research problems – chapter 6 notes i. introduction a. question to answer or problem to solve b. initially – broad and vague c.

Research Problems – Chapter 6 Notes
I. Introduction
A. Question to answer or problem to solve
B. Initially – broad and vague
C. Must be refined so it can be subject to empirical investigation
D. Guides the direction of the research design
E.
Paradigm suited to the research problem
E.
Basic terms Table 6.1 on pg. 113 illustrates these terms
a.
Research problem-“perplexing or troubling condition”
b.
Problem statement
c.
Research question-specific questions to answer in addressing the
research problem
d.
Statement of purpose-summary of the overall goal
II. Where to find a problem –
tricky for beginners however it is critical because it forms the basis
of the rest of your project
A. Experience – prob. in practice that remain unsolved
B. Nursing literature
1. Key research journals ex. Nursing Research, Western Journal of
Nursing Research, Advances in Nursing Science
2. Journals designed for subspecialties ex. JOGN, Pediatric Nursing,
Community Health Nursing
articles may suggest areas for further study
3. Books and journals that summarize research on a specific topic
4. Replication of a study on a new population = good source
5.
Look for gaps in the nursing literature
C. Social issues.
D. Theories – arises from research as well as provides a source of
problems for research
==================================================================
1. Deductions are made based on the theory
2. Hypotheses are developed and tested empirically
E. Ideas from external sources
1. ANA’s priorities
2. Direct suggestions – from instructor, employer, funding source
3. Brainstorming – every member contributes ideas and then each member
must support the selected topic
III. Developing and refining a topic
creative process
A. Select a broad topic of interest
B. Narrow down the topic – as you move from more general to more
specific several possible problems may emerge
KISS – keep it simple, stupid
most beginning researchers try to tackle problems that are too broad
C. Literature review can help narrow the problem
IV. Criteria for evaluating a research problem
A. Significance – is the problem important to patients, nurses or
society; who will knowledge benefit; avoid trivial matters
B. Researchability of the problem – can the variables be defined and
measured
* Which problems are NOT measurable? (moral or ethical)
C. Feasibility – difficult to evaluate for beginners
1. Time and timing – can the project be completed in the time allotted
Research takes more time than you think it will take
Some problems occur at certain times
2. Availability of subjects
Keep time commitments to a minimum to increase participation
stipends
3. Cooperation of others
parents and guardians
staff members
administration
4. Facilities and equipment
computer, lab time, technical equipment, secretarial services, copier,
transportation
5. Money – some studies are very costly
a. Literature – computer searches, articles, books
b. Support personnel
c. Stipends
d. Supplies
e. Lab fees
f. Transportation costs
6. Experience of the researcher
7. Ethical consideration
D. Researcher interest – does the researcher like the topic
V. Research Problem Statements – Specific Aims
A. Good statements should
1. Identify key variables
2. Have variables that can be measured
3. Describe the nature of the population of interest
4. Guide the reader and the researcher through the study
B. Two forms
1. Declarative – statement
Ex. “The purpose of this study is to…”
2. Interrogative – question
Ex. “What is the relationship between…?”
C. Definition of terms
1. Should accompany problem statement/question
2. Researcher must specify the method of operationalizing the
variables
VI. Formulation of the Hypothesis
A. Overview
Definition: Hypothesis is a tentative prediction or explanation of the
relationship between 2 or more variables
Turns problem statement into a prediction of expected outcomes
The hypothesis (not the problem statement) is empirically used
I s developed before the study is conducted because its purpose
it to guide the study
hypothesis leads the researcher to the research design, and to
collection and analysis of data
(They are much like the goals that you state in your NCPs. Just as
well developed goals guide your plan of care and evaluation of
outcomes, the hypothesis guides your research plan and the evaluation
of its results.)
Review – Steps of Research Process
1. Formulating the Problem
The Conceptual Phases
2. Literature Review
3. Theoretical Framework
 4. Developing the Hypothesis
B. Workable Hypothesis
= statement of the predicted relationship between at least 2 variables
= testable
1. independent variable = the presumed cause or influence
2. dependent variable = (or criterion variable) is the effect or
parameter of interest
the relationship between the independent and the dependent variable is
described with a connective phrase such as “more than”, “greater than”
or “fewer than”, “less than” or “no different than” or “the same as”
Hypothesis statements are not wild guesses on the part of the
researcher
They are educated predictions based upon rationale and should be
consistent with existing research findings
A workable hypothesis also provides definitions of the variables that
are operational (can be used)
C. Types of Hypotheses
1. Simple VS. Complex
a. Simple hypothesis contains one independent variable and one
dependent variable
b. Complex (multivariate) hypothesis predicts the relationship between
3 or more variables
2. Directional VS. Non-Directional Hypothesis
a. Directional tells the reader the direction of the relationship
between the two variables = more specific about the nature of the
relationship
b. Non-Directional Hypothesis
do not specify the nature of the relationship between the variables
“there is a relationship between the use of family planning education
and the rate of teenage pregnancy”
Generally, the directional hypothesis is preferred. The development of
a directional hypothesis forces the researcher to think critically.
For your projects, develop a directional hypothesis.
3. Research VS. Statistical Hypothesis
a. Research hypothesis = statement of relationship between variables
(We have been describing research hypothesis all through this
discussion.)
b. Statistical Hypothesis (or Null Hypothesis) states that there is no
relationship between the variables
This in contrary to our definition and null hypotheses are not used
much in nursing.
Research hypothesis are better for our purpose.
D. Summary
1. Hypotheses are empirically tested
Remember, results can support or fail to support the hypothesis. But,
the hypothesis is never proven or disproven
2. Hypothesis is a statement of the predicted relationship between at
least 2 variables
3.
For our projects be sure to develop a simple, directional,
research (not null) hypothesis that is clear, concise, and the
provides operational definitions
E. Critiquing Research Problems, Questions, and Hypotheses
1.
Implications for practice
2.
Extension of knowledge base
3.
Theory development
4.
Fit with research priorities
5.
Fit with paradigm
6.
Fit with previous research
6
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