NURSING RESEARCH - RESEARCH PROBLEM

b.SC NURSING III YEAR
UNIT -II

1. UNIT-II RESEARCH PROBLEM- QUESTION 1. Identification of Problem Area 2.Problem Statement 3.Criteria of a good research Problem 4. Writing Objectives Prepared By Mrs.AKILA .A, M.Sc (N), M.Sc (PSY) ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

2. 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.

3. DEFINITION: A research problem is an enigmatic, perplexing or troubling condition. Research problem refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situations and requires a solution to that particular problem.

4. DEFINING THE PROBLEM Involves the task of laying down boundaries within which a researcher shall study the problem with the predetermined objectives or objectives in view. Three processes: Selecting the research topic: Broad, imagination and abstract Narrowing the topic: What, when and why Evaluating the research topic: significance, researchability , feasibility, interest to the topic time, availability, money and ethical considerations

5. RESEARCH QUESTION Research question is a way of expressing the researcher’s interest in the problem or phenomenon being studied. PICOT FORMAT: P-PATIENT/ PROBLEM/ POPULATION I- INTERVENTIONS C- COMPARISON O-OUTCOME T-TIME

6. ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH PROBLEM Objectives Theme Time Location Population

7. Six conditions of research problem There should be a individual, group or organisation which concerns a some difficulty a problem in a situation or an environment. Some objectives Course of action Some dilemma in selecting the alternatives Difficult environment Outcomes

8. SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM Professional literature Professional experience Inference from theories and other sources External sources Social issues

9. SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM Personal experiences Practical experience Critical appraisal of literature Previous research Existing theories Consumer feedback Performance improved activities Social issues Brain storming Intuition Folklores Exposure to field situations Consultation with experts

10. JUSTIFICATION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM: Personal suitability General value

11. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING THE PROBLEM: Problem must be: Related to professional work Problem and solution should improve the psychological theories and practices Relevant, important, new, significant and interesting Suited to the attitude, aptitude, interest, competency and confidences of a researcher Practically achievable objectives Creativeness, extension of knowledge, novelty, originality and utility value Not too broad or too narrow Proper guidance and financial support Concerned with international, national, state , district, town, village...

12. CRITERIA FOR GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM: A.Must support multiple perspectives B.Researchable C.Umbrella topics must be sufficiently complex

13. CRITERIA FOR GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM: A. Significance to nursing profession B.Original C.Feasible Time Cost Equipment and supplies Administrative support Peer support availability of subjects Researchers competence Ethical considerations Solvable/ researchable Current Interesting

14. D.Solvable / researchable E.Current F.Interesting

15. FORMULATION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM: Selecting a research topic Reviewing the theories and literature Delimiting the research topic Evaluating the research problem Evaluating the final statement of the research problem

16. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM : A problem statement is an expression of the dilemma or disturbing situation that needs investigation for the purposes of providing understanding and direction.

17. GOOD CHARECTERSTICS OF STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Identifies the key study variables and possible interrelationship Identifies the population of interest, dependent and independent variables It indicates the nature of inquiry, concepts, groups and setting of the study.

18. SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC Relevance Avoidance of duplication Urgency of data needed Political acceptability of study Feasibility of study Applicability of results Ethical acceptability

19. IDENTIFICATION OF VARIABLES: Variables are qualities, properties, or charecteristics of person, things, or situations that change or vary.. GENERALLY VARIABLES ARE ; Continuous variables : Infinite number of values between two points. ex: age, weight, height Discrete variables: Finite number of values between any two points, ex: children

20. Categorical variables: small range of values that do not inherently represent a quantity. Ex: gender Concrete or abstract variables : concrete variables ( age, weight, pulse rate) are measured more easily than abstract variables (anxiety, depression, hope) Active or Attribute variables: attribute is a variable where we do not alter the variable during the study, ex: age, whereas active variables will be created by the researcher. Ex: carbohydrate intake assessment

21. Classification of variables 1.Dependent it is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create the effect on the dependent variable. Example: art therapy, yoga, pranyama 2.Independent Variables :it is the outcome or response due to the effect of the independent variable, which researcher wants to predict or explain. Example: stress, depression, pain

22. 3.Research variables These are qualities, attributes, properities , or charecteristics that are observed or measured in a natural setting without manipulating and establishing cause and effect relationship. Example: prevalence of anemia ( descriptive,exploratory,comparative and correlational )

23. 4.Demographic variables: Researchers tries to study the sample characteristics and present them in research findings..some researchers even try to establish relations of the demographic variables with the research variables. These characteristics and attributes are demographic variables

24. 5.Control Variables: which effects the dependent variable .when we control a variable we wish to balance its effect across subjects and groups and just study the relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable. Example: keep humidity the same, and vary temperature, to study comfort levels. 

25. 6.Extraneous variables : These are the factors that are not the part of a study, but may affect the study variables. If it affects in a negative way which are known as confounding variables.

26. In some research study, the researchers may use one, two or many variables under study based on the number of variables under study. Univariate study : one variable Bivariate ( two variables) Multivariate study ( more than two variables)

27. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS: In a research study, each variable or concept must be operationally defined. An operational definition of a variable provides the theoretical or conceptual meaning of variable under study..

28. Operational definitions are not same as conceptual definition, an operational definition does not only give precise indications about how to observe or even measure the characteristics’ under study. It is based on the observable characteristics’ of an object or phenomenon and indicates what to do or what to observe in order to identify the characteristics’.  

29. OBJECTIVES T he objectives of a research project summarize what is to be achieved by the study.Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES are a clear, concise, declarative statement, which provides direction to investigate the variables. Research objectives are the results sought by the researcher at the end of the research process; i.e what the researcher will be able to achieve at the end of the research study..

30. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT OBJECTIVES Objectives are numbered in a way so that each one stands alone. Each objective must have a specific methodology, so that the researcher is able to work accordingly for their accomplishment. If the researcher is facing some difficulty in devising this, they may write up a research time-line before defining the objectives.

31. Charecteristics of research objectives: s- specific m- measurable a-attainable r- realistic t- time –bound in other words:  m- measurable f- feasible l- logical o-observable u- unequivocal r- relevant

32. objectives include obtaining answers to the research questions specific accomplishments and researcher hopes to achieve y the study. Reasonably achieved with the expected time frame Summarises what is to be achieved by the study.

33. Purposes/ Importance of research objectives: Focus the study Avoid the collection of data which are not strictly necessary for understanding and solving the problem you have identified Organise the study in clearly defined parts or phases

34. Need of research objectives Focus Avoid Organise directions

35. TYPES OF OBJECTIVES: General objective: The general objective of a study states what researchers expect to achieve by the study in general terms. It is possible to breakdown a general objective into smaller, logically connected parts. These are normally referred as specific objectives Specific objective/ Secondary objectives: Usually focuses on quantifying or specifying the problem. Systematically address the various aspects of the problem as defined understatement of the problem and the key factors that are assumed to influence or cause the problem. They should specify what u will do in your study, where, and for what purpose.

36. METHODS OF STATING OBJECTIVES: Guidelines: Objectives should be presented briefly and concisely They cover the different aspects of the problem and their contributing factors in a coherent way and in a logical sequence. They are clearly phrased in operational terms, specifying exactly what researcher is going to do, where and for what purpose They are realistic considering local conditions They use action verbs that are specific enough to be evaluated.

37. Commonly used active verbs in different research methods Descriptive: Identify Assess Find out Describe Compare Contrast Correlation: Determine Examine Identify Discriminate

38. Experimental: Determine Examine Investigate Measure Detect

39. Quantitative methods Qualitative methods Descriptive Ethnography Identify Assess Find out Describe Compare Assess describe examine explain discover Correlational Grounded theory Determine Examine Identify Discriminate Develop Extend Identify Valuable Experimental Phenomenological Determine Examine Investigate Measure Detect Describe Develop Generate Record Express

40. EXAMPLES OF GENERAL AND SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES RESEARCH STATEMENT: A study to evaluate the effectiveness of aroma therapy on depression among old age people in selected areas,Tanjore GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of aroma therapy on depression among old age people.

41. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: - To assess the level of depression among old age people in aselected old age home, Tanjore . - To evaluate the effectiveness of aroma therapy on depression among old age people in selected old age home, Tanjore . - To associate the level of depression with the selected demographic variables.

42. HYPOTHESIS Hypothesis: hypo means fixing point Hypothesis means a fixing agent for thesis or report of the research work.

43. Definition: According to Gay, “ a hypothesis is a tentative explanation for certain behaviour , phenomena, or events that have occurred or will occur”. According to Lundberg, “ a tentative generalisation , the validity of which remains to be tested.

44. Role of hypothesis in research: Tentative solution to the problem Tentative generalisations Clear framework and guide when analysis and interpretation Specifies the sources of data Development of theory Definite to the investigation

45. Characteristics of hypothesis: Should provide answers to the enquiry Clear and precise Conceptual clarity Specificity Testability Availability of techniques Theoretical framework Consistency Objectivity Simplicity Limited in scope Reasonable Empirical and reference and evidence Self explanatory power

46. SOURCES OF HYPOTHESIS: Theory Observation Analogies Intuition and personal experience Findings of studies State of knowledge Culture Continuity of research Scientific theory Personal experience

47. PURPOSES OF HYPOTHESIS It provides bridge between before theory and reality and in this sense unifying the two domains. It provides powerful tool, for the advancement of knowledge since they enable the researcher to objectively enter new areas of discovery. It provides direction for any research endeavour by tentatively identifying the anticipated outcome. It is a guide to the thinking process and the process of discovery It serves as a framework for drawing conclusions.

48. CLASSIFICATION OF HYPOTHESIS : ACCORDING TO DIRECTION : Directional hypothesis: it is one that specifies the expected direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variable. Example: Positive relationship between trust and self disclosure in marital relationship Non directional hypothesis: it indicates the existence of relationship between the variable, it does not specify the direction of the relationship.

49. Hypothesis can be categorised as either research or statistical hypothesis: Research hypothesis: scientific or workable hypothesis consists of a statement about the expected relationship between the variables. It indicates what the outcome of the study is expected to be. It can be stated positively and can be either directional or non directional. Example: ‘There is relationship between smoking & incidence of lung cancer.  

50. A statistical hypothesis : Null means nil, zero. When a hypothesis is stated negatively that is null hypothesis. Null hypothesis states that there is no relationship between two variables. Rejection of statistical hypothesis is almost equivalent to acceptance of research hypothesis. For example, ‘there is no relationship between smoking & the incidence of coronary artery disease’.

51. Other types: Simple hypothesis: that expresses an expected relationship between one dependent and independent variable.   Example: Smoking leads to cancer Complex hypothesis: It is a prediction of relationship between two or more independent variables and two or more dependent variables. Example: Smoking and other drugs leads to cancer, tension, chest infections etc.  

52. Casual hypothesis : states that the existence of or change in, one variable causes or leads to an effect on another variable. The first variable is called independent variable and the latter called an dependent variable.   Descriptive hypothesis: prepositions that describe the characteristics’ (such as size, form of distribution) of a variable. The variable may be an object, person, organisation, situation or event. Ex: The educational system not oriented to the human resource needs of a country.

53. Relational hypothesis : describes the relationship between variable. The relationship suggests may be a positive or negative correlation or casual relationship. Ex: Families with higher income spends more for recreation.   Working hypothesis : while planning the study of a problem, the hypothesis is formulated. Initially hypothesis may not be very specific.  

54.         DEVELOPMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS :         Hypothesis Theoretical Framework Problem statement Literature review

55. FORMULATIONS OF HYPOTHESIS Hypothesis are usually formulated in quantitative research studies, which investigate the interplay of dependent and independent variables such as experimental, correlation research studies. Points to be considered in formulating hypothesis: Hypothesis is always written before starting the study and should not be changed after the study results are examined. Researchers use null form as well as alternative form of hypothesis. Consider the dependent and independent variables Nature of relationship between dependent and independent variables

56. Subjects in which population being studies. The level of significance for accepting and rejecting the hypothesis Hypothesis should be stated using declarative sentence and present tense Should be stated in empirical tested form. One hypothesis contains only single predication about relationships of study variables. Ideally, the number of hypothesis should be restricted to six or less because more number of hypotheses leads to confusion and increased work in data collection, analysis and interpretations of data.  

57. Hypothesis testing

58. ASSUMPTIONS: An assumption is a realistic expectation which is something that we believe to be true. An assumption provides a basis for theories and also for research instruments and therefore influence the development and implementation of research process. Assumptions are statements that are taken for granted or are considered true, even though they have not been scientifically tested. Assumptions are the declarative statements about a phenomenon which are largely believed to be true eve in the absence of significant facts.

59. Uses of assumption in research Research is built upon assumptions as foundation is needed to move forward. One must assume something to discover something. Assumption listed in research paper may be good sources of the research topics Assumptions provide basis to the conduct of the research study. Tested assumptions through research studies expand the professional body of knowledge.

60. Types of Assumptions: Universal assumptions: are beliefs that are assumed to be true by a large part of society, but testing such assumptions is not always possible. Ex: there is a supernatural power that governs this universe.   Assumptions based on theories : If a research study is based on a theory, the assumption of the particular theory may become assumption of that particular theory may become assumption of the particular research study. Ex: A study based on Roy’s adaptation model will use assumption of this particular theoretical model .

61. Assumptions needed to conduct a research : common sense assumptions to conduct a study. Ex: prevalence of coronary artery disease is common among urban people.   Warranted assumptions: these are stated along with the evidence to support. Ex: regular prayers bring success because they boost morale.   Unwarranted assumptions: These are stated without any supportive evidence . Ex: Almighty God exists everywhere in this universe.

62. EXAMPLES OF ASSUMPTION: People are aware of the experience that most affect their life choices. People want to assume control of their own health problems People in underserved areas feel underserved.

63. DELIMITATIONS The delimitations of the study are those characteristics’ that limit scope of the inquiry as determined by the conscious exclusionary and inclusionary decisions that were made throughout the development of the proposal. Narrow down his problem. Restrictions / bounds that researchers impose prior to the inception of the study to narrow the scope of a study. Describe the population from which generalisations can be carefully under the control of the researcher.

64. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of the study are those characteristics of design or methodology that set parameters on the application and interpretations of the study. Limitations refers to factors which the experimenter cannot control Are conditions that restrict the scope of the research findings and are outside the control of the researcher.  

65. THANK YOU