Topic: The Research Problem

Reporters: Lucel V. Cidro, Jun Jun Genova and Sunny Panday (PBTE I-1)

Definition

A problem is (1) any significant, perplexing and challenging situation,

real or artificial, the solution of which requires reflective thinking; (2) a
perplexing situation after it has been translated into a question or series of
questions that help determine the direction of subsequent inquiry. The
foregoing definitions are according to Dewey. (Good, p. 414)

A problem is a “big question mark”. It is something not adequately

attained to the satisfaction of users. A research problem is a situation of
concern brought into focus for concentrated study. The term research problem
implies that an investigation, inquiry or study is to be conducted, or that the
problem is ready for investigation, inquiry or study.

Elements of a Research Problem

There are certain elements that a problem must possess before it

becomes a research problem ready for investigation. These elements are:

1. Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation

• This answers the question “Why?” Why is there an investigation, inquiry

or study?

2. The subject matter or topic to be investigated

• This answers the question “What?” What is to be investigated or

studied?

3. The place or locale where the research is to be conducted

• This answers the question “Where?” Where is the study to be

conducted?

4. The period or time of the study during which the data are to be gathered
 • This answers the question “When?” When is the study to be carried out?

5. Population or universe from whom the data are to be collected

• This answers the question “Who?” or “From whom?” Who are the
respondents? From whom are the data to be gathered?

Example of a research problem: To determine the status of teaching

science in the high schools of Province A during the school year 1989-1990.

Aim or purpose: To determine the status of

Subject matter or topic: The teaching of science

Place or locale: In the high schools of Province A

Period or time: During the school year 1989-1990

Population: The respondents are implied to be either the teachers or the

pupils or both.

The Title

Guidelines in writing the Title. The thesis writer should be guided by the
following of this title. Those are also the characteristics of the title.

1. Generally, the title is formulated before start of the research

work. It may be revised and refined later if there is a need.

2. The title must contain the subject matter of the study, the locale
of the study, the population involved, and the period when the
data were gathered or will be gathered.

3. It must be broad enough to include all aspects of the subjects

matter studied or to be studied. Hence, the title indicates what is
expected to be found inside the thesis report.

4. It must be as brief and concise as possible.

5. Avoid using the terms “An Analysis of,” “A Study of,” “An
Investigation of,” and the like. All this things are understood to
have been done or to be done when a research is conducted.

6. If the title contains more than one line, it must be written like an
inverted pyramid, all words in capital letters.
Example of the complete title:

The Teaching of Science in the High Schools of Province A as Perceived

by the science Teachers and Students During the School Year 1989-1990

The contents as required by guidelines No. 2 are:

a. Subject matter. The teaching of science

b. Locale of the study: High schools of province A

c. Population involved: The science teachers and students: and

d. Period of the study: School year 1989-1990

A brief and concise from the title and a better one follows:

THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE IN THE HIGH SCHOOLS OF PROVINCE A

It will be noted that the population, the science teachers and students
as well as the period of the study, 1989-1990, are omitted when writing the
second form but they have to be mentioned in the scope and delimitation of
the study. It w

ill be noted also that the title, though brief and simplified, is broad enough to
include all possible aspects of the subject matter. The central theme, which is
the teaching of science, is also very clear.