ORIGINS OF A RESEARCH QUESTIONS

How to conceive the research questions?

“Research question is the uncertainty about something in the population that the investigator wants to resolve by making measurements on her study subjects.”

Choosing the research question and designing the study plan.

TRUTH IN THE UNIVERSE inference #2 Error TRUTH IN THE STUDY inference #1 FINDINGS IN THE STUDY RESEARCH QUESTION STUDY PLAN ACTUAL STUDY design implement EXTERNAL VALIDITY INTERNAL VALIDITY

Build on experience

• own prior studies • other’s findings in the same field • lack of experience = impediment • master the published literature--->scholarship • mentor--->a single most important factor for successful career

Be alert to new ideas

• literature (nursing and other related fields) • journal clubs • conferences, national/regional meetings • skeptical attitude • application of new technologies----tricky but necessary • observation of patients • teaching

WRITE IT DOWN WHEN YOU GET THIS IN YOUR MIND!

Keep the imagination roaming

• creativity • tenacity The trick is to put an unresolved problem clearly in view and turn on the mental switch that lets the mind run freely toward it.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH QUESTION

• Feasible • Interesting to the investigator • Novel • Ethical • Relevant

Feasible

Identification of practical limits before studying.

Early detection of problems in the study design.

• Adequate number of subjects • Comprehensive and detailed theory frame work but impractical • Over sampling • Estimation of sample size in order to answer to your questions.

• Realistic estimate of number of subjects likely to be available.

• Adequate technical expertise • skills, equipment and experience --->recruitment, measurement, data management, and data analyses • Affordable in time and money • money talks • Manageable in scope • too ambitious, too many measurements, too large sample size, and too many questions

Novel

• Confirms or refute previous findings • Extends previous findings • Provides new findings

Ethical

• Human Subjects Committee • Internal Review Board • Human Subjects Review Board

Relevant

• To scientific knowledge • To clinical and nursing policy/management • To future research directions “How can you use the outcomes?”

DEVELOPING THE RESEARCH QUESTION AND STUDY PLAN

• Outline of the study (1-2 pages) Clarify her own ideas about the plan For potential co-investigators Identify problems and solutions • Good advice and iterative process • tenacity • attention to detail

Potential problems Solutions

• Vague or inappropriate • Write the research question at an early stage • Get specific in the 1-2 page study plan about • how the subjects will be sampled • how the variables will be measured • Think about ways to make • the subjects more representative of the population • the measurements more representative of the phenomena of interest

Potential problems Solutions

• Not feasible Too broad Not enough subjects available •Specify a smaller set of variables •Narrow the question •Expand the inclusion criteria •Eliminate exclusion criteria •Add other source of subjects •Lengthen the time frame for entry into study •Use more efficient variables or designs

Potential problems Solutions

• Not feasible Methods inadequate or beyond the skills of the investigator Too expensive • Not relevant or novel • Uncertain ethical suitability •Consult experts and review the literature for alternative methods •Learn the skills •Collaborate with colleagues who have the skills •Consider less costly study design and measurement methods •Seek additional financial support •Modify the research question •Consult with institutional review board •Modify the research question to avoid potentially unethical elements

TAKE HOME MESSAGE!

• Establish a single

primary

research question around which to focus the development of the study plan.

• Supplement this design with

secondary

research questions that may also produce valuable conclusions.