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THE RESEARCH PROCESS

This article discusses the research process, including the steps involved and the importance of identifying and refining a research problem. It emphasizes the need for careful planning, literature review, data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of results. The article also provides practical tips for selecting a research topic and narrowing it down to a researchable question.

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THE RESEARCH PROCESS

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  1. THE RESEARCH PROCESS BY FELIX K. NYANDE

  2. THE RESEARCH PROCESS • The research process, like the scientific process and the nursing process, involves a series of distinct steps or phases that begins with identifying the problem of interest, and moves through stages of planning and implementing the study, to analyzing and reporting the results. Although the research process is often described in a linear, sequential fashion the steps may overlap. For example, the research problem and purpose identified in the “thinking” phase serve to direct the planning phase. However, as planning unfolds it may become apparent that the problem/purpose may need to be refined because of issues of feasibility.

  3. Thinking -identifying problem & purpose -reviewing literature Planning -Choosing study design & planning approach to sample, data collection etc. Informing -disseminating results (journal articles, presentations etc.) Analyzing - analyze data and interpret findings Implementing - Recruiting participants & collecting data Phases of the research process (Norwood, 2000)

  4. Identifyingthe research problem • This is a critical first step in research process • Directs the entire research process and decisions that will be made • Being clear about the problem to be addressed assists in focusing the study NB: Start with a broad area of interest/concern which is gradually refined until a research problem is arrived at.

  5. 1. Outline areas of interest Read about your interests Observe your environment Be curious 2. Choose a topic Talk to your Colleagues Find out what others are doing Ask questions 3. Narrow your topic 4. Identify a research problem 5. Identify the purpose for your study Steps in identifyinga research problem

  6. Steps in Identifying a Research Problem • The process of identifying a research problem is a creative and interactive one. • It should start by identifying a broad area of interest based on your practice experiences, what you have read, observed or wondered about. • Choosing something that is of interest and relevant to you is critical. • Moving from a broad area of interest to a specific research problem requires some reflection, information gathering, and dialogue. • Allow yourself plenty of time for this process.

  7. Problem identification steps • The next step in problem identification process is to choosing an area of focus and to narrow the topic. The ultimate goal is to identify research problems, so begin to refine the topic to ensure that you are focusing on an area that is significant for nursing practice.

  8. Identifying a research problem • If the answer to the research question is obvious, then we are dealing with a management problem that may be solved without further research. Whether a problem requires research depends on three conditions: • There should be a perceived difference or discrepancy between what it is and what it should be; • The reason(s) for this difference should be unclear (so that it makes sense to develop a research question); and • There should be more than one possible and plausible answer to the question (or solution to the problem).

  9. Topic selection • In selecting a topic to pursue you also want to consider what is already known about the issue. A brief review of the literature at this point will help identify whether this is a topic that has been well researched or one about which little is known. • Consider the topics of interest that have been identified and rank order them in terms of significance and interest. • Choose the one that you would most like to focus on.

  10. Narrowing your topic • Refine your topic by becoming more specific about what you are interested in • Pose some questions about your topic to help you narrow your focus • Polit & Beck (2008) suggest some question stems to use to assist in refining your topic • What is going on with…. • What is the meaning of… • What influences or causes… • What is the process by which…. • What factors contribute to…. • How effective is…..

  11. Narrowing your topic:Choosing a researchable question • Narrow down the questions you have posed by eliminating those that are not researchable • According to Brink & Wood (2001) researchable questions are • Focused on fact not opinion – answers will help to describe or explain a phenomenon • “Now” questions - deal with current, significant issues • Relevant - Generate useable information • Action oriented - usually require you to do something and provide direction for the rest of the research process.

  12. Identifyingthe research problem • To decide on your research problem consider the potentially researchable questions about your topic you identified earlier • Select one that you would like to explore in more depth • In choosing your focus consider • Your interests • The literature • Feasibility of studying the problem

  13. Identifying the research problem To finalize the research problem consider: • Significance: relevance to practice • “Researchability” • Nature of the problem • Ethical considerations • Feasibility • Time • Funding for the study • Researcher expertise • Availability of participants • Availability of facility and equipment • political acceptability (Polit & Beck 2008))

  14. Identifying the study purpose • Clear, concise statement of the goal, aim, focus, or objective of the study (Burns & Grove, 2005) • Should include a description of • “what” = variables or phenomena of interest • “who” = sample or participants • “where” = setting

  15. Moving from the problem to a research project: Next steps • Reviewing and critiquing the literature related to your problem • Find out what is known • Identify approaches to studying the problem • Consider theoretical approaches to studying the problem • Further refine your problem & purpose • Move to the planning phase of your study

  16. Summary • Identifying a researchable problem is the first step in the research process and ultimately guides the remaining steps. • Research problems describe knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in order to understand or improve practice. • Research problems can be derived from observations, dialogue with others, and/or the literature.

  17. Summary (cont.) • A good research problem is relevant, current and “researchable.” • Choose a problem that is of interest to you. • Identifying a “researchable” problem is a creative process that requires time for reflection. • Seeking input from others and referring to the literature will help to narrow your problem down. • A clear and focused problem statement provides direction for the next steps of the research process - the planning phase.

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