Chapter I
The Problem and Its Background
The Title of the Study / Research Problem
A problem is (1) any significant, perplexing and challenging situation real or
artificial, the solution of which requires reflective thinking; (2) a perplexing situation
after it has been translated into a question or series of questions that help determine the
direction of subsequent inquiry.
Identification of problem is the most fundamental part of research. Problems are
encountered everyday and because of these, researchers are often unable to identify
specific subjects of their investigation. Most of these problems involve knowledge and
skills.
Guidelines in writing the title:
1. Generally, the title is formulated before the start of the research work. It may be
revised and refined later if there is a need.
2. The title must contain the subject matter of the study, the locale of the study, the
population involved, and the period when the data were gathered or will be
gathered.
3. It must be broad enough to include all aspects of the subject matter studied or to
be studied. Hence, the title indicates what is expected to be found inside the thesis
report.
4. It must be as brief and concise as possible.
5. Avoid using the terms “An Analysis of,” “An Investigation of,” and the like. All
these things are understood to have been done or to be done when a research is
conducted.
6. If the title contains more than one line, it must be written like an inverted
pyramid, all words in capital letters, single space.
7. Although there is no fixed number as to the length of thesis title, it is suggested a
maximum of 35 to minimum of 20 words should be used for the tile.
8. All theses titles should be consistent with the curriculum or degree pursued for.
9. All titles must be:
i. Theory-based or concept-based relevant to the researcher’s major field of
specialization.
ii. Original or novel and significant in the pursuit of new knowledge; and
iii. Feasible and attainable within the time and resources available to
researcher.
Elements of a Research Problem:
The term research problem implies that an investigation, inquiry or study is to be
conducted, or that the problem is ready for investigation, inquiry or study. There are
certain elements that a problem must possess before it becomes a research problem ready
for investigation. These elements are:
1. Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation. This answers the question
“Why?” Why is there an investigation, inquiry or study?
2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated. This answers the question “What?”
What is to be investigated or studies?”
3. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted. This answers the
question “Where?” Where is the study to be conducted?
4. The period or time of the study during which the data are to be gathered. This
answers the question “When?” When is the study to be carried out?”
5. Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected. This answers the
question “Who?” or “from whom?” Who are the respondents? From who are the
data to be gathered?”
Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem or Topic:
1. The research problem or topic must be chosen by the researcher himself. This is
to avoid blaming or offering excuses for any obstacles encountered.
2. It must be within the interest of the researcher. This is to make sure that the
researcher will focus his full attention on the research work.
3. It must be within the specialization of the researcher. This will in some way make
the work easier for him because he is working on familiar grounds. Besides, this
may improve his specialization, skill, and competence in his profession.
4. It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle. The researcher must
know the method of research and other research procedures applicable to his
problem and he must know how to apply them. He must have a workable
understanding of his study.
5. It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance; otherwise he must be
able to find funding for his research. Research involves not a small amount of
expense and the researcher must be able to foot the bills until his study is
completed. There must be a budget, which he must be able to shoulder.
6. It is researchable and manageable, that is,
a. Data are available and accessible.
b. The data must meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity, and
verifiability.
c. Answers to the specific questions (subproblems) can be found.
d. The hypotheses formulated are testable, that is, they can be accepted or
rejected.
e. Equipment and instruments for research are available and can give valid
and reliable results.
7. It can be completed within a reasonable period of time unless it is a longitudinal
research, which takes a long time for its completion.
8. It is significant, important, and relevant to the present time and situation, timely,
and of current interest.
9. The results are practical and implementable.
10. It requires original, critical, and reflective thinking to solve it.
11. It can be delimited to suit the resources of the researcher but big or large enough
to be able to give significant, valid, and reliable results and generalizations.
12. It must contribute to the national development goals for the improvement of the
quality of human life.
13. It must contribute to the fund of human knowledge.
14. It must show or pave the way for the solution of the problem or problems
intended to be solved.
15. It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the people.
16. It must not advocate any change in the present order of things by means of
violence but by peaceful means.
17. There must be a return of some kind to the researcher, either one or all of the
following, if the research report is completed:
a. Monetary, either increase in salary or publication of the results in which
there is some kind of royalty.
b. Advancement of position, promotion.
c. Improved specialization, competence, and skill in professional work
especially if the research subject is related to the profession.
d. Enhanced prestige and reputation.
e. Satisfaction of intellectual curiosity and interest, and being able to
discover truth.
18. There must be a consideration of the hazards involved either, physical, social or
legal.
Introduction / Rationale of the Study / Situational Analysis
This is the first part of Chapter I. Some researchers call it background of the study
while others call it situational analysis. Both refer to the introduction of the study.
Some aspects of the background are integrated into the theoretical framework,
objectives of the study, scope and delimitation and importance of the study. Presentation
must be brief but enough to justify the need to conduct the study.
There should be a theme in writing the background of the study. The theme serves
an outline so that there is continuity of ideas. The theme is based on the important
variables of the study, their scope, nature and characteristics. Furthermore, the
presentation must be from macro to micro, sometimes known as the deductive approach
to data presentation.
The introductory statement must be eye-catching. The issues relating to the
investigation should be quoted or documented to encourage readers to read on. The study
should also be recent.
The last part of the study is a brief situational analysis to present information on
the problem and what prompts the researcher to venture into such a study. The analysis
attempts to show that the study is relevant and contributes to the existing fund of
knowledge.
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
A research study should be supported with various theories and concepts, to show
that the study is researchable on a scientific basis. The theories relative to the
investigation provide directions on undertaking the study.
The conceptual framework becomes the central theme, the focus, the main thrust
of the body. It serves as a guide in conducting the investigation.
Theories are formulated after reviewing related literature. In looking for theories,
you must be organized and logical because you are gathering data for Chapter II (review
of Related Literature) of your study.
From the review of related literature and studies, the researcher may formulate a
theoretical scheme for his research problem. This scheme is a tentative explanation or
theoretical explanation of the phenomenon or problem and serves as the basis for the
formulation of research hypothesis.
After incorporating the theories and concepts, the conceptual framework is made.
These concepts are presented in the form of a paradigm or model showing the steps or
processes to be used in the study.
A paradigm is a diagrammatic representation of a conceptual framework. It
depicts in a move vivid way what the conceptual framework wants to convey.
Variables are the conditions or characteristics that the experimenter manipulates,
controls, or observes.
Independent variables are the input variables; in descriptive research, they are not
manipulated. They are the conditions or characteristics that the experimenter manipulates
in his or her attempts to ascertain their relationship to observed phenomena. Moderator
variables are the secondary input variables, which affect or influence the independent
variable. The dependent variable is the outcome of the study. They are the conditions or
characteristics that appear, disappear, or change as the experimenter introduces, removes,
or changes independent variables.
Statement of the Problem
After the title is approved, the statement of the main problem and sub-problems of
the study may now be made.
Guidelines in formulating the general problem and the specific subproblems or specific
questions:
1. The major problem of the study can be stated by briefly pointing out the
objectives, the subject and the coverage as well as the time frame.
2. Specify the sub-problems of the main problems.
3. Include all possible components under the sub-problems of the study.
4. State the sub-problems in either interrogative or declarative form. If the study is
experimental, it is advisable to state it in the declarative form.
5. 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.
6. The statement of the problem must be brief, clear, specific and relevant.
Sources of Problems:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Actual problems encountered.
Technological changes and curricular developments.
The graduate academic experience.
Consultation.
Specialization.
Analysis of an area of knowledge.
Consideration of existing practices and needs.
Repetition or extension of investigation.
“Off-shoots” of studies under way.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a working guide in research, the expected outcome of the study/
Hypothesis is defined as an “educated guess.” Hypotheses are based on the statement of
the problem and sub-problems. The number of sub-problems is also the number of
hypotheses in the study.
A hypothesis is a suggested answer to the problem. It may be defined as an
expectation about events based on generalizations of the assumed relationship between
variables.
A hypothesis has the following characteristics:
1. It should conjuncture upon a relationship between two or more variables.
2. It should be stated clearly and unambiguously in the form of a declarative
sentence.
3. It should be testable, that is, it should be possible to restate it in an operational
form, which can then be evaluated based on data.
Types of Hypothesis:
Null hypothesis. The use of the null hypothesis has become more common in
research whether it be psychological, social, or educational. The reason for the use of the
null hypothesis by researchers is that it is easier to disprove. In using a null hypothesis,
one assumes that no significant relationship or difference exists, after which the
researcher seeks to ascertain the improbability of such null hypothesis.
Alternative (or deductive) Hypothesis is considered the operational statement of
the research hypothesis. Another type of hypothesis is the inductive hypothesis, which is
based on observations of behavior.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
There are two important matters to consider in Chapter I – the Scope and
Limitations of the Study. Scope of the study answers the “what,” “where,” “when,”
“who,” and “why” of the study. Sevilla, et. Al., (1992) states that the scope of the study
sets the delimitation and establishes the boundaries of the study.
Limitations of the study include the weaknesses of the study beyond the control of
the researcher. Limitation of the study points out the variables not included. It discusses
the reasons for excluding them in the investigation. Although research should consider all
related variables and problems for comprehensiveness, we cannot include them all for the
following reasons:
a. The study appears too vague. There is a tendency to lose or de-emphasize
the main objective of the study.
b. When the coverage of the study is very broad.
c. A thesis or dissertation is a partial requirement for a degree. When it is not
accomplished within a given period, it can delay graduation.
Guidelines in writing the scope and delimitations:
1. A brief statement of the general purpose of the study.
2. The subject matter and topics studied and discussed.
3. The locale of the study, where the data were gathered or the entity to which the
data belong.
4. The population or universe from which the respondents were selected. This must
be large enough to make generalizations significant.
5. The period of the study. This is the time, either months or years, during which the
data were gathered.
Definition of Terms
There are two ways of defining terms – the operational and conceptual.
Operational definition of terms is when a researcher defines the terms as he uses
them in the study. They can be defined according to the variables included in the
instrument of the study.
Conceptual definitions is mostly concerned with attributing authorities like
books, magazines, etc., including unpublished materials. Terms are usually quoted by a
researcher.
Technical studies usually define terms as an explanatory device.
Guidelines in defining terms:
1. Only terms, words, or phrases, which have special or unique meaning in the
study, are defined.
2. Terms should be defined operationally, that is, they are used in the study.
3. The researcher may develop his own definition from the characteristics of the
term defined.
4. Definitions may be taken from encyclopedias, books, magazines, and newspaper
articles, dictionaries, and other publications but the researcher must acknowledge
his sources. (Conceptual or theoretical definitions)
5. Definitions should be as brief, clear, and unequivocal as possible.
6. Acronyms should always be spelled out fully especially if it is not commonly
known or if it is used for the first time.
Significance of the Study
There is a need to specify the direct beneficiaries of the study. Just like in the
scope and delimitation of the study, its importance shall be pointed out especially to
the end users to serve as a guide in identifying its value.
In making the importance of the study, the macro to micro, or from general to
specific approach, is ideal.
Guidelines in explaining the significance of the study
1. The rationale, timeliness, and/or relevance of the study must be discussed.
2. Possible solutions to existing problems or improvements to unsatisfactory
conditions.
3. Who are to be benefited and how they are going to be benefited. It must be shown
who are the individuals, groups, or communities who may be placed in a more
advantageous position on account of the study.
4. Possible contribution to the fund of knowledge.
5. Possible implications. It must be discussed here that the implications include the
possible causes of the problems discovered, the possible effects of the problems,
and the remedial measures to solve the problems. Implications also include good
points of a system, which ought to be continued or to be improved if possible.