Developing and refining a topic

The research problem is refined and narrowed as it evolves from a topic to a

clear statement. The actual procedures for this are difficult; often the
process is not a smooth and orderly one. First attempts at writing the
problem statement are often frustrating, because it is difficult to put an idea
into words. The initial problem statement may be modified several times,
and each time the statement improves in clarity. As it is refined, the rest of
the study (particularly, the research purpose) begins to emerge in the mind.

Selecting a topic

The development of a research problem is essentially a creative process,

dependent upon imagination, insight, and ingenuity. It is better to begin by
just relaxing and jotting down general areas of interest as they come to mind
without being critical of them immediately, and without worrying about how
they are stated; just get some ideas on paper. After this, the ideas can be
sorted in terms of interest, knowledge of the area, and the perceived promise
they hold as a research topic.

Narrowing the topic

The selection of a general topic is just the beginning of the problem definition
process. This next phase involves narrowing down the topic into a problem
area that is researchable. The sources suggested in the previous section
may be particularly useful here. Beginning researchers typically develop
problems that are too broad in scope or too complex and unwieldy for their
level of methodological expertise. As the researcher moves from a general
topic of interest to more specific researchable problems, it is likely that more
than one potential problem area will emerge.

Statement of the research problem

A study cannot progress without the choice of a problem. The problem should be
carefully and concisely stated, this may help to identify conceptual flaws more
easily and objectively. A good statement should identify the key variables in the
study, specify the nature of the population being studied, and suggest the
possibility of empirical testing. Statement of the research problem can be done
in two ways- declarative or interrogative. An example of Declarative is; the
purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the critical
thinking and clinical judgment of practicing nurses while an example of
Interrogative is- what is the relationship between the critical thinking and clinical
judgment of practicing nurses? The question form has the advantages of
simplicity and directness.
Criteria for evaluating research problems
The following criteria are essential in the selection of a research problem,
they are, the significance, researchability, and feasibility of the problem, and
its interest to the researcher.

Significance of the problem to nursing

The research question should have the potential of contributing to the body
of knowledge in nursing in a meaningful way. The following questions will
help the researcher determine the significance of the problem. Will patients,
nurses, or the broader medical community or society benefit by the
knowledge that will be produced? Will the results lead to practical
applications? Will the results have theoretical relevance? Will the findings
challenge (or lend support to) to practices if the answer to all of these
questions is "no," the problem should probably be abandoned.

Researchability of the problem

To be researchable, the problem should involve variables that can be precisely

defined and measured. Not all questions are amenable to study through
scientific investigation. Problems or issues of moral or ethical nature, although
provocative, are not capable of being researched. Some questions may be
based on a person's values or points of view, and may be more suitable to a
debate than to research. Variables that are ambiguous, vague, or difficult to
define are usually difficult to measure.

Feasibility of the problem--Problems that are both significant and

researchable may still be inappropriate if they are not feasible. The following
must be considered in making a final selection.

 Time and timing: The problem should be sufficiently restricted to

allow enough time. It is usually wise to give more time to
performing the tasks than originally anticipated, since some
research activities may require more time to accomplish than one
thinks. In addition, some steps are more readily performed at
certain times of the day, week, or year than at others, especially
data collection.
 Availability of subjects: Need to consider whether individuals
with the desired characteristics will be available and willing to
cooperate. This may be relatively easy in some studies; in other
situations, people may not have the time or interest to participate
in a study that has little personal relevance or benefit, and others
may be suspicious of the researcher's motives or even hostile.
Fortunately people are usually willing to cooperate with a
researcher if the demands upon their time and comfort are
minimal. However, it can be a problem to identify and locate
subjects with the needed characteristics.

 Cooperation of others: If the sample includes children, the

mentally retarded or incompetent, or senile individuals, parents or
guardians permission must be sought. In institutional settings
(hospitals, clinics, schools, industrial firms), access usually requires
administrative approval; and the project may have to be presented
to a panel of reviewers for approval before permitting the study to
be conducted.

 Facilities and equipment: All projects require some resources,

this includes the following;
 Will space be required and can it be obtained?
 Will telephones, typewriters, or other office supplies be required?
 If technical equipment and apparatus are needed, can they be
secured and are they functioning properly?
 Are reproducing or printing services available and are they
reliable?
 Will transportation pose any difficulty?
 Will a computer be required for the analysis of the data and are
computing facilities easily obtainable?

 Money: Where there is a need for facilities and equipment, there

is usually a need for some expenditure, though these vary. Some
types of expenditures are:
1 Literature costs (index cards, books, reproduction of articles,
etc.)
2 Personnel costs (typists, interviewers)
3 Subject costs (payment to subjects for their participation)
4 Equipment (laboratory apparatus, typewriters, calculators,
batteries, etc.)
5 Computer service charges
6 Other (costs of printing and duplicating materials)
7 Transportation costs

 Researcher’s Interest: The problem should be chosen from a

field about which the researcher has some prior knowledge or
experience. A beginning researcher usually has limited
methodological skills and should avoid research problems that
 require the development of sophisticated measuring instruments or
that involve complex statistical analyses.

Informed consent/ ethical consideration: Participation must be

voluntary. Researchers should be familiar with ethical guidelines that are
issued by various professional organizations and other agencies. Great care
must be exercised in assuring that the rights of human beings are protected.
The researcher must take every precaution to protect people being studied
from physical or mental harm or discomfort. A guarantee of confidentiality
should be offered that any information, which the participant discloses, will
not be publicly reported, and the researcher honors this promise.