Formulating Research
Problem
Dr. Manish Singh
Introduction
Research problem:
Uncertainty about something in the
population
To be resolved
By making measurement
Choosing research questions
Truth in the
universe
Research
question
Truth in the
study
Study
plan
Finding in
the study
Actual
study
Error
Infer
Design
Error
Infer
Implement
Target
Population
Phenomena
of interest
Intended
sample
Intended
variable
Actual
subject
Actual
measurement
What is research problem?
Question to be answered
Assumption to be challenged
Should be able to withstand the scientific
scrutiny
The destination of a research
Confusion is often but a first step towards clarity
Process of problem identification
Depends on:
expertise in research methodology
Knowledge in the subject area
Understanding of the issue
The extent to focus on the study
Origin of Research Problem
Observation
Creativity
Good mentor
Good
relationship
Conference
Septical attitude
New insight on
new technology
Literature
searching
Research
meeting
Mastering
Literature
Alert on new
ideas/
technique
Imagination Mentor
Generating Research Ideas
From
common
sense
Question everything
True? When is it not
true? Why is it true?
Attack practical problems
Questions to ask
Who/When/Why/How
What are its effects
(short-term, long-term,
good, bad)?
From
previous
research
Easy way to get started
Likely to produce relevant
research
Consider improving study
Consider extending study
Good research question
Feasible
# of subject
Expertise
Resource
Interesting
For ones
self
Novel
Confirm
New finding
Ethical
Approved
Relevant
To scientific
knowledge
To policy
To future
research
Things to be considered
1. Interest
2. Magnitude
3. Measurement of Concepts
4. Level of expertise
5. Relevance
6. Availability of data
7. Ethical issues
Steps to formulate a research
problem
Identify the area of interest
Dissect into sub-areas
Select 1 sub-area consider study population, method
Raise research question that can/should be answered
Formulate objectives
Assess the objectives
Double check the interest
Steps to formulate a research
problem
Step 1
Identify Area of Interest
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Mortality
Step 2
Dissect into Sub-areas
1. Trends in pulmonary tuberculosis mortality in New Delhi
2. Impact of health services on pulmonary tuberculosis
mortality in New Delhi
3. Impact of socio-economic status on pulmonary
tuberculosis mortality in New Delhi
Steps to formulate a research
problem
Steps to formulate a research
problem
Step 3
Select 1 Sub-area
Impact of health services on
pulmonary tuberculosis
mortality in New Delhi
Steps to formulate a research
problem
Step 4
Raise Research
Questions
Study population? Methods?
1. What kind of health services that are available for patients with
pulmonary tuberculosis in New Delhi?
2. Are there any difference of the quality pulmonary tuberculosis care in
those health services?
3. Are pulmonary tuberculosis mortality rate differ among those health
services?
4. Is pulmonary tuberculosis mortality rate decreasing by the
improvement of the quality of care?
Steps to formulate a research
problem
Step 5
Formulate Research Objectives
Main Objective: to explore the impact of health services on pulmonary
tuberculosis mortality in New Delhi
Specific objectives:
1. To explore the available health services for patients with pulmonary
tuberculosis in New Delhi
2. To identify difference of the quality of care in those health services
3. To identify the pulmonary tuberculosis mortality rate in different
health services
4. To ascertain that pulmonary tuberculosis mortality rate is decreasing
by the improvement of the quality of care
Steps to formulate a research
problem
Step 6
Assess the Research Objectives
considering:
1. The work involved
2. The time availability
3. The financial resources
4. Technical expertise
5. Ethical issue
Steps to formulate a research
problem
Step 7
Double check
1. Your interest
2. The objectives of the study
3. Adequate resources
4. Technically expertise
5. Ethical issue
Exercise I
Research problem will be elaborated in the
background of your thesis
1. Read 2 background in minor thesis
2. formulate (a) research problem(s) .
3. Submit it during session
