Identifying a Research Problem

Estela C. Itaas Bukidnon State College Malaybalay City

What is problem identification?

Problem identification is the process of finding or determining which area is to be studied. This could deal on relationship between variables This could deal with differences and comparisons among variables

 It could make an inquiry into the extent of influence among the variables It could look into the effects on an experiment between control and experimental groups

Where could one get ideas of problems to be researched on?

Experiences Literature and studies\Bibliography\published and unpublished reference materials National and societal concerns Technological change

What are some problem areas in education?

Research related to the development of an individual Curricular research Social and economic condition research Research on teaching and learning

 Research on educational administration Research on individual differences Research and development of technology in education Historical research in education Experimental research on teaching and learning effectiveness

Sources of literature for problem identification

The Education Index/Psychological abstracts/Sociological abstracts The Encyclopedia of Educational Research The Handbook of research in Teaching The Review of Educational Research Review of journals, handbooks, yearbooks, published by professional associations

3-dimensional model for problem consideration

Available inputs Instructional activities Anticipated outcomes

Factors to be considered in selecting a research problem

The researchers area of interest Availability of funds The investigators ability and training

Characteristics of a good problem statement

The problem should express a relation between 2 or more variables The problem should be stated clearly and unambiguously in question form The problem should imply possibilities of empirical testing

Criteria for assessing appropriateness of a research problem

Is it a problem that can be effectively solved through a process of research? Is the problem significant? Is it a new problem? Will it be designed such that the influence of extraneous variables are limited?

 To what extent are the findings generalizable? Is the research feasible Is the researcher competent to plan and carry out the type of study planned? Does he know enough about the field to understand its significant aspects? Is he skillful to develop, administer, and interpret necessary data gathering devices and procedures?

 Are relevant data accessible? Will the necessary financial resources be available to carry on the study? Will there be enough time to complete the project?

WORKSHOP ACTIVITY
Think of a researchable problem Identify the possible questions that you could research on Discuss your problems with a partner Decide which final problems should you consider in relation to the topic, instrument, statistical treatment Present the problems you have made

Some samples of research problems

The culture of cheating among high school students: Its implications to quality learning Determinants of students achievement in the basic subjects Newly-hired teachers competencies in teaching the basic elementary subjects: A basis for intervention training

More samples of titles

Demographic attributes of pupils belong to the indigenous tribal group: basis for assistance Perceptions of abortion among college students: Its implications to morale values Internet communication: Its implications to morality in media

More sample of titles

Feedback of children of OFW parents: Implications to the psychological development of children TV viewing of students and their academic performance: Basis for parental guidance Instructional behaviors of teachers and pupils in English, Science & Mathematics classes

More sample titles

Home Practices contributing to corruption in society: A basis for review of Filipino Value System Value system of marginalized families: Basis for moral recovery program Perceptions of students on what makes a good Mathematics teacher: Reference for best practices

Sample of Problem
Title: Vulnerability of Selected sectors to climate change and their coping mechanism

This study will assess the vulnerability of selected sectors to climate change and their coping mechanisms. Specifically it will answer the following questions:

Problem 1. What is the extent of vulnerability of the following to climate change: 1.1 farmers; 1.2 children & youth; 1.3 senior citizens; and 1.4 Indigenous people? Problem 2. What are the coping mechanisms suggested to mitigate the vulnerability of the sectors to climate change?

Title: Assessment on the Self-Reliance Seminar For the Upliftment of Women 1. What is the assessment of women on their seminar on Self-Reliance? 2. What problems have they encountered in their SW on self-reliance? 3. What projects were identified by them to uplift their living? 4. What intervention strategies did they utilize to help alleviate their economic conditions?