Chapter 6 Flashcards
What is a research problem?
Enigmatic or troubling condition
What is the Goal in regards to a research problem?
to find a solution or to contribute to finding a solution.
What is a “Problem Statement?”
Describes the problem and an argument or reason for why the study is needed.
What is a “Statement of Purpose?”
A summary of an overall goal and will use the words “aim” or “objective”
What is a “research question?”
The specific queries researchers want to answer
Examples:
PICO (quantitative studies)
Grounded theory, Phenomenology, Ethnography (qualitative studies)
What is a hypothesis?
A prediction
The predictions researchers make about the study and its outcome
Based on something from previous literature to increase the likelihood the hypothesis is correct
What type of study is more likely to use a Problem Statement?
Quantitative studies
What would a Problem Statement look like in a Qualitative study?
Would express the nature of the problem, its context, its scope, and information needed to address it.
(Components 1-3, and 5)
Problem identification, Background, Scope of the problem, Knowledge gaps)
What are the 6 Components of “Problem Statement?”
1) Problem identification
2) Background
3) Scope of the problem
4) Consequences of the problem
5) Knowledge gaps
6) Proposed solution
“PBS Could Go South”
6 Components of “Problem Statement:”
1) Problem Identification
What is wrong with the current situation?
6 Components of “Problem Statement:”
2) Background
What is the nature of the problem, or the context of the situation, that readers need to understand?
6 Components of “Problem Statement:”
3) Scope of the problem
How big a problem is it, and how many people are affected?
6 Components of “Problem Statement:”
4) Consequence of the problem
What is the cost of not fixing the problem?
6 Components of “Problem Statement:”
5) Knowledge gaps
What information about the problem is lacking?
6 Components of “Problem Statement:”
6) Proposed solution
How will the new study contribute to the solution of the problem?
What type of Research Question is used in Quantitative studies?
PICO
What does a Research question need to describe in Quantitative studies?
Variables in consideration for the study
May focus on trends rather than direct relationships
Example:
What is the frequency with which nurses use humor as a complementary therapy with hospitalized cancer patients?
What are the types of Research Questions in Qualitative studies?
Grounded theory
Phenomenology
Ethnography
Qualitative Research Questions:
Grounded theory
focuses on process
Qualitative Research Questions:
Phenomenology
focuses on meaning
Qualitative Research Questions:
Ethnography
ask descriptive questions about culture
What makes a good hypothesis?
1) Need to make relational statements.
- The intervention needs to directly relate to the outcome in a hypothesis.
2) Statistical analysis
- A P-value goal of <0.05
3) One that is Supported rather than Proven
What are the 4 Types of Hypotheses?
1) Directional
2) Nondirectional
3) Research
4) Null
What is a Directional Hypothesis?
Will specify the direction between variables in a hypothesis.
Words like increase, decrease, more likely, and less likely are examples of what you may see to indicate a directional relationship