What is the Problem Statement:

The problem statement is the part of a thesis, work, or project of

investigation in which the subject or issue that is taken as an object is exposed
clarify.
From the standpoint of the scientific methodology, the problem statement is the
the basis of any study or research project, as it defines, refines and
structure formally the idea that drives the research.
But, how do we know that we are facing a problem suitable for a job of
research? Well, mainly when we find that there is no answer in the
corpus of scientific investigations to explain that specific fact or phenomenon.

For the formulation of the problem, we must go from the general to the particular, as it starts from

from a question that encompasses a problem that will later be addressed in parts.
In methodological terms, the statement of the problem, which is also usually the
The first chapter of a thesis aims to answer the fundamental question of 'what
investgar?” So the problem statement is what determines, guides and
justify the development of the research process.

Development of the problem statement

The formulation of the problem statement, as such, requires several phases:
identification, assessment, formulation, definition and delimitation of the problem. A
Continuation, I will explain it step by step.

1. Problem identification: it involves discovering the topic or issue that is

intends to address.
2. Assessment of the problem: it consists of evaluating the relevance, importance
the relevance of the identified problem.
3. Problem formulation: it involves the elaboration of the problem in the form of
question. For example: "How does the emission of greenhouse gases affect the
global warming?
4. Definition of the problem: it is the review of the background of the topic, the theories or

currents within which the subject is found, etc.

5. Problem delimitation: it involves the precision and delimitation of aspects
concrete aspects of the topic that will be addressed.

From the formulation of the problem and its delimitation, a set arises.
objectives (general and specific) that are sought to be achieved with the research.

How to write the problem description?

One of the main aspects that must be clear when starting a project is the
situation that motivates its execution, that is, the problem. A correct
Identifying the problem will facilitate the definition of other aspects of the project.
such as justification, objectives, and others that derive from them such as the
theoretical foundation and methodology. It would not make sense to carry out a project if not
there is the intention to intervene or change something.

Common mistakes
Among the common mistakes that can be made in text writing of
problem description, the following can be mentioned:

Being too brief. It is very difficult to convey in a paragraph to the

reader, of all the circumstances involved that cause inconveniences. Remember
that the readers do not know anything about what you have already investigated previously in the

company or about their research work. Therefore, in the structure of the text, it
proponen al menos tres párrafos: uno de introducción, otro de la descripción del
the problem itself
 Being too extensive and repetitive. The other extreme is also harmful, given
that we can confuse the reader. The idea is for the reader to have clarity about the
situation and therefore the writing must be concrete. Sometimes, it also tends to
to delve into overly technical or theoretical matters: I suggest that this be included.
within the referential framework, the theoretical framework, and even in the methodology.

Final recommendations
Conduct a preliminary investigation into the context and the problematic situation. If
This is a research study, and it is necessary to read background information (other similar works).

and scientific articles. On the other hand, if it is a Business Practice, collect

information at the company where you will perform the work, ask what it is that
need (from their field of training) and document themselves well.

If you still don't know how to start, write a draft where you jot down some ideas.
related to the three aspects mentioned above: context (introduction),
problem and its derivatives, and purpose of the work.
Use connectors to give fluency to your text and make it not boring to read. Here
I found a list that may be useful to you, not only for writing the problem,
but also for the rest of the [Link])

What is the formulation of the problem?

Some authors use the terms approach and formulation interchangeably.

but they are two different things. While the approach is to expose, to propose the
problem, the formulation is to express in precise and clear terms.

The formulation of a problem consists of its presentation in sentence form, it is

to say, "reducing the problem to concrete, explicit, clear, and precise terms"
(Tamayo, 1993), and it is 'the concretization of the approach in a precise question and

delimited in terms of space, time, and population (if applicable). (Fidias G. Arias,
2006
This formulation is also called the main problem, from which the ...
general objective and the central hypothesis, in this framework.

Types of research problem formulation

There are two ways to state the research problem, and these are: the interrogative.
and the declarative (Tamayo and Tamayo, 2004). For their part, Corona, Fonseca, and Corona

(2017), they also consider a combination of both forms.

In an interrogative form

The formulation of the research problem is carried out through a question. The
the easiest and most direct way to formulate a problem is through a question, which
identify the difficulties in developing the topic, proposing hypotheses or formulating
unknowns; which will be addressed later in the development of the work
academic.

When writing a question, the researcher knows exactly the type of answer they want.
must seek; leading him to a correct reflection on the subject.

Example 1: What is the impact of satisfaction on customer loyalty?

Chinese food restaurants in Metropolitan Lima, 2019?

Example 2: How does high employee turnover affect the productivity of the company?
Fine Furniture S.A.C. from the city of Arequipa, 2019?

Example 3: What are the factors that influence the motivation of the sales staff?
from the company Jugos del Norte S.A. during the period of 2018 and 2019?

In declarative form

The formulation of the problem can also be done in a declarative or affirmative manner.
Let's look at the following examples:
Example 1: Determination of the impact of satisfaction on customer loyalty in
Chinese food restaurants in Metropolitan Lima, 2019.

Example 2: Determination of the factors that influence the motivation of the staff
sales of the company Jugos del Norte S.A. during the period of 2018 and 2019.

Example 3: It is unknown what the results of the use of an instrument are.

for the evaluation of service quality in small supermarkets in the city
from Trujillo, period 2018-2019.

Conditions of any research problem formulation

The essential conditions that any problem formulation must meet

the research is as follows:

Lack expressions that imply value judgments: good, bad, better, etc.
Do not provide answers such as YES or NO
Being limited in terms of time, space, and population.

Elements of a research question

The elements of a research question are as follows:

The question is the key question that will be raised.

Variable or variables: the variable or variables that are part of the study. In the
in the case of a descriptive study it will be a variable, while in a study
correlational will be two variables, for example.
Link or relating: the connection with which the variables relate.
Population: it is generally the collection of individuals or objects that are the focus

principles of scientific research, which will be observed, surveyed, or measured.

 Spatial delimitation: the place or geographical area that encompasses the study.
It also includes the specific area of study, such as it can be a
determined company or set of businesses (such as cinemas).
Temporal delimitation: the time period that the study encompasses.

How to formulate the problem?

To formulate the problem, I consider the elements of a question of

research, and I apply them according to the following example:

Depending on the type of exploratory, correlational, experimental, or other study, one ...

They will use certain key questions to formulate the problem.

If it is about correlational studies, below I present a list of

key question ideas to serve as a guide so you can select one of them
for you
study.

One time
that you have

identified the type of key question that you will use, then you develop the
formulation of the problem considering each element of the research question.
Just like the following example:
 Here I present a method for formulating the problem, and a way to
to make the research question for a correlational study; however, there are
many ways to do it.

FORMULATION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM:

According to F. Kerlinger (1975), five criteria are considered for the formulation of a
problem:
It must express a relationship between variables: If it is univariable, consider the main variable.

It is expressed in the form of a question: This criterion is very much debated so far.
Meanwhile, there is the other alternative called 'declarative', that is, without signs of
interrogation. The interrogative is recommended, as it has the advantage of being simple and
Direct. The questions invite responses and psychologically help to focus the
Attention to the data type that needs to be obtained to determine the response.

It should allow for the empirical testing of the variables: Understanding that the purpose
The fundamental aspect of any research is to seek an answer or solution to a problem, it is

it is essential that the variables are subjected to checking and/or verification.

It must be expressed in a temporal or spatial dimension: Strictly for the purposes of

location of the problem, must consider the place and the period that the process will cover
 research, according to the study type.

You must specify the target population that will be investigated: Define from the first.

moment in whom or who will the study be carried out.

Objectives of the Research Problem.

 The objectives are the results that are anticipated to be achieved and that necessarily guide.

the other phases of the research process determine the limits and the scope of the
study, allow to define the stages required for the study and locate the study within
from a general context.
It is recommended that the objective should be sufficiently specific, the same that
will allow to prioritize according to complexity and degree of breadth.
For the formulation of the objectives, the criteria are considered:
They should be directed at the basic elements of the problem.
They must be measurable and observable
They must follow a methodological and/or logical order.

They must be expressed in infinitive verbs. The use of verbs must indicate action.
that allow for its verification.

For qualitative research, the researcher seeks through the objectives,

deepen the knowledge, understanding, and interpretation of situations and
social phenomena, as well as pointing out the meaning of the behavior of the actors
participants. For this, the verbs are used in addition to what was indicated earlier:
Analyze, recognize, socialize results, monitor, evaluate.

DEFINITION OFOBJECTIVESDirection that the research will take Objectives of

study, that is, what the research aims for are the guidelines of the research.
WHAT FOR? of the research. Statement that expresses what is desired to be investigated and

to be aware of a problem raised.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES In simpler terms: "The Objectives... us

they indicate the destination, what we want to achieve
CHARACTERISTICS OFOBJECTIVERESEARCH

They are written with an infinitive verb, those that end in ar, er, ir oriented to the
search for a newknowledgeThey include thevariablesstudy objects that will be
measured Contain an achievement, the study event, the units of study Contain the
place and thettime.

Ejemplos de verbos para objetvos Determinar Identficar Evaluar Describir Formular

Verificar Diseñar Elaborar Proponer Analizar Definir estudiar Plantear corroborar

TYPES OF OBJECTIVES

Objectives are classified into: GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES One

investgacióntene dos o tres objetvos generales y cuatro o cinco objetvos específicos.
In addition, they will be ordered according to the priority of their achievement.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES Express the purposeconcretefrom the research in correspondence

directly with the formulation of the problem. Example: Determine the incidence of being

human in the progressive increase ofGlobal Warmingin the Olegario Parish

Villalobos of the Maracaibo Municipality.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Indicate the steps that must be taken to achieve the
general objective. They derive from the general objective and contribute to its achievement. The
Specific objectives are the answers to the question: How will we achieve the objective?
general?

Example: Describe the causes that lead to warming

Identify the presence of elements that promote global warming in the
Maracaibo Municipality Examine the activities carried out by the city's residents
from Maracaibo that cause favorable agents for global warming.
 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Example (continued) Establish the relationship between the
activities performed by humans and the progressive increase of Global Warming
Global, in the Olegario Villalobos Parish of the Maracaibo Municipality.

Difference between the General Objective and Specific Objective

The general objective defines where we want to go. What for?changethe objects
specific define thestrategiesto achieve the general objective. How?

DELIMITATION OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Delimiting a study topic means focusing our area in concrete terms.
interest, specify its scope, determine its limits. That is, take the problem of
investigation of a situation or difficulty that is very large and difficult to solve in reality
concrete, easy to handle.

From Sabino's (1986) perspective, the delimitation should be carried out in terms of time.
and the space, to place our problem in a defined and homogeneous context[1]. From
In such a way, delimiting a research means specifying in concrete terms.
our areas of interest in the search, establish their scope and decide the boundaries of
space, time, and circumstances that we will impose on our study. To the extent that
that the phenomenon under study is clearly formulated and delineated will be favored
possibilities for the researcher not to get lost in the research. It is easier to work in
specific situations that are general.

Indeed, the delimitation must establish the boundaries of the research in terms
of space, time, universe and content. According to the details:
a. Spatial Delimitation: refers to the geographical and/or spatial area where it will take place.

develop the research.

b. Temporal Delimitation: refers to the period or time frame selected to carry out the
research.
c. Delimitation of the Universe: this item basically refers to the population,
units, sector in which some techniques will be applied in the collection of the
information. Respond to whom, in other words, units of analysis to be
investigated.
d. Delimitation of Content: refers to the specific aspect of the topic that is desired
investigate. Respond to what specific aspects will be studied. For example, in a
research in Law, it would be essential to delimit the content of the law to know
when the right is being limited, and if this limitation is constitutional. Because to the
limitations on rights are those established by the Constitution or that it authorizes to
legislator to do so, limiting the right with constitutional effect.

Consequently, the delimitation must clarify in particular who, materials,

Situations, factors, and causes will be considered or not.

The delimitation of the problem

A well-defined problem is a well-solved problem.

PRESENTATION

The delimitation of the problem is "the cut" that is made of the topic to be investigated, within

the limits of space, time, and theme that characterize the object of
knowledge. It is often accompanied by a contextual framework, which in the case of
The professional residency or thesis is the technological characterization of the
company. It is followed by a 'diagnosis' that describes the problem, supported by
objective and relevant information, for a forecast or identification of the situation
future when the current situation is sustained, and the presentation of alternatives to overcome it

current situation (control over the forecast). In the content of the problem statement
The limits of the research are established in terms of space, time, and universe.
 In the problematization, the critical phases that generate problems have been identified.
quality, scrap, costs, technical, others.
Now focus on that or those problems. Describe their complexity and their costs. In the
problem delimitation must cite each of the resources and processes that
they intervene within the project area, to analyze each of them and select
those who intervene within the identified problem.
The objective of defining the problem is to reduce the level of complexity of the problem.
to focus on the essential elements.

The problem statement is the clear and precise delimitation of the object of
research, its main function is to show the researcher the viability in terms of
resources and available time.

Problematicizing a study topic consists of turning it into a topic of interest that

justify its execution.
The purpose of the problem statement is to reveal to the researcher whether their
The research project is viable, within the timelines and resources available.
The delimitation is carried out through five steps:

1. The delimitation of the object in the physical-geographical space

2. The delimitation in time.

3. The delimitation specifying the meaning of its main concepts,
4. The selection of the problem that will be the object of the investigation. The formulation.

interrogating the research problem. The formulation of topic sentences

5. The determination of available resources
Indicate the theoretical limits of the problem through its conceptualization, that is, the
exposition of the ideas and concepts related to the problem being studied
Set the time limits of the investigation.
Establish the spatial boundaries of the research, indicating the geographical area.
(region, area, territory) that will encompass the research, selecting the sample
on which the study will be conducted and the results thereof will be generalized for the
population from which it was extracted.

Along with this delimitation, it is necessary to justify it; that is, to indicate the
characteristics that lead the researcher to choose the topic to develop, which
they must be of external order or objective, and of internal order or subjective.

The justification

The justification is a section of our research work in which we answer

why and for what we carry it out, at this point we must say the importance
that brings together the development of our topic and its utility both theoretical and practical. Such

As we already discussed, it is developed after having a clear understanding of the situation at hand.

study and its implications, never before because it will be very difficult to sell or offer to others

something that we still do not know.

When we draft it, we must specify our motivations and needs,

doing it systematically and providing many details. We also
it is important to say who benefits from our work and how, clarifying
if it is about a number of people, communities, companies, or institutions.

The topic of our work also has repercussions on other similar ones already
carried out or what will be carried out in the future, so it is mandatory to explain which area of the

knowledge impacts, in what way and what advances will be perceived.

We cannot forget to clarify in the speech on this point the feasibility of carrying out
the project, that is to say, to show that it is feasible and the material, human resources and
economic reasons that support such a statement. In this regard, Giménez (2008) in the Process of

Research says the following:

(...) "even when the project is very important and its execution is highly useful for the
the results obtained are nothing but the real feasibility of carrying it out
will determine its approval or not” pages 35-36.

Other aspects that must be specified in a justification are social relevance, its
theoretical contributions and their applicability in solving a practical problem.

For his part, Castllo (2004) in the book Guide for Project Formulation
Research points to another element to consider in the development of the investigation.
as it is to specify how the project or work is articulated to the policies,
plans and programs of the national, regional, or municipal government, depending on the
established geographical limitation.
Even research can be in tune with policies, objectives and
international organizations such as UNESCO” (…) page 5. The author continues by adding
that what is new is also an element to highlight just like the causes or reasons
that would argue the request for a loan before a banking or financial entity.

Regarding the most common mistakes made when proposing the

justification, this is indicated by Calderón (2005) in the publication: Learning to
Investgar Investigating who says that the director focuses on highlighting the area
problematic and does not dimension the entire research itself.

In a recycling job, the aim is to justify the importance of development.

sustainable and nothing is said about the utility, that is, who will benefit from the results, the
interest, that is, the motivations and expectations of the researcher and the knowledge that
will generate” p. 105
We can say that in the justification there are perhaps directly or indirectly the
various currents of thought of its creator, creators or co-authors, because
underlie all the interests, approaches, and life experiences of each one
these have.
Let us discard the idea that the more serious the problem, the better our justification will be.

because any subject or object of study, if its scope and repercussions are well outlined
benefits will become important and there will be plenty of arguments to support it
development or execution.

How to justify a research project?

Ideally, a maximum of one written page should be reached and respond to the
the following questions:

What is going to be done?

Why is it going to be done?

What is it going to be done for?

How is it going to be done?

Why is this research important?

What everyday life problem does this research solve?

What positive or negative repercussions exist in solving the problem of

research?
Since in this part of the research work, the reason for the study is expressed or the
reason for its realization. Certain important elements must be taken into account to identify
in it, such as: who benefits from the project once completed, how it would look
benefited and in what time these benefits will become tangible.
Importance of project justification

In that sense, it should be taken into account that the justification is the 'sale' of the project and

from the researcher's capacity, it offers the opportunity to generate benefits from
the results of said project, if the justification is sufficiently convincing, the
project can obtain help and funding sources to not be left behind
only in something written on paper, as it is an academic requirement or an idea
latent.

To finalize and accommodate the attempt to put it into practice, it is a very good idea.
highlight the benefits based on compliance deadlines, emphasize benefits to
short-term benefits, medium-term benefits, and finally long-term benefits.

What is justification in research?

When conducting research, we must be able to explain its social relevance.

study; that is to say, to demonstrate that one has a clear idea about how the
knowledge and learning obtained from the investigative process can offer
valid and meaningful responses regarding a specific problem or phenomenon
social or natural.

When we design a scientific research, one of the sections that we do not

We can underestimate the value of justification; because thanks to it we can communicate.
a certain and simple way, the social and scientific importance of the research that
we are proposing.

The justification must be present in both the design of quantitative research.

like the qualitative, this is because 'it is necessary to justify the study through the
 exposition of your reasons (the why and/or the purpose of the study).(Hernández, Fernández and

Baptsta, 2010, p. 39).

Why should we justify the research we conduct?

Developing the justification for our research is as important as defining.

theInvestment themetnavigationto build theInvestment Problemnavigation, and writethe Objecttyou
of investmenttnavigationher also depends the viability of our study.

When conducting research, we must be able to explain its social relevance.

study; that is to say, to demonstrate that one has a clear idea about how the
knowledge and learning obtained from the research process can offer
valid and significant responses regarding a particular problem or phenomenon
social or natural.

In what cases should the development of a research be justified?

Explain the reasons why research should be conducted and the benefits it provides.
can contribute the generated knowledge is something that should not only be done
students designing their thesis project in higher education; but rather the
Justification of the research must also be presented by the academic staff.
university, the consultant/advisor in research, among others (Hernández, Fernández and
Baptsta, 2010, p. 39.

Practical tips for developing a 'Justification'

Here are some practical tips that can help you

define and structure the "Justification" of your research:

1. You must have quality information to argue properly about the

Why and for what purpose of your research. Where do you obtain this information? Remember

that before starting any research, it is important to create aState of the Cueton,
which allows you to learn what has been researched on the topic that you
 It's also of interest, and it can provide you with specific information that can help you for

argue the importance of your study.

2. You can also focus on the theoretical and methodological contributions that can
generate your research. For example, you can choose a well-known problem and already
investigate, and study it from a different methodological approach, with techniques and
novel instruments. This can help to see a phenomenon or problem from
different points of view.
3. Create a list of the main ideas you have to justify the development.
from your research. Then use this list to write a strong argument and
valid.
4. Remember that you can use statistical data, whether in tables or graphs; for
validate the need to conduct your research; you can also use data
historical ones that allow you to better contextualize your arguments.

5. If you have any doubt about a point or data, you can consult experts on the
area; those who can help you clarify ideas, or recommend sources
bibliographic sources that you can consult.

6. While we currently have access to a large amount of information due to

through the Internet, it is still worthwhile to visit your university library or center
work; because there is always valuable information in these spaces; as well as professionals
that can guide your search. If your topic is very specific you can visit a
specialized library in that particular area.

Understand what Research Justification is, and learn

Some practical tips for developing it in your research proposals.
 IMPORTANCE OF DEFINING THE PROBLEM

The problem statement is the initial phase of any research process and therefore
it is essential that this is appropriate, otherwise it will be very difficult to carry out a
good research.

The importance of problem formulation lies in the fact that throughout the entire process of
The research will seek to provide an answer to it, that is, only if it is achieved to be specific.
a solution can be provided.

For a good problem statement to exist, the following must be taken into account:

Relationship between two or more variables.

Clarity and NO ambiguity.

Empirical test.

Data collection.

It is necessary that everything described is taken into account, otherwise the accomplishment of our
the research process will become more difficult, in addition to which Russell Ackoff states that 'a problem

Well posed gives us half of the solution to it.

The importance of a Project

That is why projects first allow us to solve problems.

identified, which in one way or another will improve living conditions of the
study group, in addition to that, they allow access to various sources of funding.
who base their decisions on strategy design and resource flow that have concluded
In the correct way, they will allow us to obtain results that lead us to recovery.
of capital, in terms of management, projects allow us to have an adequate way
to manage and organize the resources invested based on the expected results, everything
this is establishing a logic of execution.
Importance The research is very important as it allows for the expansion of the
people's knowledge in a concrete and accurate way, thus opening up possibilities
in all areas such as social, cultural, business, natural, etc.
This process allows for human evolution, as it enables development and
I progressed through the knowledge gained.

Limitations of the research

It is certain that your research will have some limitations and that is normal. However, it is

It is very important that you strive to minimize the scope of the limitations on
length of the research process.

What are the limitations in a research?

You will also need to acknowledge your limitations in a

research in the conclusions chapter honestly.

What are the limitations of a research?

It's always better to identify and recognize the deficiencies in your work, rather than leaving
that your thesis evaluator points them out to you.

While discussing the limitations of your research, do not just provide the list.
and description of the deficiencies in their work. It is also important that you explain
how these limitations have impacted its findings.

Types of limitations in research. They can be multiple.

Your research may have multiple limitations, but you need to discuss only
those limitations that are directly related to your problems of
research.
For example, if the completion of ameta-analysisthe secondary data has not been
established as its research objective, it is not necessary to mention it as
research limitation.

The limitations of the research in a dissertation topic may be related

with the following points:

1. Formulation of the purposes and objectives of the research.

It is possible that I have formulated research goals and objectives in a way that is too
broadens. It is possible to specify how the formulation could be reduced.
goals and objectives of the research, in such a way that the level can be increased
study approach.

2. Implementation of the data collection method.

Because you do not have extensive experience in data collection

primary (otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this book), there is a high probability of
that the nature of the data collection method implementation is
defective.

3. Sample size.

The sample size depends on the nature of the research problem.

If the sample size is too small, the statistical tests could not
identify significant relationships within the dataset.

You could say that basing your study on a larger sample size could have
generated more accurate results. The importance of the sample size is greater
in quantitative studies than in qualitative ones.
4. Lack of prior studies in the research area.

The literature review is an important part of any research, because

help to identify the scope of the work that has been carried out so far in the area
of research.

The findings of the literature review are used as a basis for

researcher can achieve their research goals.

However, there may be little or no prior research on your topic if it has been
focused on the most contemporary and evolving research problem or on a
too narrow research problem.

For example, if you have chosen to explore the role of Bitcoins as the currency of the future, it is

Possible that I cannot find tons of academic documents that address the
research problem, because Bitcoin is only a recent phenomenon.

5. Scope of the discussions.

You can include this point as a limitation of your research regardless of

the choice of the research area.

Because you probably don't have many years of experience in the

conducting research and the production of academic work of such great
individually size, the scope and depth of the discussions in your work are
they are committed on many levels compared to the jobs of the
experienced academics.

You can discuss certain points of your research limitations such as the
suggestion for further research in the conclusions chapter of your thesis.
LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
It refers to limitations regarding the problems that the researcher will encounter during.
the process of his investigation. In that sense, from Ávila's perspective (2001, 87),
a limitation consists in that a particular aspect of the problem is neglected due to
any reason. This means that every limitation must be justified by a
good reason.
The most important limitation could be the fidelity and accuracy of the data, due to being
of a job with a very important subjective component. Another limitation the
constitutes the sample size to be taken in adult services and
pediatrics, which will not allow generalizing the results to be obtained.
It is important to note that it should not be confused with the limitations of the researcher with

limitations of the research. The researcher does not have financial resources or
time, since this is not a limitation of the research. Instead, it refers to the limits
or borders as far as the aspirations of research reach, always by
reference for the objectives.
Consequently, the limitations come to constitute external factors to the team.
researchers who become obstacles that could eventually
to present themselves during the development of the study and escape the control of the researcher

the same. In other words, a limiting factor in a research is any that is capable
to influence the quality of the study.