RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. Inquiries, Investigations and
Immersion
Identifying the Problem and Asking
the Questions

2. Identifying the Problem and Asking the
Questions

3. 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.

4. 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

5. A group of student-researchers from Regino Mercado Night High School intends to
conduct a study on the effectiveness of the Tobacco
Free Generation (TFG) program in Sambag-1, Cebu City. Medical doctors,
nurses and volunteers in Singapore started the said program in 2016 and
was adopted by Cebu City in the same year. TFG founder, Dr. Koong Heng
Nung, considered Cebu City as the first city 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. Cebu City
B. Sambag-1
C. Philippines
D. Singapore
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.

6. 2. 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
3. Who do you think should be the respondents of the study?
A. residents of Sambag-1
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.

7. 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.
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:

10. 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)

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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
Null: Alternative:
3. Salary and job satisfaction among the factory workers in Mariveles,
Bataan
Null: Alternative:

17. 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.

18. 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.

20. 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.
Example of Scope and Delimitation of the Study

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

24. 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.
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.

26. 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

27. 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: __________________________________________________

28. 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.
5. How will your study be conducted?
State the research design, instrument

29. 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

30. 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)

31. 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: ____________________________________________________

32. Assessment
A. R ead 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
20
2. W hy 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.
5. How will your study be
conducted? State the research
design, instrument and
methodology.

33. 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
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: ____________________________________________________
21

34. 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)
22
Issue
General Statement of the Problem
Specific Research Questions
1.
2.

35. Rubric for What’s In
Rubric for What I Have Learned
23
Criteria/
Indicators
5
Excellent/
Outstanding
3
Satisfactory
1
Needs
Improvement
Relevance and
Timeliness of the
Problem
The problem is
very timely and
relevant
The problem is
timely and
relevant
The problem is
untimely and
irrelevant
Significance of the
Problem
The problem is
highly
significant at
this point in time
The problem is
significant at
this point in time
The problem is
insignificant at
this point in time
Specificity and
Feasibility of the
Solution
The solution is
specific, clear
and doable
The solution is
slightly specific,
clear and doable
The solution is
broad, unclear
and unattainable
Criteria/
Indicators
5
Excellent/
Outstanding
3
Satisfactory
1
Needs
Improvement
Quality of answer The answer
demonstrates
full
understanding
of the concept
The answer
shows adequate
knowledge of
concept with few
details or
elaboration
The answer
shows little
knowledge of the
concept with no
detail or
elaboration
Sentence fluency Sentences are
complete and
they connect to
one another
easily
Sentences are
complete and
able to be
understood
Sentences are
incomplete or
too long and not
easily understood

36. Rubric for Assessment (B)
Rubric for Assessment (C)
24
Criteria/
Indicators
5
Excellent/
Outstanding
3
Satisfactory
1
Needs
Improvement
Appropriateness
of elements
The elements
are exactly
appropriate to
what is being
asked
The elements are
appropriate to
what is being
asked with few
misplaced details
The elements are
inappropriate to
what is being
asked with many
misplaced details
Specificity of
elements
The elements
clarify the point
of the inquiry of
the research
The elements
slightly clarify the
point of the
inquiry of the
research
The elements
make the point of
the inquiry of the
research vague
and broad
Criteria/
Indicators
5
Excellent/
Outstanding
3
Satisfactory
1
Needs
Improvement
Relevance of
research
question
The research
question is
directly relevant
to the research
problem
The research
question is
relevant to the
research problem
The research
question is
irrelevant to the
research problem
Specificity of
research
question
The research
question is clear
and specific
The research
question is clear
and specific with
few confusing
terms
The research
question is
unclear a n d
broad with many
confusing terms

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

38. References
Baraceo, Esther L. Practical Research 1. Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store,
2016.
Cristobal, Amadeo P. and Maura C. Dela Cruz. Practical Research 1 for Senior
High School. Quezon City: C& E Publishing, Inc., 2017.
Gamba, Jocelyn C. et. al. “Effects of Verbal Bullying to the Academic
Performance of Grade 9 Students in Jose C. P ayum o Jr. Memorial
High School, School Year 2019 – 2020” Paper presented at Jose C.
Payumo Jr. Memorial High School, March 17, 2020.
Goles, Alaine Marc. “Perpetuity of family-owned business in the Philippines:
A causal model.” Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of
Sto. Thomas, 2016.
Jargnagin, Maria Dolores D. “The Specificity and Feasibility of Problem
Posed.” Unpublished Learner’s Module, 2017.
Kenpro.org. “Fundamentals of applied statistics.” Last modified January 27,
2020. https://www.kenpro.org/significant- relationship-versus-
significant- difference
LinkedIn Corporation. “Identifying and Stating the Problem.” Last modified
July 5, 2020.
http://www.slideshare.net/mobile/CarlaKristinaCruz/chapter- 2-
identifying-and-stating-the-problem.
Magtanong, Jan Adams D . “Morphological Analysis of the Language of the
Netizens in Social Media.” Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Bataan
Peninsula State University – Main Campus, 2018.
Matir, Myna. Qualitative Research. 2014
Perello, Jerry C . “The Qualitative Research.” Presented at Learning and
Development Activity for Schools Research Committee Cum
Crafting Research Write Ups, Dinalupihan, Bataan, November 25,
2020.
26

39. Prieto, Nelia F., Naval, Victoria C., and Carey, Teresita G. Practical Research
2 for Senior High School. Metro Manila, Philippines: Lorimar
Publishing, Inc, 2017.
Quintos, Reyna Carolyn. “An assessment of farm-to-market road projects in
Pola, Oriental Mindoro.” Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of
Sto. Tomas, 2013.
Salcedo, Raynaldo. “Conditional Cash Transfer: An Assessment of Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s Human Capital Investment Toward
Alleviating Poverty.” 2013.
27

40. For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Region III,
Schools Division of Bataan - Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resources Management and Development Section (LRMDS)
Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan
Telefax: (047) 237-2102
Email Address: bataan@deped.gov.ph