Module 2:

Identifying the Problem

and Asking the Questions
MA. FAITH O. MALON
ACTIVITY 1:

Directions: Identify two crucial

concerns and propose a solution for
each. Write your answers on your
notebook. (5 points each)
Activity 1:
PROBLEM Sample Issue: 1. LOCAL ISSUE 2. NATIONAL ISSUE
Increasing __________________ ________________
Dengue Cases

PROPOSED Sample Solution:

SOLUTION Use a natural __________________ __________________
mosquito
repellents, such as
lemongrass or
garlic-based
mosquito repellant
as alternative.
Lesson 1 : STATEMENT
OF THE PROBLEM

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.
 1. Identify crucial concerns
or issues within their
community, school, or
chosen field of study.
2. Generate research
questions related to a
Lesson given scenario by
identifying key issues and
Objectives: areas for investigation.
3. Appreciate the importance
of the statement of the
problem in both
qualitative and
quantitative research.
 •Now that you
have an approved
research topic,
Now, lets go back
and think again of
the next step is to
your research accomplish your
topic. statement of the
problem.
 Also known as the
area/domain of
inquiry /sop

1. STATEMENT an explanation in research

OF THE that describes the issue
PROBLEM that is in need of study.

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
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).
*Guides in formulating specific
questions (sub-questions)

1. Begin the research questions with the

“WHAT?” or “HOW” explanation of the
research design. (Qualitative)
2. “WHY?” implies an explanation of an
occurrence and suggests a cause-and-
effect type of thinking. (Quantitative)
3. Focus on a single phenomenon or
concept.
4. Qualitative research uses exploratory and
non-directional verbs.
The study will: discover/generate
(grounded theory); seek to understand
(ethnography); explore/ investigate the
process of (case study); describe the
experiences of (phenomenology); report/ re-
tell the stories (narrative research).
5. Quantitative research uses directional verbs such
as: affect, effect, influence, impact, cause, relation,
relate, and determine.
6. Expect research questions to evolve and change
during the study in a manner consistent with the
assumptions of the emerging design.
7. Use open-ended questions without reference to
the literature or theory unless otherwise indicated
by a qualitative strategy of inquiry.
8. Specify the participants and the research site of
the study, if the information is not yet given.
Activity 2

Directions: Analyze the given statement

of the problem and determine its
significance in qualitative and quantitative
research by identifying key verbs and
research type.
SAMPLE 1: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The purpose of this action research is to examine the
effectiveness of digitally-enhanced genre adaptation in enhancing
students' literary engagement.
Specifically, the study attempts to answer the following questions:
1. What is the level of learners’ literary engagement before and
after the implementation of digitally-enhance genre adaptation
strategy?
2. How effective is digitally-enhanced genre adaptation in
enhancing learners’ literary engagement in Filipino language
literature?
SAMPLE 2: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The objectives of this study is to examine the causal factors
influencing the family business perpetuity in the Philippines.
Hence, 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?
SAMPLE 3: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The objectives of this study is to determine the
relationship between the economic status of the family and
the social status of the junior high school students.
Hence, this study seeks answers to the following questions:
1. How does economic status of the family influence
the social status of junior students in terms of:
1.1 academic; and
1.2 peer status?
2. Is there significant relationship between the
economic status of the family and the social status of the
junior students?
3. What intervention program can be develop based on
the findings of the study?
SAMPLE 4: AREA OF INQUIRY
This study explores the lived experiences of digital
immigrant teachers who use digital technology in teaching
digital natives students
Specifically, this study examines the following:
1. What are the challenges encountered during the teaching
with the use of digital technology?
2. What are the coping strategies used to mitigate the
challenges?
3. What recommendations that can be drawn from the
results?
SAMPLE 5. DOMAIN OF INQUIRY
This research aimed to investigate the case of twins in printed-
modular learning during the pandemic.
Specifically, it aims to answer the following:
1.What are the learning styles of the twins?
2.What are the similarities and differences of the twins in
terms of:
a. academic performance; and
b. personalities?
3. How does the following affect the twins printed-modular
learning experiences?
a. Physical school as the learning environment; and
b. Home as the learning environment?
4.Is printed-modular learning effective for the twins? Why or
SAMPLE 6: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The objectives of this study is to explore the factors
influencing recurrent teenage pregnancies and challenges
confronted by these teenage mothers in the Alicia Municipality of
the Central Region of Ghana.
Hence, the study sought to explore two primary questions:
1. What are the factors influencing the occurrence of
recurrent teenage pregnancy?
2. What are the challenges faced by teenagers with
recurrent pregnancies?
SAMPLE 8: OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study aims to re-tell the experience of educationally
deprived parents and how they facilitate the learning of their
children at home, through the narration of their personal stories.
Specifically, it seeks to:
a. Uncover the experiences of parents on the pre, during,
post stages in facilitating learning; and

b. Provide recommendations to help parents make the best

of new and less unfamiliar distance learning environments
and understand their experiences as facilitators of learning
from home.
SAMPLE 9: OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this systematic literature review is to make
more coherent and categorize the tangible and intangible factors
affecting the human perception of landscape based on two main
questions:
1. What components are influential in human perception of
the landscape?
2. What categories can be considered for these factors?
SAMPLE 10: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study analyzes the masked struggles in the select
poems of Rene Eune Pueblos Ponte using the Marxist Literary
Approach.
Specifically, it investigates the following elements:
1. persona-vision-addressee
2. figures of speech
2.1 allegory;
2.2 irony; and
2.3 personification.
3. socio-class struggle in poetry vis-à-vis current
Philippine situations.
GENERALIZATION:
The statement of the problem is a crucial
component of research, as it defines the key
issues or concerns that need to be addressed.
By identifying significant problems within their
community, school, or field of study, researchers
can generate relevant research questions that
guide their investigation.
ASSIGNMENT:
DIRECTIONS:
1. Research the importance of the Background of the
Study in a research paper.
2. Write a short summary (about 1 page) explaining:
What the Background of the Study is.
Why it is important in shaping the direction of the
research.
How it helps in defining the research problem and
setting the context for the study.
LESSON 2: BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In every research paper, it is
crucial to provide an
understanding of the topic's
context, exploring the existing
knowledge, identifying gaps, and
highlighting the significance of
the research. This is where the
Background of the Study plays a
key role in setting the stage for
the research problem.
FAST TALKS
MECHANICS: I will read the following statements one by one at
a fast pace. Then, students will quickly respond with “Agree”
or “Disagree” to the statements about research.

ARE YOU READY?

“Research is important in
different fields.”

“Research is difficult and

time-consuming.”
 “Research is fun.”

“We use research in our

daily lives.”
 “Without research, new
inventions and discoveries
would not exist.”

“Anyone can do research.”

 “Research is only done by
scientists and professionals.”

“Research helps solve

real-life problems.”
 “Research is only about reading
books and collecting information.”

“We can do research even

without asking questions.”
 • Now that you have
clearly formulated a
research problem and
sop, the next step is to
Think of your accomplish the baseline
research topic of your research paper.
You must explain the
and statement of context of your study
the problem. by giving its
background.
 Also known as The Rationale /
Introduction:

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.
2. BACKGROUND
OF THE STUDY
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, global to
national, and/or national to local scene.
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:

Source: Jerry C. Perello, presented at

Learning and Development Activity for
Schools Research Committee Cum
Crafting Research Write Ups, 2019.
Example of a Background of the Study
 • Now that you have
clearly formulated a
research problem,
Once again, explain the context of
lets us go your study by giving its
back to your background, and
research created your specific
research problem, the
problem. next step is to
accomplish your
hypothesis.
 A hypothesis is a preconceived
idea, assumed to be true and
is tested for its truth or falsity.

It has two types: the null

3. HYPOTHESIS 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.
 Example of a null Example of an alternative
hypothesis hypothesis
There is no significant There is significant
difference between the difference between the
reading comprehension reading comprehension
skills of controlled group skills of controlled group
and experimental group and experimental group
before and after the before and after the
differentiated instruction. differentiated instruction.
 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.
 Exploratory research is
common in qualitative
studies but can also
include quantitative
methods, especially in
early-stage investigations.
 The significance of the study
pinpoints the benefits certain
4. SIGNIFICANCE groups of people will gain from the
OF THE STUDY findings of the study. It must start
from the most to the least
benefitted ones
 EXAMPLE:

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.
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
 ` 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.

Source: Jocelyn C. Gambas, et. al, “Effects of Verbal Bullying to the Academic Performance of Grade
9 Students in Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School, School Year 2019 – 2020” paper presented
at Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School,
 Scope and Delimitations of the
Study states the coverage of the
study.
5. SCOPE AND
DELIMITATION
It must answer the
following parameters
as much as possible:
WHAT – the topic and the variables to be included
WHY - the general objectives
WHO – the target participants
WHERE - the specific locale
WHEN - the time frame
HOW - research design, instrument and methodology
EXAMPLE:
This study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of culture-based instructional materials in
improving the reading comprehension skills of Grade 11 students in Bohol. It specifically examines
how these materials impact different levels of comprehension, including literal, inferential, and
evaluative comprehension, as defined by Barrett’s taxonomy. The study also considers gender
differences in reading performance.
The study is limited to 40 Grade 11 students identified as having low to average reading
skills in Filipino. The instructional materials used are designed based on local cultural themes, texts,
and contexts relevant to Boholano students. The study employs a pretest-posttest design,
measuring students' comprehension levels before and after exposure to the culture-based
materials.
This research does not include other grade levels or students from different provinces,
nor does it compare culture-based materials with traditional reading materials in depth.
Additionally, while gender differences are analyzed, other potential factors affecting reading
comprehension, such as socioeconomic background and prior reading habits, are not within the
scope of this study.
 A conceptual framework
serves as an outline or a
blueprint that you can follow
in doing your research.

6. CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
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.
Basically, Conceptual Framework
explain the relationships between variables.
Variable is anything that has quantity or
quality that varies in a research.

A Conceptual Framework is a
researcher’s own model explaining
relationships between variables
Step by Step
Guide on
How to
Write the
Conceptual
Framework
 It lists down and defines the key
terms as used in the study in
alphabetical order.
7. DEFINITION
OF TERMS An operational 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.
 In order to enable better understanding of
the study, the following terminologies were
operationally or conceptually defined:
Reading comprehension is the ability to
Example of understand, interpret, and analyze written text
Definition
of Terms
Reading comprehension means understanding
what you read. It is measured using a test, with
scores classified into five levels: Excellent (41-
50), Good (31-40), Average (21-30), Limited (11-
20), and Poor (0-10)."
ASSESSMENT
Activity 2
Directions: 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.
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. 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
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.

2. Where is the locale of the study?

A. Bataan

B. Dinalupihan

C. Philippines

D. Singapore
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.

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.
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.

4. Who do you think will benefit from this study?

A.Community
B.local government
C.future researchers
D.All of the above.
1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE
OF THE BACKGROUND OF
THE STUDY?
2. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO
PROVIDE HISTORICAL OR
CONTEXTUAL OVERVIEW IN THE
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY?
3. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR
THE S.O.P TO BE SPECIFIC
AND RESEARCHABLE?

4. HOW DOES A POORLY

WRITTEN S.O.P AFFECT THE
OUTCOME OF THE STUDY?
5. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN NULL AND
ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS?

6. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO
SPECIFY WHO WILL BENEFIT
FROM THE STUDY?
7. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
TO CLEARLY DEFINE THE
STUDY’S LIMITATIONS?

6. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO
SPECIFY WHO WILL BEBEFIT
FROM THE STUDY?
Thank you!