Research Problem MODULE 2.C De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

Research Problem  Problem, topic, thesis subject:  A situation of concern brought into focus of concentrated study;  Identified even before the research is conducted;  The heart of the research project De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

Characteristic of a Good Problem or Topic:  Should recognize the importance of daily occurrences  Research is more than compiling, counting, and tabulating data; it involves deducting the consequences of hypothesis through careful observation and application of rigorous logic  Research is a process of testing rather than proving and it implies an objectivity De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

Characteristic of a Good Problem or Topic:  The problem must have practical value  Has a boundary line that can clearly identify the limitations  Shows the goal of the study  Is eye-catching and functional De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

Things to consider when formulating a research problem:  Must consider existing practices and contribute to the needs of the locality and region  A problem is a repetition in extension of investigation  Problems are offshoots of the study  Topic should acquaint the research through cross- section of course materials  Topic should be of manageable scale De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

External factors in selecting a research problem:  Avoidance of unnecessary duplication  Importance in the field or practical value of the problem  Special equipment needed in the conduct of the study  Availability and sources of data  Institutional and administrative cooperation De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

Internal factors in selecting a research problem:  Researcher’s interest in the problem  Time required to finish the study  Special qualification of the researcher (competency/mastery level)  Cost of investigating the problem  Hazards, penalties and hardships De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

Guidelines in Selecting Research Problems (Calderon, 1993)  Researcher’s choice and no one else  Within the interest of the researcher  Within the specialization of the researcher  Within the competency of the researcher  Within the financial capability of the researcher  Must be manageable  Must be completed within allotted time  Must be significant and relevant  Must be practical and implementable De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

Guidelines in Selecting Research Problems (Calderon, 1993)  Must be ORIGINAL  Can be delineated to fit the resources of the researcher  Must contribute to regional/national development goals  Must contribute to the funds of human knowledge  Must pave the way for possible solution to the society’s problem  Must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people  Must advocate violent change  Must have return-benefits  Must consider the hazards involved De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department

What are not Research Problems?  Problems that are only used to solve personal problems  Problems whose sole purpose is merely to compare 2 sets of data  Problems that are only answerable by yes or no  Problems that tackle ethics or moral questions  Problems that do not require mental struggles  Problems that can be solved through the use of machines like computers  Problems that involved metaphysical questions like ghosts and spirits De La Salle – Lipa College of Education Arts and Sciences Multimedia Department