SHS

Inquiries, Investigation,
and Immersion
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Identifying the Problem
and Asking Question

CHRISTIAN JAY M. REPUBLICA

Subject Teacher
MODULE
Identifying the Problem and
2 Asking the Question
This module contains discussion and activities that will help you explore
possible sources of research problems, and finally help you come up with your
statement of the problem and specific research questions.

Learning Target

In this module, you are expected to formulate clearly the statement of

research problem.

Vocabulary List

The following terms will be encountered in the lesson:

Causal Question is when a study is designed to determine whether one or

more variables causes or affects one or more outcome variables.

Conceptual definition is one that is found in the dictionaries. This is also called
constitutive definition.
Conceptual framework refers to the research paradigm that sets out the
constructs important in the research area and the relationships between these
constructs.
Definition of terms is an alphabetical list of the important words acronyms that
researcher defines particularly those used in a special way in the study so as to
avoid ambiguity.
Delimitation is the part that establishes the boundaries of the study.

Descriptive Question is when a study is designed primarily to describe a

particular phenomenon.

Framework is a set of concepts that serves as scaffolding to something. In

research, it serves as the building foundation.
Limitation is a statement that lays the weakness of the study. An honest
acceptance of the limitation brings more credence to the study.

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Operational definition is also known as functional definition. This refers to the
definition of a term as used in the study.
Paradigm of the Study refers to the presentation of a study in a form of diagram
to summarize it.
Problem Statement is the main organizing principle guiding the analysis of the
paper. The problem under investigation offers occasion for writing and a focus of
what the researcher wants to know and impart. It represents the core subject
matter of scholarly communication, and the means by which we arrive at other
topics of conversations and the discovery of new knowledge and understanding
(Alvesson, 2013).
Research is an investigation following ordered steps leading to the discovery of
new information or concept (Sanchez, 1999).

Relational Question is when a study is designed to look at the relationships

between two or more variables.

Scope refers to the part of the research that defines where and when the study
was conducted and who the subjects where
Significance of the Study is written as part of the introduction section of a thesis.
It provides details to the reader on how the study will contribute such as what the
study will contribute and who will benefit from it. It also includes an explanation of
the work's importance as well as its potential benefits.
Theory is an idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain facts or events. It is an
idea that is suggested or presented as possibly true but that is not known or
proven.
Topic refers to the guiding principle for the analysis of a research paper. It provides
avenue for writing and a focus to what one intends to communicate. It is the center
of a scholarly communication.

LEARNING ABOUT IT
Research Problem
A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition
to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists
in scholarly literature, in theory, or in practice that points to the need for
meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. It is typically posed in
the form of a question.
What are possible sources of research topics?
Here are some questions that may serve as your guide to generate ideas that
may lead to your possible research topics:
a. Do you have a strong opinion about a current issue?

b. Do you have an interest that you would like to know more about?

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 c. Are there aspects or concerns surrounding you that you are interested in
learning more about?

d. What are the current concerns or stories you want to learn more about?

To make research more manageable, the following shall be considered:

Selection of research topic is one of the most challenging tasks in research
and very important as well. This phase may be easy for some researchers by doing
brainstorming. Research topic becomes the basis of the time, effort and resources
that the researcher will invest through the journey. Careful attention in choosing
the research topic will work to your benefit. Thus, the following must be considered
in deciding research topic.
a) Aspect - Choose one aspect through which you look at the research problem.
To put it more simply, look at just one facet of the issue or problem. E.g. A study
about the effect of the Corona pandemic to the life of the people is just too broad
and has multiple aspects which will be complicated for a student researcher.
b) Components - determine if your initial variables or unit of analyses can be
divided into more particular parameters which can then be analyzed more
precisely. For example, a study about vaping will be too broad. Topic is too
broad when there are so many different ideas about it. [e.g., a study of tobacco
use among adolescents can focus only on vaping among male adolescents
rather than adolescents in genera or focus on female adolescents of a certain
age.
c) Curiosity - Choose a topic that you know a little about, however you have the
desire to explore and learn more. There is no point in studying something you
already knew as there will be no place for finding new knowledge.
d) Interest - Choose a topic that seems interesting to you. If you do not have any
interest in a topic you will not be able to do the study with passion and probably
you will not duly devote time for it. As a senior high school student what are
the most interesting topics in your field that you want to explore. But remember
that apart from your interest, topic you chose must be objective and
researchable. Moreover, your interest must be about a novel topic. Avoid overly
discussed or explored topic.
e) Time and Place --Remember that the smaller the area of analysis, the narrower
the focus. Moreover, the shorter the available time period, the narrower the
focus should be. Narrow down your topic and review it several times. Get
feedback from your teacher about your chosen topic.
f) Type -- Focus your topic in terms of a specific type or class of people, places,
or things. Otherwise, the conduct of the study will not be manageable.
g) Availability of Resources - Check the availability of references by visiting
online libraries, journals and research gates. Once you realize the non-
availability of resources, change the subject.

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h) Significance of the Topic - The research topic chosen must be significant,
and must address a particular problem that will impact the life of the people in
general.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Researchers create conceptual frameworks that include a philosophical and

methodological model to help design their work. The data collection and analysis
are also based on the theoretical and conceptual framework. Miles and Huberman
(1994) defined a conceptual framework as a visual or written product, one that
‘explains, either graphically or in narrative form, the main things to be studied—the
key factors, concepts, or variables—and the presumed relationships among them.
One of the most important things about conceptual framework is that it primarily
becomes the model of what is out there that you plan to study.

Guide on How to Make the Conceptual Framework

1. Pick your research topic. Remember the considerations in choosing the
research topic. You may refer to the previous discussion in this module.
2. Do a literature review. Read relevant and updated research on the general
topic that you decide to work on.
3. Identify the important variables. Find studies with the same variables and
figure out how these are related to your study. You may go over the abstract of
the published research. Some abstracts contain the variables. If variables are
not apparent from the abstract, you may do a skimming of the discussion. .
4. Then build your conceptual framework using the variables from the related
studies you have read.
IPO (Input-Process-Output) is one of the most used paradigms that seek to
understand a factor or variable that causes a problem or change in the subject.

Input Process Output

Example of a Conceptual Framework

(Input) (Process) (Output)

Effect on:
Manifestation of a. Questionnaire
Perceived Narcissism a. Appearance
b. Interview Concern
a. Selfie
c. Focused group b. Academic
b. Photo Manipulation discussion Performance

c. Posting c.Interpersonal
Relation
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WRITING A HYPOTHESIS
A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested by scientific research. If you
want to test a relationship between two or more things, you need to write
hypotheses before you start your experiment or data collection. Hypothesis states a
prediction about what the study will find. It is a tentative answer to a problem that has not
yet been tested.

Variables in hypotheses
In experimental and correlational research, hypotheses propose a
relationship between two or more variables. An independent variable is something
the researcher changes or controls. A dependent variable is something the
researcher observes and measures.

Developing a Hypothesis
1. Ask a question. Hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to
answer. The question should be specific and researchable.
2. Do some preliminary research of the previous studies. Your initial answer to
the question should be based on what is already known about the topic. Look
for theories and previous studies to help you form educated prediction.
3. Formulate your hypothesis. Foresee the idea of what you expect to find. Write
your initial answer to the question in a concise sentence.

WRITING A STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

After identifying a research problem, the next step is to write a problem
statement. It has to be concise and concrete. Writing a problem statement can help
the researcher put the topic in context and have a deeper understanding of its
significance. A problem statement may be written in several paragraphs or in
several sentences incorporated in the introduction.
For practical research, look at the concrete details of the situation and ask
yourself these questions:

a) Where and when does the problem arise?

b) Who are affected by the problem?
c) What attempts have been made to solve the problem?

Problem statement should also address the relevance of the research: why
is it important to resolve the problem. The problem statement need not lay world
changing impact. What is important is that the he problem statement should lay
how you intend to address the problem. Your goal should not be to find a
conclusive solution, but to seek out the reasons behind the problem and propose
more effective approaches to understanding it. So a researcher must set the
objectives of the study. You may start with the following phrases:

a) The aim of this study is to determine…

b) This project aims to explore…
c) I aim to investigate…

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 The following are tasks that may help a researcher enhance skill in
discovering and identifying a research problem

a. Refer to related literature.

b. Attend webinars.
c. Be observant of the situations around you.
d. Visit libraries and online research gates.
e. Subscribe to research journals.
f. Conduct mini researches and note the gaps in the findings.

General problem statement is usually followed by specific problems which

are in a form of a question. There are two types of questions: researchable
questions and non-researchable questions. Non-researchable questions are
those answerable by yes or no. Researchable questions are questions of value or
opinion.

Researchable question:

a. What are the effects of internet accessibility in the campus to the academic
performance of the students?
b. What learning enhancement project may be implemented to improve students’
academic performance?

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Definition of terms is an alphabetical list of the important words acronyms that
researcher defines particularly those used in a special way in the study so as to
avoid ambiguity.
Your proposed study will likely include words that are not widely known outside
your discipline. It may include constructs, formulas and operational definitions that
differ from colloquial definitions or other schools of thought. This part of your study
offers provides the reader a list of definitions of these terms. Your definition can
considerably affect how the reader understands your thesis. Be sure you use these
terms in a consistent manner from the start to finish of your study.
In writing your definition of terms, make an introductory sentence or paragraph.
It must also be noted that a word may be defined conceptually and operationally
in the study.
Example:
The following words defined are used in this study:
Photo Manipulation. This refers to editing of the pictures using the different
features available in the mobile phone or computer. Its purpose is for the person
to look better and beautiful and handsome before they post it on social media
platforms.

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 Self-esteem. This is operationally defined as the manner the students value
themselves through the affirmation and motivation they get through the posting
they make in the social media platform.
Selfie. This refers to self-portrait photograph typically taken using mobile phone
and shared on social media such as Facebook and Instagram. To some people
they consider it as vanity and to some it is the best way to share the both important
and non-important things about themselves.

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
Significance of the study answers the fifth W of an academic quest. That is the
why. Why do you think your study is significant? When discussing this, you deal
with the general contribution that your study makes.

According to Unite for Sight, the goal of research is to inform action. Your study
must contextualize its findings within the larger body of research. It must have a
high quality that is applicable outside of the research setting.

Dissemination of the research outcomes is the expressed contribution of the

researcher. Leann Zarah in her article offered 7 reasons why research is important.
They are as follows:

1. Research is a tool for facilitating learning.

2. It is a way to understand various issues and it increases public awareness.
3. Research leads to business success.
4. It is a way to negate fallacious claims.
5. It finds and seizes opportunities.
6. Research is a key to love reading, writing, analyzing, and sharing valuable
Information
7. Research nourishes and exercises the brain.

To be guided in drafting your Significance of the study, ask yourself these

questions:

Q1: What is the specific significance of your research to yourself or other

individual?

Q2: Why is it important to communicate the value of your research?

A study without sharing its findings is a mere brain exercise and will never give
an opportunity for more learning discoveries. If that is the case, it may not be
considered significant.

Here is an example of a Significance of the Study.

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Example A

Significance of the Study

The study is beneficial to the following people:

The Students. This study will give awareness to students on the effects of social
media addiction on their behavior. Moreover, they can be enlightened and may
practice using social media in an appropriate way.
The Parents. This study will help the parents to understand why their children are
being addicted to social media. Through this study, they can think of some
preventive measures to help their children control the use of social media.
Future Researchers. This study may benefit future researchers since this will
serve as blueprint of the findings and conclusions which may lead to further
studies.

Example B
Significance of the Study

This study is considered beneficial to the following:

Community. This study will benefit the community in general as the findings will
give the people better understanding of the millennial and their manner of boosting
self-esteem through the use of social media platforms.
Teachers. This will help them understand the developmental, social and
behavioral effects of using social media to their students. The results of this
study will be their basis in incorporating intervention and strategies on how to
enhance the teaching and learning process and promote and develop students’
interpersonal skill.
Students. This will help them realize the positive and the negative effects of selfie,
photo manipulation and posting in the social media with their self-esteem with
relation to their physical appearance and academic performance and interpersonal
relationship skills which make them more responsible, sociable and contented of
their self-worth.
Parents. This will make them aware of the positive and negative effect of selfie,
photo manipulation and posting to the self-esteem, academic and interpersonal
skills of their children in order to guide their social networking behavior and help
them become better and responsible individual who knows how to prioritize their
time in studying and household duties.
Researchers. The knowledge derived from the study will lead them to have better
understanding of the personality and social network behavior of the millennial
students on how they will promote and present themselves in social media to
become likeable. Further, this study will help them recommend some possible
solutions to mitigate the negative effects of selfie, photo manipulation and posting
on their self-esteem, academic performance and interpersonal skill.
Future Researchers. This will serve as their guide in making further studies and
provide related reading materials and additional information for their own
investigation.
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SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

Everything must have limits. Government, politics, power, rights and sports
have its own bounds. Conduct of a study must have bounds as well. It is necessary
to narrow down research topic and limit its bounds. Otherwise, it will not be
manageable and your study will go nowhere. Readers of your research must know
these limits. The scope identifies the boundaries of the study in term of subjects,
objectives, facilities, area, time frame, and the issues to which the research is
focused.
Given here are examples of opening phrases to express the scope of the study:

The coverage of this study ___________________________________________.

The study consists of _______________________________________________.
The study covers __________________________________________________.
The study focuses on _______________________________________________.

The purpose of the delimitation of the study is to delimit by geographic location,

age, sex, population traits, population size, or other similar aspects. Delimitation
makes study more manageable and feasible. Part of it sets the constraints or
weaknesses of a study which are beyond the control of the researcher. An example
of limitation is accessibility of data. The quality of the research findings will depend
upon the ability of the researcher to access information from people or
organization. Another example of limitation is the time that a research has to
devote in the conduct of the study. So, the researcher must be careful in deciding
on a research problem. Interest over the topic will not suffice. It must be practicable
within a manageable period of time.
Given here are examples of opening phrases to express the scope of the study:
The study does not cover the _________________________________________.
The researcher limited this research to__________________________________.

Here is an example of Scope and Delimitation.

Predictors of Students’ Performance in Chemistry Laboratories Of Selected

Private Schools (Estrella, 2009)

This study was focused on the factors affecting students’ performance in

Chemistry laboratory in selected schools in Balanga City for the School Year
2008-2009. In this study, the students’ performance refers to the average grade
of the students in their Chemistry laboratory from the first to third grading period.
Chemistry, the chosen field for the study is the science with more abstract theories
which must be proven with actual events through experiments by the students.

The study considered the following schools in Balanga City Schools as the
research locale of the investigation Tomas del Rosario College Asia Pacific
College of Advance Science of Bataan Christian School. This is because these
schools belong to the same category as private institutions.
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 Specifically, the factors in this research were students-related ones which
pertain to the attitude of the students in Chemistry laboratory. Teacher related
factors pertain to the teaching strategies, competencies and teachers’ attitude in
conducting experiments in the Chemistry laboratory. Lastly, laboratory related
factors pertain to the adequacy, availability and usability of the laboratory
equipment and the laboratory manual and facilities.

The grade point average (GPA) were gathered and tabulated to measure their
performance in the Chemistry laboratory.

Keeping You in Practice

I. Background of the Research Problem

Proposed Research Problem

Topics are given below. List possible concerns, problems or issues you can think
of or have encountered relative to it. The first one is done for you. Use a separate
sheet of paper in answering the activity.

Topic Relative Problems or Issues

a. Effect of social media to the interpersonal skills of the

Social Media students
b. Impact of social media to the academic performance
c. Over reliance of teens in social media

a.
b.
Gender
c.
Discrimination

a.
Bullying b.
c.

Disaster a.
response b.
management c.

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 II. Statement of the Problem
Drafting the Research Question

Question Answer
1. What broad topic are you most
interested? If you cannot think of
any, it will help if you will do a
background research.
2. What specific part of the topic are
you most interested? In this part,
you list sub-topics from the broad
topic you picked.
3. List 2-3 possible questions about
your chosen topic area.
4. Choose one to be your main
research question.
5. Make your question clear and
specific as to scope.

Learning Challenge

Practice More

Provide the necessary information as asked in the 1st Column. An example is given
below. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the activity.

Example A:
Question/Instruction Answer
Topic of the Study Online Gaming
Problem Statement Many students skip school attendance
because of online games.
Hypothesis Based on the Inappropriate online games weaken
Problem academic performance.

Do the same in this table.

Question/Instruction Answer
What is your proposed topic for
study?

Write your statement of the problem

Formulate your hypothesis based on
your statement of the problem.

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 Points to Ponder

Research is a critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed

relations among natural phenomena.

McGuican (1978) the following are situations that can be a source of research
problem:

When there is a gap in knowledge;

- When there are contradictory claims; and

- When there is a fact that is not explained yet

Characteristics of good research problem:

- The topic must be new.
- It must be significant or of use to a particular group of people.
- Topic must be of interest to the researcher
- It must be attainable within a particular period of time.

A hypothesis can be defined as a tentative explanation of the research problem,

a possible outcome of the research, or an educated guess about the research
outcome. (Sarantakos, 1993)

There are three main functions of research title:

a. It sets the summary of the entire study.

b. It serves as the guiding blueprint of the whole thesis.
c. It helps other researchers through easy reference for theories.

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References

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Literacy: 50 Standards-Based Exercises for College Student. File Retrieved from
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ers.aspx?ReferenceID=799522
Cristobal Jr, Cruz-Cristobal MC. 2017. Practical Research 1 for Senior High
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Cristobal Jr, Cruz-Cristobal MC. 2017. Practical Research 2 for Senior High
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from
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pd
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https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/researchproblem

Regoniel, P. 2015. Conceptual Framework: A Step by Step Guide on How to Make

One. File Retrieved From
https://simplyeducate.me/2015/01/05/conceptualframework-guide/
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Strategies to Help Focus on Your Topic. File
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