St.
Mary’s Educational Institute
Ilustre Avenue, Lemery, Batangas
MODULE 5 IN PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2
September 13, 2021 – September 17, 2021
Stating the Research Problem and Formulating the Research Questions
Overview
According to Albert Einstein, “the mere formulation of a problem is far more essential
that its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise
new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle require creative
imagination and mark real advances in science. This module focuses on how to shape and craft
a statement of the problem and the common types of research questions.
Objectives
In this lesson, you are expected to:
• examine the characteristics of a good research problem;
• differentiate general problem from specific problem;
• formulate the statement of the problem; and
• differentiate the three common types of research questions in quantitative
research.
Content
Online Learning 1
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
It is also known as the research puzzle or the poblematique.
It is a formal articulation of the specific topic which you intend to address through
research.
It is usually found in the introduction chapter of a research paper or article.
In the statement of the problem, the researcher analyses the problem to which is trying to
contribute a solution through the research.
The problem itself is just one sentence, it is always accompanied by several paragraphs
that elaborate on the problem and arguments why the problem is important enough to
study.
RESEARCH QUESTION
The research question is the core of the study.
Research questions guide the literature search. They help narrowing down the scope and
focus of the literature review.
The research questions guide you on what research design to use.
They guide the researcher about what data to collect and from whom.
The research questions are important in analyzing and presenting.
They limit the scope of the study and prevent the research from going off in different
directions.
They provide a clear sense of what the research is about and what it wishes to achieve.
COMMON TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS IN QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH QUESTIONS
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Seek to objectively describe particular characteristics or attributes of a person, group,
institution, or phenomenon.
EXAMPLES:
Question: How many calories does the average American consume per day?
Variable: Daily intake of calories
Group: A sample group of 1,200 Americans, adjusted for gender, race, and generational
proportions
Question: What are the factors that influence Filipino college students to strive for academic
honors
Variable: Academic efforts
Group: A sample group of 100 students from the Top 5 Philippine universities
COMPARATIVE RESEARCH QUESTIONS
compare two or more characteristics or attributes of two or more persons, groups,
institutions, or phenomenon.
may involve comparing the similarities or differences between variables or determining
which has a greater or lesser values
EXAMPLES:
Question: Despite similar socioeconomic and political growth trajectories in the 1970s, how was
South Korea able to sustain its rise in economic development?
Dependent Variable: Economic development
Group: South Korea, Philippines
Question: Does the recent initiative of certain elementary public schools to give free lunch to its
students have an impact on the students’ academic performance?
Dependent Variable: Students’ academic performance
Group: A sample group of elementary public school students that received free lunch
A sample group of elementary public school students that did not receive free lunch
RELATIONAL RESEARCH QUESTIONS
seek to understand the relationship between two or more aspects or characteristics of
one or more persons, groups, institutions, or phenomenon
EXAMPLES:
Question: Does a Filipino’s socioeconomic class affect the likelihood of supporting the
implementation of death penalty in the country
Dependent Variable: attitude toward death penalty
Independent Variable: respondent’s socioeconomic class
Group: A sample size proportionally representative of the Philippine population
Question: What is the relationship between study time and exam scores amongst university
students?
Dependent Variable: exam scores
Independent Variable: study time
Group: university students
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Independent Learning 1
RESEARCH WORKSHOP 5
Briefly answer the following questions. (5 pts. each)
Why do we need to problematize our research problem?
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What is the difference between the statement of the problem and a research question?
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What is the difference between a descriptive and correlational research question?
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(Phase 1) Assessment Task #2 - Brainstorm and formulate at least four possible
research questions for your approved topic.
Online Learning 2
FEATURES OF GOOD PROBLEM
CLARITY
The complexity of a question can frequently hide unclear thought and lead to a confused
research process. This needs to be clear and thought-through, but it is one of the hardest
parts of the work.
SPECIFICITY
Research questions must be specific enough to be well-covered in the space available.
WELL-DEFINED SCOPE
The formulated research problem defines the scope and set limits of the problems. It
gives you boundaries to what extent your study will cover.
MEASURABILITY
In stating the problem, you identify the variables to be observed and measured.
MANAGEABLE
You need to be realistic about the scope and scale of the project.
GUIDELINES IN THE FORMULATION OF GENERAL PROBLEM AND THE SPECIFIC
PROBLEM
The problems be it general and specific should be formulated first before conducting the
research.
The major problem of the study can be stated by briefly pointing out the objectives, the
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subject and the coverage.
Specify the sub-problems of the main problems.
It is customary to state the sub-problems in interrogative form. Hence, sub-problems are
called specific questions.
Include all possible components under the sub-problems of the study.
Each specific question should be clear and unequivocal, meaning it must have only one
meaning.
You should also have advance information on the instrument to be used for data
gathering. This will help you prepare the methodology of the study.
Answer to the specific questions should contribute to the development of the whole
research study.
PROCESS OF DEVELOPING RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Identify a broad topic area that you are
interested in studying.
Select a specific research problem you want
to investigate under the topic area.
Narrow down the research problem and
capture it in a single main research question.
Break down the main research question into
sub questions.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH QUESTION
It should clarify what information needs to be gathered.
It should be empirical.
It should be complex and not terminal.
It should be relevant.
It should be practical.
Independent Learning 2
Answer Assessment Task #1.
(Phase 2) Assessment Task #2 - Brainstorm and formulate at least four possible
research questions for your approved topic.
Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment Task # 1
Read the list of main problem of research study. Out of the main problem, formulate specific
problems. Make sure that your specific problems are measurable. Formulate at least three (3)
per problem.
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1) The study wishes to determine the extent by which the structure of organization and
type of information system installed for the variance of perceived effectiveness of
management decision making.
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2) Can changes in diet and upbringing compensate for genetic abnormalities
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3) The study wishes to investigate how little pretend play among young children in many
societies makes a difference in later development.
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4) To investigate the histological effect of neem seeds extract on mouse testes.
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5) To propagate yellow corn using tissue culture.
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Assessment Task # 12
With your group mates, brainstorm and formulate at least four possible research questions
for your approved topic.
References
• Abadiano, M. N. (2016). Research in Daily Life 2: Quantitative Research
Method. Quezon City: Cronica Bookhaus.
• Baraceros, E.L. (2016). Practical Research 2. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.
• Chico, Alegria M. & Matira M. D. (2016). Practical Research for the 21st
Century Learners (Quantitative Research). Manila: St. Augustine
Publications, Inc.
• Torneo, A. R. & Torneo, H. C. (2017). An Introduction to QUANTITATIVE
Research:Practical Research 2. Quezon City: Sibs Publishing House.
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Prepared by: Checked by: Noted by:
DAISY JANE M. BRIONES Mrs. DIVINA G. AGONCILLO Dr. Randy M. Baja, FRIEdr
Subject Teacher Assistant Principal Principal
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