Research problem identification and selection - PDF.pptx

Research problem identification through reflective and scientific thinking, research problem selection criteria, research problem statement (topic) including delimiting and rephrasing.

1. Research problem By Suad Zuhair B. Pharm, M. Pharm.  Clin .  Pharmacol .

2. Problem identification Problem selection Problem statement (TOPIC)

3. Problem identification The first step in research

4. Problems lie everywhere around us, starting from ourselves, our door steps, to planets . For example: Throwing of garbage beside the pin but not inside it. The increased percentage of divorce. Spread of dengue fever. The ozone depletion (ozone hole). Cancer Resistant bacteria People relieved from fever after usage of cinchona bark. People are thin and tall in hot areas, but fat and short in cold areas. The spinning of planets around the sun. The presence of life in earth unlike other planets.

5. [So we can define problem as : “A question which is to be solved.” a question with no available answer]. Identification of problem is governed by reflective thinking . Reflective thinking acts in terms of: (a) Problem situation ; i.e. an explanation in simple words of the circumstances in which a problem occurs. (b) Divergent or creative thinking; i.e. to generate ideas and develop multiple solutions to a problem. Reflective thinking steps: 1) Felt of need or difficult; 2) Definition of the problem in terms of a problem statement; 3) Suggest explanation or possible solution (hypothesis); 4) Rationale elaboration of an idea by collection of data or evidences.

6. The research process involves Inductive-deductive mode of thinking which is known as scientific thinking . Scientific thinking is a reflective thinking that starts with facts and returns to facts to test and verify its hypotheses. It is based on empirical evidences and establishes cause and effect relationship. Scientific thinking steps: 1. The location and definition of a problem. 2. The survey of past experiences with problem of previous investigations that are already available. [Literature review] 3. The formulation of hypotheses representing a tentative solution of the problem. [Hypothesis] 4. Organization of all activities for the verification of the hypotheses [Methodology]

7. 4. The collection of new data or evidences. [Data collection] 5. The analysis of the data classification and summarization by quantitative treatment (statistical methods). [Data analysis/Results] 6. The formulation of generalizations. [Conclusion] The sources of evidences are: (a) Customs and traditions (b) Authority (c) Personal experiences (d) Syllogistic reasoning (e) Experimentation

8. Sources of research problems: Personal experiences Records of previous researches (literature-research abstracts, journals, hand-books of research international abstracts etc.) Experts of the field consulting Evaluating a research problem: Do the data exist upon which a solution may be based? Is the problem a new one? [Novel, original, no available answer] Is the problem significant? [Would the solution make any difference?] Is the problem feasible? Do I have the necessary competence? Are pertinent data accessible? Will I have the necessary financial resources? Will I have enough time to complete the project? Will I have the courage and determination to pursue the study?

9. problem SELECTION

10. To choose how we want to deal with the identified problem according to theses criteria: 1 . Novelty and avoidance of unnecessary duplications. [New] 2. Importance for the field represented. [Significant: will make a difference] 3. Interest , intellectual curiosity, and drive. 4. Training and personal qualifications. 5. Availability of data and method . 6. Special equipment and working conditions 7. Approachability of the sample . 8. Sponsorship and administrative cooperation. 9. Hazards , penalties and handicaps. 10. Cost and returns. 11. Time factor.

11. Problem statement “topic” A clear and concise idea of what the researcher wants to do

12. The topic is the definition of the problem which delimits or pin points the task of a researcher. The criteria for a good problem statement “topic” is: 1. A problem should be concerned with relation between two or more Variables. 2. It should be stated ‘clearly and unambiguously in question form’. 3. It should be amenable to empirical testing. 4. It should not represent a moral or ethical position

13. By delimiting we specify the scope of the problem, we will have a feasible research work and a proper frame of reference. First: Problem delimiting: Delimited to certain variables Delimited to the area or level or category Delimited to size of sample Delimited to the best method only (one used method) Delimited to the best available tool for measuring the variable delimitations particular to a problem Note: the findings of study also confine to these delimitations

14. Second: Rephrasing the research problem [framework]: (a) Use of technical terms and words or phrases, with accurate meanings. E.g. to determine, to measure, to compare But not: to study, to investigate… And we can use the 5 W’s [what, where, when, which, and w (b) Basic assumptions or postulates (if any) relating to the research problem should be clearly stated. E.g. the efficacy, the potency, the cure rate, the side effects… (C) A straight forward statement of the value of the investigation (i.e., The criteria for the selection of the problem) (D) time-period and the sources of data available (E) the scope of the investigation or the limits within which the problem is to be studied. ( Study population )

15. “ Why is productivity in japan so much higher than in india ”? “What factors were responsible for the higher labour productivity of japan’s manufacturing Industries during the decade 1971 to 1980 relative to india’s manufacturing industries?” “To what extent did labour productivity in 1971 to 1980 in japan exceed that of india in Respect of 15 selected manufacturing industries? What factors were responsible for the Productivity differentials between the two countries by industries?”

16. Our research The problem: antibiotic resistance Problem selection: to identify the most antibiotic that is used irrationally Research statement or topic: to determine the most irrationally used antibiotic among families of batch 8 pharmacy students at Al mokhtarbin university

17. سبحان الله وبحمده سبحان الله العظيم