Concept of Research and Research Problem

MODULE 1
Concept of Research and

Research Problem
Concept of Research
Research is defined as a careful, systematic study in

a field of knowledge, undertaken to discover or establish
facts or principles (Webster, 1984). It is also defined as a
systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to find
an answer to a question or a solution to a problem, or to
validate or test an existing theory.
Research is a systematic investigation of a problem to

find out solution in order to establish facts and discover new
theories (Caipang, 2000).
Concept of Research
Research is to search again, to take another more

careful look, to find out more (Seltiz and others, 1976).
From these definitions, it is clear that the ultimate goal of

research is to establish facts about the phenomenon being
investigated. The facts that will be established during the
investigation should be systematic, objective and
comprehensive. The gathering, recording, analyses and
interpretation of data must be accurate, true and unbiased.
THE RESEARCH SPECTRUM
BY: TUCKMAN
RELEVANT
THEORIES
AND
CONCEPTS
Deduction
Reading &
Thinking
HYPOTHESIS Defining Variable Operation
WITH
Problem
VARIABLE PREDICTIONS
LABELLED
Reading &
Thinking
Induction
RELEVANT
FINDINGS Data Collection
& Analysis
FINDINGS MEASUREMENT EXPERIMENTAL

DEVICES DESIGN
Steps in the Research Process
1. Identifying a problem. Discover and define not only a

problem but also specific problems within that area.
2. Constructing a Hypothesis
3. Identifying and labeling of variables.
4. Manipulating and controlling variables.
5. Constructing a Research Design.
6. Identifying and constructing devices for observation
and measurement.
7. Constructing questionnaires and interview
schedules.
8. Carrying out statistical analysis.
9. Using the computer for data analysis.
10. Writing a report.
11. Conducting evaluation of the report.
Stages in the Research Process
The basic stages in the research process are

suggested by (Ardales, 2001):
1. Problem Identification
2. Review of Related Literature
3. Objectives Formulation
4. Formulation of Hypotheses and Assumptions
5. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework Construction
6. Research Design Selection
7. Data Collection
8. Data Processing
9. Data Analysis and Interpretation
10. Report writing
Concepts about a Research Problem
A problem is anything, which gives a person a

feeling of discomfort. For researchers, problems
could be conditions they want to improve, difficulties
they want to eliminate, questions for which they want
answers, or information gaps they wish to fill, or
theories they wish to validate.
A research problem could also be an issue that
should be settled. It may be a question about the
unknown characteristics of a population or about
factors that explain the presence or occurrence of a
phenomenon (David, 2002).
The Research Problem
A problem exists when: (Caipang, 2000)

1. There is an absence of information resulting in gap
in our knowledge;
2. There are contradictory results; and
3. A fact exists and you intend to make your study
explain it.
Sources of Research Problems
1. Personal experience
2. Common sense, that is, the things we all believe as true.
3. Theories
4. Past researches
5. Practical problems that require immediate solutions
6. Journals, Books, theses/dissertations, mass media,
radio, television, movies, newspapers and magazines
7. Technological changes
8. Friends, colleagues, professors and consultants
9. Conferences, symposia, dialogues, or even ordinary
meetings
Characteristics of a Good Research
Problem
1. A research problem should be of great interest to the

researcher.
2. A research problem should be relevant and useful to a specific
group of people.
3. A research problem is good when it is novel in that it possesses
the element of newness or freshness.
4. A good research problem should be well defined or specified.
5. A good research problem should be measurable.
6. A good research problem is time-bound.
7. A research problem is good if it does not cause ethical or moral
violations.
8. A research problem is good if the study of it will contribute to
the refinement of certain important concepts, creation or
improvement of research instruments and analytical systems,
and will permit generalizations.
9. A research problem is good if it is manageable.
The Introduction
The introduction of a thesis/dissertation should

contain a discussion of any or all of the following,
which shall serve as the background for the study,
(Calderon, 1993).
1. Presentation of the problem. The start of the

introduction is the presentation of the problem, that
is, what the problem is all about. This will indicate
what will be covered by the study.
2. The existence of an unsatisfactory condition, a felt
problem that needs a solution.
3. Rationale of the study. The reason/s why it is
necessary to conduct the study must be discussed.
The Introduction
4. Historical background of the study/problem.

5. A desire to have a deeper and clearer understanding
of a situation, circumstance or phenomenon.
6. A desire to find a better way of doing something or
improving a product.
7. A desire to discover something.
8. Geographical conditions of the study locale.
9. A link between the introduction and the statement of
the problem.

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MODULE 1

Concept of Research and

Research is defined as a careful, systematic study in

Research is a systematic investigation of a problem to

Research is to search again, to take another more

From these definitions, it is clear that the ultimate goal of

FINDINGS MEASUREMENT EXPERIMENTAL

1. Identifying a problem. Discover and define not only a

The basic stages in the research process are

A problem is anything, which gives a person a

A problem exists when: (Caipang, 2000)

1. A research problem should be of great interest to the

The introduction of a thesis/dissertation should

1. Presentation of the problem. The start of the

4. Historical background of the study/problem.

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