Ch. 4: Research Problems, Research Questions, and Hypothesis Flashcards
Sources of Research Problems: (6)
- Clinical experience
- Quality improvement efforts
- Nursing (or OT) literature
- Social issues
- Theories
- Ideas from external sources (i.e. GRANTS - you can always take your idea and morph it so it fits a grant)
What is the definition of a research problem? What is its function?
- Definition: a troubling condition which the researcher wants to solve by generating relevant evidence
- Function: articulates the problem and describes the need for the study
Your research question morphs into your conclusion. T or F?
FALSE. Your research question morphs into your HYPOTHESIS. (That helps determine your approach / analysis.)
How to develop a research problem:
- Select a topic: gather ideas, sort ideas, choose one that INTERESTS YOU
- Narrow the topic: ask broad questions first, search the literatue to find what’s missing from it, narrow scope to a researchable question
Four considerations in evaluating research problems
- significance
- researchability
- feasibility
- interest to you
What is meant by a problem’s significance?
its potential to contribute to practice
True or False: You should never consider matching your interest to a funder’s interest.
FALSE. It’s often worth considering because it allows you to work on something at least related to your interest area.
what is researchability?
whether your topic can actually be researched (for instance there is no way to research moral or ethical questions)
What are some factors that influence feasability of research?
Factors to consider when trying to determine feasibility:
- time
- availability of study participants
- cooperation of others
- facilities and equipment
- money
- researcher experience
- ethical considerations
why does researcher interest matter?
Even if your idea meets the other three criteria, if you aren’t genuinely fascinated by it, it’s going to be a waste of resources. Give up, and go work at Starbucks!
What is the overall purpose of your problem statement?
a problem statement articulates the problem and describes the need for a study through the development of an argument
to identify the nature of the problem being addressed, and its context and significance.
What should be covered in your problem statement? (6 things)
- problem identification: what is wrong with the current situation
- background: what is the context of the problem that readers need to understand
- scope of problem: how big a problem is it, how many people are affected?
- consequences of problem: what is the cost of not fixing the problem?
- knowledge gaps: what information about the problem is lacking?
- proposed solution: what is the basis for believing that the proposed study would contribute to the solution of the problem?
Specifics about your problem statement should appear high up in your lit review. True or False?
TRUE
T/F: The “purpose” of a study is the same thing as the “objective” of a study.
FALSE! I’m SHOCKED, just SHOCKED, that you could possibly think this.
The purpose of a study is more general, while the objective is more specific. For example, the purpose could be “to see if there is a difference between A and B” while the objective could be “to see if A predicts B.”
The “specific aims” of a study are the same thing as the “objectives” of a study. True of False?
Did you say TRUE? Good job, smartypants! You’re right. Specific aims and objectives are the same thing.
Research questions concern relationships among _______?
variables
In the “introduction” section of a study, where are you most likely to find the stated purpose?
towards the end
What three components should be identified in a good statement of purpose?
key study variables
possibile interrelationships
population of interest
A research hypothesis is a ______________ about the __________ between variables.
prediction, relationship
What type of hypothesis begins with specific observations and move towards generalization?
inductive: generalization inferred from observed relationships; researchers observe certain patterns or associations among phenomena and then make predictions based on the observations
Deductive hypotheses have ________ as a starting point.
Theories.
A researcher might ask: If this theory is valid, what are the implications for the variables of interest? Researchers deduce that if the general theory is true, then certain outcomes can be expected.
Inductive hypotheses are more common in quantitative studies. True or False.
False. Inductive hypotheses are more common in qualitative research.
What is the difference between a simple and a complex hypothesis?
simple hypothesis = the expected relationship between one independent variable (x) and one dependent variable (y).
complex hypothesis = prediction of a relationship between two or more independent variables and/or two or more dependent variables.
What does a directional hypothesis tell you, and what is another way to refer to it?
A directional hypothesis is also called a one-tailed hypothesis. It specifies not only the existence, but also the expected direction of a relationship between variables (i.e., a prediction that older patients are at higher risk of falling than younger ones)
What does a nondirectional hypothesis tell you, and what is another way to refer to it?
A nondirectional hypothesis, also called a two-tailed hypothesis, does not state the direction of the relationship (i.e. a prediction that patient’s age and risk of falling are connected, but no indication that older or younger patients are at higher or lower risk)
What does this describe: establishes the study’s general direction and captures its essence; in quantitative studies, it identifies key variables and their possible interrelationships, as well as the population of interest
Statement of Purpose
a variable that affects the strength or direction of an association between the independent and dependent variable
variable that intervenes between the IV and DV and helps to explain why the relationship exists
Mediating variable
T/F: Hypotheses derived from theory are almost always directional because theories provide a rationale for expecting variables to be related in a certain way
True
T/F: Hypotheses are proved through hypothesis testing
False- hypotheses arent proved - they are accepted or supported
