The Problem:

The Heart of the Research Process

Chapter 2
The research problem
Subproblems, hypothesis, variables,
operational definitions

The research question

Components of the RQ, writing a RQ
 Criteria for Identification of a Suitable
Research Problem

1. The research problem should address an important

question so that the answer will make a difference.

2. The research problem should advance the frontiers

of knowledge by leading to new ways of thinking,
suggesting possible applications, or paving the way
for further research in the field.

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 Situations to Avoid When Considering A
Research Problem

Research projects should not be a ruse for achieving

self- enlightenment.

A problem whose sole purpose is to compare two sets of

data is not a suitable research problem.

Calculating a correlation coefficient between two sets of

data to show a relationship between them is not acceptable
as a problem for research.

Problems that result in a yes or no answer are not suitable

problems for research.
Leedy & Ormrod
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 Finding a Legitimate Research Problem
1. Look around you.

2. Read the literature.

3. Attend professional conferences.

4. Seek the advice of experts.

5. Choose a topic that intrigues and motivates you.

6. Choose a topic that others will find interesting and

worthy of attention.

Leedy & Ormrod

Practical Research: Planning and Design, 10e 2-5
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 Guidelines: Stating the Research Problem

1. State the problem clearly and completely.

2. Think through the feasibility of the project that the

problem implies.

3. Say precisely what you mean.

- Absolute honesty and integrity are the rule!

4. State the problem in a way that reflects an open

mind about its solution.

5. Edit your work.

Leedy & Ormrod

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The Research Question
an explicit query about a problem or issue that
can be challenged, examined and analyzed and
that will yield useful new information
 Factors to consider to develop a strong
research question:
Do I know the field and its literature well?

What are the important research questions in my field?

What areas need further exploration?

Could my study fill a gap? Lead to greater understanding?

Has a great deal of research already been conducted in

this topic area?
 Has this study been done before? If so, is there room for
improvement?

Is the timing right for this question to be answered?

Is it a hot topic, or is it becoming obsolete?

Would funding sources be interested?

If you are proposing a service program, is the target

community interested?

Most importantly, will my study have a significant impact on

the field?
Characteristics of a Good Research Question
(RQ)

1. Importance
So what?
Will the research make a difference?

2. Scope
while the research problem should not attempt to
solve all the health dilemmas of the world, neither
should it be too small
3. Specific
should explicitly identify the variables and
populations of interest

4. Measurable
cannot be a value judgment
the concepts contained in the question must have an
approach or method that can be measured
5. Contexuality (placement within the framework of
prior knowledge; based on prior knowledge)
knowledge of previous research studies and their
outcomes empowers the researcher to write a hypothesis
to accompany the research question

6. Feasibility

7. Realistic time frame

months vs. years, subject availability, ethical
issues
8. Budget
materials, travel, etc are the costs reasonable?

9. Interest to the researcher

research is time consuming and demands
substantial self investment; passionate interest is
likely to keep the researcher committed to project
completion
Spend time crafting a well written question.
 Resources

Writing a Research Question: George Mason

University Tutorial (2 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXkiCE_MBLM
Formulating a Hypothesis
 What is a hypothesis?
Definition:
a prediction regarding the outcome of a study
involving the potential relationship between at
least 2 variables

a hypothesis should not be confused with a theory which

is a general explanation based on a large amount of data
When the monitor of a person computer fails to
work, the following tentative reasonsor
hypotheses-- may be possible:

the monitor is not plugged in

the interface cable is not connected
the monitor is not turned on
the picture tube is malfunctioning
A theory is a well established principle that has been
developed to explain some aspect of the natural world.

A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about

what you expect to happen in your study.
A theory predicts events in general terms, while a
hypothesis makes a specific prediction about a specified
set of circumstances.

A theory has been extensively tested and is generally

accepted, while a hypothesis is a speculative guess that
has yet to be tested.
Generally, a hypothesis should:

be stated clearly and concisely

express the relationship between 2 or

more variables

be testable
Essential characteristics:

1. measurable
2. specifies the population being studied
3. identifies a time frame
4. specifies the type of relationship being
examined
5. defines the variables being studies
6. states the level of statistical
significance (optional most of the time)
 Types of Hypothesis Statements

Null hypothesis

Alternative hypothesis

Directional hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (Ho)

A statement that there will be no differences

between groups, no consistent relationships
between variables, or, more generally, no
patterns in the data.

It is statistically easier to demonstrate or

prove something is NOT true
Null hypothesis example:

No statistical difference in serum iron

between omnivores and vegetarians following
the Zone diet for 6 months.

If a difference is found between the 2 groups

the null hypothesis is rejected
 Distinguishing Null Hypotheses from
Research Hypotheses

Null hypotheses are used primarily during statistical

analyses
we support a research hypothesis by showing,
statistically, that its oppositethe null
hypothesis is probably not true.

Leedy & Ormrod

Practical Research: Planning and Design, 10e 2-27
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Alternate Hypothesis (H1)
The hypothesis the researcher wants to support predicting
that a significant difference exists between the groups being
compared.

In an investigation of a parenteral amino acid solution rich in

BCAA and its effect on nitrogen retention:

Null: The BCAA solution has the same effect on nitrogen retention
as a standard AA solution.

Alternate Hypothesis: The BCAA solution enhances nitrogen

retention as compared with a standard AA solution
Directional Hypothesis

A research hypothesis that predicts the direction of a

relationship between 2 variables

Increasing the vitamin C content of the parenteral

nutrition solution will increase the leukocyte vitamin
C concentration in mechanically ventilated patients.
 Hypothesis Null Hypothesis

Single nutrient Trans fatty acids increase the Trans fatty acids do not increase
TC:HDL-C ratio vs saturated fatty the TC:HDL-C ratio more than
acids saturated fatty acids

Multiple nutrient manipulation Replacing dietary CHO with dietary Replacing dietary CHO with dietary
protein decreases plasma TG. protein does not decrease plasma TG
Variables, Operational Definitions
An experiment has 3 characteristics:
a manipulated independent variable

control of all other variablesthe dependent

variable

the observed effect of the manipulation of the

independent variable on the dependent variable
Independent variable
the variable in a study that is manipulated by the
researcher

Dependent variable
the variable in a research study that is measured by
the researcher

response or effect that is presumed to vary depending

on the independent variable
Extraneous variable
one that may affect the dependent variable and is
not related to the major purpose of the experiment
typically affects behavior of the subject
gender, ethnicity, social class, genetics, intelligence, age

Confounding variable
one in which the independent and extraneous
variables may each have an effect on the outcome
of the experiment, and these effects cannot be
separated
there are many ways to try and control for confounding
variables: RCT, double blinding
cannot always control for all confounding variables
 Why Identify Variables?

Identification is helpful in choosing

(a) an appropriate research design
(b) an appropriate statistical analysis

Note: identifying independent and dependent variables

does not guarantee that the research data will support
the existence of a cause-and-effect relationship.

Leedy & Ormrod

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 Define the Terms: Operational Definitions
The researcher must precisely define the terms in the
problem and the subproblems.

Each term should be defined as it will be used in the

researchers project.

In defining a term, the researcher makes the term mean

whatever he or she wishes it to mean within the context of
the problem and its subproblems.

operational definition = the definition of a characteristic

or variable in terms of how it will
be measured in the research study

Leedy & Ormrod

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Operational Definition

a definition of a variable in terms of the operations

(activities) a researcher uses to measure or manipulate
it.

specifies the activities of the researcher in measuring

and/or manipulating a variable.
Purpose of using operational definitions:

Ensures that variables are measured consistently or

manipulated in the same way during the course of study.

Also helps to communicate your ideas to others.

Handout
 Importance of the Study

Discuss reasons for undertaking the study.

Studies should not go far beyond any relationship

to the practical world; they must have a practical
value.

Leedy & Ormrod

Practical Research: Planning and Design, 10e 2-39
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 Ordering the Topics in a Research Proposal

In the first part of the proposal, you should outline:

The problem and its setting.

Subproblems, hypotheses, and questions presented in a

logical order.

A statement of delimitations, definitions of terms, and

assumptions.

The importance of the study should be discussed either in

early paragraphs that introduce the research problem or in
its own section.

Leedy & Ormrod

Practical Research: Planning and Design, 10e 2-40
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 Checklist: Evaluating Your Proposed Research Project

1. Have you conducted a thorough literature search to

justify the time and effort expended on your
research project?

2. Have you looked at your research problem from all

angles to minimize unwanted surprises?

3. What research procedures will you follow?

4. What research tools are available for you to use?

5. Can others read and understand your proposal?

Leedy & Ormrod

Practical Research: Planning and Design, 10e 2-41
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 Guidelines: Fine-Tuning Your Research Problem
1. Conduct a thorough literature review.

2. Try to see the problem from all sides.

3. Think through the process.

4. Use all available tools and resources at your disposal.

5. Discuss your research problem with others.

6. Hold up your proposed project for others to examine and critique.

7. Remember that your project will take a great deal of time.

8. Remember that the first draft of your proposal will almost

certainly not be your last one.

Leedy & Ormrod

Practical Research: Planning and Design, 10e 2-42
2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.