selection of research problem rawhia salah assistant prof. of nursing 2015/2016 nursing research 471
TRANSCRIPT
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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