INQUIRIES,

INVESTIGATION AND
IMMERSION
Module 2
Lesson 2.1:BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
■ The background of your study will provide context to the
information discussed throughout the research process. The
background information of your study may include both
important and relevant studies.
■ Furthermore, the background of the study will deliberate your
statement of the problem, rationale, and research questions.
It links the introduction to your research study and
guarantees a logical flow of ideas.
■ Thus, it helps readers understand and comprehend your
reasons and explanations for conducting the study.
Problem statements or background of the study have
three elements:
■ The problem itself, stated clearly and with enough
contextual detail to establish why it is important;
■ The method of solving the problem, often stated as a
claim or a working thesis;
■ The purpose, statement of objectives and scope of
document the writer is preparing.
RESEARCH PROBLEM
■ A research problem is a statement about an area of concern,
a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a
troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory,
or in practice that points to the need for meaningful
understanding and deliberate investigation. It is typically
posed in the form of a question.
Sample Background of the Study:
GRADE 11 STUDENTS' LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON THE 3R'S
METHOD IN UTILIZING NON-BIODEGRADABLE WASTE IN LA SALLE
UNIVERSITY
■ In today's generation, a lot of problems have been emerging
in our society and the most common problem that humans
are facing right now is about the environmental concerns,
specifically the solid waste which includes the biodegradable
and non-biodegradable. Waste can be defined to be as those
materials that are no longer needed at some point.
Biodegradable waste are those that can be easily
decomposed while non-biodegradable waste are those that
cannot be broken and decomposed in which these will
remain stable indefinitely. Moreover, non-biodegradable
waste brings problem to our environment.
ACTIVITY 4
Write the above research topics you have created and identify at least
three research problem for each and explain why you choose them.
■ Propose Research Tittle:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
■ Background of the Problem:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
■ Reasons:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Lesson 2.2: Conceptual Framework
■ Researchers create and generate theoretical and conceptual
frameworks that comprise a philosophical and
methodological model to help and aid to design their work.
■ A conceptual framework is an analytical tool with several
variations and contexts that can be applied in different
categories of work where an overall picture is needed in
order to come up with the desired goal. It is necessary to
make conceptual and theoretical distinctions and organize
ideas. Strong and resilient conceptual frameworks capture
and apprehend something real and do this in a way that is
easy to remember and apply.
Lesson 2.2: Conceptual Framework
■ The theoretical and conceptual frameworks provide evidence
of academic standards and procedures that validates the
authenticity of the study. They also proposed an explanation
and clarification of why the study is relevant and how the
researcher expects to fill the gap in the literature.
How to make a Conceptual Framework
As written by Maria Magher, A conceptual framework is a
bit like a recipe or a blueprint. It provides an outline of how you
plan to conduct the research of your thesis, but it goes further
than that by also positioning your work within the larger field of
research.
How to make a Conceptual Framework
a) Conduct a Literature Review
Before you can have your own research, you need to
understand and comprehend what research has already been
conducted on your topic of interest and curiosity. Conducting a
literature review can help you to refine your central argument or
hypothesis. You must also conduct and gather the literature
review to be able to place and organize your work within the
larger and greater area of study in your conceptual framework.
Your framework should present the relevant research ad show
how your work will help to advance the field.
How to make a Conceptual Framework
b. Create a Flow Chart
Conceptual frameworks are frequently visual in nature and
allow those reading the framework to understand the course of
your research. You can present this in whatever way makes the
most sense for your work, which can include a flow chart, mind
gap or diagram. In every component of your research you
should showcase the variables that influence it.
How to make a Conceptual Framework
c. Write a Narrative
Conceptual frameworks don't have to include a diagram or
graphic. You can always present the same information and
evidences by writing a narrative. Your narrative should recap
the variables influencing your research and explore how they
may change the hypothesis. The narrative should also explain
and enlighten the basic methodology for your research. If you
include a diagram in your conceptual framework, a narrative
should also be included explaining these details for those who
prefer more in-depth information. Bolded headers to separate
the sections of your narrative and to create a visual order of
information.
How to make a Conceptual Framework
d. Return and Revise
■ As you begin your research, you may discover that certain
elements of your conceptual framework no longer needed.
You will discover new variables, or you may identify that your
hypothesis is incorrect. You may discover additional research
that challenges your own theory and ideas. You should return
to your framework and revise it if necessary.
ACTIVITY 5
Directions: On the topic that you have chosen, make a THEORETICAL AND
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK based on the things that you've learn on the lesson
using the figure below and make a narrative regarding the relationship of your
variables based on the topic you've chosen.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
Statement of the Problem METHODOLOGY RESEARCH TITLE

1.

Survey-questionnaire
2. /Interview

3.

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

Objective 1: To …

Objective 2: To …

Objective 3: To …
Lesson 2.3: Research Hypothesis
(Quantitative Research)
Research Hypothesis is vital to all research endeavors,
whether qualitative or quantitative, exploratory or
explanatory.
In developing a testable research hypotheses takes skill,
however, along with careful attention to how the
proposed research method treats the development and
testing of hypotheses.
The hypothesis in your study, you are predicting the
relationship between two variables.
Following are some hints for the formulation of
your hypothesis.
Be certain to read on the subject matter to explain
with it before making a final decision.
As noted, a research hypothesis is more than just a
topic. It has two elements (variables) that are in
relation to each other. Your hypothesis is what you
propose to "prove" by your research. As a outcome of
your research, you will arrive at a conclusion, a theory,
or understanding that will be useful or applicable
beyond the research itself.
Following are some hints for the formulation of
your hypothesis.
Avoid judgmental and critical words in your hypothesis.
Your hypothesis must involve an issue or question that
cannot be answered exclusively by the discipline of
law.
Be certain that each term I your hypothesis is clearly
understood and defined, do not deal in generalities or
assume that the reader knows the meaning of the
technical term.
Following are some hints for the formulation of
your hypothesis.
Specify, if appropriate, whether you will be dealing
with state or federal law or both on a comparative
basis if appropriate.
Know that your hypothesis may change over time as
your research progresses.
You must obtain the professor's approval of your
hypothesis, as well as any modifications to your
hypothesis, before proceeding with any work on the
topic.

You will be expressing your hypothesis in 3 ways:

Your hypothesis will be part of your research proposal.

Example:

Question:
Does taking aspirin everyday reduce the chance of
having a heart attack?

Null Hypothesis:
Taking aspirin daily does not affect heart attack risk.
ACTIVITY 7
Direction: Make your own Research Hypothesis. Go back on the
sample given. Based on the topic that you've chosen, write a
statement on the Research Hypothesis on your chosen topic.
Question:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Research Hypothesis:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
LESSON 2.4: Statement of the Problem
Writing a Statement of the Problem
It has to be concise and concrete.
It can help the researcher put the topic in context and
have a deeper understanding of its significance.
A problem statement may be written in several
paragraphs or in several sentences incorporated in
the introduction.
LESSON 2.4: Statement of the Problem
Writing a Statement of the Problem
Problem statement should address the relevance of
the research: why is it important to resolve the
problem.
The problem statement need not lay world changing
impact. What is important is that the problem
statement should lay how you intend to address the
problem.
LESSON 2.4: Statement of the Problem
■ Your goal should not be to find a conclusive solution,
but to seek out the reasons behind the problem and
propose more effective approaches to understanding
it.
You may start with the following phrases:
a) The aim of this study is to determine…
b) This project aims to explore…
c) I aim to investigate…
Research studies generally include the succeeding
interconnected portions.
Purpose of the Statement of the Problem
Marshall and Rossman (1995) explain clearly the purposes of
the problem statement or inquiry.
1. To describe the substantive focus of the research study
2. To frame it as
a. A larger theoretical policy
b. A practical problem and thereby, develop its significance
3. To pose initial research questions
4. To forecast the literature to be discussed in the second
section and;
5. To discuss the limitations of the study.
EXAMPLE
Specific Title of the Study:
Narcissism in Teenagers: Root Causes, Manifestations and
Interventions

Introduction
Taking selfies or a video of oneself has become a social
phenomenon that has been brought about by the use of modern
gadgets, particularly the mobile phone – adolescents take pictures
or videos of themselves, their possessions, their latest happenings
or gigs, their friends, their food-anything, anyone they take a fancy
on, anywhere, anytime. A good number of people say that this
social phenomenon has evolved into narcissism. There is, to date,
a dearth of research on this topic
Statement of the Problem Major Problem: This study aims to
investigate the root causes of narcissism, as well as its
manifestations and possible forms of intervention.
Specific Problems: Specifically, it seeks to answer the following
questions:
 What are the underlying causes of narcissism?
 How has technology contributed to narcissistic behavior?
 What are the manifestations of narcissistic behavior in
adolescents?
 What forms of intervention can be done to address this behavior
of adolescents?
Statement of the Problem Major Problem: This study aims to
investigate the root causes of narcissism, as well as its
manifestations and possible forms of intervention.
Specific Problems: Specifically, it seeks to answer the following
questions:
 How can the following help in developing healthy self-esteem,
positive outlooks and attitudes in adolescents
• Parents
• Curriculum Planners
• Administrators
• Teachers
• Guidance Counsellors
• Peers
Statement of the Problem Major Problem: This study aims to
investigate the root causes of narcissism, as well as its
manifestations and possible forms of intervention.
Specific Problems: Specifically, it seeks to answer the following
questions:
 How can the following help in developing healthy self-esteem,
positive outlooks and attitudes in adolescents
• Parents
• Curriculum Planners
• Administrators
• Teachers
• Guidance Counsellors
• Peers
ACTIVITY 8
Make your Statement of the Problem
Directions: Go back on the sample given. On the topic that you
have chosen, write a specific statement or inquiry showing the
following:
Statement of the Problem:
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________
LESSON 2.5: Importance of the Study
■ The section on the significance of the study provides
information to the reader on how the study will
contribute.
■ It must be exactly stated, however, what the study will
contribute and who will benefit from it.
Sample Significance of the study:
Significance of the Study
The researcher believed that the result of this study will help the
following assess the 4Ps program and its effect to the performance of the
pupils.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development. The researcher believes
that the result of this study will be of great importance to the department
since they are the ones monitoring the 4Ps program. May this study serve as
the basis in the modification of the conditions in giving cash grants.
The Administrators. The result of the study would be the basis of constructing
and implementing new and innovative teaching aids to help teachers fully
supervise and assess the pupils to achieve their full potentials, since children
are financially supported in their studies by the government.
Sample Significance of the study:
The Teachers. The result of this study may help the teacher in constructing
and developing new teaching strategies to help the students in their
performance and be mindful that even if students are provided and supported
by the government, they still need equal guidance to perform well in school.
The factors affecting the performance of the students may also help the
teacher as their basis in making daily lessons.
The Parents. The result of this study will inform the parents that their guidance
is a big impact on the performance of the students in school.
The Students. May the result of this research help the student in
understanding that coming to school daily may be a guarantee that they will
also have good academic performance. And may the result give them the
overview of how the government is supporting their studies and that they must
do their part by studying well.
Sample Significance of the study:
The Teachers. The result of this study may help the teacher in constructing
and developing new teaching strategies to help the students in their
performance and be mindful that even if students are provided and supported
by the government, they still need equal guidance to perform well in school.
The factors affecting the performance of the students may also help the
teacher as their basis in making daily lessons.
The Parents. The result of this study will inform the parents that their guidance
is a big impact on the performance of the students in school.
The Students. May the result of this research help the student in
understanding that coming to school daily may be a guarantee that they will
also have good academic performance. And may the result give them the
overview of how the government is supporting their studies and that they must
do their part by studying well.
ACTIVITY 9
Writing a statement on the Significance or the Importance of
the Study
Directions: On the topic you’ve chosen, write a specific
statement regarding the Significance or the Importance of the
study.
Significance of the Study:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
LESSON 2.6: Scope and Limitations of the Study
■ The scope and delimitation of the study set borders
and limitations of the problem inquiry and narrow
down the scope of the inquiry.
■ The purpose of the delimitation of the study is to
delimit by geographic location, age, sex, population
traits, population size, or other similar aspects.
■ Delimitation makes study more manageable and
feasible.
■ Part of it sets the constraints or weaknesses of a
study which are beyond the control of the researcher.
LESSON 2.6: Scope and Limitations of the Study
■ A scope and delimitation of a research project is the
scope on how in-depth your study is to explore the
research parameters in which it will operate in relation
to the population and the timeframe of your study.
Examples of Delimitation of Research
■ This study covers only those families in Barangay San
Jose, Pasig City, benefited by the government’s
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
■ This study includes only those English freshman
classes that use both Blended Learning and standard
ways of Language teaching.
ACTIVITY 10
Scope and Limitation of the Study
Directions: Go back in the sample given. On the topic that
you’ve chosen, write a specific statement showing the Scope
and Limitation of your study.
Scope and Limitation:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
ACTIVITY 10
Scope and Limitation of the Study
Directions: Go back in the sample given. On the topic that
you’ve chosen, write a specific statement showing the Scope
and Limitation of your study.
Scope and Limitation:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
LESSON 2.7: Definition of Terms
■ Glossary of Research Terms – this glossary is intended
to assist you in understanding commonly used terms
and concepts when reading, interpreting, and
evaluating scholarly research in the social sciences.
Types and Functions
Conceptual Definition
– Refers to the dictionary meaning.

Operational Definition
– The meaning of the concept or terms as used in a
particular study. scholarly research in the social
sciences.
Types and Functions
ACTIVITY 11
Defining a Term
Directions: On the topic chosen, write a specific
statement using the different Types and Functions of the
Definition of Terms.
Conceptual Definition:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Operational Definition:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________