Billy Rey B. Rillon

MAEd 301

Dr. Roger R. Morallos

What is a Problem?

“a perplexing situation, real or artificial, the solution of which requires reflective thinking.”

(Good, p.414)

Elements of a Problem

1. Aim or

Purpose

This answers the

question “Why.”

2. Topic to be investigated

This answers the

question “What.”

3. The place or Locale

This answers the question “Where.”

4. Period of Time

This answers the

question “When.”

5. PopulationThis answers the question “Who.”

An investigator knows that a problem is researchable when…

1. When there is no

known solution to the

problem.

2. The solution can be

answered by using statistical

methods and techniques

3. There are probable

solutions, but they are not yet

tested.

4. The occurrence of

phenomena requires scientific

investigation to arrive at a

precise solution.

Interests

Characteristics of a

Research Problem

Criteria in the

Selection of the

Research Topic

1. Brainstorm for ideas.

2. Choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the

literature.

3. Ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is

available.

4. Make a list of the key words.

5. Be flexible

6. Define your topic as a focused research question.

7. Research and read more about your topic.

8. Formulate a thesis statement.

1. Brainstorm for Ideas

Choose a topic that interests you.

2. Read General Background

InformationReading a broad summary

enables you to get an

overview of the topic and

see how your ideas relate to

broader, narrower and

related issues.

3. Focus on Your Topic

Keep it manageable

4. Make a List of Useful

Keywords

Keep track of the words that are used to describe your topic.

5. Be Flexible

It is common to modify your topic during the research process.

6. Define

your topic as

a focused

research

question.

You often begin

with a word.

Develop a more

focused interest

relating to that

word.

7. Research and

Read More

Use the key words you have

gathered to research in the

catalog, articles, databases,

and internet search engines.

8. Formulate a

Thesis Statement

Write your topic as a thesis statement.

This may be the answer to your

research question, and/or a way to

clearly state the purpose of your

research.

Guidelines in

the Selection

of a Research

Topic

1. It must be chosen by the researcher himself

2. It must be within the researcher’s interest

3. It must be within the researcher’s specialization

4. It must be within the researcher’ competence

5. It must be within the researcher’s financial capability

6. It must be researchable and manageable

7. It can be completed within reasonable period of time

8. It must be relevant, significant, and important to the present time

9. The results are practical and implementable

10. Requires original, critical, and reflective thinking

11. Can be delimited to suit researcher’s resources

12. It must contribute to the national development

13. It must contribute to the human knowledge

14. It must pave a way for the solution of problems

15. It must not undermine moral and spiritual values

16. It must not advocate any change through violent means

17. There must be return of some kind to the researcher

18. There must be consideration of the hazards involved (physical, social,

or legal)