Research Problems &
Objectives
Topic 4
The Research Problem
Research Problem Defined
The heart of every research project
Any significant and challenging situation where the solution
of which requires reflective thinking.
It is the topic we would like to address, investigate, or
study, whether descriptively or experimentally
It is the focus or reason for engaging in research.
It is typically a topic, phenomenon, or
challenge that we are interested in and with which we
are at least somewhat familiar applications.
Research Problem Defined
Area of concern, a gap in the existing knowledge, or a
deviation of a certain standard or norm, hence, needing
further understanding or investigation.
The Characteristics of a
Research Problem
No solution to the problem on hand
Solution can be answered by using statistical methods and techniques
There are probable solutions but they are not yet tested
The occurrence of phenomena require scientific investigation to arrive at
precise solution
Novelty It should be sufficiently original so that it does not
involve objectionable duplication.
Interesting • The problem should be interesting for the
investigator himself.
If it is not worthwhile, if adds to neither knowledge
Importance nor lead to any improvements in the current
practices, then it not a good research problem
Selecting
Research Problem/ Topic
Researchable and manageable
✓ Data are available and accessible
✓ Data meets the standards of accuracy, objectivity & verifiability
✓ Answers to the specific questions can be found
✓ Equipment & instruments for research are available & can give valid & reliable results
Can be completed within a reasonable period of time unless longitudinal
Can be delimited to suit the resources of the researcher but big or large
enough to be able to give significant, valid, & reliable results &
generalization
Must contribute to human knowledge
Must show or pave the way for the solution of the problem/s to be solved
Must not undermine the moral & spiritual values of the people
There must be a return to some kind to the researcher
✓ Monetary
✓ Advancement of position/promotion
✓ Improved specialization, competence, and skill in professional work
✓ Enhanced prestige & reputation
✓ Satisfaction of intellectual curiosity
The Role of the Problem in the Structure
of the Research
Fig.1. Conceptual map of the problem-based research cycle (Ellis & Levy, 2008)
Sources of Research Problems
Personal Experience
Developments in your field
Existing literature
Technology
Social events & phenomena
Identifying a Research Problem
Review of Journals/Literature Issues & concerns
Recommendations of earlier studies Unverified facts
Gaps in knowledge
Unchartered area
(have not been explored)
Conflicting Evidence
Elements of a Research problem
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?
The place or locale where the research is to be conducted. This
3 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.
Population or universe from whom the data are to be
5 collected. This answers the question “who” or “from whom”. Who are the respondents? From
whom are the data to be gathered?
The Research Objectives
Specific result that a researcher aims to achieve
within a time frame and with available
resources.
What is to be accomplished by the researcher.
Research Objectives are formulated to:
Give direction of the study – narrow down to the
essentials.
Tell the researcher what data to collect and avoid
collecting data which are unnecessary.
Organize the study in clearly defined parts.
Facilitate the development of the methodology.
Help in planning the analysis of the results.
Serve as the basis for the interpretation of results.
2 Types of Objectives:
Overall purpose or research. It is stated by transforming the problem statement
General
from the interrogative form to a declarative form usually introduced by a
Objectives
phrase “to determine” or similar phrases.
Specific States the specific outcome expected of the study. These should be clearly stated
Objectives in measurable terms.
Objectives can be grouped into three:
Describing Characterize, describe, tabulate, identify, classify, etc.
Comparing 2 or more groups.
Comparing
Compare, contrast, differentiate, select, etc.
Determining Determining relationships between variables.
relationships Predict, relate, associate, etc.
Guidelines in formulating
specific sub-problems
1 Each should be a completely researchable unit
2 The solutions to the sub-problem, taken together resolve the main problem
3 Each must add up to the totality of the problem
4 Should have nothing in excess of the coverage of the main problem
5 Should cover all the significant areas of the main problem
Fig.2. Relationship among the topic, research problem, goals, and research questions (Creswell, 2005)
Research Topic 1:
Childhood obesity and physical activity interventions
Research Problem:
Childhood obesity is a significant and growing public health issue with serious long-
term health consequences, including increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, and psychological problems. A key contributor to this epidemic is a lack of
physical activity among children. Despite numerous efforts, effective and sustainable
interventions are needed, particularly within school settings where children spend
the majority of their time.
The problem this study addresses is the need to evaluate whether a structured,
school-based physical activity program can be an effective strategy for combating
childhood obesity.
General Objective:
To determine the effectiveness of a school-based physical
activity intervention in reducing childhood obesity rates and
improving related health outcomes among elementary school students
at Benguet State University – Elementary Laboratory School.
Research Questions:
1. Does participation in a structured school-based physical activity intervention lead
to a statistically significant reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) among students?
2. How does the intervention affect other health-related outcomes, such as
cardiovascular fitness and body fat percentage?
3. What are the perceived barriers and facilitators to student participation in the
physical activity intervention from the perspective of students, parents, and
teachers?
Research Topic 2:
Microbiological, Proximate Analysis, & Sensory
Characterization of Herb-Infused Cocoa Tablets
Research Problem:
Evaluate the properties of the newly introduced cocoa tablets that
have been infused with herbs.
General Objective:
To determine the characteristics of herb-infused cocoa tablets using
the butter method in terms of microbial, proximate, and
sensorial properties.
Specific Objectives:
1. Determine the microbial load (e.g., total plate count, yeast and mold count,
coliforms) of the herb-infused cocoa tablets to assess their safety and shelf-life.
2. Determine the proximate composition of the herb-infused cocoa tablets, including
moisture content, ash content, crude fat, crude protein, and crude fiber.
3. Generate lexicons for the herb-infused cocoa tablets using the Generic Quantitative
Descriptive Analysis (GQDA).
Have a Great Day! ☺