1. 1 Research Problems, Questions, Hypotheses,& Frameworks

2. 2 Questions for Thought What is a research problem? What is a research hypothesis?

3. 3 Research Problem Is the problem under study The purpose is to identify a problem

4. 4 Problem Statement The statement of the research problem, sometimes phrased in the form of a research question

5. 5 Research Question A statement of the specific query or question the investigator wants to answer through research

6. 6 Other terms Statement of Purpose –Researchers’ summary of overall study goal Research Aims –State objectives of the study

7. 7 Matching Research Method to Research Problem Quantitative studies –Usually involve concepts that are well developed –Usually use developed, reliable measurement methods Qualitative studies –Usually involve concepts poorly understood

8. 8 Sources of Research Problems Clinical experience Nursing literature Social issues Theories Ideas from external sources

9. 9 Problem Statements Usually located in the introduction or literature review of the research report –Rarely labelled problem statement The statement of the research problem –Identifies The nature of the problem The context of the problem The significance of the problem

10. 10 Statement of Purpose A broad declarative statement of the goals of the research project –Usually phrased using the terms “purpose” or “goal” Can use “intent”, “aim,” “objective”

11. 11 Statement of Purpose In quantitative studies Identifies key study variables Identifies the possible interrelationship of the variables Identifies nature of the population of interest In qualitative studies Indicates the nature of the inquiry Identifies key concepts or phenomenon being studied Identifies the group, community or setting under study

12. 12 Research Question A statement of the specific query or question the investigator wants to answer through research Often similar to the statement of purpose, just provides more detail and focus –Used to: Focus attention on the kinds of data needed to provide an answer Clarify the purpose statement Identify key variables and their potential relationship Identify the population under study

13. 13 Research Question In qualitative research the research question may evolve over time

14. 14 Research Hypotheses A hypothesis is a tentative prediction about the relationship between two or more variables in the population under study Used in quantitative studies only

15. 15 Function of Research Hypotheses A hypotheses translates a research question into a prediction of expected outcomes It induces critical thinking –Development of predictions forces the researcher to think logically

16. 16 Testable Hypotheses Testable research hypotheses state the expected relationship between the independent variable (cause) and the dependent variable (effect) –Should be phrased in terms that will identify a predicted relationship More than, less than, greater than, different from, related to

17. 17 Wording of Hypotheses Simple hypothesis –States a predicted relationship between one independent and one dependent variable Complex hypothesis –States a predicted relationship between two or more independent and two or more dependent variables

18. 18 Wording of Hypotheses Hypotheses are usually worded in the present tense Directional Hypothesis –Specifies the expected direction of the relationship between variables Nondirectional Hypothesis –Does not specify the direction of the relationship between variables

19. 19 Wording of Hypotheses Research Hypotheses (scientific hypotheses) –Statements of expected relationships between variables Null Hypotheses (statistical hypotheses) –Statements that there is no relationship between the independent and dependent variables –This is used to allow statistical analysis –Not usually noted in research reports

20. 20 Hypothesis Testing and Proof Hypotheses are never proved –They are accepted, supported, rejected

21. 21 Critiquing a Research Problem Should address: –Implications for practice –Extension of knowledge base –Promotion of theory development –Correspondence to research priorities

22. 22 Reference Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2013). Practical research: Planning and design (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Loiselle, C. G., Profetto-McGrath, J., Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2011). Canadian essentials of nursing research (3rd Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.