Lesson 2

• What is the main focus of the SIP titled "Identifying Research Problems"?

  To identify and analyze research problems.
• Why has the global incidence of dengue become a substantial public health challenge?

  Due to a marked increase in cases over the past two decades.
• How many dengue cases were reported globally since the beginning of 2023?

  Over five million cases.
• How many dengue-related deaths were reported globally since the beginning of 2023?

  More than 5000 deaths.
• In how many countries/territories has dengue been reported since the beginning of 2023?

  In over 80 countries/territories.
• Which WHO regions have reported dengue cases since the beginning of 2023?


  Africa, Americas, South-East Asia, Western Pacific, and Eastern Mediterranean Regions.
• What constitutes a research problem?

  • Condition you want to improve
  • Difficulty you want to eliminate
  • Question for which you want to answer
  • Information gap you wish to fill in
  • Theory to validate
• What is a community-based problem in research?


  A problem that is chosen to work on and is researchable.
• What is one sample study mentioned in the material?

  The Effect of Different Natural Fertilizers on Plant Growth.
• What is the focus of the sample study on comparing the absorbency of different types of paper towels?

  To determine which brand or type of paper towel is the most effective.
• What does the sample study on biodegradability of common household materials investigate?


  The rate at which different household materials break down in a natural environment.
• What is the goal of the sample study on testing the effectiveness of various natural antioxidants in preventing fruit browning?

  To investigate which natural substances are most effective at preventing browning of sliced fruits.
• What is the focus of the sample study on the impact of different soil types on seed germination?

  To compare how different types of soil affect the germination rate and growth of seeds.
• What are the sources of research problems mentioned in the material?

  • Literature Searches
  • Observation
  • Intellectual Curiosity
  • Experience
  • Serendipity
  • Theory
  • Conference, Symposium, Dialogue
  • Technological Change
• What are the three types of problems defined in the material?

  The BIG Problem, The SMART Problem, The RESEARCH Problem.
• What is a characteristic of a good SIP topic?

  It must be of interest to the researcher.
• What does it mean for a SIP topic to be relevant and novel?

  It should address a current issue and provide new insights.
• Why must a SIP topic be time-bound?


  To ensure that the research can be completed within a specific timeframe.
• What is the importance of ethical acceptability in a research topic?

  It ensures that the research does not cause moral or ethical violations.
• What should a researcher aim to be in the context of research problems?


  A solver, not a problem.