STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Research problem
In very general terms, a problem is a matter that requires a solution. If not
There is a need to find a solution, so there is no such problem.
Solution here is understood as an answer to a question that expresses a void.
knowledge. Research problems are questions about a
unknown or little-known aspect of reality. In that sense, the unknown
known presents itself as a problem for the scientist, who questions
questions about what you do not know and that you must answer through the
Research. In summary, a research problem is a question about something.
what is not known or what is unknown, whose solution is the answer or the new
knowledge obtained through the inquiry process (Arias, 2012).

Arias (2012) points out that research problems arise when:

. There is a gap or void in the knowledge related to a discipline.

. When something unknown to everyone presents itself at a certain moment.
. Contradiction in the results of a research, two or more
investigations.
. At the moment one questions any practical problem.

Consequently, a problem is not something dysfunctional, annoying, or negative,

but seeking an answer that
solve something practical or theoretical. For this reason, this research model is often
to be called a pragmatic model (Bernal, 2010). To pose a problem of
research is to establish the general guidelines that will guide the study.
In this stage, it is necessary to conduct prior research, a systematic review.
from the sources of information, because only in this way will the necessary inputs be available

sufficient to formulate both the research question and the hypothesis, the
objectives, the limits or scopes, the approach, the method, the design, the techniques and
instruments, as well as to have a clear understanding of the conceptualization and operationalization of

the variables that are intended to be investigated (Del Cid, Méndez and Sandoval, 2011).
 Therefore, it is important to differentiate between practical and research problems:

Table 1
Practical problems and research problems
Practical problems Research problems
They can be social, economic. They seek to describe: What? Who? Where? How much?
educational, of healthiness, explain: What are the causes? and/or predict:
administrative, others. What will be the effects or the causes?
Unemployment What was the unemployment rate during the first
semester of the year 2017?

Crime What are the causes that give rise to crime?

Existence of a black market of what consequences will it have for the economy
currencies existence of a black market for currencies?
Company X is experiencing losses. What are the causes that lead to the losses?
continuously the company X?
A computing team presents Determination of the causes that produce the failures
malfunctions in its operation in the operation of the team.

Note: adapted from Arias (2012, pp. 38-39)

Statement and formulation of the problem

The term 'approach' comes from the word 'to pose', which means
focusing on the solution to a problem, and at the same time focusing means: to discover and

understand the essential points of a problem in order to address it correctly;

that is to say, the research problem statement includes a set
of essential points or elements that enable methodological orientation of your
solution (Carrasco, 2015, p. 91).

According to Arias (2012), 'the problem statement consists of describing the

broadly contextualizes the situation under study, placing it in a context that
allow to understand its origin, relationships, and unanswered questions… to raise the
the problem involves developing, explaining or presenting in depth"(p. 41).

According to Carrasco (2015, pp. 93-94), the following should be taken into account
criteria for posing the research problem:
. Have a broad and objective understanding of the research topic and problem.
. The formulation, which is part of the problem statement, must be made in
form of a question.
. It is advisable to include the justification of the study in the proposal.
problem.
. The problem must be properly defined.
. The factual and methodological elements that constitute the approach of
problems must have a relationship and coherence with each other.

Description of the problematic reality

Now, raising the research problem means a) arguing, stating
to describe the problematic reality and b) to explicitly formulate the problem in
form of questions, two aspects that should not be confused.

In those terms, posing a problem means presenting all the reasons.

for which it is considered a problem. All these reasons are called
arguments (Vara-Horna, 2012). In scientific language, a requirement for a
necessary argumentation that supports the question and justifies its reason for being. The
arguments are necessary in the first part of the problem statement; the
Formulation of the problem is the natural consequence of a good approach.
This conception is based on the principle 'with a well-posed question, one has
the half of the answer." In that sense, the argument of the problem contains
all the necessary elements to introduce the initial idea into the world of
science. The bridge between these two worlds is the literature review and the use
of critical thinking (Vara-Horna, 2012, p. 176).

According to Bernal (2010), stating a research problem consists of

present, show and expose the characteristics or traits of the subject, situation or
aspect of interest to be studied, that is, to describe the current state of
problem. In general, stating a problem is to recount what is happening in
relationship with a situation, with a person or with an institution; it is to narrate the
facts that characterize that situation, showing its implications and solutions.
 To accurately define or describe the problem, one must possess a
prior knowledge about the situation that is going to be studied, which will have to
to reflect a general knowledge that the researcher must have about the
object or subject that is going to be studied and about previous research on it
subject, as well as some personal experiences. In summary, to state a
The problem is to present an overview of the situation being studied.
Bernal (2010, pp. 88-89). It is what is usually known as a description of the
problematic reality.

The description of the problematic reality can also be referred to as

"radiography of the problematic fact", because it seeks to provide a real view and
reliable in the way the research problem is manifested in the
social medium where it is located, which is why precise knowledge is required and

objectivity in its preparation (Carrasco, 2015).

According to Alfaro et al. (2015), the description of the problematic reality expresses
a need, absence, difficulty, dissatisfaction, conflict or lack in some
aspect of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a
selective, exhaustive, and critical review of previous research on the subject
problem, consult experts, express its magnitude, urgency or severity,
importance and relevance of study and must be spatially located and
temporarily.

In the description of the essential features of the problematic reality in

analysis, it is advisable to decide early what the central problem is
investigation on which the study will focus, and schematically it will be
It is usually represented as 'dependent variable', which allows to emphasize the subject.

of interest through correct writing. For example, in the following title:

“School bullying and depression in middle school students…”, the variable
independent is school bullying and the dependent variable is depression.
 Although this denomination is simply didactic, as it is only valid
for explanatory studies, where the aim is to determine causal relationships
between variables. While in simple correlational studies, due to the issue
It is enough to say V1: bullying and V2: depression, which also makes it easier.
the writing of the title. In any case, the author starts from a previous idea, or a
doubt: What comes first? Is depression a consequence of bullying? Or the
Is school bullying a consequence of depression? According to the perspective
The researcher will place greater emphasis on one variable or another.

Ultimately, for Del Cid, Méndez, and Sandoval (2011), it must

justify the conduct of the study, indicating the motivations that drive to
pose the research and the relevance of investigating that topic. This justification
must be based on the observed facts in reality, which generate interest
to deepen the understanding of the issue raised. In other words, it is
must convince the audience, if it is a thesis defense, or the readers, if
it is about the consultation of the written document, the relevance of the study topic,
of the approach, of the use of the method, of the techniques and instruments and the benefits of

The results, there must be some good reason to consult the research.

Models for drafting the problematic reality

Medical model
According to Del Cid, Méndez, and Sandoval (2011), the justification for the proposal of
problem; that is to say, what Bernal (2010) calls problem statement and what
here it is called description of the problematic reality, it must include several
elements:

. Description of the phenomenon: it consists of a brief description of the phenomenon.

what is intended to be studied. To characterize the problematic situation, it
includes data, location, statistics (brief), etc. Schematically it
pueden redactar estos dos párrafos en el siguiente orden:
 Current situations: refers to the enumeration of situations that
currently observed in that reality, they are usually matters of the
daily life, these should not be convoluted, as precisely their
existence is what makes research necessary. This enumeration
accurate and enriching of current situations can only be carried out if
a preliminary investigation has been carried out, both with observation of
phenomenon directly, as with research into the context surrounding the
phenomenon.

Causes: it refers to the possible causes that give rise to situations.

current. To list them, it is important to understand the phenomenon in its
set. In this way, one or more causes can be mentioned for each
one of the conditions is observed in reality.

. Forecast: it refers to predicting what will happen if reality continues.

exactly the same as at the beginning, it is to speculate but enlightened by theory and the
empirical information obtained up to that moment of the research.

. Control of the forecast: it refers to suggesting ways to control the causes that
are originating the current situations. In many cases, investigations,
in addition to showing the current state of a phenomenon, they make some contribution, already

in the form of a manual, guide, or other, with the objective that through its
application the problem is minimized or resolved.

The justification of the problem statement must include the diagnosis, the
Forecasting and control, these points are logically written, they should not
include subtitles and they can be combined, although it is suggested to follow the model.

Example:

In the Guatemalan economy, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (Mipymes) play a decisive role in employment.

labor, due to the conditions of scarcity of formal employment. Despite generating

more than 70% occupancy, their vulnerability conditions make a high
percentage of them closing before the year started.
 Among the factors that contribute to their early disappearance are the few
investment capability they have, as well as the low qualification of their personnel. These
situations have been confirmed through a preliminary observation in SMEs of
sale of spare parts. In several cases, it has been observed that employees provide
inadequate guidance regarding the use of one spare part or another. Customer service is
slow and somewhat unfriendly. Errors in the orders are observed with some frequency and the
stores usually have products in the aisles, counters, etc.

The previous situations can be caused by various reasons, one of them

it is the lack of specification of functions and of formally organizing the company, in
As a consequence, control becomes more difficult. A lack of training is also detected.
both in terms of the knowledge of the product they sell, and in the processes and
procedures in general, as well as raising employee awareness about the philosophy and
the values that the company is interested in conveying.

The situation of these SMEs is concerning, as if it continues like this, their clients...
current and potential customers will prefer the competition, and in some cases may file a lawsuit
to the company for not fulfilling its offerings at the time of product purchase.
On the part of the staff, they are exposed to accidents due to the lack of order.
They may reach such a level of discouragement that they prefer to leave the company.

Given the aforementioned situation, the following research question is posed:

How does the current situation relate to the efficiency presented by hardware stores?
located in the capital city?

Note: extracted from Del Cid et al., (2011)

Description of the phenomenon: MSEs account for more than 70% of the workforce.
work in countries like Guatemala; hence the importance of the contribution they make to the
economy. Historically, a high percentage of these disappear within
a year after its establishment, and in the face of globalization, this phenomenon is observable with

much more frequently. Among the aspects that lead to their disappearance
they have: limited investment capacity, unskilled labor.
Table 2
Diagnostic chart for problem formulation
Situations Causes Forecast Control the forecast
current
Late delivery of Not Enough Establishment of
orders. existence. Loss of formal organization.
clients.
Answers Establishment of functions and
ambiguous and/or Unawareness Bad evaluation indicators of
misunderstood by the functioning part performance.
employee inquiries. Of the products
clients. sold.
Delay on overload of Desertion of Reorganization of spaces and
to attend employee activities. product placement.
requirements of some
the clients. employees.
Employee training
Accidents, bad in relation to the philosophy of the
Disorder in the Lack of order. attention a the company, knowledge of the
store. clients. products they distribute,
processes and procedures in
general.
Attitude
Unconcerned about Lack of control. Anarchy. _________________________
the employees.
Demands for
Omission Disinterest. part of the _________________________
orders. clients.
Note: extracted from Del Cid et al., (2011)

Based on the analysis of the previous diagnostic framework for the approach of the
the main issue can be extracted:
Example 2:

Ureteral calculi are the third cause of urinary tract diseases, then

of prostate infections and pathologies. 1,2 The prevalence in Asia is 1–5%, in

Europe 5–9% and in the United States 13%; numerous reports indicate an increase in the

Western societies. No studies have been found in our environment.

Due to its high recurrence, urolithiasis is considered a chronic disease and

a public health problem due to the high cost of first-line treatment, such as the

extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic lithotripsy (URS).

These minimally invasive procedures have revolutionized treatment

for urinary calculations and are not exempt from risks and complications. 5 Various

Studies indicate that its removal may be dependent on its size and location.

anatomical. Thus, stones smaller than 5 mm are expelled in 71-98% of cases

spontaneously and those larger than 5 mm in 25-53%

In recent years, there has been an alternative therapeutic proposal: medical therapy.

expulsive. It includes alpha-1 adrenergic blockers, such as tamsulosin, which

they would improve the expulsion of the stones. Studies have shown the benefits of the

tamsulosin; however, its efficacy in the elimination of stones remains uncertain.

In the clinic (...), in Lima-Peru, this treatment is used interchangeably for the

conventional. There is no established protocol; therefore, it is desired to determine the

effectiveness of tamsulosin in the elimination of distal ureteral stones in

comparison with the conventional.

Note: extracted from Alfaro et al., (2015)

Although the justification or statement of the problem generally ends with

the research question, this depends on the protocol of each university.
Historical model

According to Carrasco (2015), the historical evolution of the research problem

it consists of narrating descriptively and explicitly the details and characteristics of the
problem. It must be explained as objectively and factually as possible how it has been

manifesting and how it has intensified, critically affecting the context

social where it is located. Immediately an illustrative example is provided, taking
as referenced by the title: 'Teaching Performance and Academic Achievement of the'
students of the Faculty of Education of UNCV, 2005. The explanation of
the problem must preferably focus on the dependent variable: 'Level of the
students from the Faculty of Education...

In that sense, one way to articulate the evolution of the problematic reality
it would be as follows:

For about ten years now, the problem of low academic performance has been ongoing.
highlighting in an increasingly growing way, manifesting year after year, without it
take the appropriate academic and administrative measures.

On a certain date, as in the case of the year 1990, due to reformulation and
update of vocational training plans and programs, some were carried out
studies, but without significant technical or scientific importance. By the year 1998, for these
the same reasons, a very significant diagnosis of the academic situation was made
the faculty, but unfortunately they only remained as recommendations. In 1999 the
Curriculum Evaluation Committee conducted a descriptive research study,
checking that academic performance was quite low in comparison
with previous years.

These indicators, which express the critical reality of the academic level of the
students of the Faculty of Education currently constitute a problem that
urgently requires scientific treatment to determine what factor or factors are
influencing its configuration.

Note: taken from Carrasco (2015, p. 99).

Deductive model
Valderrama (2015) recommends that for the development of paragraphs one should
use deductive and inductive methods; that is, reasoning must start from
from the generic to reach the specific of the problem or vice versa. Others call it
the delembudo method, because the problem can be stated from the most
general to the most particular, for example: on a global level, on a level
Latin American at the national level, at the regional level, at the local level and at the level

specific, culminating in the context or scope addressed in the research,

how public schools in a district can be. It is true that sometimes it is not
It is possible to obtain data and information from any of these levels, but the idea
It is always important to characterize as accurately as possible the reality that is intended to be analyzed.

For its part, Vara-Horna (2012) outlines six steps and elements for
make a good statement of the problem using the funnel method.
The following steps are shown in the next diagram:

Table 4
Funnel method for defining the problem
Steps Argumentation
1. Briefly define the topic you are going to The following problem is from a research study.
investigate. about payment methods in commerce
electronic.
2. Place the topic in context. Define the
problem in space, time and concept.

3. Mention the problems that have been

those who have been addressed and those who have not been addressed,

which are the starting point of your

research.

4. Refer some studies on the topic (if

it's that I would have).

5. Indicate what you intend to do. Mention

your goals and the possible usefulness of the
Therefore, this research aims to...
research.

6. Formula by means of a general question the

Thus, in light of the above, the following will be answered.
What do you intend to investigate?
next question: ...?
Note: adapted from Vara-Horna (2012)
Table 5
Schematic application of the funnel method to frame the problem
Steps Argumentation
Briefly define that E-commerce in developed countries continues to increase.
topic you are going to research. but small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries have
limitation to enter the same due to not having a bank account or
international card for conducting transactions, limiting the
feasibility of the agreement of the sale, as well as the execution and submission
of the collection.
2. Locate the topic in the
context. Delimit the In this regard, it is necessary to identify application alternatives for this type of
problem in space, business that allows for international collection and does not generate
time and concept. much burden on the sales made by small and medium enterprises
exporting companies from Lima.
3. Mention the problems
that have been addressed and There are many studies about e-commerce, especially in the
those who have not been security aspects, such as the various types of it, but it has not been
addressed, which are found a study that indicates or points out if there is any way that
the starting point of your allow small and medium enterprises to enter it, giving
Research. to know what the usage charges are and if they have any option to be able to
to streamline these charges, allowing them to have a greater profit margin.

On these topics, there are still gaps in information. Thus, it is not yet known
4. Refer some studies
about the topic (if it is that how to finalize the sale of export products, how to have the
the would have been. availability of the collections made, the completion of collections of
various commissions both for the publication made, for the use of
additional tools, for the sale made, for the collection made,
for the completion of the money transfer.
5. Indicate what you intend
What is sought is to obtain information regarding the option that is
to carry out. Mention your
have to reduce the amounts of the collections made to the seller of
objectives y the possible
e-commerce, in such a way that it generates higher income, to look for
utility of research.
an alternative that allows small and medium enterprises a greater margin
to profit, find an alternative that allows optimizing income.

6. Formula via a From what has been said, this research aims to identify and analyze the
general question what convenience of using various effective collection tools that
you intend to investigate.
could be applied in the initiation of e-commerce for small and
medium-sized export goods companies in Lima.

Thus, in light of the above, the main question that guides this
investigation is: What is the convenience of using the various
effective collection tools that could be applied in the initiation
from the e-commerce of small and medium enterprises of goods
of Lima's exports?
Note: adapted from Vara-Horna (2012)

Continuing with the same title: 'Teacher performance and academic achievement of'
the students of the Faculty of Education of UNCV, 2005." It is presented
immediately the application of the deductive model for the writing of reality
problematic.
Education at all levels is the means of change and development of peoples.
with her, men shape and transform both themselves and the social environment
natural surrounding it, making its life more comfortable and durable. Therefore, one of the
One of the most desired objectives of a country is the education of its inhabitants.

However, when one of its components fails within the educational process,
then there are problematic situations that must be resolved in a manner
technical and scientific.

One of the major problems currently facing the educational system is

our society is undoubtedly the low academic level of education students
superior, the same that manifests itself in various aspects of the student's life.

Particularly, the problem of low academic level that arises in the

Faculty of Education of UNCVM, in the year 2005, expresses a variety of
indicators that allow for an objective assessment of the concerning academic level of their
students; for example, it is manifested in the partial grades, oral tests
exhibitions, monographic papers, etc.

This situation of academic imbalance affects not only the Faculty of Education,
but to the same university as an institution. The determining factor or factors or
The generators of this problem are unknown, which is why the present is being carried out.
research work.

Note: taken from Carrasco (2015, p. 99).

Model of scientific essay

From the point of view of content, an essay is an argumentative text.
where the author expresses a clear communicative intention: seeks to convince,
persuade the reader. While from a formal point of view, the essay shows
a basic structure: introduction, development, and conclusion, although this
presentation can become increasingly complex, depending on the domain of
the writing or experience in text production that one has previously
researcher.
 Innovation and creativity: new challenges for the
companies as a consequence of the new global paradigm of globalization and
competitiveness

Planet Earth seems to have turned into a small village. The progress of the
globalization is a reality; individuals are no longer citizens of a nation, but
citizens of the world; satellite communication systems, cell phone technology,
information highways via the Internet, fiber optics, and computers are
revolutionizing knowledge processes.

In the world of politics, basic paradigms are being broken.

power structures linked to large social organizations such as political parties and
Unions now give way to independent candidates. The power is no longer in the parties.
politicians, now it is in the people, in their human, individual characteristics,
personal.

Lifestyles change, there is a total transformation of the systems.

educational systems of the world. The quality of education will be characterized by a system of

individual competencies and its infrastructure oriented towards research. It

is at the dawn of the era of creativity, the era of knowledge. The countries that
they have the best scientists, universities, research centers, and high centers
technology will dominate the world. In the 21st century, there will be a qualitative leap regarding
utilization of wind and solar energies, and there will be a greater possibility of integration
harmonious with the environment, and with less aggressive energy forms for the medium
biological and for the biosphere.

Recognized researchers in the field of business and economics, such as

Kenich Ohmae, Peter F. Drucker, Patricia Aburdene, John Naisbitt, Jack Nadel and Michael
E. Porter has analyzed the economic changes in the world, the nature of the
business and the need to have a new paradigm, a new approach and a new
way of thinking to interpret and approach the new reality.

Businesses are facing a paradox, as they have opportunities never

views to take advantage of new markets; however, they change in a way
substantial, reducing or becoming intensely competitive. The opening of the
global markets will generate a restructuring in every business sector,
guiding them to ensure the following: speed, low profit margin per unit,
quality in products and services, product diversity, discounts, convenience and
innovation (Tucker, 1995).

In a world characterized by rapid and complex changes, managers

businesses are increasingly facing more difficult problems that not only affect their
organization, but they influence the overall society. For this reason, they will increasingly have
greater need to face situations in a creative and innovative way. Without
embargo, recent studies on the management of creativity and innovation in the
Business organizations reveal that the road ahead is very long.

Researchers such as Sternberg and Lubar, and Kuczmarski (1997), in their studies
about creativity in organizations, they conclude that most senior managers
levels are frightened by creative and innovative people, as they consider them
uncomfortable and rare, and they refuse to embrace the new and different, when they discourage and do not

they reward the innovative thinking of their employees.

In general, despite not recognizing it, the managers of national companies

hinder or do not promote creativity, which puts them at a disadvantage to take on the
challenges of the new. Today's society needs leaders capable of taking on a true
commitment to its workers, more than performing pre-established functions, that
they are innovative and committed to their own development and that of society.

In the face of this new reality, some questions arise: What are they doing?
manufacturing entrepreneurs to respond to the new competitive environment?
How should national manufacturing companies and their managers prepare if
Do they want to develop competitively? Do national entrepreneurs have...
manufacturers have positive attitudes towards creative people? Do they have the
national entrepreneurs of the manufacturing industry a consistent attitude between what
What do they think and what do they do regarding creative people in their companies? Do they stimulate and

Do national manufacturing entrepreneurs promote creativity? Hence the

the need to investigate this topic in order to understand the performance of the
national manufacturing industry and provide some recommendations for its improvement in the
context of globalization.

Note: adapted from Bernal (2010, pp. 93-95).

Problem formulation

As mentioned before, the problem statement includes the formulation of

problem. In principle, for the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE,
2017), the term 'formulation' comes from the verb 'to formulate', a word that means
clearly and precisely state a proposition, a complaint, a
complaint, etc..." On the other hand, Carrasco (2015) also emphasizes this same
meaning: "to reduce a mandate, a proposition, or a
cargo" (p. 91). For methodological purposes, what matters is to emphasize the word
proposition (logic), since reducing the problem to clear and precise terms of
research involves having a very clearly defined question for the study to be conducted, although

often this is not written in an interrogative form, but rather in a manner of

objective and sometimes not appear explicitly, especially in
brief publications such as scientific articles.

The following are some examples:

. In the form of a question: What is the relationship between A and B?

. In the form of an objective: Establish the relationship between A and B.
. In a non-explicit way: in our environment there is no good amount of
investigations that carefully analyze the relationship between A and B, hence the
need to investigate this study topic...

Although several forms of formulating the problem can be recognized

research, "it is recommended to formulate it in an interrogative manner, as
when something is not known, one simply asks" (Arias, 2012, p. 40). What is
more common in degree theses, given that there is more space available there
comparison with a scientific journal article, where one aims to be very
concise.

Examples of incorrectly formulated questions:

. Does reading contribute to the development of memory?
. Does the family environment influence school performance?
Examples of reformulated questions:
. What is the relationship between reading and memory development?
. How does the family environment influence academic performance?

Evidently, the formulation of the problem will change depending on the type of study.
what is intended to be carried out: descriptive, comparative, correlational, explanatory, etc.

Delimitation of the problem

According to Arias (2012), delimiting in the field of research implies establishing the
scope and limits regarding what is intended to be covered in the study. It means
indicate precisely in the posed question: the space, the time or period
what will be considered in the research, and the population involved. The
The formulation of the problem is the concretization of the statement in a question.
precise and well-defined in terms of space, time, and population (Arias, 2012, pp.
41-42).

According to Vara-Horna (2012), delimitation is a fundamental part of everything

problem statement. It is important for the researcher to be aware of it and

mention in your statement, what is the scope of your work
research? All research has limits; for a study
scientific research is to be effective, it must establish in advance where, when, and until

how much will be investigated. This is known as 'delimitation' and has three aspects
basics:

. Spatial delimitation: Indicating the place where the research will be conducted and
Where will the primary information be obtained.
. Temporal delimitation: Indicating the time period of origin
the data.
. Conceptual or thematic delimitation: Indicating the aspects, themes, areas,
processes or concepts that will be investigated and those that will not.
 So, given the following title: 'Socio-emotional factors in the
comprehension of written texts in sixth grade students, San Juan de
Lurigancho, 2016. One can ask the question: What are the factors
socio-emotional factors that affect the understanding of written texts in students
sixth grade of primary school in the San Juan de Lurigancho district. Lima, 2016

Where:
Delimitation of the subject

Variables: socio-emotional factors and comprehension of written texts

It is understood that the problem being sought to explain is the comprehension of texts.

writings based on socio-emotional factors that the researcher must define.

Population delimitation
Sixth grade students from educational institutions in the district of
San Juan de Lurigancho.
Unit of analysis: sixth grade primary school students
Institutional scope: public and/or private schools - San Juan de Lurigancho

Delimitation of space and time

In the current context, the aim is to achieve international impact and novelty of the
scientific publications, which is why the region and the time period are highlighted.
Geographical space: Lima
Time: year 2017

Likewise, Ander-Egg (1982; cited in Carrasco, 2015) proposes the

following important aspects to properly direct the approach of
problem:

What is the problem?

It consists of identifying the problem by stating and delimiting it.

What are the aspects?

It is about expressing it clearly and precisely, through decomposition.
dimensional of the problem, establishing its constituents or dimensions.
What has been said about the problem?
Study the literature on the subject or related issues.

What are the relationships between the different aspects of the problem?
Translate the question or questions with which the problem is formulated, expressing them.

in manipulable variables that can be empirically verified.

Is it sufficiently defined?
It is about avoiding the misunderstanding in the use of concepts; it is necessary to define

clearly the scope given to the terms that define the problem.

What solution is being sought?

It is what determines the purpose of the research: the objective.

Using the scientific method consists of adopting a systematic process,

ordered and accepted by the scientific community. The first step refers to the
identification of the problem and the knowledge related to it, in order to
theoretically and empirically framing it. The second step is the collection of the

information about how other researchers have approached problems

similar. The third step is the organized and controlled collection of data. The fourth
the fifth step is drawing conclusions and
its generalization. These should be based on the data and on the analysis of the data
available and within the general framework of the study (Buendía, Colás and Hernández, 1998).

Consequently, the formulation of the problem as a starting point, or

the most relevant phase of the research process requires having a strong foundation
theoretical and another solid empirical foundation regarding the research problem,
so that the subsequent methodological treatment is viable and operational, since
this will depend on the results and the conclusions that will be reached. The
The theoretical base is constituted by the set of available knowledge and
systematized that exist on the subject of study, while the foundation
empirical refers to the data and information that the researcher must have about
of the reality it investigates, whether natural or social (Carrasco, 2015).
 The source for obtaining this knowledge lies in the bibliography.
specialized on the subject of study, in the previous research works
as a thesis or scientific articles, and in the field work itself that
the researcher unfolds, since it is supposed to be him who knows better than
nobody their own work. Indeed, Valderrama (2015) also emphasizes the
importance of reviewing the bibliography and the background of the study before
state the problem, enunciate or describe the problematic reality and formulate the
research question.

For his part, Carrasco (2015) mentions some criteria to consider for
the formulation of the research problem:

Table 3
Criteria for formulating the research problem
Description Explanation

The problem must be formulated in a question; a formulated problem in question provokes

question. A precise and timely answer or solution.

2. In cases of investigations Unlike descriptive investigations

correlational, explanatory and can have one or more variables, the
experimental, at a minimum, those mentioned in point 2 must have
two variables. at least two variables.

3. The problem must maintain an order In the research explanatory,

logical in the placement of the variables. correlational y experimental, it is
technically necessary to consider an order of
location of the variables, that is, the 'variable
"independent" of going first.

4. Aspects should be considered as the basis In the formulation of the problem is very
factual and theoretical. it's important to understand the problematic reality
where is the problem geographically located,
as well as possessing sufficient theoretical information
to explain and handle the concepts better
specific to each variable.

5. The variables that compose the solution to the research problem are
problems must be operable and it is essential that they are well formulated, and this
conceptually definable. assume that the variables that make it up
they must be decomposable
empirically. Likewise, they must be easy
conceptualization, for better mastery
methodological.
Note: taken from Carrasco (2015, p. 105)