Research Problem Hypothesis And Conceptual Framework

Research problem, hypothesis & conceptual framework

1. 1. RESEARCH PROBLEM, HYPOTHESIS & CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK Meghana Sudhir

2. 2. Introduction Formulation of the research problem and developing hypothesis are key preliminary steps in the research process. A problem is a question posed for solutions.

3. 3. Sources of problems There are three main sources for locating a problem or topic. They are Experience : The nurses’ every day experience provides a rich supply of problems for investigations. For the beginning researchers in particular experience is often the most compelling source for topics .

4. 4. Sources of problems: Nursing literature: Ideal for research project; often come from reading the nursing literature. The beginning

5. Sources of problems: Theory : The third major source of problems lies in the theoretical system and conceptual schemes which have been developed in nursing and other related disciplines. If a researcher decides to base a research project exclusively on a theory, deduction from the theory must be developed. Example : Levine’s (1969) conceptual frame work on nursing which concerns conservation. Seley’s (1956) theory of adaptations to stress.

6. 6. Steps in Developing and Refining Research Problems Selecting a topic Narrowing the topic Evaluating research problem

7. 7. The development of a research problem is essentially a creative process dependent upon imagination, insight and ingenuity. Developing and Refining Research Problems

8. 8. Developing and Refining Research Problems Researchers generally begin with an interest in some broad topic area such as pain management, family communication patterns, self-care patterns of elders or management of urinary incontinence.

9. 9. Developing and Refining Research Problems Usually the research focuses on the dependent variable of the study, the variable that will be predicted or explained through its relationship to the independent variable.

10. 10. Brainstorming with teachers, advisors or colleagues may provide valuable feedback that helps the researcher to focus on a specific problem

17. Statement of the problem Example “ A study to compare the knowledge and practice of post natal mothers regarding neonatal care from selected urban and rural settings of Bangalore”.

18. 18. Objectives To assess the knowledge of postnatal mothers regarding the neonatal care To describe the practices followed in their family regarding neonatal care To determine the association between knowledge and practices of neonatal care To determine association of knowledge with selected variable To compare the knowledge and practice of neonatal care between urban and rural mother

19. 19. Clarifying the objectives (a). Focus on objective one Knowledge of postnatal mothers regarding neonatal care, breast feeding, cord care, prevention of infection and maintenance of warmth (b). Focus on objective two Practice of family regarding neonatal care (c). Selected characteristic of respondent Age, Religion, Education, Occupation, Type of family, Income etc.

20. 20. HYPOTHESIS A hypothesis is a prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. A hypothesis thus translates a quantitative research question in to a precise prediction of expected outcomes. The hypothesis is an important part of the scientific method and research