LESSON 2
Formulating Clear
Statement of the
Research Problem
Research Problem
It is a statement of a concern in
any area, a problem that needs
immediate solution, a recurring
difficulty that is necessary to be
taken out of the situation, or a
practical question from a scholarly
inquiry in different disciplines.
May it be quantitative, qualitative,
or mixed method research,
research problem
should bear the S.M.A.R.T.
—Clemente, Julaton, &
characteristics.
Orleans
S.M.A.R.T.
Specific. This refers to the
quality of being exact or
particular. Research problem
statement should be able to
communicate the specific inquiry
or question that needs to be
answered.
S.M.A.R.T.
Measurable. This is never an issue
in a quantitative method of
research. However, in terms of
qualitative research method, the
measurability of a research
statement refers to its
epistemological aspect or the state
of being objectively observable.
More than that, instruments of
S.M.A.R.T.
Attainable. The research questions
should be easily answered or achieved
when the appropriate procedures are
performed.
Realistic. The possibility of being
carried out should always be observed
in formulating the research problem
especially when there is a need for
S.M.A.R.T.
Time-Bound. Time is an important
element in the research work. The
research questions should be narrowed
enough to be attained within the set
time frame.
General Guidelines in
Formulating the General
Problem and the Specific
Sub-problems or Specific
Questions.
- Calderon and Gonzales
General Guidelines
1. The general statement and
specific sub-questions should be
formulated before carrying out
actions in the conduct of the
research
2. work.
State the specific sub-problems in
interrogative form.
General Guidelines
3. The specific question should bear
only one clear meaning.
4. Research questions within a
study should be interconnected and
aligned, rather than isolated or
unrelated. Each question should
contribute to the overall purpose of
the research and complement the
General Guidelines
5. It must be based on facts and
phenomena.
6. The answers to each specific
question should be contributory to
the development of the general
problem statement.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The research aims to investigate the potential impact of
integrating AI Tools into the learning processes of grade
12 students. Specifically, the study seeks to address the
following sub-questions:
1. How do AI tools enhance student engagement and
participation in learning activities?
2. How do AI tools influence the development of critical
thinking and problem-solving skills among Grade 12
students?
3. What challenges and limitations arise from the
implementation of AI tools in the educational setting?
4. What strategies can be implemented to optimize the
integration of AI tools for improved learning outcomes in
Types of Research
Questions
(According to
Purpose)
- Clemente, Julaton, &
Orleans
1. Factor-isolating
questions
The major concern of these
questions is to categorize, label,
or name factors and situations
that exist or those that are
present in the perimeter of the
research work.
The purpose is to describe or
1. Factor-isolating questions
Examples:
What are the difficulties
encountered by Senior High
School learners in the New
Normal set-up of educational
system in the country?
What are the different types of
teaching strategies used in
elementary schools
2. Factor-relating
questions
These questions explore
relationships between and
among the identified factors or
variables.
The goal is to determine
whether and how these factors
2. Factor-relating questions
Examples:
What relationship exists
between the socio-economic
status of family to the learning
ability of students?
Is there a significant relationship
between the choice of words of
learners in essay writing and the
speaking skills of learners?
3. Situation-relating
questions
These questions examine how
variables change in response to
specific conditions or
interventions.
They are often used in
experimental or quasi-
3. Situation-relating questions
Examples:
What is the effect of the modular
distance learning to the learning
style and behavior of learners?
What are the impacts of flexible
learning options and modalities
in the educational system in the
Philippines?
4. Situation-producing questions
These questions aim to create
or design solutions, strategies,
or interventions to address
specific problems or needs.
They are often used in action
research or applied research to
propose actionable plans.
4. Situation-producing questions
Examples:
What project could be designed
to empower parents and the
community to be involved in the
educational system?
What program could be
implemented to improve literacy
rates among underprivileged
