Framing the Research Question

By B. Nelson

The question

Usually a research question starts with a query eg. Something you have seen during your work that leaves you thinking

Eg. Why do so many women more than men have calcaneum spur

Or I wonder if X type of training may improve performance in…… athletes

Asking the question

• Analyse the current situation

• Literature Knowledgebase

Researcher

Other resources available to you

Asking the question

Write down all the general possible questions

Evaluate possible questions

Select priority questionLeave with about 2 questions to develop a

proposal

Asking the question

The question needs to be importantQuestion needs to be interestingQuestion needs to be ethicalQuestion needs to be understandableQuestion needs to be feasible.

Considerations for research

• Does the research design suit my personal traits

• Will this build on my current knowledge and skills

• Will it further my career and personal goals

• Is the question interesting and exciting to me

Literature

• Assess what has been done and look for gaps in the design and improve in the design or sample.

• Generate your questions from the gaps you have observed

Literature

Is there reasonable amount of literature on the topic ( you need to know before start writing)

Has there been recent literature interest in the area

Is the question unanswered in recent literature

Resource considerations

Are there suitable candidates in adequate numbers for your research

Is there adequate access to the required equipment ,facility and space for my research

Is the required expertise available

Resource considerations

Do I have enough time to complete my project from start to finish

Do I have the necessary funding for this project

Other questions to ask

• Is the question significant– will it add to the body of knowledge, will it be of interest to people, will it benefit the target population

• Will academic requirements be met

• Will you be able to collect data to answer your question

Other questions to ask

• Is the design likely to be ethical

The research question

• Has 3 parts:• The clientele or group being understudy

• The treatment or intervention

• The outcome measure• Eg. Will 15 minutes of aerobic exercise done over

6 weeks improve lower strength in hypertsenived

Research question cont’d

Questions should be clear .Anyone should be able to read and understand what is the process,

Research questions must clear and operational

Abstract contents need to be operational definition eg. Health, attitude

Steps in conducting a research

• Choose a subject and define the problem

• Formulate clearly the research question

• Clearly define the objective /hypothesis

• Identify the best design to achieve the study objective

Steps cont’d

• Write out your proposal– guide for the project

• Determine target population

• Determine study population

• Determine sample size

Steps cont’d

• Determine inclusion & exclusion criteria

• Prepare a budget

• Prepare a work plan of the activity, time allocated & personnel needed

• Conduct the research

References

Presentation by Dr. S. Roopchand MartinLecturer of Physiotherapy ,UWI Mona

Presentation by Mr. A. Frankson MB, MPHFaculty of Medical Sciences UWI Mona

Suggested Reading

• Research for the Health Professional : A Practical Guide by Diana M. Bailey

• Guide to Evidence Based Physical Therapy Practice by Dianne V. Jewell