Research problems: Development and Refinement

Developing and Refining a Research Problem

• This involves identifying a gap in knowledge
• It also requires evaluating its significance
• Its purpose is narrowing it down into a focused problem statement

Identifying the Research Problem

• Clinical Practice identifies real-world problems observed by nurses that require evidence-based solutions
• Knowledge Gaps are areas where research is limited or missing
• Theory Generation tackles issues that require theoretical exploration
• Professional Literature Review involves reviewing published studies to identify gaps or contradictions

Refining the Research Problem

• The Problem Statement clearly defines the gap in knowledge and why it needs investigation
• The Background Statement provides a summary of what is already known
• The Significance Statement explains the relevance of the problem to healthcare and nursing practice

Steps in Formulation

• Examine a Real-World Situation to identify practical or theoretical problems
• Review Relevant Literature to determine what is already known and missing
• Clarify the Problem to narrow down the focus
• Define Research Purpose by establishing objectives and study goals
• Formulate Research Questions or Hypotheses by developing specific, researchable questions
• Assess Feasibility by considering ethical, financial, and logistical constraints

Purpose of Developing a Research Question

• A research question guides the investigation
• It also helps determine the methodology

Purposes

• Clarifying the Study Focus ensures that the study remains on track
• Identifying Study Variables helps define key concepts to be measured
• Determining the Research Design dictates whether a qualitative or quantitative approach is appropriate
• Ensuring Feasibility refines the study scope to be manageable within available resources

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

• It should be Concise & Clear, using precise language
• It should be an Interrogative Statement, often beginning with “what,” “how,” or “why.”
• It should Identify Variables & Relationships, specifying what is being studied and among whom

Formulating Research Questions

• Quantitative Studies involve structured questions that focus on measurable variables
• Qualitative Studies involve Open-ended questions exploring experiences, perceptions, and processes

Examples of Research Questions based on Research Abstracts

• Abstract: A study exploring the impact of nurse-led interventions on patient adherence to diabetes management.
  • Research Question: "What is the effect of nurse-led interventions on patient adherence to diabetes management plans?"
• Abstract: An investigation into the experiences of nurses managing mental health crises in emergency departments.
  • Research Question: "How do emergency department nurses perceive their experiences managing mental health crises?"
• Abstract: A systematic review of pain management strategies in post-surgical patients.
  • Research Question: "What are the most effective pain management strategies for post-surgical patients based on current evidence?"
• Abstract: Examining the relationship between workplace stress and job satisfaction among ICU nurses.
  • Research Question: "Is there an association between workplace stress and job satisfaction among ICU nurses?"

Purpose of Reviewing the Literature in the Development of Evidence-Based Practice

• A literature review is a critical component of research and EBP
• It serves multiple purposes

Purposes of Reviewing the Literature in the Development of Evidence-Based Practice

• Identifying Knowledge Gaps determines what is already known and where additional research is needed
• Supporting Research Justification provides theoretical and empirical justification for the study
• Informing Research Design helps in choosing the appropriate research methodology, data collection techniques, and analytical methods
• Synthesizing Best Evidence helps integrate findings from multiple sources to guide clinical decision-making
• Avoiding Redundant Research ensures the study does not replicate existing work unnecessarily
• Improving Clinical Practice guides the adoption of best practices in nursing care

Appropriate Information to Include in a Research Literature Review

• A well-structured literature review should include several elements

Elements of a well-structured literature review

• Introduction defines the topic and explains its significance, and outlines the purpose of the literature review
• Theoretical Literature includes Conceptual frameworks, models, and theories related to the study topic
• Empirical Literature includes Research-based studies providing data-driven insights
• Seminal and Landmark Studies cover foundational research that significantly contributed to the field

Types of Sources to Include in a Research Literature Review

• Peer-Reviewed Journals are primary sources for scientific findings
• Government Reports & Policies contain official health guidelines
• Books & Monographs are for theoretical foundations
• Conference Papers cover cutting-edge research developments
• Dissertations & Theses offer in-depth research findings

Methods of Synthesizing Literature

• Comparing & Contrasting Studies identifies similarities and differences
• Identifying Trends highlights recurring themes
• Evaluating Methodologies assesses study designs, sample sizes, and data collection methods
• Highlighting Contradictions addresses conflicting findings

Conclusion

• Summarizes key findings
• Identifies research gaps
• Justifies the need for the current study

Explore the development and refinement of research problems. Learn to identify knowledge gaps through clinical practice, literature review, and theory generation. Focus on crafting problem, background, and significance statements for healthcare and nursing.