Research: Topic Selection and Problem Statements

Topic Selection and Problem Statement

• The presentation covers topic selection and problem statements in research.
• Samer Mohammed, who holds B.S.C. and M.S.C. degrees in microbiology and immunology, presents this material.

Main Components of Research

• Preparing a research proposal is a main component.
• Fieldwork involving data collection is a main component.
• Analyzing data and preparing a research report is a main component.

Topic Selection Details

• Developing a health project involves multiple stages, with research proposal formulation being a key task.
• The proposal integrates prior steps, providing rationale and methodology and serves as the basis for approval, funding, and project implementation.
• The development of a research proposal is often cyclical rather than linear, involving revisions.
• A research proposal should focus on a problem of priority importance, identified by relevant groups, and adequately analyzed for contributory factors.

Problem Identification

• A problem requiring research depends on three conditions.
• There should be a perceived discrepancy between the current state and the desired state.
• The reason(s) for this discrepancy should be unclear.
• There should be more than one possible and plausible answer or solution.

Problem Identification Example 1

• There were 500 children under one year old started immunization in district "Y."
• At the end of the year only 25 children completed their vaccination.
• All 500 children at district "Y" should have completed their vaccination.
• Only 5% of them completed their vaccination.
• Reason question: Why only 5% of the children completed their vaccination?
• The answer is that only 2 out of 1 hospital, 2 health centers, and 10 health stations were functioning due to insecurity.
• Due to the availability of a definite answer, there is no need for research.

Problem Identification Example 2

• District "Z" (population 150,000) has 2 health centers, 1 hospital, and 15 health stations functioning smoothly, but the EPI coverage was only 25%.
• A discrepancy: District “Z” has 100% availability of health services and at least 80% of the children should have had full vaccinations.
• Question: What factors influence the low Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) coverage in district "Z"?
• Answer: Mothers may have attendance problems, programs are not integrated, and follow-up is ineffective.
• The problem is researchable.

Key Criteria for Selecting a Research Topic

• Relevance is a key criteria for selecting a research topic, prioritize the topic.
• Relevance questions include: How large is the problem? Who is affected? How severe is the problem?
• Topics should not be duplicated.
• Consider the complexity of the problem and resource requirements when considering feasibility.
• Political acceptability is important for the approval.
• The applicability of outcomes should be considered.
• Urgency of data needed should be assessed.
• Ethical acceptability is essential.

Analysis and Statement of the Problem

• Ensure that the problem has been adequately analyzed with all possible contributory factors included.
• Analyze the problem with researchers, workers, managers, and community representatives as a crucial step.
• A systematic analysis clarifies the problem.
• A systematic analysis identifies the contributors to the problem.
• A systematic analysis facilitates focus and scope decisions.

Formulating the Problem Statement

• A research problem is a circumstance requiring a solution through description, explanation, or prediction.
• It is an unsatisfactory situation needing resolution.
• A Problem Statement describes a difficulty and whether a solution can be found.
• It identifies the gap between the real and desired states.
• It identifies contradictions between principles and practice.

Elements of Problem Statement

• Include information about the research topic that motivated the study.
• The scope of the problem, regarding affected people.
• The importance of studying the problem.
• Influence on the study of medical/nursing science.
• General characteristics of the population of interest.
• The goal or aim of the study.

Approaching Problem Statement

• Technique involved in formulating problem statements.
• The statement should start with stating the problem in a general way.
• Follow up with understanding the nature of the problem.
• Survey available literature.
• Develop ideas through discussions.
• Rephrasing the problem into a working proposition.

Additional Points for Defining a Problem

• Technical terms with special meanings used should be defined.
• Basic assumptions should be stated.
• A statement for the investigation should be provided.
• Discuss the suitability of available data.
• Note all time periods and scope of the investigation.

Research Problem Definition

• The task of defining a research problem often follows sequential steps.
• The problem is stated generally.
• Ambiguities are resolved.
• Thinking and rethinking processes result in a more specific formulation.
• The problem should be based on data and resources.
• The problem should be analytically meaningful.

Research Proposal

• Medical/Epidemiological studies should have a written proposal beforehand.
• Writing a research proposal is both science and art.
• Write proposals based on scientific facts and clear communication.
• Proposals should be started by the time the topic has been selected.

Components of the Research Proposal

• The research proposal contains a introduction.
• There will be a review of the background and / or literature.
• There must be a justification.
• There are objectives.
• Will contain the methodology.
• The proposal will have a timeframe and work schedule.
• A budget will exist to fund the process.

Components of Research Proposal Details

• The introduction introduces the problem to be studied, helping readers to comprehend the topic.
• The introduction should be brief with clear relevance.
• Objectives should be stated clearly and should be specific, achievable and measurable
• Minimize or avoid objectives.
• Background Reviews offer a deep insight to the investigator.
• Background Reviews describe the topic, including what is known and what is not,.
• It should be coherent, relevant, easily readable, and provide investigators with insights into methodologies.

Research Methodology Details

• Research methodology is a systematic approach for solving the research problem.
• The researcher should have knowledge of not only research techniques, but also the methodology.
• The essential process should be discussed completely and thoroughly.
• Details include study design, population, sampling specifications, the sample size needed, instrumentation and specific procedures.

Time Frame, Work Schedule and Budget Notes

• Proposals should include a sequence of tasks to be performed, with an anticipation length.
• The proposal must contain all time frames to completion and the personal required.
• The budget translates project activities into monetary terms.
• The budget should contain all money required to accomplish tasks.
• The budget should contain the salary, travel, equipment, printing, etc required.