INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL FOR RESEARCH METHODS (ENGG 416)

CHAPTER 2: THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Introduction
Majority of the engineering students taking this course are neophytes in research or
considered a novice researcher. Thus, students usually find difficulty in searching for a
researchable and doable research problem. Once a problem is found, they still find difficulty in
formulating specific problems and objectives. Sometimes, they do not see that a simple question
maybe a research problem stated in an interrogative form. This module provides the techniques
on how to formulate research problems and objectives, including the theoretical and conceptual
framework.

Topic Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. Formulate research problems and objectives.
2. Identify various sources of the research problem.
3. Determine the criteria of a good research problem.
4. Differentiate the null hypothesis from the alternative hypothesis.
5. Develop a gap analysis to formulate a research problem.

The Research Problem

A research problem is considered researchable when there is no known solution to the
problem, the solution can be answered by using statistical method and techniques, there are
probable solutions but they are not yet tested, and the occurrence of phenomena requires scientific
investigation to arrive at a precise solution.
The research problem should be stated intensely and explicitly expressed in declarative or
interrogative forms. A good research problem should be SMARTER that is Specific; Measurable;
Achievable; Realistic; Time-bound; Effective; and Reliable, whether it is developmental,
historical, descriptive, and experimental or case study.
A good problem statement is started by introducing the broad area in which the research is
centered and then gradually leads to the narrower questions. The statement needs not be lengthy
but a good research problem should incorporate the following features such as compelling topics,
supports multiple perspectives, and researchable.

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Simple curiosity is not a good enough reason to pursue a research study. The problem to
be explore must be important to the researcher and to a larger community it can be possibly shared
and benefited.
The problem must be clearly stated to avoid contrasts and instead supports the generation
and exploration of multiple perspectives. A general rule of thumb is that a good research problem
is one that would generate a variety of viewpoints from a composite audience made up of
reasonable people. There are some instances that while investigating a complex research project,
the researcher realized that the topic does not have much to draw on for research. Hence, it
suggested to choose research problems that can be supported by the resources available to you.
Reevaluate the research question based on the nature and extent of information
available and the parameters of the research project.

Characteristics of a Research Problem

The characteristics of a good problem possess the acronym – SMARTER. This means that
a research problem should be:
Specific. The problem should be specifically stated to avoid confusion to the reader.
Measurable. The parameters to be evaluated are easy to measure by using applicable
research instruments.
Achievable. The data are achievable using correct statistical techniques to arrive at precise
results.
Realistic. Real results are presented completely and not manipulated.
Time-Bound. Time frame is observed in every activity to successfully complete the
research project in a specified time.
Effective. The available data and information for the research project should be used
effectively.
Reliable. The methods and techniques that will be used to attain the research problem or
objectives are reliable.

Sources of Research Problem

There are several fertile grounds for research problem, which can be the focus of scientific
investigation. Existing and past researches are rich sources of research problem even using

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research replication utilizing the same instrument but administered to a different group of subjects
and areas in order to compare the similarities and differences of the findings. Other sources of
research problems are thesis, dissertation, and research journals. The researcher of these materials
recommends problems for future research workers to investigate into it.

Criteria of a Good Research Problem

1. Interesting An interesting research problem attracts the intention of the investigator to
study the problem further. It also makes him determined to work on until its completion.
2. Relevant to the needs of the people. Researchers must keep in mind that they work not
for themselves but for the benefits of mankind.
3. Innovative. A good research problem may not be necessarily new but may be a
restatement and a restructuring of an old problem to make it new.
4. Cost-Effective. The 4M’s Man, Money, Materials, and Machinery are needed in
conducting research. A research problem should be economical and effective in solving the
problems of society; it also augments the social, economic, and health conditions of the people and
many others.
5. Measurable and time-bound. A good research problem is measurable by using research
instruments, like tests, questionnaires, rating scales, observation schedules or interviews and
statistical treatment to arrive at specific and meaningful results.

Research Objectives is defined as a statement of purpose for which the investigation is to

be conducted. There are two types of research objectives: the general and specific objectives.
Specific objectives must support the attainment of the general objective.
Hypothesis is defined as a wise guess that is formulated and temporarily adopted to explain
the observed facts covered by the study. A hypothesis guides the investigator in that it describes
the procedures to follow in conducting the study.

Types of Hypothesis
1. Null hypothesis is a denial of the existence of an attribute, a relationship, or a difference
of an effect. It is always stated in a negative form

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2. Alternative hypothesis is the opposite extreme of the null hypothesis because this is
always stated in a positive form. It is an affirmation of the existence of the observed
phenomenon.

Theoretical Framework shapes the justification of the research problem/research

objective to provide the legal basis for defining its parameters, a researcher should identify key
concepts that are used in the study for a better understanding of the role of the theory in research.

Conceptual framework presents specific and well-defined concepts that are called
constructs. Its function is similar to the theoretical framework because the constructs used are
derived from abstract concepts of the theoretical framework.

Assumptions are presumed to be true statements of facts related to the research problem.
They are clearly stated to give readers of research projects, a foundation to form conclusion
resulting from assumptions.

Significance of the study articulates the benefits that can be derived from the results of
the research projects. There should be identified end users or beneficiaries of research outputs. The
discussion of the significance of the study is presented in either in the inductive or deductive
perspective. In an inductive perspective, the researchers move from the particular to the general
and present the importance of the significance of the study from the target beneficiaries, to the
researcher himself, to the people in the community, to the people in the province, region, and
nation. Likewise, from a deductive perspective, general to particular, discussion of the importance
of the study starts first from the national level to the researcher himself and to the target
beneficiaries.

Scope, Limitations, and Delimitations of the study is an important section of a research

paper. This includes the coverage of the study area, the subjects, the research instruments, the
research issues or concerns, the duration of the study, and the constraints that have a direct bearing
on the result of the study. The researcher should be careful in articulating the limitations and

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delimitations of the study. These clarify the boundaries, exceptions, and reservations inherent in
very study. They differ in the following aspects:
Delimitations aim to narrow the scope of a study. For example, the scope may focus on
specific variables, specific participants, specific sites, or narrowed to one type of research design
(e.g. experimental research). However, limitations aim to identify potential weaknesses of the
study. For example, all statistical procedures and research strategies, such as surveys or grounded
theory studies have limitations.

Definition of Terms. In this section, the key terms are clearly defined. There are two ways
to define the key terms used in the study. These are conceptual and operational.
1. Conceptual definition. The definitions of terms are based on concepts or hypothetic ones
which are usually taken from the dictionary.
2. Operational definition. The definitions of terms are based on observable characteristics
and how it is used in the study

Gap Analysis for Research Problem Formulation

A gap analysis can be used in formulating a research problem. It is an examination and
assessment of the current scenario, situation, or performance to identify the differences between
the current state and the desired conditions. It can be boiled down into three questions:
1. Where are we now?
2. Where do we wish we were?
3. How are we going to close the gap?

Figure 3. Gap Analysis

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The term “gap” refers to the space between “where we are” (the present state) and where “we
want to be” (the target state). A gap analysis can also be referred to as need analysis, need
assessment, or need-gap analysis.
A force-field is one method of gap analysis developed by Kurt Lewin which describes the
driving and restraining forces for change. Restraining forces are forces that make change more
difficult. These forces counteract driving forces and lead to the avoidance or resistance of
change. The idea is to have enough driving forces to overcome the restraining forces.

Figure 4. Force-field Analysis

Moreover, the research gap is a research question or problem which has not been answered
appropriately or at all in a given field of study. This stage is very crucial to proceed with the
literature review since research questions can be framed only when the gap is identified. The gap
itself becomes the purpose of the research in the later stages.

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SELF ASSESSMENT No. 2

Task:

1. Conceptualize a research problem using gap analysis.

2. From the conceptualized research problem, develop the following:
a. Brief rationale of the Study
b. Objectives of the Study
c. Definition of Terms

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