Unit II Research Problem

Research Problem / Question

* Identification of problem area
* Problem statement
* Criteria of a good research problem
* Writing objectives
 
Teaching Learning Activity
* Lecture discussion
* Exercise on writing statement of problem
and objectives
 3

Introduction to Nursing Research

Is nursing a Profession?
Nursing is a Profession
 4

Definition and Characteristics of a Profession

Profession: is defined as a form of
employment that provides a needed
service to society and possess
characteristics of expertise,
autonomy, long academic
preparation, commitment and
responsibility.
Definition and Characteristics of 5

a Profession

Professional: means one who

is engaged in a profession.
Definition and Characteristics of 6

a Profession

Professionalism: Is defined as
an extent to which the
individual identifies with a
profession and adheres to its
standards.
 7

Introduction to Nursing Research

What are the criteria of nursing

profession?
A profession should be, 8

1. Intellectual
2. Scientific
3. Requires higher education
4. Essential
5. Self-governing
6. Service-oriented
7. Personal Development and
Economic Security
 2. Scientific 9

The education of a professional person is

based upon a body of scientific knowledge.
Scientific means orderly and exact.
This knowledge is constantly growing
because of research.
A true profession will not only continue
research, but will also use growing body of
knowledge to improve the education and the
service of its practioners.
 Introduction - Research 10

Well developed and reliable body of

knowledge is a foundation for any
profession.
Generally broad area is selected – then
broad topic is delimited or narrowed
down to specific statement of the
problem.
 Research 11

What is Research?

‘Re’ – once again, a new and a fresh

‘Search’ – look for something, examine

closely and carefully, to look for
information, to test and try, or to prove.
 Nursing Research 12

What is Nursing Research?

Application of scientific inquiry to the

phenomena of concern to nursing.
Nursing research seeks to find new
knowledge that can eventually be
applied in providing nursing care to
patients.
 1. To make 13
unique
contribution to
health care
5. it enhances 2. to
informed determine
clinical
decision
Is effectiveness
of nursing
making Nursing actions
Research
needed?
3. to develop
4. to enhance theoretical
professional framework for
practices clinical
practices
14
 15

Quantitative Research Process

8. Developing 9. Establishing
1. Formulation of
tool(s) for data etical
research problem
collection cosiderations

10. Conducting 15. Disseminating

2. Determining 7. Specifying the
pilot study/tryout the research
study objectives Population
of tool findings

6. Selecting 14. Analysis and

3. Review of 11. Sample
research approach interpretation of
literature selection
/design data

4. Developing 5. Formulating
12. Data 13. Preparing data
conceptual hypothesis
collection for analysis
framework /assumptions
 Unit II 16

Research problem / question

* Identification of problem area

* Problem statement
* Criteria of a good research problem

* Writing objectives
 17

A Research Problem - Introduction

Identification and formulation of

research problem is the first step
of a research process.
 A Research Problem 18

A Research problem
is a question that a researcher
wants to answer or
a problem that a researcher wants
to solve.
 A Research Problem 19

A Research problem

is a question that needs an

answer and for which possible
solutions are there.
 A Research Problem 20

A Research problem

is the topic one would like to

address, investigate or study.
 A Research Problem 21

A Research problem

May be described as
“incongruence; a discrepancy
between what is known and
what ought to be”.
 A Research Problem 22

A Research problem

It may also be described as the

breach or gap in knowledge that
needs to be filled.
23
 A Research Problem 24

A research problem is an issues or a

concern that an investigator /
researcher presents and justifies in a
research study.
Challenging and difficult phase
 A Research Problem 25

Selection of good research problem

is a discovery in itself.
Several Factors involved in selection
of research problem.
 26
1.
6. Knowledge
Creativity 2. Skills/
to the
subject of Abilities
Factors
inquiry involved in
selection of
research
problem
5.
3. Interest
Motivation
4.
Expertise
 A Research Problem 27

In addition, the selected research

problem
Should have high significance and
implication for the (his/her) profession.
Should be suitable, feasible, testable,
and solvable research problem.
 A Research Problem 28

Good research studies needs lot of time

to select a research problem.
Initially every researcher faces
predicament of identifying, selecting and
formulating a good research problem.
 Definition - Research Problem 29

 “ A problem is an interrogative sentence

or statement that asks what relation
exists between two or more variables.
The answer to questions will provide
what is having sought in the research.”

Kerlinger
 Definition - Research Problem 30

 “ A situation for which we have no ready

& successful response by instinct or by
previous acquired habit. We must find out
what to do”, i.e. the solution can be found
out only after an investigation.

R.S. Woodworth.
 Definition - Research Problem 31

 “ A research problem is an area of

concern where there is a gap in the
knowledge base needed for professional
practices”.
 Problem Statement/Statement 32

of the Problem
It introduces the reader to the
importance of the problem a
researcher wants to study.
It is the explanation of currently
existing issue which needs to be
addressed.
It places the problem in a prospective.
 Problem Statement/Statement 33

of the Problem
It provides the framework for reporting
the results.
It indicates what is required to conduct
the study and explains how finding will
present this information.
It is the main point of any research.
 Problem Statement/Statement 34

of the Problem
Whole research hinges upon the
problem statement.
Sometimes problem statement and
purposes of study considered identical.
Problem statement – is about what
will be examined by the researcher.
Purposes of study – why the study
will be conducted.
 Research Question 35

Research question
 is a way of expressing the researcher’s
interest in the problem of phenomenon
being studied.
 are those the researcher would like to
answer or address the problem in the
study.
 Research Question 36

Research question

Depend on complexity of the study –

there could be more than one
research questions.
Identifying research question will
provide greater focus to the research.
 Research Question
37

Research question
 It will clarify the direction of the
research – Descriptive or
Experimental in nature.
 Well written research question shed
light on appropriate research
methods.
 Research Question 38

Research question characteristics

Clear
Specific
Refer to the problem or
phenomenon under study
If experimental work – should
reflect an intervention
 Research Question 39

To formulate focused

clinical question “PICOT”
format is used
 40

Research Question – PICOT Format

P I C O T
Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome Time
Problem Or
Population Exposure
• What is the • What do • What do we • What is Span of
Problem? we do to compare? the Time
• Who are them? The intervention outcome?
the • What are within patients in • What
Patients? they a particular happens?
exposed population.
to?
Eg Foot massage Routine care Changes in 3 days
Patients on and physiological
Ventilators as reflexology parameters
population
 Elements of a Research 41

Problem
• Why ?
• What?
• When?
• Where?
5 Ws • Who/from Whom?
 Elements of a Research Problem 42

• OBJECTIVE OR AIM OF THE PROBLEM

1. TO BE EXPLORED
• Means ‘why’ there is a need of carrying out this study.
Why
• THE TOPIC OR THEME WHICH NEEDS TO
BE INVESTIGATED
2. • This answers the question ‘What’.
What • What is to be studied?

• THE TIME DIMENSION

3. • Period or time of study when data are to be gathered.
• When is the research to be performed?
When
 Elements of a Research Problem 43

• THE AREA OR LOCATION WHERE

THE STUDY IS TO BE CONDUCTED
• “Where” we need to conduct the study?
4. Where

• POPULATION OR UNIVERSE FROM

WHOM THE DATA NEEDS TO BE
GATHERED
5. Who/ • Who are the respondents?
Whom • From whom the data to be collected?
For Example: To assess the effectiveness of a 44

structured exercise protocol on back pain

among nurses working in SDS TRC & RGICD,
Bengaluru.
To generate evidences regarding the magnitude of back pain
Why among nurses and to assess the effectiveness of a
structured exercise protocol

To evaluate the impact of the protocol on occurrence and

What severity of back pain among the nurses

When 2019 - 2020

Where SDS TRC & RGICD, Bengaluru

Whom Nurses working SDS TRC & RGICD, Bengaluru

 Criteria for selecting a 1.
good research Problem Determining
45
significance
and scope of 2. Experience
8. problem and
Researchable qualification of
the researcher

Factors to be
7. considered 3. Personal
while selecting
Originality a research interest
problem

6. Ethical
4. Feasibility
issues
5.
Organizational
support
1. DETERMINING SIGNIFICANCE
AND SCOPE OF PROBLEM
 Selected problem should be within the
general area of nursing
 Think – in a way – that current study
contributes for advance the knowledge
or contribute to nursing practice
46
1. Determining significance and scope 47

of problem
Researcher should have ?

Whether the nursing stakeholders

(patients, nurses and health care
community) be benefitted from the
findings of current study?
1. Determining significance and scope 48

of problem
Researcher should have ?

Will the findings be applicable to

nursing education, practice,
administration, management or
general public?
1. Determining significance and scope 49

of problem
Researcher should have ?

Will the findings extend or support

the current theory or generate new
theory?
1. Determining significance and scope 50

of problem
Researcher should have ?

Will the findings support the existing

nursing practice or endow with
evidence for changing current
practice or policies?
1. Determining significance and scope 51

of problem
Researcher should have ?

Will the findings address nursing

research priorities?
 1.
Determining
52
significance
and scope of 2. Experience
8. problem and
Researchable qualification of
the researcher

Factors to be
7. considered 3. Personal
while selecting
Originality a research interest
problem

6. Ethical
4. Feasibility
issues
5.
Organization
al support
2. Experience and qualification of the 53

researcher
Researcher – must have appropriate
experience and skills to address the
research problem.
The research experience is related to
overall experience, qualifications or
nursing course.
2. Experience and qualification of the 54

researcher
In India, the subject research
incorporated in the curriculum of
nursing courses – diploma, UG and
PG.
 3. Personal Interest 55

 Choosing a research study as per

interest in a particular topic is also a
criteria.
 It helps to maintain enthusiasm for
the project and shows even better
result.
 4. Feasibility 56

 Carrying out study in the form of

resources, time, money, availability
of sample, and cooperation from
others to be considered.
Sufficient resources – to carry out the
project
 5. Organizational support 57

 The administrative and

organizational support is very
important in research.
The support in terms of – time,
money, and material etc.
The psychological support is
powerful motivating factor too.
 6. Ethical Issues 58

 Ethics – norms for conduct/standards

of behaviour.
 Which distinguish between
acceptable and unacceptable
behaviour.
 Essential and important component of
research.
 6. Ethical Issues 59

 The Principal investigator or

researcher – responsible for research
& observance/fulfilment of these
principles for the rights, health and
welfare of participants.
 6. Ethical Issues 60

 The Principal investigator or

researcher – (may) competent in their
work and also comply with the
scientific, legal and ethical
requirements of the study protocol.
 6. Ethical Issues 61

 Obtaining consent, protecting from

harm, maintaining anonymity, and
confidentiality are the major
considerations while carrying out any
research.
Familiar with ethical guidelines of the
organization
 7. Originality 62

 Research Problem – new and

unique in itself.
Key responsibility of the researcher
that innovative knowledge used to
select research problem.
 8. Researchable 63

 Suitable for solution through research

i.e. the problem can be investigated

through collection and analysis of
empirical data.
 Criteria for selecting a 1.
good research Problem Determining
64
significance
and scope of 2. Experience
8. problem and
Researchable qualification of
the researcher

Factors to be
7. considered 3. Personal
while selecting
Originality a research interest
problem

6. Ethical
4. Feasibility
issues
5.
Organization
al support
 Own inquisitiveness
1. (questioning) /curiosity/ 65
Personal desire for knowledge
experience remote

2.
6. Social
Practical
issues
experience
Sources
of the
Research
Problem
3. Critical
5. Existing appraisal
theories of
literature
4.
Previous
research
 7. 66

Brainstor
ming

11.
Consultati
8. Intuition
on with
Sources
experts
of
Research
Problem

10.
Exposure 9.
to field Folklores
situation
Formulation of Research Problem 67

COMPLEX AND LONG PROCESS,

INCLUDES STEPS.
 1. Selection of 68
research area

5. Formulating
2. Reviewing
final statement
literature and
of research
theories
problem

Formulation of Research Problem

4. Evaluating 3. Delimiting
the research the research
problem topic
1. SELECTION OF RESEARCH AREA 69

 Formulation of research problem begins

with selection of a broad research topic
from
Personal experience, Literature
Previous research, Theories in nursing
profession
Eg. Broader topic - Female feticide,
Bedsore, dysmenorrhoea, Cancer, Cardiac
arrest
 70
2. REVIEWING LITERATURE AND THEORIES
 After getting broad idea for research the
researcher
Review nursing literature and theories.
Literature is reviewed – to know what has
already been done in this selected area of
research.
Then plan for research topic – further to
expand existing knowledge in respective
research area.
 71

2. REVIEWING LITERATURE AND THEORIES

 Review of theories helps researcher – to test
or to develop the theory and conceptual model.
 72

3. DELIMITING THE RESEARCH TOPIC

Researcher proceeds from general
research area of interest to more specific
topic of research to conduct study.
 Female feticide, Bedsore,
dysmenorrhoea, Cancer, Cardiac arrest.
 73

3. DELIMITING THE RESEARCH TOPIC

Eg. Initially researcher decides to study
female foeticide – later researcher comes
to specification – perception of women
about causes and prevention of female
foeticide.
 74

3. DELIMITING THE RESEARCH TOPIC

In this stage, researcher clearly
identifies
Variables, population, setting of the
research study.
Further, at this stage, researcher is quite
clear about the phenomenon to be
studied, where, and on whom.
 75

4. EVALUATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

 Once clear about research problem,
 Next, carefully evaluate research problem for
its
Significance,

Researchability, and
Feasibility
 76

4. EVALUATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Feasibility in terms of

Time, cost, availability of subjects and

Resources, administrative and peer
support,
Ethical consideration,

Researcher’s competence and interest.

 5. FORMULATING FINAL STATEMENT OF 77
RESEARCH PROBLEM
A Statement of the research problem is
stated in declarative or interrogative
form.
Eg. A descriptive study on perception of
women about causes and prevention of
female foeticide in selected rural
communities of Bangalore, Karnataka.
 5. FORMULATING FINAL STATEMENT OF 78
RESEARCH PROBLEM
A Statement of the research problem is
stated in declarative or interrogative
form.
Eg. A descriptive study on prevalence of
bedsores among unconscious patients
admitted in intensive care unit of SDS
TRC and RGICD, Bangalore.
5. FORMULATING FINAL STATEMENT 79

OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
Interrogative form.

What is the influence of the level of

hemoglobin on pin site infection among
patients with external skeletal fixators
admitted in orthopaedic wards of AIIMS,
New Delhi?
5. FORMULATING FINAL STATEMENT 80

OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Interrogative form – is in question

form.
What is the effect of ginger on morning
sickness on pregnant women in selected
urban communities of Bangalore Dist,
KA?
 81

5. FORMULATING FINAL STATEMENT

OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
Research problem clearly, precisely, and
concisely articulated.
It clearly states the variables, population
and research setting under study.
Variables are expressed in measurable
terms.