Lesson 2: Background of the Problem

Problem Statement Elements

• A problem statement consists of three elements: the problem itself, the method of solving the problem, and the purpose and scope of the document
• The problem should be stated clearly with enough contextual detail to establish its importance

Research Problem

• A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, condition to be improved, difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question
• It is typically posed in the form of a question and points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation

Example of a Research Problem

• GRADE 11 STUDENTS’ LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON THE 3R’S METHOD IN UTILIZING NON-BIODegradable WASTE IN LA SALLE UNIVERSITY
• This example highlights a problem in the context of environmental concerns and solid waste management

Environmental Concerns

• Environmental concerns are a pressing issue in today’s society, particularly in relation to solid waste
• Waste is defined as materials that are no longer needed at some point
• Biodegradable wastes can be easily decomposed, while non-biodegradable wastes cannot be broken down and remain stable indefinitely
• Non-biodegradable wastes pose significant environmental problems

Conceptual Framework

• A conceptual framework is an analytical tool used to design research, comprising a philosophical and methodological model
• It helps organize ideas, makes theoretical and conceptual distinctions, and captures real-world phenomena in a memorable and applicable way
• Conceptual frameworks provide evidence of academic standards and procedures, validating the authenticity of the study

Creating a Conceptual Framework

• Conduct a literature review to understand existing research on the topic of interest
• Position the research within the larger field of study
• Present the relevant research and show how the study will advance the field
• Create a flow chart or diagram to visualize the research
• Write a narrative that recaps the variables influencing the research and explores how they may change the hypothesis

Understand the three elements of problem statements or background of a study: the problem itself, the method of solving the problem, and the purpose. Learn about research problems and how to formulate them effectively.