The Problem and its Scope

Introduction
The introduction formally presents the research study. It explicitly mentions what the research
topic is all about, sets the tone and gradually leads the reader to the research topic by performing the
following:
a. Enumerating the factors leading to the choice of the research topic;
b. Stating the condition existing; or
c. Giving a macro perspective of the entire research study;
d. Explaining the importance of the study and lastly,
e. mentioning the rationale o the reason for choosing the research topic
Sample of Introduction:
In many organizations, employees performance is one of the important concerns of
management. The fact that performance is associated with productivity justifies the concern that
employees should exert their effort and perform their jobs for the benefit of the organization. Thus,
every organization has a performance appraisal system which provides information on how well the
human resources of the organization are performing their job (Chruden and Sherman, 1989:231)
This principle is true to an educational institution. A school is concerned with employees
performance, specifically

Background of the Study
The background of the study may very well be a presentation of the history of the research
topic. It may show the evolution of the research topic until its present status. For example, a company
profile, a product, a service, or a concept history can appropriately present a comprehensive
background.
Data for this section are generally classified as secondary. They are generally found and
gathered from books, journals, magazines, experts, and other credible institutions. In citing facts from
secondary data, sources have to be accurately cited. This includes the author, the title, and the data.
Sample Background of the Study:
As elucidated by Szilagi and Wallace, beyond the concern for performance of an establishment is
the management of its organizational processes. Every organization functions through the persons who
work toward the attainment of its goals and objectives. Underlying the organizational process are
behavior patterns associated with every step.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
The theoretical or conceptual framework is the skeletal model, or the basic structure which
includes theories and concepts on which the research is to be built on. In fact, it is the research studys
frame of reference that provides the very foundation for which the study is being conducted.
If theories are directly referred to, then the researches study uses a theoretical framework. On
the other hand, if the research study significantly relates only to concepts, then the research uses a
conceptual framework.
Oftentimes, a research study uses a paradigm which is the operational and schematic
framework of the research study which illustrates the interrelationship among the specified variables-
which are the independent and the dependent.
Sample of Conceptual framework:
This study is based on the concept upheld by normative theorists of organization development
that there is one best way to change and best direction for change (W. Warner Burke, 1982: 185)
(Then on the next page a Schematic Paradigm or Diagram of the Study will be presented)

Statement of the Problem
The statement of the problem is a clear definition of a question raised for inquiry, consideration
or solution. It is generally expressed in a declarative statement and is commonly referred to as the main
or major problem. It is to be noted that the statement of the problem should be consistent with the title
of the research study.
Aside from the main problem, subproblems are likewise included. Better known as minor
problems, they are stated in the interrogative form. These subproblems may be any of the following:
1. They may include question on what, how, and why.
2. They may include questions based on survey questionnaires, experimental results, and
observations.
3. They may include questions derived from primary and secondary data.


In stating the research problem, certain considerations have to be accomplished.
1. Is the research problem specific, clear, precise, limited, appropriate and well focused?
2. Is the research problem significant and worth investigating?
3. Is the research problem consistent with the research title?
4. Does the research problem capsulize the intended research study?


Research Terminologies
Phenomenon- an observable fact or event; an outward sign of the working of a law of nature
Problem- a deviation from the standard set; an intricate unsettled question; a gap between the actual
and the desired result
Variable- is a characteristic that has two or more mutually exclusive values or properties; any attribute,
factor, or condition that can be classified as either independent or dependent
Independent Variables- better known as predictor variables; presumed cause
Dependent Variables- known as criterion variables; the presumed effect
Intervening Variables- secondary independent variables that are included in the operational
framework. They do affect, but not significantly, the relationship between the variables in the study. It
either strengthens or weakens the influence or effect of the independent variable on the dependent
variable.
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework- a skeletal model, or the basic structure which includes theories
and concepts on which the research study is to be built on.
Paradigm- is the operational and schematic framework of the research study which illustrates and
interrelationships among the specified variable.
Hypothesis- is an educated guess that needs to be tested/
Null Hypothesis- is a denial of an existence, an attributes, a relationship, a difference or an effect.
Alternate Hypothesis- states the very opposite of what the null hypothesis predicts; it affirms the
existence of a phenomenon
Assumptions of the study- are statements of suppositions that are presumed to be true and therefore
need not be proven
Literature- all the writings of a particular time, country or etc.; any written material on something
Subject- are the individual/s to which research is intended
Respondent- are group of people to whom primary data are drawn by the researcher
Sample- refers to a subset or portion of the population on which is based the statement or
generalization about the population from which it is drawn
Sampling- is the process of choosing a representative portion of a population
Population- refers to the entire group or set of individuals or items which is the focus of an
investigation. It is called Universe.
Topic population- may be people, things, plants, or animals. It is the group or set about which
generalization will be made.
Respondent Population- refers to a group or set of individuals who furnish the needed information on
which the generalization will be made.
Target population- refers to the group or set of individuals or items from which or about which
representative information is originally desired
Sampling Unit- is one of several other similar units which can be selected at any stage in the sampling
process. It may be an individual or a group of persons or items.
Sampling frame- refers to an orderly and complete list of sampling units from which the sample is
drawn.
Sampling design- refers to scheme of arriving at the sample which involves specification of the target,
the respondent population and the method of selecting them.
Bibliography- refers to the editions, dates, authorship, publisher, etc. of books and other writings
Research Design- refers to a scheme or plan of action for meeting the objectives of the study.
Data- refers to research results from which inferences are drawn
Primary Data- are those which have been previously gathered compiled and are made available to the
researcher for examination.
Reliability- refers to the consistency, stability, or dependability of the data
Validity- refers to data that are not only reliable but also true and accurate; refers to the extent to
which an instrument is able to actually assess what it is supposed to measure.

Writing the Introduction of the Research Report
The introduction of a research report has six essential parts, as follows:
- Background of the Study
- Rationale of the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study
- Significance of the Study
- Scope and Limitation of the Study

Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study constitute a guide for the researcher and for the reader as well to
know what the researcher has to do. These usually follow the chronological sequence of the specific
questions in the problem statement.
Objectives are written by beginning with either an action verb or an infinitive. Examples:
Describe the financial reporting requirements of the New Government Accounting System that are
applicable to the agencies under the health sector of the government; to identify the users of financial
reports in the health sector of the government; to identify the users of financial reports in the health
sector and determine their information needs.
Significance of the Study
The significance of the study must contain explanations of any or all of the following:
1. Who will benefit and how are they going to benefit from the study? Since the problem is
viewed in light of the needs of a specific user, the study must show the:
a. individuals, groups, or communities who might be placed in a more advantageous position on
account of the study;
b. organizations to whom the recommendations are addressed. These are educational
institutions, professional organizations, sectoral associations, and government or non-government
organizations that will use the results of the study.

Scope and Limitation of Research
The Scope and limitations establish the boundaries, exceptions, reservations, and qualifications
inherent in every study. The scope should include the following:
1. a brief statement of the general purpose of the study
2. the locale from which the respondents were selected
3. the period covered in the study.
The limitations present the reasons why certain areas are not covered and the approach on how
the study is narrowed in scope. This part also shows the weaknesses of the study which are beyond the
researchers control.

Common errors in writing the introduction
Needless to say, a research report should have a strong introduction. It certainly determines to a
large extent the attitude of the readers toward the whole research report. Unfortunately, researchers
seem to commit errors. Some of the common errors in writing the introduction and suggestions to
overcome them are as follows:
- Too much detail; too lengthy
- Repetition of words, phrases or ideas
- Unclear problem definition
- Poor organization

Conducting the Review of Literature
A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by scholars and
researchers. It involves a search and analysis of documents related to the research problem. These
documents include books, journals, reports, previous studies, websites, and the like. The review will
discuss, summarize, and synthesize what the different sources (authors and organizations) have stated
about the problem in focus.
A review of literature is not a summary or an abstract of articles. It is an analysis and synthesis of
the source material, written in a specific style, which flows from broad to narrow, and takes into account
the theoretical and empirical issues. It should not be superficial; it is not just an annotated bibliography
with a line or two on each book or article. The review helps to contextualize or frame the research.

Citing the sources
List all sources mentioned in the review following a specific formatting and style guide

Developing the Research Framework
A framework is an underlying set of ideas, principles, agreement or rules that provide the basis
or the outline for something that is more fully developed at a later stage(Encarta Dictionary, 2000). It is
a coherent system that facilitates consistent development, interpretation, and application of concepts,
methodologies, and techniques useful to a discipline or profession. A framework provides a structural
blueprint of how a body of knowledge and guidance fits together.
Research frameworks are generally classified into three: 1 theoretical framework, (2) conceptual
framework, and (3) operational framework

Theoretical Framework
When a researcher starts reviewing the related literature, he/she soon discovers that he
problem he/she wishes to investigate has its roots in a number of theories that have been developed
from different perspectives. The information obtained from different sources are sorted under the main
themes, highlighting agreements and disagreements among the authors and identifying the unanswered
questions with aspects that have a direct or indirect bearing on the research topic. These aspects should
be used as the basis in developing the theoretical framework.
Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework stems from the theoretical framework and concentrates, usually, on
one section or component of said theoretical framework. While the theoretical framework consists of
the theories or issues in which the study is embedded, the conceptual framework describes the aspects
the researcher selected from the theoretical framework to become the basis of the study. The
conceptual framework grows out of the theoretical framework and relates to the specifc research
problem

Introduction of the Study
Background of the Study
- Description of the general context in which the problem is to be viewed and discussed
- Description of the situation in and the process by which problem arose and developed
- Reasons for choosing the topic
Review of related literature
- Discussion of previous studies result and findings related to the problem chosen
- Brief history (optional)
Statement of the problem
Statement of the objectives
- General objectives
- Specific Objectives
Scope and limitations of the Study
Theoretical Framework
- Assumptions
- Hypothesis
- Operational definition
- Conceptual framework
- Operational framework
Methodology of the Study
- Research design
- Sampling plan
o Sampling plan
o Sample
Establishments
Respondents
- Method of data collection
o Research instruments
o Data gathering procedure
- Method of data analysis
Results and Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendices

Development and Formulation of Research Problem
Identification and selection of the Research Problem
One seeks to define a problem. For a beginning researcher the most difficult part is the
identification of the research problem for investigation. Murdick (1969) says that in general terms, a
problem is a felt need, a question thrown forward for solution. It is a deviation between tht which is
known and that which is or become desired to be known Sekaran (1992) characterizes a research
problem as a situation where a gap exists between the actual and the desired ideal state Gay and
Diehl (1992), however, describe the research problem as a hypothesis or question of interest to
business people and managers that can be tested or answered through the collection and analysis of
data.






















Descriptive Research
- The descriptive type of study finds answer to the questions who, what, when, where, and
how.
- The following examples of research topics in specific areas fall under the descriptive type.
- The management style of school administrators in Iloilo City
- Tardiness and absenteeism among high school students
- The medicinal components of five kinds of Philippine backyard plants
- Smoking habits of health service providers in government and private hospitals
- Marketing practices of the loom weaving industry in Region VI
- A typical office day of a government employee: a time allocation study
- The insecticidal properties of pepper
Explanatory or Correlation Research
- An explanatory study goes beyond description of the problem or situation. It attempts to
explain the possible factors related to a problem which have been observed in a descriptive
study. This type of study answers the questions why and how
- The following examples of research topics in specific areas fall under the explanatory or
correlation category:
- Knowledge about cancer and compliance with diet, exercise, and medical regimen
among cancer patients
- Relationship between socioeconomic factors and absenteeism among high school
students in the district of Jaro
- Attitudes towards health and smoking habits of health service providers in government
and private hospitals in Iloilo City
- Marketing strategies and sales performances of garment industries in the province of
Negros Occidental
- Employment and income as determinants of loan repayment status of borrowers of
credit cooperatives in Ilocos Norte
- Factors associated with extent of involvement in local governance among barangay
officials in Region VI


Intervention or Experimental Research
- The intervention or experimental type of research evaluates the effect or outcome of a
particular intervention or treatment. It studies the cause and effect relationship between
certain factors on a certain phenomenon under controlled conditions.