1(video). Youtube. Https://youtu.Be/_9hmabv_aos
❑How to conceptualize research: - SAGE publications
https://us.Sagepub.Com/sites/default/files/upm-
assets/86946_book_item_86946.Pdf
❑Https://www.Quora.Com/how-do-i-conceptualize-a-research-study-
explain-the-process-of-conceptualization
