Research Problem Formulation Guide

Overview

This lecture covers how to identify and formulate research problems, questions, and objectives, emphasizing clear, focused, and feasible research design using the SMART criteria.

Importance of Research Problem Formulation

• The research problem is the foundation and starting point of any research project.
• A well-formulated research problem ensures a strong, valid, and clear research outcome.
• Careful problem formulation guides the entire research process.

Factors in Selecting a Research Problem

• Choose a topic that interests you to sustain motivation.
• Ensure you have sufficient expertise in the chosen area.
• Verify the availability and accessibility of necessary data and materials.
• Consider the ethical implications of your research.
• Select a topic aligned with your profession and that adds value to existing knowledge.

Sources of Research Questions

• Personal experiences highlighting gaps or issues in practice.
• Review of related literature to identify unanswered questions.
• Examination or challenge of existing theories due to new information.
• Ideas or observations from others, such as peers or group discussions.

Criteria for Good Research Questions

• Must be significant, relevant, and contribute to current knowledge or practice.
• Should be answerable, based on theory, and ethical.
• The solution must be practical and within the researcher's capability and data access.

Formulating Research Questions: The PEOM Format

• Population: Whom the study concerns.
• Exposure: The intervention or variable applied.
• Outcome: The expected result or effect.
• Method: The research design used.
• Example: "Is Ampalaya leaf extract effective in reducing blood sugar among diabetic rats in a randomized controlled trial?"

Research Objectives

• Objectives state what the study aims to achieve and guide the project's direction.
• Can be general (overall purpose) or specific (detailed, measurable aspects).
• Specific objectives break down the general objective into focused, actionable parts.
• Good objectives are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Use clear, precise action verbs like "to determine," "to compare," or "to assess."

Common Mistakes in Writing Objectives

• Restating the problem instead of the purpose or outcome.
• Describing only procedures, not outcomes.
• Using imprecise or vague terms.
• Including too many or insignificant objectives.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Research Problem — The foundational question or issue a study seeks to address.
• Research Question — Clearly defined inquiry guiding the study, often structured using the PEOM format.
• Research Objectives — Statements outlining what the study aims to achieve, divided into general and specific objectives.
• SMART — Criteria for objectives: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound.
• PEOM — Format for structuring research questions: Population, Exposure, Outcome, Method.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Choose three research topics.
• For each, formulate a research problem, a general objective, and specific objectives, ensuring they follow SMART criteria.
• Submit the output as a PDF via email by February 11, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.