a simplified and systematically explained powerpoint on how to write a research problem.

1. Billy Rey B. Rillon
MAEd 301
Dr. Roger R. Morallos

2. What is a Problem?
“a perplexing situation,
real or artificial, the solution
of which requires
reflective thinking.”
(Good, p.414)

3. Elements of a Problem

4. 1. Aim or
Purpose
This answers the
question “Why.”

5. 2. Topic to be investigated
This answers the
question “What.”

6. 3. The place or Locale
This answers the question “Where.”

7. 4. Period of Time
This answers the
question “When.”

8. 5. Population
This answers the question “Who.”

9. An investigator knows
that a problem is
researchable when…

10. 1. When there is no
known solution to the
problem.

11. 2. The solution can be
answered by using statistical
methods and techniques

12. 3. There are probable
solutions, but they are not yet
tested.

13. 4. The occurrence of
phenomena requires scientific
investigation to arrive at a
precise solution.

14. Interests

15. Characteristics of a
Research Problem

16. Criteria in the
Selection of the
Research Topic

17. 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.

18. 1. Brainstorm for Ideas
Choose a topic that interests you.

19. 2. Read General Background
Information
Reading a broad summary
enables you to get an
overview of the topic and
see how your ideas relate to
broader, narrower and
related issues.

20. 3. Focus on Your Topic
Keep it manageable

21. 4. Make a List of Useful
Keywords
Keep track of the words that
are used to describe your
topic.

22. 5. Be Flexible
It is common to modify your topic
during the research process.

23. 6. Define
your topic as
a focused
research
question.
You often begin
with a word.
Develop a more
focused interest
relating to that
word.

24. 7. Research and
Read More
Use the key words you have
gathered to research in the
catalog, articles, databases,
and internet search engines.

25. 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.

26. Guidelines in
the Selection
of a Research
Topic

27. 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

28. 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

29. 17. There must be return of some kind to the researcher
18. There must be consideration of the hazards involved (physical, social,
or legal)