Problem

Identification
and Definition
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
WHAT IS A 
• A PROBLEM IS ANYTHING WHICH GIVES A PERSON A
FEELING OF DISCOMFORT. IF A PERSON WORRIES

RESEARCH 
ABOUT HOW THINGS ARE, HE/SHE HAS A PROBLEM. A
PROBLEM COULD BE A STATE OF AFFAIRS THAT
NEEDS TO BE CHANGED OR ANYTHING THAT IS NOT

PROBLEM? WORKING AS EXPECTED

• FOR RESEARCHERS, IT COULD BE CONDITIONS THEY
WANT TO IMPROVE, DIFFICULTIES THEY WANT TO
ELIMINATE, QUESTIONS FOR WHICH THEY WANT
ANSWERS, OR INFORMATION GAPS THEY WISH TO
FILL, OR THEORIES THEY WISH TO VALIDATE.
• A RESEARCH PROBLEM COULD ALSO BE AN ISSUE
THAT SHOULD BE SETTLED. IT MAY BE A QUESTION
ABOUT THE UNKOWN CHARACTERISTICS OF A
POPULATION OR ABOUT FACTORS THAT EXPLAIN THE
PRESENCE OR OCCURRENCE OF A PHENOMENON.
IDENTIFYING 
A RESEARCH 
PROBLEM

• A RESEARCH PROBLEM IS STATED

IN A FORM OF QUESTION, WHICH
SERVES AS THE FOCUS OF THE
INVESTIGATION.
EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE RESEARCH QUESTIONS?

1. What problems do children of separated parents encounter and how do the children
cope with these problems?
2. What goes on in a government office in a typical week? Or How do government
employees spend a typical day in the office?
3. Do mothers who have attended health education classes have better health care
management that those who have not?
4. Does TV viewing affect a child’s school performance?
5. Will training of managers of cooperatives in financial management improve the financial
control system of cooperatives?
6. Have their been changes in the portrayal of men and women in commercial
advertisements in the last five years?

7. What are the perceptions of college students regarding the granting of emergency
Conditions 
• There is a perceived discrepancy between what is and
what should be.

present in 
• There are two or more plausible reasons for the
discrepancy.

order to 
have a good 
research 
problem
There may be an existing difficult or disturbing situation, but if this condition is expected to happen because of known
circumstances, then the problem is not researchable. Even if there is a discrepancy between what is and what should
be, because the causes of the discrepancy are known at this particular time, there is no need to conduct research
anymore.
Example of a Non-Researchable Problem:

Situation: Despite free tuition, many high school students in a public high school in Province X have dropped out.
Records show that more than 50% of the students have already dropped out before the middle of the school year
(WHAT IS)

What should be: Students are expected to finish high school because it is free. They should not drop out ( WHAT
SHOULD BE). On the contrary, a big number of students dropped out ( DISCREPANCY)

RESEARCH QUESTION: Why do students drop out? What factors contribute to the high drop out rate?

Possible Answer: Fear of being caught in crossfire between military and rebel groups.

Comment: There have been violent encounters between military and rebel groups and many civilians have been caught
in the crossfire. It seems clear that the dropping out of the students is due to the armed encounters in the area. If they go
to school, they might die, so parents keep them out of school until the peace and order situation in the area returns to
normal.
A possible research situation exists when the existing condition (what is) is different from what is expected ( what should
be), and there are two or more plausible (reasonable) causes of the discrepancy between what is and what should be.

Example of a Researchable Problem:

Situation: Despite free tuition, many high school students in a public high school in Province X have dropped out. Records
show that more than 50% of the students have already dropped out before the middle of the school year (What is)

What should be: Students are expected to finish high school because it is free. They should not drop out (What should
be). On the contrary, a big number of students dropped out (Discrepancy).

RESEARCH QUESTION: Why do students drop out? What factors contribute to the high drop out rate?

Possible Answers: There are many possible reasons why students drop out. Among the possible reasons are: financial
difficulties, far distance of students’ houses from school, students’ lack of interest to study, and poor health.

Comments: Since there are a number of possible reasons for the dropping out of students despite free tuition, the
problem is researchable. Research can determine the existence and extent of relationship between the identified possible
factors and the students’ decision to drop out of school or to stay. Furthermore, research can determine the relative
contribution of each factor in the students’ decision to drop out.
DEFINING 
• Once the problem is identified, it should then be
DEFINED. The problem definition explains the

THE 
existence and seriousness of the problem. The
definition shows evidences that prove that the problem
really exists, that it is serious, and/or widespread.

RESEARCH  • In defining a research problem, the following questions

are usually answered?
PROBLEM 1. Does the problem really exist? What are the
evidences of the problem’s existence?
2. Is the problem serious? Who and how many are
affected by it?
3. What places are affected? How widespread is it?
4. How often does the problem occur?
THINGS TO 
1. First review relevant literature and previous studies on
the problem.

REMEMBER  2.
3.
Examine current available data/statistics.
Seek educated opinions from persons concerned with

WHEN  4.
the problem.
Determine the probable reasons for the existence of

DEFINING  the problem from social, economic, or other theories

that may explain the existence of the problem and the

A 
possible connection between the problem and other
factors.

RESEARCH 
PROBLEM:
A careful review of existing information or
studies on a problem can also help the
investigator determine:

1. What answers or solution have been found/

tried in the past to solve the problem and how
successful they were, and
2. What questions still remain unanswered and
what aspects of the problem need to be studied
further?
CHARACTERISTICS • A research problem must be relevant. – it must

OF A GOOD 
be of interest to the one investigating it. It
should yield answers that will contribute to
RESEARCH  knowledge and development. In essence, the

PROBLEM
problem should be worth investigating and
worth the time, money and effort to be spent
on it.
One can consider the ff. questions:
a. Will answers to the research question/s help
advance knowledge?
b. Can answers to the research question/s help in
improving practices/behaviors/performance?
c. Will answers to the research problem improve
human conditions?
Example of a Relevant Problem:

RESEARCH PROBLEM: “The Effect of Computer –Assisted Instruction on the Students’ Achievement in
Mathematics?”

1. Will the answer to the research question help advance knowledge?

YES! A finding that shows that computer-assisted instruction significantly improves or does not improve
achievement in mathematics comprises new knowledge.

2. Can answers to the research question help in improving practices/ behavior/performance?

YES! Positive findings suggest that teachers must use the computer as an instructional device.

3. Will answers to the research problem improve human conditions?

YES! If the adoption of computer-assisted instruction leads to improved learning, students will acquire
better skills. With better skills, they will definitely have better chances of getting employed. Skilled workers
are better paid than unskilled ones and more likely will have better quality of life because with more income
they can but what they need.
CHARACTERISTICS  • A research problem must be feasible.
OF A GOOD  – A problem can only be
RESEARCH  investigated if resources like time,
PROBLEM money and personnel are available.
Researchers must therefore be sure
of the availability of funds and
human resources, as well as
appropriate tools/devices needed in
the conduct of the study.
An Example of a Feasible Problem: An example of a Problem that IS NOT
Feasible:
RESEARCH PROBLEM: “The Effect of Computer-
Assisted Instruction on Students’ Achievement in RESEARCH PROBLEM: “The Effect on
Mathematics” Achievement of Providing Each Student a
Microcomputer in Their Math Class.”
COMMENT: Instruction in the experimental
group is computer-assisted, while that in the COMMENT: It might be worth knowing if
control group is not. The teacher in the computer-based math instruction can
experimental group can be trained to use the improve students’ achievement in the
computer in teaching math. The experiment can subject but giving each student a
be carried out even if only one computer is computer would be very costly.
available in the classroom. This can be provided Moreover, it may not be afforded by most
by the institution. schools.
CHARACTERISTICS 
OF A GOOD  • A research problem must be clear –
the research problem must be
RESEARCH 
clearly stated so that what is being
PROBLEM
investigated is made clear. Major
variable/s of the study should be
measurable, and should be
specified in the problem statement.
Use of ambiguous terms must be
avoided.
An Example of a Problem Which Is Not An Example of A Clear Problem
Clear
RESEARCH PROBLEM: “Attitudes
RESEARCH PROBLEM: “Women’ Towards Sexual Harassment of Female
Perception about Sexual Harassment ’ Rank and File Bank Employees in Makati
City.”
COMMENT: This problem is not clear
because it does not specify what group of COMMENT: In this research problem, it
women will be studied. What is implied is is clear that what is being examined is
all kinds of women. Even the word attitudes towards sexual harassment.
“perception” is not clear. One may ask, It is also clear that the study will cover
“perception” regarding “what of sexual female rank and file bank employees in
harassment”. Makati City. Although the location of
the study need not always be specified,
specifying it helps further clarify the
research problem.
CHARACTERISTICS 
OF A GOOD  • A research problem must be ethical - the
conduct of the study should not pose any
RESEARCH  danger, embarrassment, hurt or any risk to
PROBLEM the research respondents or subjects or any
one. Information needed to answer the
research questions can be collected without
violating the rights of the source/s of
information. The respondents’ privacy must
therefore be protected. They should be
informed of the purpose of the study and be
given the right to consent or refuse to
participate in the study.
An Example of an Unethical Problem An Example of an Ethical Problem

RESEARCH PROBLEM: “The Effect of RESEARCH PROBLEM: “Students’ Perceptions on

Punishment on the Self Esteem and the Effect of Physical Punishment on the Self
Academic Performance of Adolescents.” Esteem and School Performance.”

COMMENT: If an experiment is to be COMMENT: A survey on students’ perception

conducted, punishment will be applied about the effect of physical punishment on their
to the experimental group, but self-esteem and performance does not raise an
withheld from the control group. Even ethical issue, since respondents are only asked
if the result of the study shows that about their perceptions. It is still important,
punishment will improve self-esteem however, to explain to the respondents the
and performance, applying punishment purpose of the study and get their informed
to students for the sake of research is consent to participate in the study.
unethical.
 REVIEW OF 
RELATED 
LITERATURE
Practical Research 1
Review of Related Literature – is  The following may be collected:
the process of collecting,  1. Background information about the problem
selecting, and reading books, 
and related concepts.
journal articles, reports, 
abstracts, and other reference  2. Theories that explain the existence of the
materials, including electronic  problem and the possible connection
sources (CD­ROM) and the  between certain factors and the problem.
world wide web (www/http) to  3. Data that confirm the existence and
get relevant information about  seriousness of the problem.
the problem under investigation.
4. General and specific findings of studies
related to the problem.
5. Recommendations for further study given in
related studies.
1. Related Literature helps the researcher identify and define a research
problem. A new problem may arise from vague results, conflicting findings, or
the inability of study variables to adequately explain the existence of the
problem.

2. A review of related studies helps justify the need for studying a problem.
When findings of a related studies are not clear or do not provide
adequate/conclusive answers to certain issues or questions, then the conduct
of a study is justified.

3. Related Literature helps prevent unnecessary duplication of a study. There

are many research problems that are already “over studied” and yet, similar
studies are still being conducted. If a researcher has adequately reviewed
related literature about his/her study, unnecessary duplication can be avoided.
4. Literature can be a source of a theoretical basis for the study. Correlation
studies usually use or generate theories to explain the research phenomenon
under study. Researchers may use or adopt the same theory or theoretical
framework used in the related studies.

5. Literature enables the researcher to learn how to conceptualize a research

problem and properly identify and operationally define study variables.

6. Related studies provide a basis for identifying and using appropriate research
design. It also helps in the formulation or refinement of research instruments.

7. Results of related studies provide lessons for data analysis and interpretation.
Findings of a study can be compared to findings of related studies.
When to Start Reviewing Related Literature

- While the research problem is still being conceptualized, the researcher

must be able to show evidences that the problem really exists and its worth
investigating. Information regarding the existence, seriousness, and
relevance of the problem can be gleaned from literature.
- It is important that the researcher knows what is already known about the
problem or what earlier researches have found about it and what questions
still need to be answered.
- Theories which researchers use to explain the existence of a research
problem and used as bases in analyzing relationships between variables can
be generated from research books on theories or from related studies.
Sources of Information:

1. General References – shows where to locate other sources of information

related to a certain topic. Examples: indexes, reviews, and abstracts

2. Primary Sources – results of man researches are published in journals, or

monographs. These articles or reports are written by those who actually
conducted the study.

3. Secondary sources – refer to publications where authors cite the work of

others. Examples are books, reviews, yearbooks and encyclopedias. They
are good reference for overview of the problem.
Steps in Literature Review:

1. Review the precise definition of the research problem. Note the key variables
specified in the study objectives and hypothesis.

2. Formulate “search terms” (key words or phrases) pertinent to the problem or

question of interest. Example: “Adolescents’ Perception on the Effect of Punishment on
Self Esteem and Academic Performance,” possible “search terms” could be
“punishment and learning”, “self esteem and performance,” “self-worth”, and
“reinforcement”

3. Using the indexes of general references, search for relevant primary and secondary
sources guided by the “ search terms” . Start with the most recent issue and work
backwards. Next, search for sources listed under terms synonymous or related to
the search terms. For example, in a study on feminism, after tracking down sources
listed under “feminism”, look up “women’s issues” and “patriarchy”.
4. List in a note or index card the bibliographical data of the pertinent sources selected,
including the a) author of the source, b) its title, c) name of the publication, d) date of the
publication ( book including place and date) and e) page of the article/s.

5. Read the selected reading materials, take notes and summarize key points. Notes are
preferably written in note cards for easy retrieval and classification. In taking notes, be
as brief as possible, but include all relevant information which you can use in your full
review, such as: the problem, the objective and hypotheses, the procedures, major
findings, and conclusions.
Sample of a Bibliographic Card for a Journal:

De Asis, Nerrisa, 1998-1999

“Risk and health Seeking Behavior and STDs Among Female Sex Workers in Iloilo
City”
CPU Research Journal. 22 (1) Pages 38-45

Sample of a Bibliographic Card for a Book:

Varona, Blecenda, Maria Elena Godoy, & David Varona

“Stomach and Intestinal Problems”
Healing Wonder of Diet: Effective Guide to Diet Therapy
Philippines: The Philippine Publishing House
Copyright 1999
Pages 26-34
Sample of a Bibliographic Card for a Thesis:

Nolasco, Esperanza M.
“An Assessment of the Financial Control System and the Financial Status
of Credit Cooperatives in the Province of Antique”
Thesis, Master of Business Administration,
Central Philippine University
Iloilo City
1999
Example of a Note Card:
David, Fely, Ed. D. Dissertation, CPU, 1996
Research Title: “Gender Differential in Decision-making Participation at Home and At Work Among Faculty Members in Four
Universities in Iloilo City”

Objective: To determine and compare the extent of participation in decision-making at home and at work of the male and
that of the female faculty members in the four universities in Iloilo City.

Hypothesis: The extent of participation in decision-making at home and at work of the male and the female faculty members
differ significantly.

Research Methods: Survey of 350 faculty members chosen using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a
structured self-administered questionnaire.

Major Findings:
Decision making in the home of the faculty members is basically a shared responsibility of both husband and wife, but,
there were significantly more female than male faculty members who were involved in making decisions regarding home
management particularly in child care and home management. At work, the men have a greater involvement than women.

Conclusion: Findings support the hypothesis that there is a significant difference in the extent of participation in decision-
making between men and women at home and at work. While women are more involved than men in decision making in
home management, the men have greater involvement than women in decision making at work.
Writing the Literature Review

1. Introduction. The introduction briefly describes the nature of the research problem and
explains what led the researcher to investigate the question. The summary presents the
main topics covered in the literature review section.

2. Body. The body briefly reports what experts think or what other researchers have found
about the research problem. Studies done on one key element or factor of the research
problem are reviewed under that topic followed by studies done on other aspects of the
problem. The common findings of several studies are summarized in one or two sentences
and only when necessary, some specific findings of each study may be presented.
“ Several studies reported that educational attainment is significantly associated with
compliance to medical regimen (de la Cruz, 1999, Monteblanco, 1999). In her study of
myocardiac infarction patients , De La Cruz (1999) found that college educated patients
had better compliance with their medical regimen, diet requirements and exercise.
Similarly, Monteblanco (1999) observed that the high school –educated elderly in Jaro,
Iloilo City took their medications more regularly than less-educated peers.”
3. Summary/Synthesis – it “ties together” the major findings of the studies
reviewed. It presents a general picture of what has been known or thought of
about the problem to date. It points out similar results, as well as conflicting
findings.

4. Conclusion – presents the course of action suggested by literature. Based on

the state of knowledge revealed by the literature, the researcher could further
justify the need for his/her study.
 SUMMARY OF STEPS IN IDENTIFYING AND DEFINING A PROBLEM

1. State the problem situation

* Write a short paragraph that describes the discrepancy between what
is and what should be.
* Write the central problem or main research question.
* Give two or more plausible answers to the problem question. (If there is
only one possible answer to the question, the problem is not researchable.

2. Add details by presenting statistics or any information that can serve as

evidence that the problem really exists. You can derive this from service
statistics, related studies, and other existing documents.
4. With the information you have collected from a literature review
and other sources, improve your problem definition and add details
that will help explain what your research problem is all about and why
you want to study the problem. Organize the information and your
ideas, such that the readers can be convinced that you really need to
undertake the research.
 STANDARD STYLES IN RELATED LITERATURE CITATIONS OR REFERENCES

The following are the three terms used to express your appreciation for or
recognition of people’s ownership of borrowed ideas (sharp,2012):

1. Acknowledgement – the beginning portion of the work that identifies

individuals who have contributed something for the production of the paper

2. References or Bibliography – a complete list of all reading materials, including

books, journals, periodicals, etc. from where the borrowed ideas came from

3. Citation or In-text citation – references within the main body of the text,
specifically in Review of Related Literature
Purposes of Citation:

1.To give importance and respect to other people for what

they know about the field.
2.To give authority, validity, and credibility to other people’s
claims, conclusions, and arguments
3.To prove your broad and extensive reading of authentic and
relevant materials about your topic
4.To help readers find or contact sources of ideas easily
5.To permit readers to check the accuracy of your work
6.To save yourself from plagiarism
Styles of CITATION:

1. Integral Citation
This is one way of citing or referring to the author whose ideas appear in your work. You
do this by active verbs like claim, assert, state, etc. to report the author’s ideas. Using these
types of verbs somehow expresses the author’s mental position, attitude, stand, or opinion
in relation to the information referred to. This is the reason why integral citation is often
used in social sciences or any subjects belonging to the soft sciences.

Examples of Integral Citation:

APA MLA
One study by Manalo (254015) reveals . . . . . One study by (Manalo 70)
The latest work by (Lee, 2015) asserts . . . . . The latest work by (Lee 123)
According to Abad et a. (:2015) context is . . . . According to (Abad et al: 54).
2. Non-integral Citation
This citation downplays any strengths of the writer’s personal characteristics. The stress is
given to the piece of information rather than to the owner of the ideas.

Examples of Non-integral Citation:

a. The code of Ethics for Intercultural Competence gives four ways by which people from
different cultural background can harmoniously relate themselves with one another. (De
la Cruz,2015)

b. Knowledge is one component of not only Systemic Functional Grammar but Intercultural
competence as well. It is the driving force beyond an successful collaborative activities to
develop interpersonal relationships and communicative competence. (Smith 2015)

c. The other components of Intercultural Competence which are also present in SFG are:
context (Harold, 2015), appropriateness (Villar, Marcos, Atienza, 2016: Santos, and Daez,
2016), and emotions (Flores, 2016).
Patterns of Citation:

1. Summary. The citation in this case is a shortened version of the original text that is expressed
in your own language. Making the text short, you have to pick out only the most important
ideas or aspects of the text.

2. Paraphrase. This is the antithesis of the first one because , here, instead of shortening the
form of the text, you explain what the text means to you using your own words. In doing so, it
is possible that your explanations may decrease or exceed the number of words on the
original text.

3. Short Direct Quotation. Only a part of the author’s sentence, the whole sentence or several
sentences, not exceeding 40 words, is what you can quote or repeat in writing through this
citation pattern. Since this makes you copy the exact words of the writer, it is necessary that
you give the number of the page where the readers can find the copied words
Example:
Context is influenced by these four factors: “language, culture, institutions, and ideologies.”
(Aranda,2015, p.8)
4. Long Direct Quotation or Block Quotation, or Extract. Named in many ways, this citation pattern makes you
copy the author’s exact words numbering from 40 up to 100 words. Under APA, the limit is eight lines. Placed at
the center of the page with no indentation, the copied lines look like they compose a stanza of a poem.

Example:
The latest study by (Hizon,2015) reveals the social nature of language. Stressing this nature of
language, he says:

Language features result from the way people use language to meet their social needs. In their
interactions, they use language to describe, compare, agree, explain, disagree and so on. Each
language function requires a certain set of language features like nouns for naming, adjectives for
comparing, verbs for agreeing, prepositions for directing, and conjunctions for connecting ideas.(p.38)

You should quote judiciously because having so many quoted words or lines in your paper signals your lack
of understanding of such part of the text. To avoid negative connotations about direct quotations in your paper,
have in mind the following reasons to justify your act of quoting or repeating in writing other people’s words.
(Ransome 2013)
1. The idea is quite essential.
2. The idea is refutable or arguable.
3. The sentence is ambiguous or has multiple meanings.
4. There’s a strong possibility that questions may be raised about the citation.
5. It is an excellent idea that to make it a part of your paper will bring prestige and credibility to your entire
2 Basic Methods of referencing, pointing to, or identifying the exact
author referred to by your paper. These are the APA (American
Psychological Association) and the MLA (Modern Language
Association). The following shows the difference between them as
regards citation format:

APA – (Ramos, 2015) or Ramos (2016)

(Manalo, 2015) or Manalo (2016)

MLA – (Bautista 183), Flores et. al. 150-158)

(Acosta, Hizon,Lopez 235-240)
(Velarde 4: 389-403) – for periodicals
5. Tense of verbs for reporting. Active verbs are effective words to use
in reporting author’s ideas. Present their ideas in any of these tenses:
present, simple past, or present perfect tense. The APA system,
however, prefers the use of present perfect tense. The APA system,
however, prefers the use of present perfect tense.

Examples:
Present Tense – Marcos explains . . . .
Past Tense – Marcos explained . . . . . .
Present perfect Tense – Marcos has explained . . . .
Plagiarism. It is an act of quoting or copying the exact words of the
writer and passing the quoted words off as your own words. The
leading act of plagiarism is using the words of the original text in
expressing your understanding of the reading material. The right way
to avoid plagiarism is expressing borrowed ideas in your own words.
(Ransome 2013).