(P) Research Problem, Question and Hypothesis Flashcards
- issue that leads to the need for a study
- issue to be settled
- first and most crucial step in the research process
- Does not represent a moral or ethical position on an issue
- main function is to decide what we want to find out about
- central to research, its identification and definition is the starting point of any research activity
- it would be difficult to understand the significance of the study if not clea
RESEARCH PROBLEM
TOF. Without a problem, there is no need for one to undertake research.
T
- Often confused with research problems
- the question that the investigator wants answered in order to explain the problem; to be answered or resolved
- formulated from the research problem
- Inquires about the relationship among the variables the investigator wants to know
Research Qs
- Predictions the researcher makes about the expected relationship among variables
- A statement of what the researcher believes in regarding the supposed relationship
Research hypothesis
SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
- not so adept in doing research, this is the most common source of research problems
- In the course of his practice, he often comes across some problems he cannot solve or questions he cannot answer.
- One of the most common sources of research problems
Intellectual curiosity
SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
- When research methodology was less developed, this was often the beginning of a research
- Something happens at the right time and place to the right individual.
- an idea simply comes up to the individual who has research interest.
Serendipity
SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
- Researchers generally identify research problems by careful appraisal of the needs or situational analysis of the particular subject of interest to them.
- From the analysis, gaps in knowledge, technology or skill for which research is indicated are identified
ANALYSIS OF NEEDS AND PRACTICE
SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
- The identification of research problems in the Philippines has been raised to a higher plane by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
- Gaps in knowledge and research needs in health and
medicine have been determined by panels of experts.
ORGANIZED AND SYSTEMATIC DETERMINATION OF RESEARCH NEEDS
SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
- Pubmed
- Medline
- Free Medical Journals
MEDICAL JOURNALS
CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
Enumerate 7
- RESEARCHABILITY
- CLARITY
- SIGNIFICANCE
- FEASIBILITY
- CRITICAL MASS
- INTEREST
- RESEARCH QUESTIONS SHOULD INVESTIGATE RELATIONSHIPS
CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- it can be tested empirically, data can be collected to answer the question or resolve the problem
- There should be the means to get the data
Researchability
CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- Terms and concepts have to be clearly defined.
- In a research study it is important that the concepts used should be operationalized in measurable terms so that the extent of variations in respondents’ understanding is reduced if not eliminated.
CLARITY
CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- Research questions should also be worth investigating
- In essence we need to consider whether a question is worth spending time and energy and often money on to get an answer
SIGNIFICANCE
SIGNIFICANCE
The problem is significant if:
* affects a large population (True/False)
* has minor morbidity consequences (T/F)
* Uniquely different to on-going projects (T/F)
- T
- F (serious)
- F (related)
SIGNIFICANCE
It is also significant if the answer to the question,
* Fills a gap in knowledge or technology; (T/F)
* Has practical application; (T/F)
* It will improve the practice of the profession
All T
CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- important issue in designing research studies
- one that can be investigated with available resources
- we examine whether;
1. Adequate subjects can be gathered for the study
2. The procedures are technically possible (if technology is available or not)
3. The information needed can be collected
4. Resources are available (time, money, tools, people)
5. The study can be completed within a reasonable period
Feasibility
CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- The research problem is broad and large enough such that there would be adequate mass of information to work on
- Don’t choose a topic that we can only learn a little about
- should not be too specific and too small in scope as to limit the researcher to collect only two or three variables
CRITICAL MASS
CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- may not be a sufficient justification for
an investigation of a research problem, there must be current interest in the problem area, not only for the researcher but for the general population as well - research question must be in the priority of or within the national or institutional mission
Interest
CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- means that two qualities or characteristics are tied together or connected in some way.
- frequently (but not always) suggest a relationship of some sort to be investigated
- Variables can be put in a 2x2 table in order to compare and look for a difference between the two
RESEARCH QUESTIONS SHOULD INVESTIGATE RELATIONSHIPS
FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
IDENTIFY OR DETERMINE THE TOPIC OF INTEREST; DISSECT THE BROAD AREA INTO SUB AREAS
- The researcher should first identify the (general/specific) area of his interest.
- Then (broad/narrow) this to a topic or subject.
- Breakdown the broad problems into smaller components or sub problems so that it could answer your (critical mass/research question)
- General
- Narrow
- Critical mass
SUB-PROBLEMS: DISSECT THE MAIN PROBLEM
Separated or divorced parents, single-parent.
FAMILIAL FACTORS
SUB-PROBLEMS: DISSECT THE MAIN PROBLEM
Poor, less educated.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SUB-PROBLEMS: DISSECT THE MAIN PROBLEM
Drinking alcohol, smoking and having peers who also had adolescent pregnancy.
INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS
FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
- aided by literature review and/or consultation with experts.
- These can provide information on the current problem, what has been done, and the methods used in resolving similar or related problems
Problem clarification
Choose if problem (RP), question (RQ), or hypothesis (RH):
What are the reasons behind surge of covid cases?
RQ
Choose if problem (RP), question (RQ), or hypothesis (RH):
It’s more than two years of pandemic but still covid infection is not controlled.
RP
Choose if problem (RP), question (RQ), or hypothesis (RH):
People are tired wearing masks.
RH
Choose if problem (RP), question (RQ), or hypothesis (RH):
Vaccinated individuals tend to be less cautious.
RH
Choose if problem (RP), question (RQ), or hypothesis (RH):
Virus has potential for mutation.
RH
