Characteristics of a Research Problem

Generally speaking, whether a research problem is historical, descriptive, and experimental or ease study, the characteristics of a research problem has the acronym SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time bound. This means that a research problem should be:

Specific. The problem should be specifically stated. For instance. Euchema cultured in municipal waters of estancia, Iloilo, Philippines using lantay and hanging methods?
For descriptive research, “What is the mean growth increment of Euchema cultured in municipal waters of Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines using Lantay and hanging methods?

Measurable. It is easy to measure by using research instruments, apparatus o r equipments. For example, in experimental research , the equipment and apparatus used in collecting data on the cultivation of Euchema using Lantay and hanging methods are weighing scale to get the weight of seaweed: refractometer, salinity of water : thermometer,
temperature of water: DO meter , dissolved oxygen of water, and pH meter, acidity of water.
For descriptive research, the instruments used in gathering of data are questionnaires, tests, checklists, and many others.

Achievable.  The data are achievable using correct statistical tool used in this specific problem “ Is there a significant
difference on the mean growth  increment of Euchema using lantay and hanging, is better. If no- significant difference existed, this means the mean growth increment of Euchema using lantay and hanging methods are almost the same.

Realistic. Real results are attained because they are gathered scientifically and not manipulated or maneuvered.

Time bound. Time frame is required in every activity because the shorter completion of the activity , the better.