Formulating Research Problem COMMUNITY RESEARCH PROGRAM 2012

Introduction Research problem: Uncertainty about something in the population To be resolved By making measurement

Choosing research questions Infer Infer Truth in the universe Truth in the study Finding in the study Error Error Research question Study plan Actual study Design Implement Target Population Intended sample Actual subject Phenomena of interest Intended variable 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

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 one’s self Novel Confirm New finding Ethical Approved Relevant To scientific knowledge To policy To future research

Things to be considered Interest Magnitude Measurement of Concepts Level of expertise Relevance Availability of data 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 Identify Pulmonary Tuberculosis Mortality

Steps to formulate a research problem Dissect Trends in pulmonary tuberculosis mortality in Bandung Impact of health services on pulmonary tuberculosis mortality in Bandung Impact of socio-economic status on pulmonary tuberculosis mortality in Bandung

Steps to formulate a research problem Select Impact of health services on pulmonary tuberculosis mortality in Bandung

Steps to formulate a research problem Raise Question Study population? Methods? What kind of health services that are available for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Bandung? Are there any difference of the quality pulmonary tuberculosis care in those health services? Are pulmonary tuberculosis mortality rate differ among those health services? Is pulmonary tuberculosis mortality rate decreasing by the improvement of the quality of care?

Steps to formulate a research problem Formulate objectives Main Objective: to explore the impact of health services on pulmonary tuberculosis mortality in Bandung Specific objectives: To explore the available health services for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Bandung To identify difference of the quality of care in those health services To identify the pulmonary tuberculosis mortality rate in different health services To ascertain that pulmonary tuberculosis mortality rate is decreasing by the improvement of the quality of care

Steps to formulate a research problem Make sure Assess the objectives considering: The work involved The time availability The financial resources Technical expertise Ethical issue

Steps to formulate a research problem Double check Your interest The objectives of the study Adequate resources Technically expertise Ethical issue

Exercise I Research problem will be elaborated in the background of your thesis Read 2 ‘background’ in minor thesis provided in our website formulate (a) research problem(s) from those ‘background’ as you think the author will do Submit it during lab session

Good Luck