Week 3 Lecture: Research Questions, Problems, and Hypotheses

Week 3 - Research Questions, Problems and Hypotheses  Chapter 8 Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks Theory An abstract generalization that explains how phenomena are interrelated (explain concepts and the world) Used less restrictively to refer to a broad characterization o...

Week 3 - Research Questions, Problems and Hypotheses  Chapter 8 Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks Theory An abstract generalization that explains how phenomena are interrelated (explain concepts and the world) Used less restrictively to refer to a broad characterization of a phenomenon Theories consist of two or more concepts and a set of propositions that form a logically interrelated system, providing a mechanism for deducing hypotheses. What are some theories that come to mind when reading this? – Ex. Froied’s theories of development, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Germ theory Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Types of Theories Classical theory—an abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena – Example reinforcement theory (rewarded behaviour is repeated and learned) Descriptive theory—a theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on rich observations of it – Important in qualitative studies Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Types of Theories (Levels) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Models Conceptual model: deals with abstractions, assembled in a coherent scheme – Represents a more loosely structured attempt to explain phenomena than theories; can serve as springboards for generating hypotheses Schematic model – Visually represents relationships among phenomena and is used in both quantitative and qualitative research – Ex. Pender’s Health Promotion Model Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved The Health Promotion Model EX. Pender’s Health Promotion Model (Great aspect for nursing health promotion) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Framework The overall conceptual underpinnings of a study – Theoretical framework (based on theory) – Conceptual framework (based on a conceptual model) A study’s framework is often implicit. (why? Word counts, not going to take up the space to inform about framework) Quantitative researchers are less likely to identify their frameworks than qualitative researchers. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Question Which type of theory systematically explains relationships among phenomena? a.Classical b.Descriptive c.Grand d.Middle-range Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Answer a. Classical Rationale: Classical theory is an abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena. Descriptive theory thoroughly describes a phenomenon based on rich observations of it. Grand theory attempts to explain large aspects of human experiences. Middle-range theory focuses on a specific aspect of human experience (e.g., stress). Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Commonalities—Theories and Conceptual Models Use concepts as building blocks Require conceptual definitions of key concepts Can be represented in a schematic model Are created by humans (at this point in time) Are developed inductively The terms conceptual framework, conceptual model, and theoretical framework are often used interchangeably Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Conceptual Models of Nursing Formal explanations of what nursing practice is Four concepts central to models of nursing – Human beings – Environment – Health – Nursing There is a nice table in the textbook related to these 4 central concepts related to differing nursing theroires Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Conceptual Models of Nursing— (cont.) Conceptual models of nursing that have been used in nursing research include: – Roy’s Adaptation Model: humans are viewed as biopsychosocial adaptive systems who cope with environmental change through the process of adaptation – Alvarado García and Salazar Maya (2015) used Roy’s Adaptation Model as a basis for their in-depth study of how elderly adults adapt to chronic benign pain. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Conceptual Models of Nursing— (cont.) Middle-range theories focus on more specific phenomena. Beck’s Theory of Postpartum Depression (2012) Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Theory (Mishel, 1990) Cypress (2016) used Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Theory as a foundation for exploring uncertainty among chronically ill patients in the intensive care unit. Pender’s Health Promotion Model (2015) Hanson and colleagues (2009) used the HPM as their framework for an integrative review of the quantitative and qualitative evidence concerning factors influencing the participation of Canadian women in mammography. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Question Tell whether the following statement is True or False. Conceptual models and theories are similar in that both can be represented by a schematic model. a.True b.False Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Answer a. True Rationale: A conceptual model and a theory can be depicted or represented by a graphic representation or schematic model. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Other Models Used by Nurse Researchers Shared theories – Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory sometimes called self-efficacy theory, offers an explanation of human behaviour using the concepts of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and incentives – Prochaska’s Transtheoretical Model (stages of change; precontemplation's- action) Stages of change (used all the time in all branches of healthcare discipline) – Becker’s Health Belief Model (HBM) – Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Examples of Key Constructs From Shared Theories Self-efficacy (how much control I have over my own life) (Social Cognitive Theory) Stages of change (Transtheoretical Model) Behavioral intentions (Theory of Planned Behavior) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Theories in Qualitative Research Substantive theory—conceptualizations of the target phenomena Theory embedded in a research tradition – Grounded theory (e.g., symbolic interactionism Three underlying principles include (1) humans act towards things based on the meanings that the things have for them; (2) the meaning of things is derived from the human interactions; and (3) meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretive process (Blumer, 1986)) – Ethnography (cultural theories: ideational and materialistic)(note:not often within nursing) – Phenomenology (the phenomenological philosophy of human experience) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Theoretical Underpinning of Grounded Theory Grounded Theory Humans act toward things based on the meanings that the things have for them. The meaning of things is derived from the human interactions. Meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretive process. MOST LIKELY ON MIDTERM- KNOW AND UNDERSTAND Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Question Tell whether the following statement is True or False. Parse’s Humanbecoming Paradigm is an example of a nonnursing model used by nurse researchers. a.True b.False Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Answer b. False Rationale: Parse’s Humanbecoming Paradigm is an example of a grand theory developed by nurses. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved The Use of Theories or Models in Quantitative Research Testing a theory through deducing hypothesis to be tested Testing a theory-based intervention Using a theory/model as an organizing or interpretive structure Fitting a problem into theory, after the fact (not recommended; BAD practice) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Critiquing Theoretical Frameworks Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved  Chapter 6 Research Problems, Research Questions, and Hypotheses Basic Terminology Research problem – An enigmatic, perplexing, or troubling condition Problem statement – A statement articulating the research problem and making an argument to conduct a new study Statement of purpose – Summary of an overall goal Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Basic Terminology—(cont.) Research questions – The specific queries the researcher wants to answer in addressing the research problem (often one cental question’s) Hypotheses – The researcher’s predictions about relationships among variables (educated guess) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Terms Relating to Research Problems With Examples Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Question Tell whether the following statement is True or False. The statement of purpose makes an argument to conduct a new study. a.True b.False Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Answer b. False Rationale: The problem statement articulates the research problem and makes an argument to conduct a new study. The statement of purpose is a summary of an overall goal. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Sources of Research Problems Clinical experience Nursing literature Social issues Theory Suggestions from external sources (e.g., priority statements of national organizations or funders, related to change in political tide) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Research Problems and Paradigms Quantitative studies: usually involve concepts that are well developed and for which methods of measurement have been (or can be) developed (Selection of a tool or they developed a new tool and explain why this was needed) Qualitative studies: are undertaken because a researcher wants to develop a rich, context-bound understanding of a poorly understood phenomenon Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Research Problems and Questions Broad enough to include central concerns Narrow enough to serve as a guide to study design Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Components of a Problem Statement 1. Identification of the problem (What is wrong with the current situation?; this is the why?) 2. Background (What is the nature or context of the problem?) 3. Scope (How big is the problem, and how many people are affected by it?) 4. Consequences (What are the consequences of not fixing the problem?; present information/data which support the need) 5. Knowledge gaps (What information about the problem is lacking?) 6. Proposed solution (How will the study contribute to the problem’s solution?) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Statement of Purpose: Quantitative Studies Identifies key study variables (the ID and DV related to the problem) Identifies possible relationships among variables (cause and effect; correlational relationship) Indicates the population of interest (what is the group of individuals of interest?) Suggests, through use of verbs, the nature of the inquiry (e.g., to test..., to compare..., to evaluate...) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Statement of Purpose: Qualitative Studies Identifies the central phenomenon Suggests the research tradition (e.g., grounded theory, ethnography) Indicates the group, community, or setting of interest Suggests, through use of verbs, the nature of the inquiry (e.g., to describe..., to discover..., to explore...) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Question The statement of purpose for a qualitative study would include: a.Identification of the key study variables b.Suggestions for the research tradition c.Indication of the population of interest d.Identification of the relationship among variables Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Answer b. Suggestions for the research tradition Rationale: The statement of purpose for a qualitative study would include a suggestion for the research tradition. Identification of key study variables, indications for the population of interest, and identification of the possible relationships among the variables are included in the statement of purpose for a quantitative study. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Research Questions Are sometimes direct rewordings of statements of purpose, worded as questions Are sometimes used to clarify or lend specificity to the purpose statement In quantitative studies, typically pose queries about the relationships among variables (almost always the case within this area) In qualitative studies, research questions often pose queries linked to the research tradition: o Grounded theory: process questions o Phenomenology: meaning questions o Ethnography: cultural description questions Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Research Hypotheses States an expectation, a predicted answer to the research question Should almost always involve two or more variables Suggests the predicted relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable (should go into this with curiosity and let the data led the research) A hypothesis: o Must contain terms that indicate a relationship (e.g., more than, different from, associated with) o Is articulated almost exclusively in quantitative (not qualitative) studies o Is tested through statistical procedures (requirement, needed to have this to claim significance) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Question Tell whether the following statement is True or False. A hypothesis most commonly involves one variable. a.True b.False Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Answer b. False Rationale: A hypothesis should always involve at least two variables and possibly more. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Directional Vs. Nondirectional Hypotheses Directional hypothesis – Specifies the expected direction of the relationship between variables (ex. Non-pharmacological interventions for pain management, message therapy will reduce pain) Nondirectional hypothesis – Predicts the existence of a relationship, not its direction (unknown directional of the results) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Research Versus Null Hypotheses Research hypothesis – States the actual prediction of a relationship (the actual hypothesis) Null hypothesis – Expresses the absence of a relationship (used only in statistical testing); talked about in the textbook and exists only for the statistical purposes) Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Hypotheses and Proof Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved Critiquing Research Problems, Questions, and Hypotheses Evaluate whether researchers have adequately communicated their research problem. Consider whether the problem has significance for nursing and evidence-based practice. Determine whether the research problem is compatible with the chosen research paradigm and its associated methods. Evaluate whether the statement of purpose or research questions lend themselves to research inquiry. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer · All Rights Reserved