RESEARCH PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESIS

Majority of the thesis and dissertation writers find difficulty in looking for a researchable
problem. Once they have found a researchable problem, they still find difficulty in stating the specific
research problem and formulating the hypothesis.

Thesis and dissertation writers should know how to choose a researchable problem.

RESEARCH PROBLEM

FIVE factors to consider to find out if a problem is researchable:

First, the problem is existing in the locality or country but no known solution to the problem.

Second, the solution to the problem can be answered using statistical methods and techniques.

Third, there are probable solutions but not yet tested.

Fourth, the occurrence of the phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at precise
solution.

Fifth, it is a serious need or problem of the people that demands research.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

• SMART: SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, REALISTIC, AND TIME BOUND

SPECIFIC

The problem should be specifically stated.

REALISTIC

Real results are attained because they are gathered scientifically and not maneuvered.

TIME-BOUND

Time frame is necessary in every activity because the shorter the completion of the activity, the better.

ACHIEVABLE

The data are achievable by using correct statistical tools to arrive at exact results.

• SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. SPECIALIZATION

2. EXISTING AND PAST RESEARCHES.

3. THESES, DISSERTATIONS, AND RESEARCH JOURNALS.

4. PEOBLEMS SET

5. CREATIVE IDEAS OF THE RESEARCHER.

SPECIALIZATION

If the researcher’s forte is food technology, he may investigate the acceptability, salability, and
profitability of butterscotch with and without seaweed.

EXISTING AND PAST RESEARCHES

Existing and past researches are rich sources of research problems for descriptive research even for
research replication using the same research instrument but administered to different groups of
subjects and different areas.

THESES, DISSERTATION, AND RESEARCH JOURNALS

Thesis and dissertation writers recommend problems related to the study for future research.

CREATIVE IDEAS OF THE RESEARCHER

Creative ideas of the researcher are good sources of research problem.

• CRITERIA OF A GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM

1. INTERESTING

2. RELEVANT TO GOVERNMENT’ S THRUST

3. RELEVANT TO THE NEEDS AND PROBLEMS OF THE PEOPLE

4. INNOVATIVE

5. COST-EFFECTIVE

6. INVENTIVE

7. RETURN ON INVESTMENT

8. ORIGINAL

9. MEASURABLE

10. TIME-BOUND

INTERESTING

A good research problem is interesting. It attracts the attention of the researcher so that he finds
research work easy and comfortable.
RELEVANT TO GOVERNMENT’S THRUST

A good research problem must respond to the government’s thrust.

RELEVANT TO THE NEEDS AND PROBLEMS OF THE PEOPLE

Researcher must keep in mind that he conducts research not for his own needs and problems,
but to solve the needs and problems of other people.

INNOVATIVE

A good research problem is new in order to attract the attention of the people and can be
patented.

COST-EFFECTIVE

A good research problem must be economical and effective.

INVENTIVE

An inventive good research problem is new and unique, in that research outputs respond to the
socioeconomic needs of the country.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

The output of a good research problem has return on investment in order to respond to the
socioeconomic needs of the country.

ORIGINAL

An original and good research problem is the first of its kind in the world.

MEASURABLE

A good research problem is measurable.

TIME-BOUND

A good research problem can be completed within the time frame allotted.

• HYPOTHESIS

HYPOTHESIS is defined as wise guess that is formulated and temporarily adopted to explain the
observed facts covered by the study (Calmorin 2010).

HYPOTHESIS guides the researcher to describe the procedure to follow in conducting the study.
 HYPOTHESIS is important because it tells the researcher what to and how to go about solving
the research problem.

• TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS

1. NULL HYPOTHESIS,

2. ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS,

• NULL HYPOTHESIS,

Null hypothesis is a type of a denial of existence of a trait, characteristics, quality, value,

correlation, or difference of the result. It is always stated in negative form. The variables are equal;
hence, the difference is zero (0). The symbol of null hypothesis is because all variables are equal. For
instance,

: ̅ ̅ = 0 (two variables)

: = = = 0 (three variables)

After the specific problems of the research paper, thesis, or dissertation, the hypothesis is
formulated. The null hypothesis ( ), which is commonly used, is based on specific research problems.

• Rejection and Acceptance of Hypothesis

The null hypothesis ( ) is rejected if the computed value (CV) is significant. If the CV is equal to
or greater than the tabular value (TV) or critical value, the result is significant. Hence the null hypothesis
is rejected.

The null hypothesis ( ) is accepted if the computed value is insignificant. If the CV is lesser than
the TV or critical value, the result is insignificant. Thus, the null hypothesis is accepted.

If

If

• ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS

Alternative Hypothesis is the type of hypothesis which affirms of the existence of observed
phenomena and is the opposite of the null hypothesis because the former is stated in positive form.

• THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
 Thesis writers and dissertation writers are advised to used either a theoretical or a conceptual
framework. Though both theoretical and conceptual frameworks give transparent explanation about
relationships of variables, it is necessary that an investigation has a theoretical framework to properly
describe the relationships of variables.

• THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The theoretical framework shapes the justification of the research problems in order to provide
the legal basis for defining their parameters. It is advisable for a researcher to identify key concepts that
are used in the study for better comprehension of the role of theory in research.

• CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The conceptual framework presents specific and well-defined concepts, which are called
constructs. Its function is similar to the theoretical framework because the constraints used are derived
from abstract concepts of the theoretical framework.

• ASSUMPTIONS

Assumptions are presumed as true statements of facts related to the research problem. They
are explicitly stated to give readers of research papers, theses, dissertations, or research projects a
foundation to form conclusions resulting from assumptions.

• SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Significance of the study in a research paper, thesis, dissertations, or research project is a must.
For a research paper seeking for financial assistance from other agencies, the significance of the study is
discussed comprehensively to convince the screening committee on the importance of study.

The significance of the study is presented with either an inductive or a deductive perspective.

• The researcher should prove that the study has important contributions in relation to:

a. Solving the problem and need

b. Bridging a knowledge gap

c. Improving social, economic, and health conditions of the people

d. Enriching research instruments, methods, and strategies

e. Supporting government thrusts

• SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

 Scope and Limitations of the Study is an important section of a research paper, thesis, or
dissertation. This includes the coverage of the study, the subjects, the research instruments or research
apparatus and equipment, the research issues and concerns, the duration of the study, and the
constraints that have direct bearing on the results of the study.

• There are two ways of defining the key terms used in the study. These are:

• CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION

The definition of terms is based on concepts of or is hypothetical. The definitions are usually
taken from dictionaries, encyclopedias, and published journals and books.

• OPERATIONAL DEFINITION

The definition of terms is based on observable characteristics and how it is used in the study.