PROBLEM STATEMENT
PREPARED BY : MS TULI PAUL
Definition
Problem is an interrogative and sentence or statement
that ask what relation exists between two or more
variables. The answer to questions will provide what is
having sought in the research .
– Kelinger
A research problem is an area of concern where there is
a gap in the knowledge base needed for professional
practices.
Components
Relevance of the study
Title of the study
Operational definitions of the variables
Objectives of the study
Delimitations of the study
Scope and limitation of the study
Example
A study to assess the effectiveness of video assisted
teaching program on knowledge regarding relaxation
therapy on migraine headache among adolescent in a
selected PU college at Bangalore.
Sources of research problem
Personal experiences
Practical experiences
Critical appraisal of literature
Previous literature
Existing theory
Consumer feedback
Social issues
Brainstorming
Exposure to field situations
Consultation with experts
Criteria for good research problem
Significance to nursing profession
Original
Feasible
Equipment and supplies
Administrative support
Peer support
Availability of subjects
Ethical consideration
Solvable
Current
Interesting
Formulation of problem statement
Select of a research
topic
Review of literature and
theories
Delimiting the research
topic
Evaluating the research
problem
Formulating the final
statement of the research
problem
Variables
Variables in Research are characteristics, traits, or
attributes that can vary (change) among individuals,
groups, or situations and can be measured or observed
in a study.
Types
1. Independent and dependent variables
2. Research variables
3. Demographic variables
4. Extraneous variables
Independent and dependent variables
The independent variable is the factor that the
researcher changes or controls.
It is the cause or intervention in a study.
Example:
Video-assisted teaching program
The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or
observed.
It is the effect or outcome that depends on the
independent variable.
Example:
Knowledge level of adolescents
Demographic Variables
Personal characteristics of participants.
Example: Age, gender, education, occupation.
Extraneous Variables
Variables that may affect the dependent variable but are
not the focus of the study.
Example: Age, diet, stress, prior knowledge.
Research variable
A research variable is a factor that can take different
values and is studied to understand its effect or
relationship in research.
Example:
In a study on effect of exercise on blood pressure:
Exercise → variable
Blood pressure → variable
Operational definition
Operational definition means clearly explaining how a
concept or variable is measured or observed in a study.
It tells what exactly will be done to measure something,
so that anyone can understand and repeat the study.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
[Link] – It refers to the organized collection of
information regarding relaxation therapy on
migraine headache among adolescents.
[Link] – It refers to the extent to which the
video assisted teaching program has helped in
making significant difference in knowledge scores
regarding relaxation therapy on migraine headache
among adolescents .
[Link] assisted teaching program – It refers to a
strategically prepared teaching video for adolescents
on various aspects such as, risk factors, risk age group,
signs and symptoms, management and different
relaxation therapies of migraine headache for 30
minutes.
[Link]- It refers to individuals in the age group
of 16 to 18 years, attending selected PU College.
[Link] – It refers to the level of understanding of
participants regarding relaxation therapies on migraine
headache as assessed by their responses to the items of
structured knowledge questionnaire.
Characteristics
Clear and precise – It explains the variable in simple and
exact terms.
Measurable – The variable can be measured using a tool,
scale, or method.
Observable – The outcome can be seen, recorded, or
assessed.
Specific – Clearly states how, when, and with what the
variable is measured.
Objective – Reduces personal bias and subjectivity.
Replicable – Other researchers can repeat the study using
the same definition.
Practical – Suitable and feasible in real clinical or
community settings.
Relevant to the study – Directly related to the research
objectives.
Objectives
It is a clear , concise, declarative statement , which
provides direction to investigate the variables.
Research objectives are the results sought by the
researcher at the end of the research study .
Characteristics
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time bounded
Types
General objectives
Specific objective
General objectives
Are broad goals to be achieved .
It states what the researcher expects to achieve by the
study in general terms.
Specific objectives
Are for short term and narrow in focus.
General objectives can be broken into small logically
connected parts to form specific objectives.
Examples
A quasi experimental study on the effects of ginger on
morning sickness among pregnant women in selected
cities of Kerala.
General objective: to assess the effects of ginger on
morning sickness among pregnant women.
Specific objectives: to determine the prevalence of
morning sickness symptoms among pregnant women .
To compare the severity of morning sickness symptoms
among primigravida and multigravida.
To compare the effects of ginger on morning sickness
in multigravida and primigravida .
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a clear, specific, and testable statement
that predicts a relationship between two or more
variables.
Importance
It gives clear direction to the research study.
It helps in identifying the relationship between
variables.
It guides the selection of research design, tools, and
methods.
It provides a basis for data collection and analysis.
It helps in testing assumptions scientifically.
It makes the study focused, systematic, and objective.
It helps in drawing valid conclusions.
Types
1. Simple Hypothesis:
Involves one independent and one dependent
variable.
2. Complex Hypothesis:
Involves two or more independent or dependent
variables.
3. Associative Hypothesis:
An associative hypothesis states that two or more
variables are related to each other, but it does not
indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.
Example (Nursing):
There is an association between smoking and COPD.
4. Causal Hypothesis:
A causal hypothesis states that one variable causes a
change in another variable (cause-and-effect
relationship).
Example (Nursing):
Smoking causes the development of COPD.
[Link] Hypothesis:
Predicts the direction of the relationship (increase or
decrease).
Eg: effects of exercise on weight.
[Link]-Directional Hypothesis:
States a relationship but does not specify direction.
Eg: effects of exercise on anxiety .
[Link] Hypothesis (H₀):
States that there is no relationship or difference
between variables.
Eg: Music therapy has no significant effect on pain level
among postoperative patient .
[Link] / Alternative Hypothesis (H₁):
States that a relationship or difference exists between
variables.
Eg: effects of deep breathing exercise on anxiety .
Characteristics
It should be clear and precise.
It should be testable by scientific methods.
It should show a relationship between variables.
It should be specific and limited in scope.
It should be based on existing theory or facts.
It should be measurable and observable.
It should be simple and understandable.
It should be logically stated.
Assumption
An assumption is a statement that is accepted as true
without proof for the purpose of conducting a research
study.
Uses
Provide a foundation for the study – Assumptions support the
basic ideas on which the research is built.
Help in planning the research – They guide the selection of
research design, variables, tools, and methods.
Clarify the scope of the study – Assumptions define what is
taken as true and limit unnecessary questioning.
Facilitate data interpretation – They help the researcher interpret
findings logically and meaningfully.
Ensure feasibility of the study – Some facts are assumed to make
the research practical and manageable.
Support hypothesis formulation – Assumptions help in
developing and testing hypotheses.
Improve understanding for readers – They make readers aware
of conditions accepted as true during the study.
Delimitation
Delimitation refers to the boundaries or limits that a
researcher deliberately sets in a study to narrow its
scope and make the research manageable.
Delimitation is the restriction of the study’s scope
defined by the researcher in terms of sample size,
variables, setting, time, or methodology.