PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

Quarter 1- Module 3:
Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Practical Research 1 – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1– Module 3: Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem
First Edition, 2020

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11
 Practical Research 1
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem

This instructional material was collaboratively developed and

reviewed by educators from public and private schools, colleges, and
or/universities. We encourage teachers and other education stakeholders to
email their feedback, comments, and recommendations to the Department of
Education at action@deped.gov.ph.

We value your feedback and recommendations.

 INTRODUCTORY MESSAGE
It is our desire that this module on Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research will
provide you with a general understanding of how to conduct practical qualitative research
and possibly even encourage you to undertake a study that may have been thinking about
doing.
Research is a delightful way to discover valuable learning and skills. Through this
subject, you help develop your abilities in establishing connections, listening, writing, and
observing which the primary elements are needed in the qualitative research process. You
will find out how to conduct practical researches that you can apply in your specific track.
Often, when we find out that we are going to engage in research, we immediately worry and
put on a skeptical face. It is our goal to replace that worry with excitement, skepticism with
confidence. You will discover how much fun it is to do research as we eagerly learn new
things and develop a new and better perspective about research.
The twenty-first century learning allows you to discover, to improvise, and to interact,
using research as a tool to expand your knowledge and skills. With this module on Practical
Research 1, we hope that you will be able to nurture yourself to be active, creative, and
collaborative researchers.

How to learn from this module

1. In order to achieve the objectives of this module, here’s a simple guide for you:
2. Read and follow instructions carefully.
3. Answer the pretest before going through the lessons.
4. Take note and record points for clarification.
5. Compare your answers against the key to answers found at the end of the module.
6. Do the activities and fully understand each lesson.
7. Answer the self-check to monitor what you learned in each lesson.
8. Answer the posttest after you have gone over all the lessons.

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pages

MODULE 3 IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM

Learning Objectives 1

Pretest 2
Lesson 1 The Subject Matter of the Research
I. What is a Research Topic 4
II. Rules in Choosing a Research Topic 5
III. Research Topic to be Avoided 6
IV. Sources of Research Topic 7
Post test 11

Pretest 14
Lesson 2 The Research Problem and Research Question
I. An Overview of the Research Problem and 15
Research Question
A. Background of the Study 17
B. Statement of the Problem 18
C. Scope and Delimitation of Study 19
D. Significance of the Study 21
II. Presenting Written Statement of the Problem 22
Post test 33

iv
 What I need to know

Did you know that parachutes function only when opened? In the same
manner your minds work when unlocked. Research study is like you are planning to
travel to a place you have not been to and the question is where and how do you
start. ? Where should you start a research? How do you choose a topic? What far
will it go and who will benefit from it. In research, you are inclining to think in various
stages that sorts out from the simplest to the most intricate thoughts. You are
beginning to perform what you want to research intending to know a new subject into
higher levels of thinking as you go through the several conditions. The quality of
thinking and devotion you give to your actions of choosing your research, identifying
question, knowing the coverage and the significance of your research study strongly
determined the success of your research work.

This module will assist you in understanding the following lessons:

Lesson 1 Subject Matter of the Research

Lesson 2 Research Problems and Research Questions

Learning Objectives
After going through this module, you are expected to be able to:

1. design a research project related to the daily life

2. write a research title
3. describe the reasons for conducting the research
4. state research questions
5. indicate scope and delimitation of research
6. cite the benefits and beneficiaries of research
7. present written statement of the problem

1
 What I know

Direction: Identify how a research project is described on the following statements.

Encircle the letter of the correct answer

1. A business student plans a research project of an online business. Due to its

limited information (the title) on the nature of the business, which one of these best
applies to the idea?
a. It is too broad.
b. It is a highly technical subject.
c. It has an acceptable method.
d. It has an acceptable purpose.
2. What is the main advantage of producing a written research project?
a. Helps with liability.
b. Helps the society.
c. Informs all interested parties.
d. Helps keep people employed.
3. Good research proposals will always:
a. focus on the written style.
b. provides respondent names and addresses.
c. consider all possible research previously been done on the topic.
d. focus on addressing the research objectives.
4. What is the reason for consulting handbooks, yearbooks, encyclopedias, or
reviews in the initial stages of identifying a research topic?
a. They are readily available.
b. They provide an overview of the issues related to a topic.
c. They are primary sources.
d. They avoid reporting statistical data to interpret the results more readily.
5. Which of the following are excellent sources for research topics?
a. Theory
b. Personal experience
c. Replication of prior research
d. All of the above
6. Mr. Santos identified his research topic as "classroom assessment." He
recognized very quickly his topic was far too broad. Which of the following is likely to
have led to that conclusion?
a. There was far too much written on the topic to understand it all.
b. It was difficult to organize the material collected in an effective manner.
c. The potential problems he began thinking would be next to impossible to
study.
d. All of the above.
7. What is a research project?
a. A way of conducting research that is not grounded in theory.
b. A choice between using qualitative or quantitative methods.
c. A style in which you present your research findings, e.g. a graph.
d. A framework for every stage of the collection and analysis of data.

2
8. Which of these would be assured by you when selecting factors for a study in
general?
a. They have been investigated before
b. They are available to investigate
c. They are not of interest to you
d. They do not lead to another question
9. Which of the following is a good way to find a research topic?
a. Personal experience
b. Getting an idea from your advisor
c. Looking for the next step in the research process
d. All of the above
10. What is not true of a research title?
a. Read the most, and it is usually read first
b. Least important element that defines the research problem.
c. Contains few words that describe the purpose of the research
d. All of the above

___________________
1
This set of questions presented in the pre-test are extracted from an online link
https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch.html /Copyright © 1995-2010, Pearson
Education, Inc

3
 Lesso
n The Subject Matter of the Research
1
Developing a good research topic may not be easy for you but it is an
important skill. Your teacher may assign you a particular topic but often requires you
to choose a topic that interests you .In this lesson you are given the guidelines in
choosing a topic when you begin your research work. These pointers will guide you
in selecting a good topic. Other factors affecting in choosing and writing your
research are topics that need to be avoided this will help you focus clearly on your
subjects. Likewise the sources of information are important for you to know where
your research topic may come from.

What’s in?
(
In the previous lesson, you learned to illustrate the importance of qualitative
research across fields of inquiry .Research can be conducted in any field of
knowledge .Whatever field you belong you can freely choose the basic research
approaches either the scientific ,naturalistic or mixed. The areas of disciplines that
are classified into soft and hard sciences assist you to understand where you really
fit. These will guide you into this next learning of designing a research project and
writing a research title.

What’s New?

I. What is a Research Title1?

1. The most important element that defines the research problem.

2. It is usually read first and the most read part of the research.
3. It contains the least words enough to describe the contents and the purpose
of your research paper.
4. It can be revised any and many times as the research develops and reach its
final phase. It becomes final on its final defence before the panel of judges.
____________________

4
1
For more information about what is a research title see Abdullah, S.N. (2018) .Practical Research 1: Qualitative
Research [PowerPoint slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt.

 Elements of a Research Title

The research title does not need to be entertaining but informative.

A part of a research title has the following information:

1. The subject matter or topic to be investigated. (“What?”)
2. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted. (“Where?”)
3. The population like the respondents’ interviewees. (“Who”?)
4. The time period of the study during which the data are to be collected.
(“When”?)

Example:

Subject matter: The teaching of English

Place or locale: in the high schools of Province A
Time period: during the school year 1989-1990
Population: as perceived by teachers and students

Subject matter: The effects of the use of cell phones on the academic
performance
Population to senior high school students
Place or locale: at Department of Education
Time period: during the first semester, school year 2018-2019

II. Rules in Choosing a Research Topic 1

1. Interest in the subject matter. Interest in a subject drives you to research,

investigate, or inquire about it with full motivation, enthusiasm, and energy.

2. Availability of information. Information will serve as evidence to support your

claims about your subject matter from varied forms of literature like books, journals,
and newspapers, among others, is a part and parcel of any research work.

What to include in the investigation of the available materials?

a. Update and authority of the materials.
b. Copyright dates of the materials? Are they new or old?
c. Expert or qualification of the writers of reading materials about your topic

5
____________________
1
For more information about rules in choosing a research topic see Barbour, R. (2014). Introducing Qualitative
Research: A Student Guide. Los Angeles: Sage Pub.USA.

3. Timeliness and relevance of the topic.

How relevant is the topic?

a. It yields results that are useful in society
b. Related to the present. (Except for pure or historical research)

4. Limitations on the subject. Connect your choice with course requirements. You
need to decide on one topic to
finish your course.

5. Personal resources. Do an assessment on your research abilities in terms of your

financial standing, health condition, mental capacity, needed facilities, and time
schedule to enable you to complete your research. You have to raise an amount of
money needed to spend on questionnaire printing and interview trips.

III. Research Topics to be avoided 1

1. Controversial topics.
It depends more on the writer’s opinion leading to biases. Facts cannot support
this topic.

2. Highly technical subjects.

Not advisable for beginners as these topics require an advanced study, technical
knowledge, and skills.

3. Hard-to-investigate subjects.
Happens if there are no available reading materials about it and if such materials are
not up-to-date.

4. Too broad subjects.

It prevents you from to focus on the subject matter of the paper.
Narrow down or limit the subject to eliminate the problem.

5. Too narrow subjects.

Subjects that are so limited where an extensive searching is necessary.

6. Vague subjects.
Titles beginning with indefinite adjectives such as several, many, some, etc., as in
“Some Remarkable Traits of a Filipino” or “Several People’s Comments on the RH
Law,” are vague enough to decrease the readers’ interests and curiosity.

____________________

6
1
For more information about rules in choosing a research topic see Baraceros, E.L. (2016).Practical
Research’s .Ist ed. Rex Bookstore. Manila

IV. Sources of Research Topics1

1. Mass media communication – press (newspapers, ads, TV, radio, films, etc.)

2. Books, Internet, peer-reviewed journals, government publications

3. Professional periodicals like College English Language Teaching Forum, English

Forum, the Economist, Academia, Business Circle, Law Review, etc.

4. General periodicals such as Readers’ Digest, Women’s Magazine, Panorama

Magazine, Time Magazine, World Mission Magazine, etc.

5. Previous reading assignments in your other subjects

6. Work experience – clues to a researchable topic from full-time or part-time jobs,

OJT (on-the-job training) experience, fieldwork, etc.

Activity 1: Question and Answer

Directions: Answer the questions in 3-5 sentences only. Write your answers on the
space provided.

1. What are the rules in choosing a research topic?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. What are those topics to avoid in preventing you to have a clear focus on your
research paper?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

7
____________________
1
For more information about sources of research topic s see: Silverman, D. 2013. Doing Qualitative
Research. 4th ed. London: Sage Pub.USA.

3. Where can you find sources of research topics to create ideas of selecting a good
subject matter?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What is it?

Discussion of Activity 1
You just learned the rules in choosing a research subject. These includes topics
to be avoided and the sources of where to search.
1. What topics you find most relevant in your daily life potential to research? Cite
two issues.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

2. How about a writing a good research title? Present (1) one good example of a
research title and (1) NOT so good title. Describe each.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

8
 What’s more?

Narrowing Your Topic

Given the following broad topics for research, select one topic of your choice and
narrow or limit the topic to make it specific. Use the narrowing chart to fill in the topic.

Topics to choose:
1. Climate Change
2. Social Networking
3. Communication Skills
4. Medicinal Plants
5. Cultural Beliefs
Example: Topic Chocolate

Topic Chocolate

Sub-Topics History of chocolate, making of

chocolate, health aspects of chocolate,
chocolate addictions, brands of
chocolate

What sub-topics are of most interest to Health aspects of chocolate.

you?

What new questions do you have about Are there health benefits to eating
your topic? chocolate? Can chocolate boost your
mood? Is chocolate addictive?

Develop a topic statement I will explore the health benefits of

eating chocolate, specifically focusing
on how chocolate affects moods and
brain chemistry.

Narrowing Chart

Topic

Sub-Topics

What sub-topics are of most interest to

9
 you?

What new questions do you have about

your topic?

Develop a topic statement

What I have learned

Think of this statement: A good research is seen in the way its topic is outlined.
When you choose topics for your research, you have to think about the reasons why
you identified those topics.
How will you write a good research topic?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What I can do

Recall or search on the following as a research topic:

a. Essays or reflections you have written from past classes and other activities
you have taken or a lecture you have attended
b. Life experiences
c. Issues or problems observed in your surroundings

Thinking back, what subject matter most interesting to you?

10
Propose a title out of the above research topics. Write your title on the spaces
provided. (Save the titles for the additional activity to be done)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Additional Activity

From the topics or titles you had saved, browse through some current articles that
relates to the subject matter that interest you to research. Read and summarize the
topic using the narrowing chart on page 9 of this lesson. It is important that you save
this task for your next lesson.

Assessment

Direction: Identify how a research project is described on the following statements.

Encircle the letter of the correct answer

1. Which of the following is a good way to find a research topic?

a. Personal experience
b. Getting an idea from your advisor
c. Looking for the next step in the research process
d. All of the above
2. What is a not true of a research title?
a. Read the most, and it is usually read first
b. Least important element that defines the research problem.
c. Contains few words that describe the purpose of the research
d. All of the above

11
3. What is the reason for consulting handbooks, yearbooks, encyclopedias, or
reviews in the initial stages of identifying a research topic?
a. They are readily available.
b. They provide an overview of the issues related to a topic.
c. They are primary sources.
d. They avoid reporting statistical data to interpret the results more readily.
4. Which of the following are excellent sources for research topics?
a. Theory
b. Personal experience
c. Replication of prior research
d. All of the above
5. Mr. Santos identified his research topic as "classroom assessment." He
recognized very quickly his topic was far too broad. Which of the following is likely to
have led to that conclusion?
a. There was far too much written on the topic to understand it all.
b. It was difficult to organize the material collected in an effective manner.
c. The potential problems he began thinking would be next to impossible to
study.
d. All of the above.
6. What is a research project?
a. A way of conducting research that is not grounded in theory.
b. A choice between using qualitative or quantitative methods.
c. A style in which you present your research findings, e.g. a graph.
d. A framework for every stage of the collection and analysis of data.
7. Which of these would be assured by you when selecting factors for a study in
general?
a. They have been investigated before
b. They are available to investigate
c. They are not of interest to you
d. They do not lead to another question
8. A business student plans a research project; it is called a description of an online
business. On the limited information (the title), which one of these best applies to the
idea?
a. It is too broad.
b. It is a highly technical subject.
c. It has an acceptable method.
d. It has an acceptable purpose.
9. What is the main advantage of producing a written research project?
a. Helps with liability.
b. Helps the society.
c. Informs all interested parties.
d. Helps keep people employed.

___________________
1
This set of questions presented in the post-test are extracted from an online link
https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch.html /Copyright © 1995-2010, Pearson
Education, Inc

12
10. Good research proposals will always:
a. Focus on the written style.
b. Provides respondent names and addresses.
c. Consider all possible research previously been done on the topic.
d. Focus on addressing the research objectives.
d. They do not lead to another question

___________________
1
This set of questions presented in the post-test are extracted from an online link
https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch.html /Copyright © 1995-2010, Pearson
Education, Inc

13
REFERENCES

Abdullah, S.N. (2018) .Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint

slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Babbie, E. (2014).The Basics of Social Research. 6th ed. Wadsworth-Cengage

Learning.USA.

Barbour, R. (2014). Introducing Qualitative Research: A Student Guide. Los Angeles:

Sage.

Calmorin, L.P. (2016).Research and Thesis Writing with Statistics and Computer
Application .Rev.ed.Rex Book Store.Manila

Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016). Practical Research 1 for Senior High
School .Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc.Quezon City.

Accessed in June 2020

https://wps.prenhall.com/chet_airasian_edresearch_7/5/1488/380982.cw/index.html

https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch_1/209/53534/13704779.cw/index.
html /Copyright © 1995-2010, Pearson Education, Inc.

Key Answer

Pretest

1. b 2.a 3.c 4.b 5.b 6.d 7.a 8.b 9.d 10.b

Post test

1. d 2.b 3.b 4.d 5.d 6.a 7.b 8.b 9.a 10.c

14
 What I know

Direction:
Read the following statements. Answer TRUE if the statement describes a
research, FALSE if you think it is not. Write your answers on the blank spaces
provided.

________ 1.Research question come from any of several sources namely,

personal interest and experiences.

________2. The research question should be either too broad or too narrow.

________3. The objective of the research is sometimes referred to as delimitations

of the study.

_________4. Scope and Delimitation or research indicates the boundaries,

exceptions, reservation and qualification in your study.

________5. Objectives of the research indicate what will the research will do, for
instance, discover, explain or seek.

________6. The rationale of the study gives the reasons why the study should be
conducted.

________7. The starting point in any research project is to formulate a question.

________8. The researcher's own personal interests and observations may be a

valuable source of questions.

________9. Theories of other researchers are not a particularly good source of

research questions.

________10.Successful research often raises new questions, even while it answers

old questions.

________11.A research question transforms into your conclusion.

________12.You should never consider matching your interest to a funder interest.

___________________
1
This set of questions presented in the pre-test are extracted from an online link
https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch.html /Copyright © 1995-2010, Pearson
Education, Inc

15
________13.A problem statement identifies the nature of the problem being
addressed, and its context and significance.

________14. The "purpose" of a study is the same thing as the "objective" of a

study.
________15. The "specific aims" of a study are the same thing as the "objectives" of
a study.

___________________
1
This set of questions presented in the pre-test are extracted from an online link
https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch.html /Copyright © 1995-2010, Pearson
Education, Inc

16
 Lesso The Research Problem and
n Research Question
2
Having a problem makes you anxious that pushes you to exert efforts on
finding a solution. There will be doubts that you are uncertain of your solutions thus
conducting a research is the best thing to do. Doing a research always begins with a
problem which points you to a topic to look out. Getting the background and
establishing your research question that causes the problem is a hint to start
knowing what your problem is all about In this lesson you have to study the concept
of research problems and research questions including its scope and delimitation,
cite the significance

What’s in?
(
In the previous lesson, you learned to how to choose research topics and
write a title. Following those rules and what to avoid had guide you to create a good
topic for your research. You have the sources of research topics which you can use
to find a researchable topic. Even your work experiences can be a clue to a research
topic which relates to daily life situations.

What’s New?

I.An Overview of the Research Problem and Research Question

Chapter I of the research paper is called The Problem and Its Background
(sometimes also called The Introduction)

 It is composed of the following sections:

1) Background of the Study,
2) Statement of the Problem,
3) Scope and Delimitation, and
4) Significance of the Study.

17
Others have sections such as Objectives of the Study, Hypotheses but these will not
be considered in this lesson

What is a research problem?

 The Research Problem (According to Calderon & Gonzales,1993)

A problem is “any significant, perplexing, and challenging situation, real or artificial,

the solution of which requires reflexive thinking”. In research, it is known as the
research topic or research title.

An illustration showing the description between a research topic, research problem,

purpose statement and research question.

General
A research topic is the Topic: Distance Learning
broad subject matter
of the study
Research Problem:
A research problem is
a general issue or Lack of learners knowledge
concern about the about distance in distance
research that narrow education .
the topic.

A purpose of the study Purpose Statement:

used to address the
problem.
A research question
narrows the purpose
into specific questions
that the researcher
would like to answer
in the study
Specific
To study why learners do not
attend distance education
classes in a community college
Research Questions:
Does the use of website
technology in the classroom
deter learners from enrolling in a
distant education class?

18
A. Background of the Study

 Purpose of background of the study

a. The general definition of the topic/problem area

b. Historical basis for the existence of the problem
c. Efforts made towards addressing similar challenges
d. How the efforts failed to be realized hence the need for your study

 Contents of the background of the study:

a. Presentation of the problem. Describe the existence of an unsatisfactory

condition or a problem that needs a solution.

b. Historical background of the problem - Give the historical background of the

problem, if applicable.

c. Geographical conditions of the study locale - If applicable, describe the

geographical location of the study.

d. Rationale of the study - Give the reason(s) why the study should be conducted.

Example:

In 2004, the researcher migrated to the Philippines to accompany her spouse

who was at the time studying at the Adventist Institute for International Advanced
Studies (AIIAS) in Silang, Cavite. They discovered the study opportunities and
were motivated by the quality of education and low school fees being offered.
They visited several colleges and universities to collect pamphlets and sent them
back to Vanuatu for educational awareness. The Ni-Vanuatus became aware
and decided to send students to study in the Philippines. The first two schools to
receive Vanuatu students were AMA Computer College in Dasmariñas, Cavite
and Air Link Aviation College in Paranaque City. The researcher came to know
Cavite State University (CvSU) in 2009 and transferred from AMA.
(Ngwele, March 2011)

19
 1
 The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Research Background Study

Do‘s! Don’ts!
 Explain the importance of your o Write a background that is too
research topic long or short
 Talk about the main o Be ambiguous in your writing,
developments and missing disorganized and discuss
links and gaps in your research unrelated subjects.
area
 Focus on the relevant aspects o Forget the reader may not be
of your study explaining how it familiar with the details of your
will lead to the progress of work.
scientific knowledge.
 Engage your findings in a o Elaborate on your background
chronological findings literature
 Articulate your ideas in a clear o Forget to provide a historical
and concise manner perspective
 Engage the readers by building o Forget to check your target
a story around the central journal’s instruction for
theme of your research presenting the study background

B.Statement of the Problem

(Purpose Statement and Research Questions)

A series of questions used in researching the topic.

It is composed of
1. The general statement of the problem (the purpose statement) and
2. The specific sub-problems or sub-questions (or research questions).

 Guidelines in Writing the Statement of the Problem

(According to Calderon & Gonzales,1993)

1. The general statement of the problem and the research questions should be
formulated first before conducting the research.

2. Research questions should be stated in the interrogative and each should be clear
to avoid confusion.

3 Each research question should be researchable separately from the other

questions and must be based upon known facts and phenomena which is accessible
to the researcher.

20
____________________
1
For more information about do’s and don’ts of writing a research background study, see online link
on www.editage.com/insights/8-dos-and-8-donts-of-writing-an-engaging-study-background

4. Answers to each research question can be interpreted apart from the answers to
the other specific questions and must contribute to the development of the whole
research study.

8. The summary of the answers to all the specific questions will give a complete
development of the entire study.

9. The number of research questions should be enough to cover the development of

the whole research study.

Example:

This research aims to develop an evaluation model of a web-based tool used in

test administration for Grade 11 and 12 students. (Leanillo, 2016)

Specifically it aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the commonly used web-based tools used in test administration?
2. How are these web-based test tools evaluated?
3. How could evaluation model be designed for web-based test administration?
IV.Sco and Delimitation of Research

C.Scope and Delimitation of the Study1

 Scope of a Study

It is the coverage of the research to be explored which includes the facts and
theories about the subject

Example:

A research study on the impact of social networking on the attitude of senior high
school learners.

It is not possible to cover all aspects of the selected subject. The scope will have to
be restricted to a specific section of the target population over a specified duration.

In the above-cited study, a group of 40 learners in senior high school at one

particular school would be an ideal coverage to study their attitude for five months.

21
____________________
1
For more information about scope and delimitation of the study see Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016).
Practical Research 1 for Senior High School. Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc. Quezon City.
These would form the next parameter.

 Delimitation of a Study

It limits the scope and outlines the boundaries of the study.

These limitations include the following:

1. Sample size.
a. The research design and method will determine whether if it is small or
large sample size.
b. The sample size will determine the quality of data and the relationships
that will be identified among the variables.

2. Lack of available and/or reliable data.

This will limit the scope of analysis and the ability of the researcher to
determine meaningful trends and relationships among the data.

3. Lack of prior studies.

This will limit the effectiveness of the literature review and initial
understanding of the research.

4. Chosen data collection method.

The quality of data collected must be clear to avoid erroneous answers
from the respondents.

5. Nature of the information collected.

Researcher should not rely on pre-existing data.

6. Access.
The amount and quality of available data will depend on the ability of the
researcher to access people, organizations, libraries, and documents.

7. Time period.
It is advisable to select a research problem and design

8. Bias.
The researcher should be aware of his or her personal biases .

9. Language.

22
 This may have an effect on data collection, especially if the researcher is
involved with respondents that speak a variety of languages.

When writing the paper, the researcher should ensure that any delimitation
factor is noted down at the introduction, discussion, and conclusion sections. He or
she should clarify why the study included and excluded some delimitation.

D.Significance of the Study

 The significance of the study discuss the purpose that the research will serve
to society, the country, the government, the institution or agency concerned,
the curriculum planners and developers, and the research community.

 Describes the contribution of the study to the existing body of knowledge.

It could be the following:

a. A form of new knowledge in the field,
b. A validation of the major findings of other studies,
c. A verification of the validity of findings in a different population,
d. Analysis of trends over time, and validation of other findings using different
methodologies.

 The researcher must identify specifically the beneficiaries who will directly
gain from the results of the study mentioning them in the paper according to
the significance of the result. The specific benefits must also be enumerated
and explained if necessary.

Example:

The Effects of Computer-assisted Instruction in the Performance of Students in

Asian History and Civilization (Cuenca, 2008)

The findings of the study may provide deeper insights on how teaching can be made
easier and more meaningful by the use of computer-aided instruction. The study determined the
significant effects of slide presentation in instruction, a form of computer instruction on the
performance of the students in the subjects Asian History and Civilization.

To the students, the results may serve as an inspiration for them to continuously
improve their skills in using computers because they will realize the comfort that computer skills
offer in complying with the requirements of major subjects in the coming years.

To the administrators, the results may serve as a guide in the program-planning and
implementation of the IT department so that they can be of great help to the teachers of the
university.

To the teachers, the results may serve as an eye opener for those who are not
comfortable on the use of computers in their class lesson presentations. The findings of this
study may encourage more of them to apply computer-aided instruction in teaching.
23
II. Presenting Written Statement of the Problem

The following sections compose the presentation of the written statement of the
problem

1. Introduction

States briefly the background of the study and identifies the rationale of the
research problem.

It begins with a general statement of the problem, outlines the specific

problem or issue within the existing literature.

2. Statement of the Problem

States clearly the purposes or interest of the study, poses specific questions
about research problem.

3. Scope and Delimitation

Sets the boundaries and parameters of the study, narrows the scope of the
inquiry.

4. Significance of the Study

Shows the benefits of the study to address issues and l problems, in improving
economic and health conditions or even finding solutions to problems
encountered in daily life.

Activity 1: Question and Answer

Directions: Answer the questions in 3-5 sentences only. Write your answers on the
space provided.

1. What is Chapter 1 of a research paper and its sections that comprise?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

24
2. What is the difference between a research problem and research topic?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. What are the guidelines in writing statement of the problem?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. Why do we need to limit the scope of the study?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

25
 What is it?

Discussion of Activity 1
You just learned the concepts on research problems.
You were asked to save the titles you had proposed as your research topic. You
will use these on succeeding activities to create or write your research problem.
a. Essays or reflections you have written from past classes and other activities
you have taken or a lecture you have attended
b. Life experiences
c. Issues or problems observed in your surroundings

1. Among the titles you saved previously, which of those you think should be
addressed? Kindly elaborate further on this matter.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. With the above research topics you saved, identify at least three research
problems for each and explain why you chose them.

Topic A: Essays or reflections you have written from past classes and
other activities you have taken or a lecture you have attended

Propose Research Title_______________________________________

_________________________________________________________
Problem
1.__________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________
Reasons:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

Topic B: Life experiences

Propose Research Title_______________________________________
_________________________________________________________

26
 Problem
1.__________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________
Reasons:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Topic C: Issues or problems observed in your surroundings

Propose Research Title ______________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Problem
1.__________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________
Reasons:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

From the three research topics choose one as your proposed research
study which you will use on the later part of this lesson.

What’s more?

Follow instructions below in doing this activity.

A. Situation: Imagine yourself as a businessman on the picture shaking hands to

a prospective client.

1. How will you introduce yourself? Write your answer in NOT less than three
(3) sentences.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

27
.

https://www.stockunlimited.com/vector-illustration/businessman-shaking-hands-silhouette

2. In general, what is the purpose of introduction? Identify the basics of

proper introduction by using the graphic organizer below.

INTRODUCTION

28
B. Synthesize your ideas and create a caption on the picture below.

https://www.stockunlimited.com/vector-illustration/targetboard

1. What is your interpretation of the picture? What does the target board
mean relative to research?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

2. Relate the picture in conducting research.

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

29
 What I have learned

From that chosen research study as your proposal, formulate the following:

A. Introduction of your study by filling out the space provided.

1. Proposed Study_________________________________________________

2. What is the rationale or the background study of your chosen problem?

Please write your answer using extra paper should you need more space.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. Describe the setting of where your study is to be conducted.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

4. Enumerate the terms or concepts that need to be defined or described to you

and to the reader.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

30
 ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. Provide at least three related literatures as references for the concept of your
study.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

6. Determine the significance of your chosen problem.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

7. What is the general objective of the study?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

8. Who will be the beneficiaries? What will be their benefits to receive after the
problem is solved or the research is finish?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

31
B. The statement of the problem part of your research study.

1. Title of your research:

______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

2. Purpose statement:
The researcher seeks to _______________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. Central question:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

4. Sub-question:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. Other questions:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

32
 ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

What I can do

From your proposed research study present your written Statement of the
Problem which comprises the following sections:

I. Background of the Study (Introduction)

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

II. Statement of the Problem

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

33
III. Scope and Delimitation of the Study
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

IV. Significance of the Study

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

34
 Additional Activities

After presenting Chapter 1 of your research study, edit or rewrite your work
using the corrections, suggestions and recommendations made by your
teacher. Save your work for the next lesson. Use the empty space provided.

This page is intentionally empty as a space provided on rewriting of the research

manuscript.

35
 Assessment

Direction: Read the following statements. Answer TRUE if the statement describes a
research, FALSE if you think it is not. Write your answers on the blank.

________1. The rationale of the study gives the reasons why the study should be
conducted.
________2. The starting point in any research project is to formulate a question.

________3. The researcher's own personal interests and observations may be a

valuable source of questions.
________4. Theories of other researchers are not a particularly good source of
research questions.
________5.Successful research often raises new questions, even while it answers
old questions.
________6.A research question transforms into your conclusion.

________7.You should never consider matching your interest to a funder interest.

________8.A problem statement identifies the nature of the problem being

addressed, and its context and significance.
________9. The "purpose" of a study is the same thing as the "objective" of a study.

________10. The "specific aims" of a study are the same thing as the "objectives" of
a study.
________11. Research question come from any of several sources namely,
personal interest and experiences.
________12. The research question should be either too broad or too narrow.

________13.The objectives of the research.is sometimes referred to as delimitations

of the study.
________14. Scope and Delimitation or research indicates the boundaries,
exceptions, reservation and qualification in your study.
________15. Objectives of the research indicate what will the research will do, for
instance, discover, explain or see.

36
_________________________
1
This set of questions presented in the post-test are extracted from an online link
https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch.html /Copyright © 1995-2010,
Pearson Education, Inc
REFERENCES

Abdullah, S.N. (2018) .Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint

slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Arcibal, N. C. (April 2013). Housewives’ exposure to Korean novelas on GMA 7 and

their perception on marriage. Unpublished undergraduate thesis. Indang,
Cavite: Cavite State University

Bordo, P. E. C., E. D. Mercado, M. G. Gayeta, E. S. Magtoto, & L. F. Noroña (2010).

The elements of writing across disciplines. Malabon: Jimcyzville Publications.

Cabulong, J. (October 2016). Development of localized and contextualized teachers’

Guides with Strategic Intervention Materials (SIM’s) in Grade 9. Unpublished
masteral thesis proposal. Manila: Philippine Normal University.

Calderon, J. F. & E. C. Gonzales (1993). Methods of research and thesis writing..

Mandaluyong: National Book Store, Inc.

Calmorin, L.P. (2016).Research and Thesis Writing with Statistics and Computer
Application .Rev.ed.Rex Book Store.Manila.

Cristobal, A.P., Jr, & Cristobal, M.D. (2016). Practical Research 1 for Senior High
School .Ist ed.C & E Publishing Inc.Quezon City.

Guerrero, G. (October 2011). The teaching of Hebrew among children at Beth

Yaakov Synagogue, Makati City. Unpublished masteral thesis proposal.
Manila: Philippine Normal University.

Leanillo, M. (October 2016). Evaluation model on the use of a web-based tool in test
Administration for Grade 11 and 12 students. Unpublished masteral thesis
proposal. Manila: Philippine Normal University.

Miranda Plata, et al. Research: Process and product workbook. Biñan, Laguna:
Trailblazer Publications.

Ngwee, H. (March 2011). Marketing the Philippines as an educational destination for

Ni-Vanuatu University students. Edited by G. T. Guerrero. Unpublished
undergraduate research paper. Indang, Cavite: Cavite State University.

Accessed in June 2020

https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch_1/209/53534/13
704779.cw/index.html /Copyright © 1995-2010, Pearson Education, Inc.

37
www.editage.com/insights/8-dos-and-8-donts-of-writing-an-engaging-study-
background?

https://www.slideshare.net/mjlobetos/lesson-10-presenting-written-statement-of-the-
problem

Key Answer

Pretest Post test

1. TRUE 1. TRUE
2. FALSE 2. FALSE
3. FALSE 3.TRUE
4. TRUE 4.FALSE
5. TRUE 5.TRUE
6. TRUE 6.FALSE
7. FALSE 7.FALSE
8. TRUE 8.TRUE
9. FALSE 9.FALSE
10. TRUE 10.TRUE
11. FALSE 11.TRUE
12. FALSE 12.FALSE
13. TRUE 13.FALSE
14. FALSE 14.TRUE
15. TRUE 15.TRUE

38