Identification of Research Problem/Writing a Research Proposal (trans 1)

Question 1

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

• Usually stated in question form (Research Question)
• It is the uncertainty about something in the general population that the investigator/s want/s to resolve by making measurements on study subjects (quantitative research)

Answer 1

It is the issue to be settled, and normally does not

represent a moral/ ethical position on an issue.

Question 2

In Medicine, the research problem usually asks about:

Answer 2

o The nature or characteristics of an event or phenomenon (e.g. the burden of illness of dengue)
o The relationship between 2 or more variables or events (e.g. association between exposure to smog along EDSA and academic performance of students)

Question 3

Criteria of a good research problem

“FINER and FINEST”

Answer 3

FINER:
1. Feasible 
2. Interesting
3. Novel
4. Ethical
5. Relevant
FINEST:
1. Feasible
2. Interesting
3. Novel
4. Ethical
5. Significant
6. Time-bound

Question 4

Formulation of the research question

1. Determine the topic of interest

Answer 4

o Start with general topics (e.g. complementary and alternative medicine) then refine it to specific topics (eg. medicinal value of indigenous herbs and shrubs)

Question 5

Formulation of the research question

2. Determine if the problem deals with the following:

Answer 5

o Characteristics of an event (eg. What are the possible adverse effects of home-made herbal concoctions?)
o Relationship between factor and event (eg. Does the use of sambong reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease secondary to obstructive uropathy?)

Question 6

Refining the Research Question (PICOM)

Answer 6

Population - refers to the general characteristics of
the group of subject in question
Intervention/Exposure - anything that may be tested for its influence on a certain outcome (eg. drug, treatment modality, diagnostic test or a risk factor)
Comparison - the alternative intervention (drug of choice/gold standard) or exposure
Outcome – primary endpoint being tested/investigated; usually the dependent variable and often times it is a medical condition
Methodology - study design of the research to be implemented

Question 7

Problem Dissection and Clarification

Answer 7

 Breaking down the research problem into smaller components or sub-problems aids in understanding and clarifying the problem
 Each component or sub-problem ought to be researchable (measurable)
 The answers to the sub-problems, when taken collectively, should be adequate in answering the main question or resolving the main problem.
 The research problem is usually the general objective in declarative form. The sub-problems changed into declarative form are the specific objectives.

Question 8

REMEMBER
a clear statement of the research problem:
o is the foundation for further development of the research proposal (objectives, methodology, work plan, budget etc.)
o makes it easier to find information and reports of similar studies from which your own design can benefit
o enables you to systematically point out why the proposed research on the problem should be undertaken and what you hope to achieve with the study results

Answer 8

**This is important to highlight when you present your project to community members, health staff, relevant ministries, and donor agencies who need to support your study or give their consent.

Question 9

THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
 Must be prepared to guide the investigator in the implementation of the research
 Must be properly written and presented to convince the project evaluator that it should be approved for funding and/or implementation
 Useful in evaluating the merits of the research

Answer 9

Characteristics of a Good Research Proposal

1. Persuasive
2. Clear and Balanced Presentation
3. Flexible
4. Complete
5. Attractive

Question 10

Characteristics of a Good Research Proposal

Persuasive

Answer 10

 The proposal should be projected as a significant undertaking, that the expected outcome “matters,” that it reflects a mystery of background knowledge, and that the inquiry has logical basis.

Question 11

Characteristics of a Good Research Proposal

Clear and Balanced Presentation

Answer 11

 The proposal must be written in intelligible, concise language, not too wordy but contains sufficient information and details.
 It should describe the methods adequately for the evaluator to know how the investigator will undertake the study to answer the research question.

Question 12

Characteristics of a Good Research Proposal

Flexible

Answer 12

 The proposal should show flexibility such that modifications may be made during the data collection without reducing the quality of the study.

Question 13

Characteristics of a Good Research Proposal

Complete

Answer 13

 All information required by the granting agency should be incorporated.
 The qualifications of the investigators, which would show his capability to undertake the study, should be included.

Question 14

Characteristics of a Good Research Proposal

Attractive

Answer 14

The proposal should match the priorities of the funding agency and demonstrate how the project may advance the achievement of the agency’s mission and goals.

Question 15

Parts of a Research Proposal

Answer 15

1) Title of the Research
2) Objectives
3) Significance – provides justification for the research proposal and presents the potential benefits to be derived from the study
4) Background / Literature Review – this presents the current state of knowledge regarding the problem; journals are preferred over periodicals and books; assures the credibility of the author (What are the existing levels of knowledge on the topic?)
5) Methods
6) Time Table – presents the schedule of different phases of the study; indicates start and termination, usually in the form of a Gantt chart.
7) Personnel and Facilities
8) Budget
9) Proponent’s Qualifications

Question 16

Parts of a Research Proposal

Objectives

Answer 16

a) General – a statement of the long- term or overall objective expected to be achieved by the study
b) Specific – statement of the expected outcomes on specific questions that are to be answered in the study

Question 17

Parts of a Research Proposal

Methods

Answer 17

a) Plan of Investigation – study design you want to employ
b) Subjects – selection, recruitment, sample size determination
c) Operational Definition of Variables and Parameters – identify what are the dependent, independent and confounding variables
d) Ethical Considerations – do no harm to your study subjects; it is crucial to have ethics clearance or approval prior to the implementation of your study
e) Data Processing and Analysis – be able to extrapolate data
f) Interpretation and Conclusion

Question 18

Parts of a Research Proposal

Personnel and Facilities

Answer 18

a) Personnel: job description (e.g. research assistant, statistician)
b) Facilities: list of equipment to be used should be available

Question 19

Parts of a Research Proposal

Budget

Answer 19

a) Personnel
b) Equipment
c) Supplies
d) Transportation
e) Communication
f) Others (e.g. contingency: ~10-15%)

Question 20

Parts of a Research Proposal

Proponent’s Qualifications

Answer 20

a) Present Position – e.g. registered nurses, registered medical technologists
b) Educational Background
c) Experience in Research
d) Publications