Scientific Method and Research Question
Preliminary Steps in the Research Process
Janet Sullivan Wilson, PhD, RN
What are the Steps in the Quantitative Research Process?
Problem statement(s) + background Purpose of the research Aims/objectives of the research Research question(s) Research hypothesis or hypotheses Review of the literature (ROL) Conceptual, theoretical framework
Steps in the Research Process (cont.)
Design & Methodology, Sampling Collection of Data: Methods, measurements, assessment Analysis & Interpretation of Data Research dissemination & utilization
1
The Steps In The Research Process are:
Different and similar in quantitative vs. qualitative research A process of thinking/reasoning to figure out a problem Stage specific: conceptual, design/planning, empirical, analytic, dissemination (with specific steps in each) Sometimes combined or overlapped depending upon the researcher & journal style Followed not only in doing the research but also in reporting the research in journals, grants, reports
This week’s learning module covers only the following steps in the research process: (i.e., the conceptual stage)
The problem to be studied: background of + specific statement(s) Purpose of the research Aims/objectives of the research Research question(s) Research hypothesis or hypotheses Review of the literature (ROL) Conceptual, theoretical framework for the study
Research Problems
Paradigms + mixed methods Sources of problems: reading; clinical experience; other studies; social issues; existing theories Problem statements + questions
2
Purpose
vs.
Aims/objectives
Specific accomplishments the researcher will achieve by conducting the study
Summary of the researcher’s overall study goal Usually very broad
Problem Statement
vs.
Question
Purpose is stated in the form of a question in order to invite an answer
Expression of the disturbing situation or dilemma that needs to be studied Context of problem + significance (to nursing practice,
Janet Sullivan Wilson, PhD, RN
What are the Steps in the Quantitative Research Process?
Problem statement(s) + background Purpose of the research Aims/objectives of the research Research question(s) Research hypothesis or hypotheses Review of the literature (ROL) Conceptual, theoretical framework
Steps in the Research Process (cont.)
Design & Methodology, Sampling Collection of Data: Methods, measurements, assessment Analysis & Interpretation of Data Research dissemination & utilization
1
The Steps In The Research Process are:
Different and similar in quantitative vs. qualitative research A process of thinking/reasoning to figure out a problem Stage specific: conceptual, design/planning, empirical, analytic, dissemination (with specific steps in each) Sometimes combined or overlapped depending upon the researcher & journal style Followed not only in doing the research but also in reporting the research in journals, grants, reports
This week’s learning module covers only the following steps in the research process: (i.e., the conceptual stage)
The problem to be studied: background of + specific statement(s) Purpose of the research Aims/objectives of the research Research question(s) Research hypothesis or hypotheses Review of the literature (ROL) Conceptual, theoretical framework for the study
Research Problems
Paradigms + mixed methods Sources of problems: reading; clinical experience; other studies; social issues; existing theories Problem statements + questions
2
Purpose
vs.
Aims/objectives
Specific accomplishments the researcher will achieve by conducting the study
Summary of the researcher’s overall study goal Usually very broad
Problem Statement
vs.
Question
Purpose is stated in the form of a question in order to invite an answer
Expression of the disturbing situation or dilemma that needs to be studied Context of problem + significance (to nursing practice,