Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Lesson 1.1
Identifying Scientific Problems
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 4

Scientific Research 4
Steps of Scientific Research 5
Observing and Identifying the Research Problem 6
Conducting Background Research 7
Formulating a Hypothesis 7
Testing the Hypothesis by Designing the Research Methodology 8
Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data 9
Drawing Conclusions and Recommendations 9
Sharing Your Research Output 10
Characteristics of a Research Problem 11
Factors in Choosing a Good Research Problem 12
Researchability 12
Theoretical and Practical Significance 13
Originality 13
Feasibility 14
Specificity 14
Ethical Considerations 14
Sample Research Problems in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 14

Key Points 17

Check Your Understanding 18

Challenge Yourself 19

Mini Task 19

Bibliography 22
Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Lesson 1.1

Identifying Scientific Problems

Introduction
Most of the things that we use in our daily lives are products of scientific research. Scientific
research is the process of systematic inquiry that is based on scientific methods. The main
purpose of scientific research is to generate scientific knowledge that can be utilized to
improve the quality of human life. Medicines that cure diseases, high-speed trains that
shorten your travel time, and even your smartphones and computers that allow you to
execute your tasks were all created from research. Without scientific research, many
innovative ideas will not be translated into reality. In this lesson, students are expected to
become familiar with the process of identifying good research problems that have the
potential to bring innovation and to address real-life problems that we face in our society.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Learning Objectives DepEd Competency

In this lesson, you should be able to do the
Identify a scientific problem or
following:
question. (STEM_RP12-IIa-e-1)
● Define scientific research and research
problems.
● Enumerate the characteristics of a good
research problem.
● Provide examples of research problems in
the field of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics.

Warm Up

Molyneux's Question 15 minutes

Some traditional questions in the fields of science and philosophy remain controversial. In
this activity, see how scientists try to solve one of the most challenging philosophical
questions in history.

Materials
● laptop with an Internet connection
● LCD projector

Procedure
1. Access the provided link below and watch the video that discusses the history of
Molyneux's question.

Smart by Design. “Molyneux's Question - Can It be Solved. ”

Accessed September 11, 2019.
https://youtu.be/1TdFAHtqPbs

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

2. Thereafter, look for a partner to discuss how science addresses the issues presented
in the video.
3. During the discussion, complete Table 1.1.1. by relating the case of Molyneux's
question to the steps of the scientific method that you have learned from previous
grade levels.
4. After completing the table, exchange your output and discuss it with that of another
pair.
5. Conclude the activity by answering the guide questions that follow.

Table 1.1.1. Dissection of Molyneux's Question

Steps of Scientific Method Relationship with Molyneux’s Case

Initial Observation

Primary Question

Hypothesis

Experiments Conducted

Data Collected

Analysis

Conclusion

Guide Questions
1. What is Molyneux’s question?
2. How do you think Molyneux's question can be solved by using the scientific method?
3. Why is it important to answer scientific problems like Molyneux's question?
4. How do you think the current scientific research to solve the Molyneux's question
can be improved?

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Learn about It!

Scientific Research
The word scientific comes from its root word, science. Science, in its simplest definition,
refers to a systematic and well-organized body of knowledge that is formed through a series
of inquiries that utilize the scientific method.

Science can also be classified as natural science and social science. Natural sciences deal
with naturally occurring objects or phenomena. Social sciences, on the other hand, focus
on human behavior, social group organization, and economics. Despite their differences in
scope, branches of science have one great similarity. All of these bodies of knowledge were
created based on a series of scientific research that aims to improve our current
understanding of organisms and the physical world as a whole.

Life science is a subdiscipline of the natural sciences.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Scientific research serves as the main source of scientific knowledge, which is a

generalized body of principles consisting of laws and theories that try to explain events that
happen in our surroundings. A series of interrelated research studies regarding a particular
topic often results in the creation of laws and theories. Laws refer to a validated body of
knowledge regarding observed patterns of phenomena or behaviors. Theories, on the
other hand, are systematic explanations of the underlying phenomenon or behavior that
remains to be validated and improved through a series of scientific investigations.
Eventually, the generated theories and laws become the primary baseline of the new pieces
of knowledge, or they can be applied in real-life situations to introduce innovation and
improve the quality of living in society.

Remember
The main purpose of scientific research is to generate scientific
knowledge and utilize this information in improving people’s way
of living. Scientific research serves as the main source of scientific
knowledge, which is a generalized body of principles consisting of
laws and theories that try to explain events happening in our
surroundings. A series of related research studies regarding a
particular topic often results in the creation of laws and theories.

Why are the steps of the scientific research

process necessary?

Steps of Scientific Research

The steps of scientific research are based on the scientific method. The scientific research
process is the way that people in the field of natural and social sciences go about asking and
solving scientific questions. The following are the steps of the scientific research process.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Observing and Identifying the Research Problem

Most scientists start their work by observing their surroundings or environment. This allows
them to identify processes or things that require improvement. In this step, the researchers
try to construct research questions that are parallel to the real-life problems they want to
address. This serves as the primary focus of the study.

As an example for this section, some scientists may notice that there is an existing
problem in plastic pollution in their area, as in Fig. 1.1.1. This may lead to environmental
degradation due to improper waste disposal. At the same time, they noticed that there is
excessive organic waste in their local market, the majority of which are vegetable rejects.
Based on these observations, a scientist may construct a research problem to address
existing issues in their surroundings.

Fig. 1.1.1. Observation of one’s surroundings is essential to scientific research. Pollution, for
example, is a major problem nowadays that impacts many aspects of life.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Conducting Background Research

For beginners, researchers may conduct an initial research background investigation by
discussing what they currently know about their study. Then, this must be supplemented by
performing a literature search that allows them to learn more about the topic. This step
provides baseline knowledge about the research problem.

The review of literature provides insights into related studies that have been done in the
past, methods used to solve previous problems, and generated results and generalization of
previous research. By using the given example on plastic pollution and vegetable waste
production, a researcher may look for additional information on biodegradable
plastics while conducting parallel research on possible uses of vegetable wastes.

Formulating a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is nothing more than a good scientific guess. Most of the time, researchers
formulate their hypothesis based on the information they gathered from the literature
review.

The initial problem identified can be too broad in scope. In this step, the researcher clarifies
and narrows the scope of the study based on the information collected from the literature
search. After narrowing down the scope, the researcher formulates the assumption for the
expected results if the specific problem has been addressed. The hypothesis guides the
researchers in determining possible ways of answering the problem by designing the
methodology of the research.

In the example of the literature search regarding biodegradable plastics and uses of
vegetable wastes, a researcher may think that he/she can produce biodegradable
plastics from the starch extracted from vegetable waste components. From this, the
researcher can hypothesize that it is possible to produce biodegradable plastics by
using vegetable starch as an effective binder.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Plastics consist of nonbiodegradable material. The production and use of biodegradable

plastics can be beneficial to the environment.

Testing the Hypothesis by Designing the Research Methodology

Research methodology refers to the set of methods, procedures, or techniques that will be
used for the overall handling of data about a topic. The methodology serves as a road map
in executing the testing of the hypothesis of the study. This part requires specifying the
variables and samples involved in the study and how data will be collected. Designing the
research methodology includes several decisions and considerations for constructing a
comprehensive plan in answering the research questions.

In the example of the production of biodegradable plastics from vegetable starch, a

researcher may try different formulations to create biodegradable plastics. To test
the feasibility of this idea, the researcher may design a research methodology that
would evaluate the properties of the produced biodegradable plastic such as tensile
strength and degradability.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data

Once the research methodology is completed, the researcher starts the actual study by
collecting the necessary data to answer the research question. Data collection is a critical
step as this provides the framework for the conclusion of the study. Data can be collected in
several ways, which will be discussed in the succeeding lessons.

After data collection, the researchers need to perform the analysis to extract the essential
information needed to answer the research questions. Data analysis is done with the use
of statistical methods that you have learned in your statistics and other research classes.
The results of the analysis must then be interpreted and discussed based on supporting
details collected from previous knowledge about the topic.

By using the same example, the researcher may test the collective tensile strength
and degradability of the produced biodegradable plastics. The data collected can be
compared to the same properties of the usual plastics available in the market to set a
comparative analysis.

Drawing Conclusions and Recommendations

The results generated from the analysis and interpretation of the collected data need to be
summarized in relation to the set of research questions. After the summary, researchers
generalize the essential information to form the conclusion of the research. This serves as
the primary answer to the identified research problem.

On the other hand, the recommendation comes in the form of future plans regarding what
the researchers could do to improve the generated answer from the study. It can also
suggest future directions of the field that might open new problems related to the current
topic.

In the sample research study, if the collected data show that the properties of plastics
produced are comparable to the conventional plastics in the market, the researcher
may conclude that vegetable starch is a good candidate as a source of an effective
binder for producing biodegradable plastics.

1.1. Identifying Scientific Problems 9

Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Why is scientific research considered a systematic

process of answering questions?

Sharing Your Research Output

After doing the entire research process, from gathering to the interpretation of data,
researchers are obliged to present and share their findings to other people working in
related fields or even to the public. These are usually in the form of posters and oral
presentations during organized conferences for a specific field of science. Researchers are
also required to publish their works in journals or any form of media that allows their work
to be known by other people. Through publication, researchers allow other people to
replicate their work, and if similar results keep coming out, a scientific consensus can be
formed. In this manner, most theories and laws are developed.

In the example of producing biodegradable plastics from vegetable starch, the

researcher may share his/her data and results in the form of a journal publication, a
patent application, or even commercialization of the developed products.

The steps in scientific research involve careful identification and analysis of problems and
related data acquired.

What makes research problems different from the

usual problems we encounter in our daily life?

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

What are the characteristics of a scientific

research problem?

Characteristics of a Research Problem

The identification of an appropriate problem is the very first step in doing actual
research. A research problem may refer to a question or issue observed in your
surroundings that need to be addressed to look for a solution. This step of conducting
research is considered as one of the most difficult parts. The research process forms a cycle,
wherein it starts with the identification of the problem and ends with an answer to the
problem. Therefore, the research problem serves as the core of the whole research as it
provides the overall direction of the research project.

The research problem can be anything that comes out of the researcher’s curiosity,
intention, social aspects, or even testing things that deviate from the norm of society.
Research problems are those topics that are frequently happening or encountered and not
those that came forth only once. Most of the time, common research problems come in the
form of current interrogations, relevant issues in the society, unanswered questions
concerning scientific theories or laws, missing links between processes in our
surroundings, unsatisfactory state of affairs, and technological changes. These
situations require an empirical investigation that usually involves the steps of the research
process discussed in the previous section.

There are two ways in which research problems are stated in the research process. They can
be stated in the form of the problem statement or research objectives, as shown in Fig.
1.1.2.
● Problem Statement: This refers to the general overview of the scope and purpose
of the study that provides an initial understanding of the research topic.
● Research Objectives: These are specific parts of the general problems that come as
statements or questions that communicate greater details regarding the nature of
the study. This part also includes the hypothesis which will guide the researchers in
conducting the research project.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Fig. 1.1.2. Stating the research problem may involve either a problem statement or the
enumeration of research objectives.

Factors in Choosing a Good Research Problem

After the researchers identify the primary research problem that they want to address, it is
important to check if their problem meets the appropriate characteristics of a good
research problem. The following are the characteristics of an appropriate scientific research
problem, which must be considered by researchers.

Researchability
A good research topic must be accompanied by existing information available in different
sources like books or the Internet. Researchability means that the observations or data
needed to answer the problem can be collected from the real-world setting. It often
happens that researchers are hindered due to the inadequate procedures and techniques
available to answer the main problem of their research.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Theoretical and Practical Significance

Research problems often have different levels of importance to people in terms of their
benefit. There are some research topics that only provide basic information regarding
current theories and laws in science, while some topics involve the development of devices
and gadgets that aim to improve ways of living. Regardless, a good research problem must
be socially relevant and worth investigating.

Originality
During the literature review, it is important that researchers check the novelty of the
research problem that they want to solve. It is possible that in other parts of the globe, a
different researcher has already published a similar work. There is no use wasting time and
energy in solving a research problem that has been thoroughly studied by other
researchers.

Some types of research are much more costly than others. Molecular studies, for example,
are rather expensive.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Feasibility
Researchers must check if their research problem can easily or conveniently be done.
Many considerations must be included in checking this part. Concerns on the possibility of
whether the selected research problem can be executed based on the given finances,
resources, availability of needed materials and equipment, manpower, and time to
complete the study must be of high priority.

Specificity
A good research problem must be specific. A vague or general topic has a wide scope that
often requires much time, cost, and patience. It is important for researchers to identify
specific questions from the general problem that they have defined. The research objectives
must be clear and practically manageable.

Ethical Considerations
It is important that researchers observe practices within the confines of acceptable ways
of doing research. A researcher must take into account all the possible moral
considerations involved during data collection and publication of results. Sometimes,
research may involve animals that require ethical standards for handling. Different
countries have different sets of ethical standards for conducting research in different fields
of science. Research topics that go beyond ethical limits must be avoided.

What are the common examples of research

problems in the fields of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics?

Sample Research Problems in Science, Technology, Engineering,

and Mathematics
Different fields of science and technology have to deal with highly different research
problems that are relevant to the current situation in our society. Below are some examples
of research problems for each major branch.

1.1. Identifying Scientific Problems 14

Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Table 1.1.2. Sample research problems for major branches of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics

Field Research Problem Examples

Biology Lack of taxonomic data on bat species in

Research Problem
Polillo Island, Quezon

This study aims to conduct a taxonomic

Problem Statement survey of the bat species present in Polillo
Island, Quezon.

1. Survey the bat species in Polillo

Island, Quezon.
2. Describe each species collected
Research Objectives
from Polillo Island, Quezon.
3. Construct a dichotomous key of
the collected species.

Field Research Problem Examples

Chemistry Plastic pollution and disposal of excessive

Research Problem
potato peels from public markets

This study aims to test the feasibility of

Problem Statement using potato peel starch as an effective
binder for making biodegradable plastics.

1. Extract starch from potato peel

waste.
2. Produce sheets of biodegradable
plastics by using extracted potato
Research Objectives
peel starch.
3. Test the physical and chemical
properties of the produced
biodegradable plastic.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Field Research Problem Examples

Physics Lack of existing models in explaining the

Research Problem expansion of metals in gas pipelines in Metro
Manila

This study aims to create models for the metal

Problem Statement expansion in major gas pipelines in Metro
Manila.

1. Collect data on the metal expansion of

selected gas pipelines in Metro Manila
during the wet and dry season.
2. Use physical theories on the expansion of
Research
metals in making a model for the
Objectives
expansion of metal pipelines based on
weather changes in Metro Manila.
3. Test the accuracy of the constructed
model.

Field Research Problem Examples

Engineering, It is difficult to monitor the actual number of

Mathematics, Research Problem passengers riding in each of the MRT stations
and daily.
Technology
This study aims to create a monitoring system
that would count the daily passengers of the
Problem Statement
MRT by using a piezoelectric device attached to
the ticketing entrance in each station.

1. Construct a piezoelectric device fixed on

the floor of the ticketing entrance, which
can be activated by footsteps.
2. Develop an algorithm that can quantify
Research
the number of passengers based on
Objectives
electric signals generated by the
constructed piezoelectric device.
3. Test the accuracy of the constructed
system.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Key Points
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
● Scientific research is the process of systematic inquiry that is based on scientific
methods.
● A research problem refers to a question or issue observed in your surroundings
that need to be addressed by looking for a solution.
● There are several characteristics of an appropriate scientific research problem,
which must be considered by researchers.

Characteristics of a good research problem

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Check Your Understanding

A. Write the word true if the given description characterizes a good

research topic; otherwise, write the word false.

_______________ 1. A good research topic must be accompanied by existing

information available in different sources like books or the
Internet.

_______________ 2. Research problems must be easily or conveniently done.

_______________ 3. The research objectives must be clear and practically

manageable.

_______________ 4. It is important that research problems are vague and socially

relevant.

_______________ 5. Problems addressed by the research must be novel and original.

_______________ 6. Researchers must check if their research problem can easily or

conveniently be done.

_______________ 7. Concerns on the possibility of whether the selected research

problem can be executed based on the given finances,
resources, availability of needed materials and equipment,
manpower, and time to complete the study must be of high
priority.

_______________ 8. The identification of an appropriate problem is the very first step

in doing actual research.

_______________ 9. The research process forms a cycle, where it starts with the
identification of the problem and ends with an answer to the
problem.

_______________ 10. The research problem serves as the core of the whole research
as it provides the overall direction of the research project.

1.1. Identifying Scientific Problems 18

Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

B. Write the word good if the given research problem is a good scientific
research topic; otherwise, write the word bad.

_____________ 1. Extraction of polysaccharides from algae as an antibacterial agent

_____________ 2. Construction of a mobile application

_____________ 3. Determination of the chemical content of guava juice

_____________ 4. Development of a drone robot

_____________ 5. Determination of the developmental patterns of sea urchins in the

Philippines

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. Why is it important for researchers to conduct background research about the

research problem?
2. Why is choosing a research problem a crucial part of the research process?
3. What do you think will happen if the research problem does not meet the criteria of
novelty?
4. How can researchers determine if their research problems are socially relevant?
5. Why is scientific research essential in the growth of modern societies?

Mini Task

We Have Unending Problems!

Real-life problems are common concerns and issues that we encounter in our daily lives that
require improvements to increase efficiency and simplify our way of living. In this activity,
students will try to identify common real-life problems they encounter in their surroundings
and assess if their research question is worth solving.

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Materials
● worksheet
● a device with an internet connection

Procedure
1. During class, try to identify real-life problems that you often encounter. Real-life
problems deal with processes or questions that need to be revisited to increase the
efficiency of daily processes and to improve people’s quality of life.
2. After choosing a real-life problem, try to construct your research statement and
objectives based on what you have learned from the lesson.
3. Also, assess the problem you have chosen by completing the checklist criteria for a
good research problem. State the reason why you think your research problem
meets each criterion.
4. Perform the task by completing Worksheet 1.1.. You can print the worksheet or edit
the template by clicking the link below.
a. Take note that you need to log in to your Gmail account after you click the
link. Then, select “Make a copy.”
b. Rename the file as specified by your teacher. You can move the file to your
desired location in your Google Drive.

Mini Task 1.1: Checklist for a Good Research Problem

Quipper Limited, “Mini Task 1.1: Checklist for a Good Research
Problem,” (June 27, 2020),
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ElaEmiKdxIprX7GILWCYNB
kNlMup89StPGFbUt_udMg/copy, last accessed on June 27, 2020.

1.1. Identifying Scientific Problems 20

Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Worksheet 1.1. Checklist for a Good Research Problem

Identifying a Good Research Problem

Research Problem:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Research Statement: __________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Research Objectives:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Research Problem Criteria:

❏ Feasible: ___________________________________________________________________
❏ Time-bound: _______________________________________________________________
❏ Realistic: ___________________________________________________________________
❏ Ethical: _____________________________________________________________________
❏ Specific: ____________________________________________________________________
❏ Relevant: ___________________________________________________________________
❏ Original: ____________________________________________________________________

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Unit 1: The Scientific Problem

Bibliography
Ackoff, Russell L. Scientific Method. New York: John Wiley & Sons. 1962.

Feibleman, J.K. Scientific Method. Netherlands: Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague. 1972.

Good, C. V. and Douglas, E. Scates. Methods of Research—Educational, Psychological,

Sociological. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc. 1954.

Hillway, T. Introduction to Research. 2nd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 1964.

Kothari, C.R. Quantitative Techniques. 2nd ed. New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
1984.

1.1. Identifying Scientific Problems 22