The Title of the Study / Research Problem
A problem is:
(1) any significant, perplexing and challenging
situation real or artificial, the solution of
which requires reflective thinking;
(2) a perplexing situation after it has been
translated into a question or series of
questions that help determine the direction
of subsequent inquiry.
Identification of problem is the most
fundamental part of research.
Problems are encountered everyday and because
of these, researchers are often unable to
identify specific subjects of their investigation.
Most of these problems involve knowledge and
skills.
Guidelines in writing the title:
 Generally, the title is formulated before the start
of the research work.
 It may be revised and refined later if there is a
need.
 The title must contain the subject matter of the
study, the locale of the study, the population
involved, and the period when the data were
gathered or will be gathered.
 It must be broad enough to include all aspects of the
subject matter studied or to be studied. Hence, the title
indicates what is expected to be found inside the thesis
report.
 It must be as brief and concise as possible.
 Avoid using the terms “An Analysis of,” “An
Investigation of,” and the like. All these things are
understood to have been done or to be done when a
research is conducted.
 If the title contains more than one line, it must be
written like an inverted pyramid, all words in capital
letters, single space.
 Although there is no fixed number as to the length of
thesis title, it is suggested a maximum of 35 to
minimum of 20 words should be used for the tile.
 All theses titles should be consistent with the
curriculum or degree pursued for.
 All titles must be:

Theory-based or concept-based relevant to the researcher’s
major field of specialization
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Original or novel and significant in the pursuit of new
knowledge; and
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Feasible and attainable within the time and resources
available to researcher.
Elements of a Research Problem:
The term research problem implies that an
investigation, inquiry or study is to be conducted,
or that the problem is ready for investigation,
inquiry or study.
There are certain elements that a problem must
possess before it becomes a research problem
ready for investigation. These elements are:
 Aim or purpose of the problem for investigation. This
answers the question “Why?” Why is there an
investigation, inquiry or study?
 The subject matter or topic to be investigated. This answers
the question “What?” What is to be investigated or
studies?”
 The place or locale where the research is to be conducted.
This answers the question “Where?” Where is the study to
be conducted?
 The period or time of the study during which the data are
to be gathered. This answers the question “When?” When
is the study to be carried out?”
 Population or universe from whom the data are to be
collected. This answers the question “Who?” or “from
whom?” Who are the respondents? From who are the data
to be gathered?”
Guidelines in the Selection of
a Research Problem or Topic:
 The research problem or topic must be chosen by the
researcher himself. This is to avoid blaming or offering
excuses for any obstacles encountered.
 It must be within the interest of the researcher. This is to
make sure that the researcher will focus his full attention
on the research work.
 It must be within the specialization of the researcher.
This will in some way make the work easier for him
because he is working on familiar grounds. Besides, this
may improve his specialization, skill, and competence in
his profession.
 It must be within the competence of the researcher to
tackle. The researcher must know the method of
research and other research procedures applicable to his
problem and he must know how to apply them. He must
have a workable understanding of his study.
 It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance;
otherwise he must be able to find funding for his
research.
 Research involves not a small amount of expense and the
researcher must be able to foot the bills until his study is
completed. There must be a budget, which he must be
able to shoulder.
 It is researchable and manageable, that is:
 Data are available and accessible.
 The data must meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity,
and verifiability.
 Answers to the specific questions (sub-problems) can be
found.
 The hypotheses formulated are testable, that is, they can be
accepted or rejected.
 It can be completed within a reasonable period of time unless
it is a longitudinal research, which takes a long time for its
completion.
 It is significant, important, and relevant to the present time and
situation, timely, and of current interest.
 The results are practical and implementable.
 Equipment and instruments for research are available and can
give valid and reliable results.
 It requires original, critical, and reflective thinking to solve it.
 It can be delimited to suit the resources of the researcher but big
or large enough to be able to give significant, valid, and reliable
results and generalizations.
 It must contribute to the national development goals for the
improvement of the quality of human life.
 It must contribute to the fund of human knowledge.
 It must show or pave the way for the solution of the problem
or problems intended to be solved.
 It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of the
people.
 It must not advocate any change in the present order of
things by means of violence but by peaceful means.
 There must be a return of some kind to the researcher,
either one or all of the following, if the research report is
completed:
 Monetary, either increase in salary or publication of the results in which there
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is some kind of royalty.
Advancement of position, promotion.
Improved specialization, competence, and skill in professional work
especially if the research subject is related to the profession.
Enhanced prestige and reputation.
Satisfaction of intellectual curiosity and interest, and being able to discover
truth.
 There must be a consideration of the hazards involved
either, physical, social or legal.
The choice of a research topic involves identifying a
general subject area, limiting and defining the topic,
and stating the topic as a question or hypothesis which
summarizes the main idea of the paper.
The length of the title is recommended to be at least 12
words. Abbreviations in the title are avoided;
acronyms are spelled out for clarity.
The title must be clear, descriptive, accurate and
comprehensive. Irrelevant words are not included in
the title.
There are many problems surrounding students in
different courses. These problems however, may not at
all be regarded as research problems, simply because
they can be solved by using sound opinions/reasons
or thought debate or deliberation.
Research problems are issues or concerns that
undergraduate students tackle by using systematic
inquiry or investigation guided by a methodical
process.
These are research problems closely related to students’
respective disciplines.
It would not be practical for students to work on a topic
not of his/her interest or academic experience.
It is a common understanding that anyone cannot give
what he/she does not have, likewise he cannot explain
a thing nor describe it specifically, if he has no
personal encounter or experience about it.
There are many problems that can be the foci of research
for as so long as they require systematic inquiry.
The choice of research problem/s must be underscored
and they must be identified on the basis of the
following:
research criteria; potentials and interest of the
researcher; relevance; significance; researchability;
manageability; and availability of resources.