Assumptions and delimitations (Nursing research)

Nursing research Theory : Assumptions and delimitations

1. ASSUMPTIONS AND DELIMITATIONS

2. INTRODUCTION An assumption is a realistic expectation which something that we believed to be true. However no adequate evidence available to support this belief. In other words, an assumption is an act faith which does not have empirical evidence to support.

3. DEFINITION Assumptions are the statements that are taken for granted or are considered true even though they have been scientifically tested. Assumptions are principles those are accepted as being true based on logic or reasons, but without proof or verification.

4. USE OF ASSUMPTION IN RESEARCH Research built upon assumptions since a foundation is needed to move forward Assumption listed in research paper may be good sources of the research topics.  Assumption provide basis to conduct of the research study . Assumptions are overt and/or innate beliefs held by the researcher about phenomenon that is accepted as truth without proof or empirical evidence.

5. Cntd.... . An assumption is a realistic expectation i.e. something that we believe to be true but no adequate evidence exists to support this belief. In science, hypothesis and assumptions are concepts that are similar in nature Hypothesis is an argument put forward to explain phenomenon .

6. TYPES OF ASSUMPIONS Universal Assumptions Empirical based Assumption Theoretical based assumptions Research Assumptions

7. EXAMPLES OF ASSUMPTION Statement: The best evidence of India’s glorious past is the growing popularity of ayurvedic medicines in the world. Assumptions. 1. Ayurvedic medicines are more popular in India. 2. Ayurvedic medicines are not popular in India.

8. DELIMITATIONS Delimitations are in essence the limitations consciously set by the authors themselves. They are concerned with the definitions that the researchers decide to set as the boundaries or limits of their work so that the study’s aims and objectives do not become impossible to achieve. In this respect, it can be argued that delimitations are in the researcher’s control.

9. DEFINITION Delimitations are boundaries that are set by the researcher in order to control the range of a study. They are created before any investigations are carried out in order to reduce the amount of time or effort spent in certain unnecessary, and perhaps even unrelated, areas to the overall study.

10. CHARECTERESTICS Confinement of a particular geographical area or study setting/study centre . The population, which the researcher not studying Defining the restrictions about sampling technique /sample size. The literature will not review. The literature will not review The methodological procedures will not use The particular tool(s) was not used for the study

11. USE OF DELIMITATIONS Clearly defines the scope of the study to avoid the parametric ambiguities in the research study. Make the research study more feasible and practicable. Define the boundaries of the selected study parameters such a geographic location, age, gender, population traits, population size, sample size, study instruments, or other similar considerations .

12. Cntd... . Identifies the constraints or weakness of the study so that the strengthening of evidences generated through study may be determined. Research usually mention delimitations of their study, so that the reader can have an idea about the credibility and generalizability of the research findings.

13. TYPES OF DELIMITATIONS THEORETICAL DELIMITATION: They restrict the ability of research findings generalize because of the use of specific theoretical concept in the study, or limiting the study of variables through operational definitions. METHODOLOGICAL DELIMITATIONS: They usually results from some of the methodological factors such as unrepresentative sample, weak design, single setting, limited control over extraneous variable, poor implementation of treatment protocol

14. IMPORTANT POINTS Describe the delimitation in detailed but concise terms. Explain reason for not considering certain parameters in study. Mention why a particular delimitation is considered for a research study.

15. Cntd..... While stating delimitations, reason for not considering certain parameters in study must be clearly explained. Identify and mention the indented impact of each delimitation in relation to the overall findings and conclusions of the study.

16. EXAMPLES OF DELIMITATIONS DELIMITATIONS EXAMPLES Limits on sample selection and technique Due to non availability of sampling frame, study used non random sampling technique.To maintain homogeneity in the sample selection, the study included only treatment seeking sample of out-patient department and those meeting specific criteria. Limit on extend of Geographic area from which data are collected Due to the large number of potential participants in the population, the current study focused only on members located within a selected district. Limit of use of tools for the study In order to deal with collected data, the study utilized a survey tool with multiple choice questions and did not include open ended questions