Inquiries, Investigations

and Immersion
Quarter 3 – Module 2:
Identifying the Problem and Asking
the Questions

2
 What I Know

Identify the basic parts of a research paper described in each statement.

Choose your answers from the word bank below and write them on your
notebook.

Introduction Notes in Chapter 1 Significance of the Study

Scope and Delimitation Definition of Terms Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem Hypothesis

This part…
1. serves as the plan or the blueprint of the study.
2. includes definitions of words operationally used in the study.
3. serves as an overview of the research topic under investigation.
4. sets the parameters of the study which narrow down the scope of
inquiry.
5. states the concrete terms that a researcher expects to happen in the
study.
6. cites the benefits certain groups of persons will get from the outcome of
the study.
7. clearly expresses the specific direction or focus of the research problem
or inquiry.
8. elaborates the origin of the research problem which led to the conduct
of the study.
9. covers the general statement of the problem as well as the specific
research questions to be answered in the study.
10. gives the concepts to be covered in the study as well as its boundaries
in terms of the respondents/participants, sampling technique, locale
and the research methods to be used.

Lesson
Identifying the Problem and
3
 1 Asking the Questions
Starting a research investigation is similar to embarking on a journey. First,
you have to project a clear picture of your destination. You have already
accomplished this initial step as you have trimmed down your area of
interest into a specific research problem in the previous module. The next
step is to strategize how to arrive at the destination.

One way to strategize is to pinpoint all the factors and considerations that
may affect the route towards your goal. This module discusses these
contributing elements which will also serve as the bedrock of your study.

What’s In

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, list down three crucial concerns and
propose a solution for each. Write your answers on your notebook. (5 points
each) For example:

Problem 1 (Local): Diesel price hike

Proposed Solution: Used Cooking Oil as a Substitute for Diesel

Problem 1: Local Issue 2: National Issue 3. International Issue

Proposed
Solution

4
 Notes to the Teacher
This module will help the learners to understand the initial
parts of a research paper. For a better understanding of each
part, research samples are given which will also enable them
to write the parts accordingly.

What’s New

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.

1. Where is the locale of the study?

A. Bataan
B. Dinalupihan
C. Philippines
D. Singapore

2. What is the objective of the study in the given selection?

A. to uncover the history of the TFG program
5
 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
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.
4. Who do you think will benefit from this study?
A. community
B. local government
C. future researchers
D. All of the above.
5. Why do you think there is a need to conduct this study?
A. to gauge the status of the program
B. to see whether the program needs revision C. to measure the
compliance level of the residents
D. All of the above.

What is It

Now that you have clearly formulated a research problem, the next step is to
accomplish the baseline of your research paper. You must explain the
context of your study by giving its background. This may aid you in
identifying your specific questions for your statement of the problem as well
as your hypothesis. There is also a need to list down the beneficiaries of your
research which will be presented in the significance of the study. You must
also set the boundaries of your study by writing your scope and delimitation.
A definition of terms must also be furnished to facilitate understanding of
your study. These parts are discussed as follows:

A. The background of the study 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. 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.

6
 2. It should move from broad to specific.
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:

Discuss the topic

in general. Start Reading Skills and Its Importance

from a holistic or
world perspective.

Poor Reading Skills

Insert a condition
that is directly related to the topic and to the focus
of your study.
Identify the factors
contributing to Factors Affecting Poor Reading Skills in
General
the focus of your

study.

State the current

condition of the topic School’s Philippine Informal Reading Inventory
in your (Phil-IRI) result

school or locale.
Reason of the researcher
State the reason
why you chose to study the topic.

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

7
 Title of the Study: Nami Plant Extract as Termite Repellent

Discussion from a holistic

or world perspective.
According to Eiseman (2010) in his article which focused on
termites, termites cause less than 75-80% of damage
economically due to home, wood and crop infestation in North
America. He stated that the reason is that termites are drawn
to their food source and that makes them drawn to any type
of wood like timber, logs, firewood and other wood made
structures. He also added that termites can be harmful to
A condition related to the
topic or focus of the study

humans due to its bites that may cause any allergic reaction.
Vulcan (2017) enumerated different tips that can help in
preventing termites from eating wood and one of it is using a
treatment like Rust Oleum, a named product used to paint
wood to prevent termite’s infestation. This has been proven
effective; however, the price is relatively expensive.
On the other hand, Onwueme (2016) published an article
about an intoxicating yam named Dioscorea hispida. Yam is a
root crop which contains poisonous alkanes that are harmful
to human’s health. It can cause nausea and vomiting if its
ripe fruit is ingested in the body. Although it has toxic
content; it can be a source of food. Due to food scarcity and
famine in some parts of the Philippines, this can be an
alternative to rice given its abundance. Its toxicity can be

Factors contributing to
the focus of the study
removed once boiled.
As described by Dukar (2012), intoxicating yam is a twining
vine, arising from tuberous roots, and reaching a length of
several meters. Juice of underground stems reported to
possess narcotic properties. It is found in the Himalayas,
from Nepal to Sikkim, at altitudes up to 1500m, and also in
the tropics of Asia from South India to Taiwan, Philippines,
New Guinea.
Mat (2013) conducted a study regarding Dioscorea hispida
Dennst which is the Malaysian term for “yam.” In their
previous ethnobotanical survey carried out on the Malay
villagers in Pulau Redang, Kuala Terengganu district of
Terengganu, it was found out that Dioscorea hispida tuber is
used as food, traditional medicines to treat diabetes and
shingle infestation, for de-worming as well as fish poison. On
the other hand, the villagers of Sainnamari and Thanarbaid,
Tangail, Bangladesh had used the poisonous tuber paste of
Dioscorea as poison in hunting.
While in the Philippines, Nami or intoxicating yam was
investigated to have some insecticidal properties. In the late
Current condition in the

research of the Department of Science and Technology

research locale

(DOST), they had proven that this species of yam has various
chemical compositions that may negatively affect some
Reason of the cond

8
the study
 t of
various insects. Moreover, the seed also has some poison
mimicking cyanide intoxication.
With this being said, the researchers aim to formulate a
product with this intoxicating yam by disregarding its toxicity
and instead using it as an advantage. The researchers intend
to make a cheap, inorganic termite wood repellent.

Source: Ceejay S. Mallari, et al, “Nami Plant Extract as Termite

Repellent” paper presented at Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High
School, 2020.

B. The next part to be accomplished is the statement of the problem. Aside

from being a tool in solving dilemmas in the society, another purpose of
research is to guide people towards a better understanding of
phenomena, human behavior, human interactions and other events in
daily life. This premise indicates the importance of meticulously crafting
of the research questions as 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/Objective

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)

➢ Guidelines in formulating specific question or sub-questions:

9
 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 (grounded theory); seek to understand
(ethnography); explore the process of (case study); describe the
experiences of (phenomenology); report 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.

Example of Specific Research Questions

Title of the Study: Perpetuity of Family-owned Business in the Philippines: A Causal

Model

10
 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?

Source: Alaine Marc Goles, “Perpetuity of family-owned business in the Philippines: A causal
model” Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of Sto. Tomas, 2016.

C. A hypothesis is a preconceived idea, assumed to be true and is tested for

its truth or falsity. It has two types: the null 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 Hypothesis: Example of an Alternative

Hypothesis:
There is no significant difference
between the reading There is a significant difference
comprehension skills of between the reading
controlled group and comprehension skills of
experimental group before and controlled group and
after the differentiated experimental group before and
instruction. after the intervention
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.

11
D. The significance of the study pinpoints the benefits certain groups of
people will gain from the findings of the study. It must start from the
most to the least benefitted ones.

Example of Significance of the Study

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.

12
 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 classrooms.

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,
2020.

E. Scope and Delimitations of the Study states the coverage of the study. It
must answer the following parameters as much as possible:

What • the topic and the variables to be included

Why
• the general objectives
Where

When • the specific locale

• the time frame

13

• research design,instrument and methodology

 How

Example of Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Title of the Study: An Assessment on the Impact of Farm-to-Market Road
Projects in Pola, Oriental Mindoro

WHERE This study was conducted in six Barangays of Pola, Oriental

Mindoro, namely: Barangay Calubasanhon, Barangay Malibago, Barangay
Maluanlaun, Barangay Pahilahan, and Barangay Pula. WHO The
population considered was limited to those households who were directly
affected by the constructed INFRES farm-to-market Road Project.

WHAT AND WHY The study was concerned with (1) the impact of the
constructed INFRES Farm-to-Market Road Project on the respondents; and
(2) the relationship between construction of roads and its impact, only in
terms of the answered Household Survey Questionnaire and perception of
respondents and key officials. The condition of the respondents was to be
described also in terms of their demographic profile and other indicators
included in the Impact Assessment Household Survey Questionnaire.

HOW The study included an evaluation of the economic and social aspect
of the beneficiaries before and after the INFRES farm-to-market road
project, as well as of the respondents’ demographic profile, income and
employment, improved access, and perceived benefits after the INFRES
road was constructed. Key Informant Interview was also used to gather
data, especially unanswered items in the survey.
Source: Raynaldo Quitos, “An Assessment of Farm-to-Market Road Projects in Pola,
Oriental Mindoro” Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Sto. Tomas, 2013.

F. A conceptual framework serves as an outline or a blueprint that you can

follow in doing your research. 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. Here you show the variables that
influence your research. Variable is anything that has quantity or quality
that varies in a research. For example, if you are studying the COVID-19
outcomes, you might study home life, school and community. For school,
your variables might be learning process and quality of learning. To make

14
your conceptual framework thorough, it is encouraged to make it more
detailed.

Step by Step Guide on How to Write the Conceptual Framework

1. Choose your topic. It should be within the field of your

speci alization.

2. Do a literature review . Go over relevant and

updated studies related to your own research .
Use reliable sources of information and use
appropriate documentation .

3. Isolate the important variables . Identify the

specific variables mentioned in the literature
and show their interrelationships .

4. Generate the conceptual framework . Build

your conceptual framework using the variables
studied in the scientific articles you have read .
Your problem serves as a reference in
constructing the conceptual framework . In
effect, your study will attempt to answer a
question that other researchers have not
explained yet.

Example of a Conceptual Framework

15
 Home • relationship
Life • finance

Outcomes of • learning process

School
COVID -19 • quality of learning

• economic aspect
Community
• social interaction

G. Definition of Terms lists down and defines the key terms as used in the
study in alphabetical order. 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.

Example of Definition of Terms

In order to enable better understanding of the study, the following terminologies
were operationally or conceptually defined:

Affixation. It is a morphological method whereby a bound morpheme, an affix, is

attached to a morphological base in order to create either a different form of the
morphological base or a new word with a different definition.

Coinage. It refers to the invention or creation of a new word or phrase. In this

paper, this word may refer to any process that involves making up of new terms,
phrases and expressions that are not usually found in the dictionary.

Contrastive Analysis. Conceptually, it is the systematic investigation of a pair of

languages with the purpose of identifying differences and similarities in their
structure.

Conversion. It is the process wherein the word’s function has been transformed into
another but with no overt change in form.

Facebook. It is an online social media or social networking service that makes

easy for people to connect and share with other people.

16
 Source: Jan Adams D. Magtanong, “Morphological Analysis of the Language of the
Netizens in Social Media” Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Bataan Peninsula State University
– Main Campus, 2018.

What’s More

Formulate a null and an alternative hypothesis for each of the following. Write
your answers on your notebook. (5 points each)

For example: Taking of aspirins daily and heart attack risk

Null:
Taking aspirins daily does not affect heart attack risk. or
There is no significant relationship between taking aspirins daily and
heart attack risk.

Alternative:
Taking aspirins does affect heart attack risk. or
There is a significant relationship between taking aspirins daily and
heart attack risk.

1. Effect of temperature on plant pigmentation

Null: Alternative:

2. Effects of fertilizer on plant growth

17
Null: Alternative:

3. Salary and job satisfaction among the factory workers in Mariveles,

Bataan
Null: Alternative:

What I Have Learned

Based on the lessons discussed, answer each question in three or more

sentences. Write your answer on your notebook. (10 points each)

1. Why do we have to write the background of the study?

2. Why should we include the list of defined terms in our study?

18
3. Why do we have to set the limitations in our study?

What I Can Do

Accomplish the tasks below by following the instructions carefully. Base

your answers on your chosen research problem in the previous module.
Write your answers on your notebook.

A. Background of the Study (5 points)

Outline your background of the study by answering the following question
below. Answer in a complete sentence.

19
 1. What is the status
of your research
___________________________________ problem on a holistic,
___________________________________ national or world
___________________________________ perspective?

2. What is the
___________________________ condition that is
___________________________ directly related to the
___________________________ focus of your study?

3. What are the

____________________ factors contributing to
____________________ the focus of your
__________________ study?

_____________ 4. What is the current

_____________ status of your
__________ research problem in
your research locale?

__
5. Why did you choose
__ to study the research
_ problem?

B. Significance of the Study (5 points)

Write the title of your chosen study from the previous module.
Afterwards, identify at least four beneficiaries of your research and
specify the benefits they can get. Write your answers on your notebook.

Title of the Study: __________________________________________________

20
 BENEFITS

Beneficiary 1:
__________________

Beneficiary 2:
__________________

Beneficiary 3:
__________________

Beneficiary 4:
__________________

C. Scope and Delimitation (10 points)

Answer the following questions below to set the parameters of your study.
Write your answers on your notebook.

1. What is the topic of your study

and the variables to be included?

2. Why should your study be

conducted? State the objective.

3. Where will your study be

conducted? State the locale.

4. When will your study be

conducted? State the time frame.

21
 5. How will your study be
conducted? State the research
design, instrument and
methodology.

Assessment

A. Read the statements carefully and choose the letter of the best answer.
Write your answers on your notebook.

1. This refers to a proposed explanation for a phenomenon.

a. conceptual framework c. statement of the problem
b. significance of the study d. hypothesis

2. This is a structure that best explains the development of a study.

a. background of the study c. statement of the problem
b. conceptual framework d. hypothesis

3. This is an important part of a research paper where the key or important

terms in the study are clearly defined.
a. conceptual framework c. statement of the problem
b. significance of the study d. definition of terms

4. This provides context to the information that you are discussing in your
paper. It introduces your readers to the topic of your research.
a. background of the study c. statement of the problem
b. definition of terms d. hypothesis

5. This part explains the extent to which the research area will be explored
in the work and specifies the parameters within which the study will be
operating.
a. significance of the study c. statement of the problem
b. definition of terms d. scope and delimitation

22
B. With your chosen research problem, formulate the general objective
consistent with the pattern given by Creswell and Clark (2014). Write
your answers on your notebook. (10 points)

Research Title: ______________________________

The purpose of this ____________ (type of study) is to __________

(exploratory and non-directional verb) the ____________ (central

phenomenon of the study) of ___________ from ____________ (participants)
for the ____________ (when) to _______________________________ (purpose).

C. Develop at least two specific research questions that correspond to your

general statement of the problem. Write your answers on your notebook.
(10 points each)

Research Question 1:____________________________________________________

2: ____________________________________________________

23
 Additional Activities

Choose only one from the local, national and international issue that you
have written in What’s In. Using this, formulate a statement of the problem.
Write your answers on your notebook. (15 points)

Issue

General Statement of the Problem

Specific Research Questions

1.

2.

Rubric for What’s In

5 3 1
Criteria/ Excellent/ Satisfactory Needs
Indicators Outstanding Improvement

Relevance and The problem is The problem is The problem is

Timeliness of the very timely and timely and untimely and
Problem relevant relevant irrelevant

Significance of the The problem is The problem is The problem is

Problem highly significant at insignificant at
significant at this point in time this point in time
this point in
time
Specificity and The solution is The solution is The solution is
Feasibility of the specific, clear slightly specific, broad, unclear
Solution and doable clear and doable and unattainable

Rubric for What I Have Learned

5 3 1

24
 Criteria/ Excellent/ Satisfactory Needs
Indicators Outstanding Improvement

Quality of answer The answer The answer The answer

demonstrates shows adequate shows little
full knowledge of knowledge of the
understanding of concept with few concept with no
the concept details or detail or
elaboration elaboration
Sentence fluency Sentences are Sentences are Sentences are
complete and complete and incomplete or too
they connect to able to be long and not
one another understood easily
easily understood

25
Additional Activity
: Assessment
: What ICan Do: What I Have
Learned:
A. Thissection will be
This section will be checked by the This section will be
checked by the 1. D teacher. checked by the
2. B
teacher. teacher.
3. D
4. A
5. D
B–C
This section will be
checked by the
teacher.
What’s More
:
1. Null: There is no significant relationship between temperature and plant pigmentation.
Alternative: There is a significant relationship between temperature and plant pigmentation.
2. Null: There is nosignificant relationship between fertilizer and plant growth.
Alternative: There is a significant relationship between fertilizer and plant plant growth.
3. Null: There is no significant relationship between the salary of factory workers in Mariveles and
their job satisfaction.
Alternative: There is a significant relationship between the salary of factory workers in Mariveles
and their job satisfaction.
What’s New: What’s In: What I Know:
1. B This section will be 1. Conceptual
2. B checked by the Framework
3. A teacher. 2. Definition of
4. A Terms
5. D 3. Introduction
4. Scope and
Delimitation
5. Hypothesis
6. Significance of
the Study
7. Statement of
the Problem
8. Introduction
9. Statement of
the Problem
10. Scope and
Delimitation
Answer Key
25