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Research 2
First Quarter – Week 5 and 6
Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem
What This Module is About

There are so many things we wanted to know about this world and beyond.
Our continues quest for knowledge, answers, and explanation of people, things,
events, and so on seems incomprehensible until we are engaged into research.
In doing research, it is important to identify the specificity and feasibility of a
chosen research problem. Without doing so, the goal of doing research will be
implausible.

This module focuses on identifying problem for research inquiry. At end of

this learning module learners are expected to clearly formulate their research
problem in the area of their interest.

The following are the lessons contained in this module:

Lesson 4 – Research Questions

Lesson 5 – Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Lesson 6 – Presenting the Statement of the Problem

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 What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. state research questions.

2. indicate scope and delimitation.

3. present written statement of the problem.

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 What I Know

Directions: Read and analyze the statements below. Choose the answer in the
box.

Scope Research questions Delimitation

Quantitative Research Statement of the Problem Quantitative research

___________1, Dealt more with the precision and specificity of the problem.
___________2, Describes trends and patterns of a phenomenon.
___________3. It formally introduces the problem that you want to investigate or address.
_______________4. Specifies the coverage of your study such as variables, population or
participant, and timeline.
___________5. Cites factors of your study that are not included or excluded or those you will
not deal in your study.
___________6. Help to clarify and specify the research problem and also considered as
sub-problems of your research problem. These questions

Lesson 4 : Research Questions

What’s In

In previous lessons of this Module 4 to 5, you were taught how to design

research that is interesting and something that you are passionate about. You have
learned that research problems are actually within your environment or area of
interest. You are given various activities to learn how to come up with interesting
and useful research problems.

Identification of the research problems and research questions will be furthered

explained in this lesson. You have also learned how to craft qualitative research
problems and questions when you took Research 1 In this lesson, quantitative
research problems and types of quantitative research questions will be elaborated.

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 What I Need to Know

Nature of Quantitative Research Problem

Once a person encountered uncertainty, being inquisitive, you will find

ways for answers or solution. Ignited by interest, curiosity, or need you will find
yourself pondering about the current problem you are facing. When you are
thinking and behaving this way, you are then confronted by a problem that can be a
source of a research problem.

A research problem is simple as a problem you would like to research.

Quantitative Research Problem dealt more with the precision and specificity of the
problem. Furthermore, the quantitative research problem describes trends and
patterns of a phenomenon. When you have identified your quantitative research
problem, you can now state it and make sure to establish its place in your study.
In your written paper, this can be found as Statement of the Problem, where it
formally introduces the problem that you want to investigate or address. Then you
will start specifying what you want to answer in your study.

Research Problem and Research Questions

The research questions help to clarify and specify the research problem.
Research questions are also considered as sub-problems of your research
problem. These questions are informative in nature. It specifies the method of
collecting and analyzing data and the type of data to be collected since you are
exploring a quantitative research problem.

What’s New

Activity 1: That’s a Good Question

Directions: Here are some samples of research questions. Rank them on a scale of 1 to
10 (1= lowest, 10 = highest) based on its feasibility and clarity as a quantitative
research question. Then provide a brief explanation of your rating.

Quantitative Research Question Your Explanation

Rating
1. How many Grade-7 students are enrolled in
blended learning this School Year?
2. Is modular learning or online learning more
effective in Language or Science subjects?
3. Is there a significant relationship in the number
of households and COVID-19 confirmed cases in
a Barangay?

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 What Is It
Characteristics of Good Research Questions

Once you have already enumerated your research questions for your study,
it is important that you consider its quality to answer and explain your research
problem. The Following are good characteristics of research questions, as
described by Fraenkel and Wallen (2020).

Feasible. Consider the amount of time, energy, money, respondents, and even
your current situation as a student-researcher. Is the research problem possible? Will it
not spend unreasonable amount? Consider these examples: “How do parents feel
about the blended learning modality for elementary learners?” and “How would giving
each learner their own laptop to be used in this blended learning modality affect their
performance tasks?” The first example is definitely a more feasible research question.
Considering the resources, it is more possible to gather the data needed to answer the
question.

Clear. The clarity of how the questions stated lead to agreement of meaning of the
readers of your study. Since your research questions are also considered as the main
focus in the gathering and analyzing the data, it is therefore very important that these
are stated clearly.

Significant. Ask if your research questions are relevant or important to ask. Will
answering these questions provide an additional contribution to address the given
research problem? In other words, are the research questions really worth
investigating?

At this point, you do not just consider the time and money that you will spend, but
more importantly, the value of what you are trying to investigate. So aside from the
reason that your chosen research problem is within your interest, you should also
provide a sound justification of your choice as a researcher.

Ethical. Always consider the welfare of people, animals or who so ever involve in
your study. Look into ways of answering the research questions without inflicting
physical and psychological harm to persons involved.

Formulating Research Questions

Research questions can be generally classified into two: general and specific. The
general question of the study is derived from the research problem while the specific
questions are anchored on the general research problem.

For example:

This study aims to determine the relationship between the types learning delivery
mode and students’ learning styles. Furthermore, it seeks to answer the following
research questions: (1) What are the different learning delivery modes of the school? (2)
What the various learning styles of the students? (3) Is there a significant relationship

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between the different learning delivery modes of the school and the learning styles of
its students?

Notice that a general problem was presented first. Then it was followed by the
specific questions considered as research questions of the study.

In stating quantitative research questions, you should also consider the design of
your quantitative research. Quantitative research designs will be elaborated in Module
4. For the purpose of writing your research question, here’s a quick guide of research
questions for descriptive research, correlational research, Ex Post Facto research,
Experimental, and Quasi-experimental research.

Research Questions for Descriptive Research focuses on observing and

reporting factors or aspects of the research problem. Phrases such as how
often/frequently, how many/much, what is/are, to what extent/degree, and the likes are
used in these questions. For example, you study the use of social media among High
School Students, you can ask the following questions:

What are the various social media platforms used by High School Students?

How many hours students spend on social media per week?

Research Questions for Correlational Research aim to determine the

relationships among two or more variables in your research problem. Correlational
research questions usually begin with the phrases “Is there a significant relationship” or
“What is the relationship between/among”. In the study of use of social media and level
of digital literacy of students following questions can be asked:

What is the relationship between the length of hours spent on social media and
level of digital literacy of students?

Is there a significant relationship between the type of social media used and the
level digital literacy of students?

Research Questions for Ex Post Facto Research attempt to identify the causes
of the phenomenon in the context of your research problem. It is also assumed that no
control or manipulation of variable has been done in order to cause the effect. It is
understood that the cause of the problem already exists before you conducted your
study. For example, ex post facto study on family background and digital literacy of
students, the following questions can be asked:

Is there a difference in the literacy level of students between their cultural and
educational family background?

Research Questions for Experimental and Quasi-experimental Research

suggests that answers to these questions are brought about by manipulation or control
of a certain variable during the conduct of the study. These questions provide
explanation to the causal relationship of variables. The following research questions
can be asked on studies on elementary student’s remedial sessions and academic
performance of students:

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 Is there a significant difference in the posttest scores of the control group and
experimental group?

What’s More

Activity 2: The Very Good Questions

Directions: Using the same examples in your Activity 1, rank them on the scale of 1 to
10 (1= lowest, 10 = highest) based on the given parameters in writing a good
research question. If you find that the questions are not so good, then rewrite the
questions on the last column of the table. If your think it is already good, then write
your justification also.
Quantitative Research Your Rating Revised
Question Question/
Feasible Clear Significant Ethical Justification

1. How many Grade-7 students are

enrolled in blended learning this
School Year?
2. Is modular learning or online
learning more effective in
Language or Science subjects?
3. Is there a significant relationship
in the number of households
and COVID-19 confirmed cases in
a Barangay?

Activity 2: Write the Questions

Directions: Write one general research question and two specific research questions
for the given research problem below.

Research Problem General Question Specific Questions

The Relationship
between Media
Exposure and Health
Anxiety

Organization’s
Leadership Practices
and Employee’s Job
Satisfaction

Effects of Parenting
Style and Children
Study Habits

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Activity 3: Let’s go Online

Go to the link below and practice what you’ve learned from this lesson:

https://bit.ly/2zxLYS5
https://bit.ly/2M2lfzC

What I Have Learned

Directions: As you have learned from this lesson, answer each question
comprehensively.

1. What I know about research question?

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2. I have learned that good questions are

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3. This time, I have learned that when stating quantitative research questions
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 What I Can Do

State your Research Questions

Directions: Perform the following task. Referring to your background of the study and research
problem, list your research questions. When formulating these questions, consider
the design of your quantitative research.
1. _________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Additional Activity
Direction: After you submit your research questions, once it is corrected in accordance
to the guidelines given, you may start incorporating your research questions to your
research manuscript.

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Lesson 5 : Scope and Delimitation
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What “s In

In Module 1, Lesson 3 you were taught how to identify and differentiate various
research variables and its uses. Identifying your research variables is very important since it
will set the parameters of your study. Carefully selecting your research variables also helps
you to determine what will be investigated. As a result, it will be easier for you to set the scope
and delimitation of the study. This lesson focuses on how you are going to indicate the scope
and delimitation of your study.
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What I Need to Know

Activity 1. Find and Form the Meaning

Directions: Find five synonyms of “scope” and “delimitation”. Then, analyze and connect the
gathered words in order to form the meaning of “Scope and Delimitation of the
Study.

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 Synonyms Formed Meaning
1.
2.
Scope 3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
Delimitation 3.
4.
5.

What’s New

Activity 2. It’s the Scope and Limitation

Directions: Read the sample scope and limitation and identify the boundaries of the
study by writing the corresponding components on the table below.

Sample Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The main objective of this study is to provide information about students’

knowledge and perception of genetically modified foods and their family health
practices. The study also includes the student’s personal information and occupation of
their parents and siblings. This study is limited to the 140 Grade 10 Male and Female
enrolled in the First Semester, School Year 2019-2020 of Gamut International Science
High School – X. Each of the respondent is given questionnaire to answer. The
students selected came from six different sections to prevent subjective perceptions.

Components of the Scope and Delimitation

 Topic of the study

 Objective of the study or problems to be addressed

 Time frame in which the study will be conducted

 The locale or area where the study will be conducted

 Characteristics of the participants of the study

 Other parameters

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 What Is It

Scope and Delimitation

In doing research study, we make sure that we have certainty and reasons for
drawing the inclusion and exclusion of research variables. We do not write for the sake
of writing the parts of the research paper; such as setting the scope and delimitation of
your study. It is important because it draws the boundary of your study. Without doing
so, research procedures and results will not be coherent to the goal of your study.

The scope specifies the coverage of your study such as variables, population or
participant, and timeline. Delimitation cites factors of your study that are not included
or excluded or those you will not deal in your study.

In this section of your research paper, you may also state the reasons why you did
not include the variables. A clearly written scope and delimitation of the study will make
it definitely easier to answer questions which are related or not related to your study.

Components of Scope and Delimitation

In writing the scope and delimitation of your study, you are also asking the basic
profile questions of your research. The following are the components of the scope and
delimitation of the study but not limited to:

Topic of the Study. What are the variables to be included and excluded?
Objectives or Problems to be Addressed. Why are you doing this study?
Time Frame. When are you going to conduct this study?
Locale of the Study. Where are you going to gather your data?
Characteristics of the Respondents. Who will be your respondents?
Method and Research Instruments. How are going to collect the data?

Difference between Delimitation and Limitation of the Study

The delimitation of the study describes the various limitations that arose during the
design and conduct of the study. Along the way of conducting your study, you will
encounter limitations which you have not drawn before you start – these are the
delimitations of study. Most of the delimitations arose from the applicability or
usefulness of the findings of the study to the current problem.

Variables not included in your study are also determined by delimitation of your
study. While on the other hand, limitation of the study are those variables included in
your study. Hence, limitation of the study is actually the identified scope of the study.

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 What’s More

Activity 3. Reshape the Scope and Delimitation

Directions: Read the following scope and delimitation about a research on sickness
prevention. Try to improve its structure and coverage. You can add some
details
in revising this research section.

Sample

The current focuses on the relationship between socio-demographic background of

the family and their heath practices. Only 50 Grade 10 students were considered in this
study as respondents. The research lasted for two months.

Your revised version

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Activity 4. Let’s go online.

Practice what you have learned from this lesson. Visit the following:

Sample
The current focuses on the relationship between socio-demographic background of
the family and their heath practices. Only 60 Grade 11 students were considered in this
study as respondents. The research lasted for two months.
Your revised version
_______________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
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Activity 4. Let’s go online.

Practice what you have learned from this lesson. Visit the following:

https://bit.ly/2ZF6tXK
https://bit.ly/3el7Ui4

What I Have Learned

Directions: As you have learned from this lesson, answer each question
comprehensively.

1. What I know about scope and delimitation of the study?

___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. I have learned that when indicating the scope and delimitation of the study
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What I Can Do
Indicate your Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Directions: Perform the following task. Specify the scope and delimitation of your study
why
answering the basic contents of this research section.

1. What are the variables to be included and excluded?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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2. Why are you doing this study?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. When are you going to conduct this study?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. Where are you going to gather your data?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
5. Who will be your respondents?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Additional Activity:

Direction: After you submit you have specified your scope and delimitation, once it is
corrected in accordance to the guidelines given, you may start writing a
paragraph format of this and incorporate it in your research manuscript.

Lesson 6 : Presenting Statement

of the Problem

What Is It

Getting this far means you have already completed the first part of the research
paper. The next step is to present your Statement of the Problem. The following topics
were already discussed and practiced so it is time to present your output for this
Module.

Research Title
Background of the Research
Research Questions
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Significance of the Study or Beneficiaries (if applicable)

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 What’s More

Activity 1. Personal Work Evaluation

Direction: Rate your own paper using the rubric below. For the purpose of improvement,
rate your output as honestly as you can. Use the following scale in evaluating
your own paper.

5 – Very Good, 4 – Good, 3 – Fair, 2 – Poor, 1 – Needs Improvement

Indicator Self Rating

1. Title Formulation
Variables, goal, respondents are clearly stated
2. Background of the Study
Rationale, basic literature background, gravity of the chosen
problem are established
3. Statement of the Problem
General problem, research questions are correctly stated
4. Scope and Delimitation
Indicators to be included and excluded are mentioned
5. Significance of the Study
Benefits and beneficiaries are discussed completely
Total Rating

Activity 3. Reflection

1. What is your highest and lowest rating? What are your reasons for giving yourself
such ratings?
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2. Overall, do you think you are ready for presentation of your research paper? Explain
your answer.
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Activity 2. Let’s go online

Visit the following links to further enhance your written problem and to improve your
preparation for presentation.

https://bit.ly/2TFhfcy

https://bit.ly/2Aat7fW

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 What I Have Learned

1. What the new learnings you have gained from this module in terms of skills, content,
and attitude in identifying and stating the research problem?
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2. How will you improve your research writing skills in quantitative research?
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What I Can Do

Direction: Get ready for presentation of your written statement of the problem. The rubrics
below will serve as a guide on how you will be rated by your teacher. The 4C
(content, coherence, creativity, communication) technique will be used so that you
can easily remember.

Rubrics for Written Statement of the Problem

5 4 3 2 1
Content (35%)
 The title is concise and understandable.
 The Problem is relevant and well explained.
 Research gap was established.
 The scope and delimitation of the study is clearly stated and explained.
 Overall content is comprehensive.
Coherence (25%)
 Cohesive of devices are effectively used.
 Organization of ideas is smoothly presented.
Creativity (25%)
 Writer’s voice is showcased.
 Paper uses variety of sentence structures.
 Uses appropriate language.
Communication (15%)
 Sentences are well structured
 Grammatical conventions are observed.
 Correct spelling and proper research format is followed.

Legend: 5 – to a very great extent, 4 – to a great extent,

3 – to some extent, 2 – to a little extent, 2 – not at all

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Summary

Steps in developing a research topic;(1) Choose a broad topic, (2) Do a preliminary

research, (3) Define the problem, and (4) Refine the question

Background of the study states the situation or circumstances within which your
research topic was conceptualized.

Research Problem is the focus of investigation.

Characteristics of good research questions are feasible, clear, significant, and ethical.

The scope specifies the coverage of your study such as variables, population or
participant, and timeline.

Delimitation cites factors of your study that are not included or excluded or those you will
not deal in your study.

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 Assessment: (Post-Test)

Directions: Read and analyze the statements below. Encircle the letter of the
correct answer.

1. Make five questions on your research to be conducted.

2. Write the scope and Limitation of your study.
3. In your research study present your statement of the problem.

References

Baraceros, Esther L. Practical Research 2. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.,

2016.
Barrot, Jessie S. Practical Research 2 for Senior High School. Quezon City,
Philippines: C & E Publishing, Inc., 2017.
Caintic, Helen, E. and Cruz, Juanita, M. Scientific Research Manual. C&E
Publishing, 2018.
Fraenkel, Jack R. and Wallen, Norman E. How to Design and Evaluate Research
in Education. Asia: Mc-Graw Hill Companies, Inc., 2006.
Fraenkel, Jack R. and Wallen, Norman E. 2020. "Chapter 2 Multiple Choice
Quiz." McGraw Hill Global Education Holdings, LLC. Accessed June 1, 2020.
https://bit.ly/2zxLYS5
Fraenkel, Jack R. and Wallen, Norman E. 2020. "Chapter 2 True or False Quiz."
McGraw-Hill
Global Education Holdings, LLC. Accessed June 1, 2020. https://bit.ly/2M2lfzC
Fraenkel, Jack R. and Wallen, Norman E. 2020. "Chapter 24 Preparing Research
Proposal and Reports." McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings, LLC. Accessed
June 1, 2020. https://bit.ly/2TFhfcy
I Hope. 2020. "Statement of the Problem." YouTube. Accessed June 2, 2020.
https://bit.ly/3emud6T
I Hope. 2020. "Scope and Delimitation of the Study." YouTube. Accessed June 1,
2020. https://bit.ly/3el7Ui4
RCampus, Reasonz System, Inc. 2020. “Rubrics for Research Proposal and
Presentation.”
Accessed June 1, 2020. https://bit.ly/2Aat7fW
Verbo, Ryan Jay. 2020. “Practical Research 2 – Choosing Research Topic.”
LRMDS. Accessed June 1, 2020. https://bit.ly/2ZF6tXK
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

DepEd Surigao del Sur Division – Schools District of Tago II

Address:
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