Selection of researchproblem

Rawhia salahAssistant Prof. Of Nursing

2015/2016

Nursing research

471

• Definition of research problem

• Why to define research problem?

• Sources of research problem.

• Steps in defining research problem.

Outline

Introduction

Research is finding answers to a question

through the use of scientific methods.

Definition of research problem

• A situation or phenomena may arise in practice

or theory, which needs some solution by way of

investigation.

Research problem

• It determines,

–what you will do,

–how you will do it, and

–what you may achieve!!!!

Why to define the Research Problem ?

• From where ???????

–Curiosity

– Literature review through reading books,

thesis or nursing journals

–Theory

Sources of Research problem

various websites on the internet

Experience and Clinical Fieldwork

Seminars, workshops/conferences

Resource persons e.g professors• Social Issues of relevance to the health care

community

Sources of Research problem

1. Selecting a Topic

2. Narrowing the Topic

3. Evaluating Research Problems

4. Statement of problem

Steps in defining research problems

1. Selecting a Topic

Examples of some broad topics that may

come to mind include nurse-patient

communication, pain in patients with cancer,

and post-partum depression.

Steps in defining research problems

2. Narrowing the Topic

Once researchers have identified a topic of

interest, they need to ask questions that lead

to a researchable problem such as:

(What, how, where, when, why and who)

Steps in defining research problems

2. Narrowing the Topic

1. Who: Selecting units of analysis (subject)

2. Why are you going to do it?

This answer should explain why the research is

necessary

3. How are you going to do it?

What methodology was undertaken.

4. When are you going to do it? Time

Steps in defining research problems

2. Narrowing the Topic

5. What such as:

What influences ...?

• What causes ...?

• What characteristics are associated with ...?

• What differences exist between ...?

• What are the consequences of ...?

• What is the relationship between ...?

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

• There are four most important considerations that

should be kept in mind in the selection of research

problem:a. Significanceb.Researchabilityc.Feasibility of the problemd.Interest to the researcher

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

a. Significance of the problem: ensure that the selecting

a problem is significance to nursing, adds to the

existing body of knowledge and useful for the

concerned people in a particular field

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

b. Researchability of the problems: are ones involving

variables that can be accurately defined, measured

and clear. For example, suppose a researcher is trying

to determine what effect early discharge has on

patient well-being. Well-being is too vague a concept

for a study.

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

C. Feasibility of the problem: is an analysis of the ability

to complete a research successfully. The issue of

feasibility encompasses various considerations such

as: Time and Timing, Facilities and Equipment,

Availability of Study Participants, Money,

Cooperation of others, Experience of the Researcher

and Ethical Considerations

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

C. Feasibility of the problem:

• Time and Timing: the problem must be adequately

studied within the time allotted. Timing means that

some research problem should perform at certain

times of the day, week, or year than at other times.

For example, if the problem focused on patients with

Asthma

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

C. Feasibility of the problem:

• Availability of Study Participants: In any research

involving humans, researchers need to consider

whether individuals with the desired characteristics

will be available and willing to cooperate.

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

C. Feasibility of the problem:

• Facilities and Equipment: consider what facilities and

equipment will be needed and whether they will be

available before getting on a study to avoid

frustration.

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

C. Feasibility of the problem:

• Money: The researcher on a limited budget should

think carefully about projected expenses before

making the final selection of a problem. For example:

Literature costs, Supplies, equipment, Computer-

related expenses and Transportation costs

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

C. Feasibility of the problem:

• Experience of the Researcher: The problem should be

chosen from a field about which researchers have

some prior knowledge or experience.

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

C. Feasibility of the problem:

• Ethical Considerations: A research problem may not

be feasible because the investigation of the problem

would cause unfair or unethical demands on

participants

Steps in defining research problems

3. Evaluating Research Problems

d. Interest to the Researcher : true interest in and

curiosity about the chosen research problem are

critical prerequisites to a successful study.

Steps in defining research problems

4. Problem Statement

A problem statement identifies the nature of the

problem that is being addressed in the study and,

typically, its context and significance. For example:

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects among

patients on chemotherapy, and interventions to date have

been only somewhat successful in reducing these effects. New

interventions that can reduce or prevent these side effects

need to be identified.

Steps in defining research problems

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