Research Problems – Chapter 6 Notes
I. Introduction
A. Question to answer or problem to solve
B. Initially – broad and vague
C. Must be refined so it can be subject to empirical investigation
D. Guides the direction of the research design
E. Paradigm suited to the research problem
F. Basic terms Table 6.1 on pg. 113 illustrates these terms
F..a Research problem-“perplexing or troubling condition”
F..b Problem statement
F..c Research question-specific questions to answer in addressing the research problem
F..d Statement of purpose-summary of the overall goal
II. Where to find a problem –
tricky for beginners however it is critical because it forms the basis of the rest of your project
A. Experience – prob. in practice that remain unsolved
B. Nursing literature
1. Key research journals ex. Nursing Research, Western Journal of
Nursing Research, Advances in Nursing Science
2. Journals designed for subspecialties ex. JOGN, Pediatric Nursing,
Community Health Nursing
articles may suggest areas for further study
3. Books and journals that summarize research on a specific topic
4. Replication of a study on a new population = good source
5. Look for gaps in the nursing literature
C. Social issues.
D. Theories – arises from research as well as provides a source of problems for
research
1. Deductions are made based on the theory
2. Hypotheses are developed and tested empirically
E. Ideas from external sources
