RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Subtitle
RESEARCH QUESTIONS

A research problem is simple as a problem you would like to

research. Quantitative Research Problem deals more with the
precision and specificity of the problem. Furthermore, the
quantitative research problem describes trends and patterns of a
phenomenon.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The research questions help clarify and specify the research

problem. They are also considered as sub-problems of your
research problem and are informative in nature. They specify the
method of collecting and analyzing data, and the type of data to
be collected when exploring a quantitative research problem.
Characteristics of Good Research Questions

 Once you have already enumerated your research questions for

your study, it is important that you consider its quality to
answer and explain your research problem. The following are
good characteristics of research questions, as described by
Fraenkel and Wallen (2020).
Characteristics of Good Research Questions

Feasible

Consider the amount of time, energy, money, respondents, and

even your current situation as a student-researcher. Is the
research problem possible? Will it not spend unreasonable
amount?
Characteristics of Good Research Questions

Sample:

 “How do parents feel about the blended learning modality for

elementary learners?”

 “How would giving each learner their own laptop to be used in

this blended learning modality affect their performance tasks?”
Characteristics of Good Research Questions

Clear

The clarity of how the questions are stated lead to agreement of

meaning of the readers of your study. Since your research questions
are also considered as the main focus in the gathering and analyzing
the data, it is therefore very important that these are stated clearly.
Characteristics of Good Research Questions

Significant

Ask if your research questions are relevant or important to ask.

Will answering these questions provide an additional
contribution to address the given research problem? In other
words, are the research questions really worth investigating?
Characteristics of Good Research Questions

Ethical

Always consider the welfare of people, animals or whosoever are

involved in your study. Look into ways of answering the research
questions without inflicting physical and psychological harm to
persons involved.
Formulating Research Questions

Research questions can be generally classified into

two: general and specific. The general question of the
study is derived from the research problem while the
specific questions are anchored on the general research
problem
 Formulating Research Questions

For example:
This study aims to determine the relationship between the types of
learning delivery mode and students’ learning styles. Furthermore, it
seeks to answer the following research questions:
(1) What are the different learning delivery modes of the school?
(2) What are the various learning styles of the students?
(3) Is there a significant relationship between the different learning
delivery modes of the school and the learning styles of its students?
 Formulating Research Questions

 Reflected to the research title

 The problem must not be answerable by yes or no
 Must be arranged in the flow of the study
 Introduces the reader to the importance of the topic being studied
 Places the topic into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is
to be investigated
 Provides the framework for reporting the results
 Indicates what is probably necessary to conduct the study
 Explain how the findings will present the information.
 Formulating Research Questions

A quantitative research problem can generate a set of research questions

or sub-problems that fall under any of these types of research questions:
1. Descriptive research questions- ask questions on the kind,
qualifications, and categories of the subjects or participants.
2. Relation questions – are questions about the nature and manner of
connection between or among variables.
3. Causal questions – reasons behind the effects of the independent
variable on the dependent variable is the focus of these types of research
questions
There are two approaches to quantitative research questions

1. Deductive approach – goes from bigger ideas such as theories

or concepts to smaller ideas.

2. Inductive approach – focus on description of things to prove.

Central to this approach are specific details to prove the validity
of a certain theory or concept.
 Directions: Identify whether the following are
Descriptive, Relation, or Causal research questions.

1. What is the relationship between the time spent in

studying and the grades of students?
2. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of age,
gender, average family income, and distance of their house
from school?
3. What is the impact of social media to the academic
performance of students?
4. What are the effects of Covid19 pandemic to the study
habits of students?
5. Is there a significant difference with the scores of the
respondents during the pretest and posttest?
Research Questions for Descriptive Research

 focus on observing, describing, and reporting factors or

aspects of the research problem. Phrases such as how
often/frequently, how many/much, what is/are, to
what extent/degree, and the likes are used in these
questions
Research Questions for Descriptive Research

For example, you study the use of social media among Senior
High School Students, you can ask the following questions:

 What are the various social media platforms used by Senior

High Students?

 How many hours students spend on social media per day?

Research Questions for Correlational Research

 aim to determine the relationships among two or more

variables in your research problem. Correlational
research questions usually begin with the phrases “Is
there a significant relationship...” or “What is the
relationship between/among...”
Research Questions for Correlational Research

In the study of use of social media and level of digital literacy of

students following questions can be asked:

 What is the relationship between the length of hours spent on social

media and level of digital literacy of students?

 Is there a significant relationship between the type of social media

used and the level digital literacy of students?
Research Questions for Ex Post Facto Research

 attempt to identify the causes of the phenomenon in the

context of your research problem. It is also assumed that no
control or manipulation of variable has been done in order
to cause the effect. It is also understood that the cause of
the problem already exists before you conducted your study.
Research Questions for Ex Post Facto Research

For example , ex post facto study on family background and

digital literacy of students, the following questions can be
asked:

 Is there a difference in the literacy level of students between

their cultural and educational family background?
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
OF THE STUDY
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

 Identifying your research variables is very important

since it will set the parameters of your study. Carefully
selecting your research variables also helps you to
determine what will be investigated. As a result, it will
be easier for you to set the scope and delimitation of
the study.
 Topic – GMO and Health Practice

 Objective – to provide information about student’s knowledge and perception of

GMO and their family health practices.

 Time Frame – 1st Sem, SY 2019-2020

 Locale – GRSHS – X

 Characteristics of the Participants – Male and Female, enrolled during the given time frame

 Other parameters – use of questionnaire, used of stratified random sampling

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

 In doing research study, we make sure that we have

certainty and reasons for drawing the inclusion and
exclusion of research variables. We do not write for the
sake of writing the parts of the research paper, such as
setting the scope and delimitation of your study. It is
important because it draws the boundary of your
study. Without doing so, research procedures and
results will not be coherent to the goal of your study.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

 The scope specifies the coverage of your study such as

variables, population or participant, and timeline.
 Delimitation cites factors of your study that are not
included or excluded or those you will not deal in your
study.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

 In this section of your research paper, you may also

state the reasons why you did not include the
variables. A clearly written scope and delimitation of
the study will make it definitely easier to answer
questions which are related or not related to your study
Components of Scope and Delimitation

 In this section of your research paper, you may also

state the reasons why you did not include the
variables. A clearly written scope and delimitation of
the study will make it definitely easier to answer
questions which are related or not related to your study
 Components of Scope and Delimitation

 Topic of the Study. What are the variables to be included and

excluded?
 Objectives or Problems to be Addressed. Why are you doing this
study?
 Time Frame. When are you going to conduct this study?
 Locale of the Study. Where are you going to gather your data?
 Characteristics of the Respondents. Who will be your respondents?
 Method and Research Instruments. How are going to collect the
data?
Difference between Delimitation and Limitation of the Study

 The delimitation of the study describes the various

limitations that arose during the design and conduct of the
study. Along the way of conducting your study, you will
encounter limitations which you have not drawn before
you start – these are the delimitations of study.
 Most of the delimitations arose from the applicability or
usefulness of the findings of the study to the current
problem.
Difference between Delimitation and Limitation of the Study

 Variables not included in your study are also

determined by delimitation of your study. While on the
other hand, limitation of the study are those variables
included in your study. Hence, limitation of the study is
actually the identified scope of the study.
RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

 A research framework illustrates the structure or

blueprint of the research plan and helps the researcher
formulate relevant research questions.
RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

 The framework consists of the key concepts and

assumes relationships of the research project. It is
normally used as a guide for researchers so that they
are more focused on the scope of their studies. It can
be presented using visual (diagrams, chart, etc.) and
narrative (paragraph stating the concepts and
relationships of the study) forms.
Types of Research Framework

 The types of research frameworks are classified as the

theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
 A theoretical framework is commonly used for studies
that anchor on time tested theories that relate the
findings of the investigation to the underpinning
relevant theory of knowledge.
Types of Research Framework

 At the same time, a conceptual framework refers to

the actual ideas, beliefs, and tentative theories that
specifically support the study. It is primarily a
conception or model of what is out there that the
researcher plans to study
Types of Research Framework

Note:

 You should construct your conceptual framework

before you begin collecting your data. Conceptual
frameworks are often represented in a visual format
and illustrate cause-and-effect relationships.
Similarities of the Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

1. Provide an overall view of the research study;

2. Anchor a theory that supports the study;
3. Guide in developing relevant research questions/objectives;
4. Help justify assumptions/hypothesis;
5. Aid in choosing appropriate methodology;
6. Help in gathering and interpreting data and
7. Guide in identifying possible threats to validity
A Summary of the Differences of Theoretical and Conceptual
Framework
Guidelines and strategies in choosing and developing a
Research Framework

 In deciding on what research framework, you are going

to use in your study, you have to take into consideration
the following vital information about the theoretical
and conceptual framework
 Guidelines and strategies in choosing and developing a
Research Framework

Theoretical framework Conceptual framework

• Revisit the information given by your • Refer to your research questions or
related literature and identify if objectives to identify the essential themes
there are potential theories or in your study. Look for additional theories
that involve the same principle and see
knowledge that may be use or how they relate to one another. Make a
anchored to the possible outcome concept map of your conceptual
of your study framework, utilizing the existing theories as
a reference. If there are topics which are
not included in the theories you have
chosen and you know that it is essential to
your study, you can include it.
 Guidelines and strategies in choosing and developing a
Research Framework

Theoretical framework Conceptual framework

• With the use of these information, • You have to make a written
you can now create a plan or explanation on the concepts that are
blueprint for your research study. being incorporated and their impact
to one another after you have made
the first draft of your conceptual
framework. Moreover, you have to
revisit your research questions and
conceptual framework if they are
aligned
Guidelines and strategies in choosing and developing a
Research Framework

Theoretical framework Conceptual framework

• It is important to remember that
developing a conceptual framework
is a process. This means that as you
study more material and research
more theories, it may still be refined
or updated. The research hypothesis
may be stated at the end of the
conceptual framework in some
situations
Concept Map

 A concept map is a visual representation of

information that helps show the relationship between
ideas. Concept maps begin with the main topic and
then branch out into sub-topics, reflecting the
connection of all the elements in the study. It can also
provide and organize new ideas.
 Concept Map

 It is composed of different figures such as lines, circles, boxes, and

other marks or symbols which represent the elements of your
research. It can take the form of charts, graphic organizers, tables,
flowcharts, Venn Diagrams, timelines, or T-charts. Concept map
arranges related ideas in a hierarchy.
 Concept Map

 You start broad, and the sub-topics will get more and more
specific. It also helps you in formulating a specific topic from the
general or the main idea with significant connections of
information. In other words, understanding the big picture makes
the details more significant and easier to comprehend.
 Concept Map

 Concept maps are very useful for researchers and readers who
understand better visually. With the proper connection of lines
and linking arrows to shapes and other symbols representing your
concepts about the research, the readers can visualize a
comprehensive picture of your study
 Conceptual Framework

 The independent variable is the “presumed cause” of the

research problem. It is the reason for any “change” or difference in
a dependent variable. It can be purposely manipulated by the
researcher/s, depending on the focus of the study.
 Conceptual Framework

 It maybe can cause, influence, or affect the result or outcome of

the study. It is also called as the experimental, treatment,
antecedent, or predictor variable. Moreover, it refers to the
variable that is stable and unaffected by the other variables you
are trying to measure.
 Conceptual Framework

 The dependent variable is the “presumed effect” of the research

problem. It is usually the problem itself or the element that is
being questioned. This variable is altered as a result of
experimental manipulation of the independent variable or
variables.
 Conceptual Framework

 It is also called as the criterion, effect, response, or outcome

variable which captures the interest of the researcher and requires
analysis, interpretation, and implication of the findings of the
study. The variable that depends on other factors that are
measured and are affected or influenced by the independent
variable.
 Conceptual Framework

 The moderating variable is an independent variable which

influences the direction and the strength of the connection
between independent and dependent variables. The independent
variable interacts with the moderator variable, which makes the
relationship of the independent and dependent variable stronger
or weaker.
 Conceptual Framework

 It alters the effect that an independent variable has on a

dependent variable base on its value. The moderator thus
influences the effective component of the cause-effect relationship
between the two variables. This is also called as the interaction
effect.
 Conceptual Framework

Examples:

 Categorical variables: (Ethnicity, race, religion, favorite color,

health status, or stimulus type)

 Quantitative variables: (age, weight, height, income, or, visual

stimulus size)
 Conceptual Framework

Examples:

In a study of work experience and salary, you hypothesize that:

 Years of work experience predicts salary, when controlling for relevant

variables,

 Gender identity moderates that relationship between work experience

and salary.
 Conceptual Framework

 Mediating variable or Intervening variable is an element that

exists between the independent to the dependent variable. A
mediator (or mediating) variable is an integral part of the cause-
effect relationship and helps us to understand the effects of the
independent variable on the dependent variable.
 Conceptual Framework

 It is a variable that describes the effect and influence of the

relationship between the variables and what is controlling that
relationship. This is also called as correlated or mediator variables
 Conceptual Framework

 Example:

In a study on socioeconomic status and reading ability in children,

you hypothesize that parental education level is a mediator. This
means that socioeconomic status affects reading ability mainly
through its influence on parental educational levels.
 Conceptual Framework

Example:
Parental Education Levels

Socioeconomic Child Reading

Status Ability
 Conceptual Framework

 The control variable is a special type of independent variable that

can influence the dependent variable. It takes an active role in
quantitative studies. Statistical procedures are used to control this
variable. It is useful to integrate the control variables into your
research study, but it is not the main focus.
 Conceptual Framework

 It has somehow an effect on the dependent variable and an

extension of the independent variable. However, if you omit the
control variable from your study, the findings would be less
accurate. It is mostly relevant if your study is about to prove a
cause-effect relationship by undertaking statistical analysis.
 The Input-Process-Output Model

 The Input-Process-Output Model (IPO) is a conceptual paradigm which

indicates the inputs, required process, and the output. This approach is
seated on the premise of acquiring essential information by converting
inputs into outputs through the required processing steps in obtaining the
result. The IPO Model is also referred to as a functional model that is
usually used in action research where an intervention or solution is
necessary to solve the identified problem.
 The Input-Process-Output Model

 The Input is usually the independent variable of the study.

Meanwhile, the Process is the intervention or solution consist of
the instruments and analyses used to acquire the result. Lastly, the
Output is the findings or outcome of the interventions being made
to solve the identified problem
 Common Example of Conceptual Framework

 The Input is usually the independent variable of the study.

Meanwhile, the Process is the intervention or solution consist of
the instruments and analyses used to acquire the result. Lastly, the
Output is the findings or outcome of the interventions being made
to solve the identified problem
 Conceptual Framework

 This conceptual framework shows the input, process, and

output approach of the study. The input is the independent
variable, which includes the socio-demographic and food safety
profile of the respondents. The process includes the tools and
analyses in gathering the data, while the output is the outcome
based on the results of the study