Preliminary Research Steps Rationale for asking the question The problem essay The purpose of the project

Rationale for Asking the Question Your statement of why you thought of the question What made you think of it in the first place What is your definitive statement of what you are studying Why do you want the answer – your logic, your reasoning, your point of view What use will the answer be to nursing

The Psychology of Argument You must persuade another person that: –Your problem is well thought out –Your logic is correct –Your position is documented from observations and/or reading You must be prepared to answer any question to clarify or explain why you think you have a good problem to study

Example: I’m on a peds unit, and I’ve noticed differences in children’s reactions to injections. I have a hunch that there is a difference in boys’ and girls’ reactions after age five. Maybe it’s because of sex-stereotyping. But I don’t know if age has anything to do with it, nor if previous experience with injections makes a difference. I’m not sure when these differences occur, or even if they do. But, if they do occur, it would be interesting to see if there is a relationship between prior experience, sex, and age. If there is, we nurses could change our approach to giving children meds.

A Good Argument Begin with the general problem area Present readings or personal observation(s) Make concessions (don’t know all, but have hunch) Give the points in favor of the position – a use for the information to be gathered Speak (write) with authority –strengthened by your review of literature or documented facts

Statement of the Problem It must be written in clear, concise terms. It’s like assessing the patient. You need to have a diagnosis before an intervention can be decided. You need to know the problem before you can attempt to solve it. It identifies key variables and the population to be studied. It serves to guide the design of the study. Because it is in writing it makes it easier to identify conceptual flaws.

Logic Uses Syllogistic Form If you are able to put your problem into syllogistic form, you know that your logic is good and that you have a true problem. The problem becomes clear to others. From the problem syllogism, you can develop a solution syllogism which should give you a good statement of purpose and the significance for studying the problem.

Putting the Problem into Syllogistic Form The major premise – A condition that you or others thought to be expected, ideal, desired, or required. Develop this statement by finding background information about your topic from the literature. The minor premise – A condition that exists in relationship to the major premise.It is something that somehow prevents the expected, ideal or required condition from occurring or from being as effective as possible.

Putting the Problem into Syllogistic Form cont. The conclusion – when the major and minor premise interact, a problem is obvious and can be one of three types: –1. A conceptual problem – a puzzling or perplexing situation – an unanswered question –2. A value problem – an undesirable consequence – something you don’t want to happen or you want to correct –3. An action/conflict problem – a debate over which of two or more courses of action to take

Summarizing the Problem in Syllogistic Form The problem comes from two factors which are juxtaposed (the major and minor premise placed next to each other). The problem only exists because the premises interact with each other. You must be able to put the two premises together and come out with one of the three conclusions. If you can’t do that, then you don’t have a problem. Anyone can create a problem, but later, others determine whether the problem really existed and whether it was worth solving.

The Solution to the Problem in Syllogistic Form The major premise – is a restatement of the conclusion from the problem syllogism, i.e., the conceptual problem, the value problem or the action problem that must be solved The minor premise – is the general action one plans to take to solve the problem, i.e., it is purpose of the research and identifies the variables and the subjects to be included. The conclusion – this describes the benefits that may result from the research, I.e., it is the significance of the research

Examples of Problem and Solution Syllogisms Major: Comfort is a term used by the majority of patients when asked what the nurse could do for them. Minor: But nurses do not know what interventions patients find to be most important for their comfort. Conclusion: Nurses do not know which of their interventions will provide patients with the most comfort.

Examples of Problem and Solution Syllogisms cont. –Major: Nurses do not know which of their interventions will provide patients with the most comfort. –Minor: Data need to be gathered to obtain more information about patients’ perceptions of what they need and expect from nurses in the way of comfort. –Conclusion: This information can be used to compare nurses’ ideas about comfort with those of their patients. It can be used by nurses in planning and implementing care. It can also be used for in-service in hospitals and education in schools of nursing.

Writing the Introduction to the Study The introduction to the study should be written as any good essay is written. It should have some references to back up what you are stating. It should lead into the problem statement. The problem statement should be in one paragraph and should include the major, minor and conclusion statements written in essay-form, not labeled.

Writing the Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is the single statement that identifies the focus of the research. The purpose should state what you intend to do to answer the research question that generated the problem. (The solution syllogism helped you discover this – remember, the purpose was the minor premise of the solution syllogism.) In the paper the purpose should be written as a one-sentence encapsulation of what you intend to do – what and who you plan to study, plus where, when and how you plan to do the study.

Criteria for Evaluating Problem Significance to nursing Benefits of knowledge produced Practical application Theoretical relevance Support or challenge an untested assumption Alter a nursing practice or policies Will anyone care (length of hair and length of hospital stay)

Criteria for Evaluating Problem Feasibility of the problem –Time and timing – can it be accomplished in allotted time –Availability of subjects –Cooperation of others –Facilities and equipment –Money –Ethical considerations –Experience of the researcher

Criteria for Evaluating Problem Researchability –Not a moral or ethical problem –Ability to precisely define and measure variables Interest of the researcher