Nursing research Theory : Assumptions and delimitations

2. INTRODUCTION
An assumption is a realistic expectation
which something that we believed to be
true. However no adequate evidence
available to support this belief. In other
words, an assumption is an act faith
which does not have empirical evidence
to support.

3. • Assumptions are the statements that are
taken for granted or are considered true
even though they have been scientifically
tested.
• Assumptions are principles those are
accepted as being true based on logic or
reasons, but without proof or verification.

4. USE OF ASSUMPTION IN
RESEARCH
• Research built upon assumptions since a foundation
is needed to move forward
• Assumption listed in research paper may be good
sources of the research topics.
• Assumption provide basis to conduct of the research
study.
• Assumptions are overt and/or innate beliefs held by
the researcher about phenomenon that is accepted as
truth without proof or empirical evidence.

5. Cntd.....
• An assumption is a realistic expectation
i.e. something that we believe to be true
but no adequate evidence exists to
support this belief.
• In science, hypothesis and assumptions
are concepts that are similar in nature
Hypothesis is an argument put forward to
explain phenomenon.

6. TYPES OF ASSUMPIONS
• Universal Assumptions
• Empirical based Assumption
• Theoretical based assumptions
• Research Assumptions

7. Statement: The best evidence of India’s glorious
past is the growing popularity of ayurvedic
medicines in the world.
Assumptions.
1. Ayurvedic medicines are more popular in India.
2. Ayurvedic medicines are not popular in India.

8. DELIMITATIONS
Delimitations are in essence the limitations
consciously set by the authors themselves. They
are concerned with the definitions that the
researchers decide to set as the boundaries or
limits of their work so that the study’s aims and
objectives do not become impossible to achieve.
In this respect, it can be argued that delimitations
are in the researcher’s control.

9. DEFINITION
Delimitations are boundaries that are set by
the researcher in order to control the range
of a study. They are created before any
investigations are carried out in order to
reduce the amount of time or effort spent in
certain unnecessary, and perhaps even
unrelated, areas to the overall study.

10. • Confinement of a particular geographical area or
study setting/study centre.
• The population, which the researcher not studying
• Defining the restrictions about sampling technique
/sample size.
• The literature will not review.
• The literature will not review
• The methodological procedures will not use
• The particular tool(s) was not used for the study

11. USE OF DELIMITATIONS
• Clearly defines the scope of the study to avoid the
parametric ambiguities in the research study.
• Make the research study more feasible and
practicable.
• Define the boundaries of the selected study
parameters such a geographic location, age,
gender, population traits, population size, sample
size, study instruments, or other similar
considerations.

12. .
• Identifies the constraints or weakness of
the study so that the strengthening of
evidences generated through study may
be determined.
• Research usually mention delimitations of
their study, so that the reader can have an
idea about the credibility and
generalizability of the research findings.

13. • THEORETICAL DELIMITATION: They restrict the
ability of research findings generalize because of the
use of specific theoretical concept in the study, or
limiting the study of variables through operational
definitions.
• METHODOLOGICAL DELIMITATIONS: They usually
results from some of the methodological factors such
as unrepresentative sample, weak design, single
setting, limited control over extraneous variable, poor
implementation of treatment protocol

14. • Describe the delimitation in detailed but
concise terms.
• Explain reason for not considering certain
parameters in study.
• Mention why a particular delimitation is
considered for a research study.

15. Cntd.....
• While stating delimitations, reason for not
considering certain parameters in study must
be clearly explained.
• Identify and mention the indented impact of
each delimitation in relation to the overall
findings and conclusions of the study.

16. DELIMITATIONS EXAMPLES
Limits on sample selection
and technique
Due to non availability of sampling frame, study used
non random sampling technique.To maintain
homogeneity in the sample selection, the study included
only treatment seeking sample of out-patient department
and those meeting specific criteria.
Limit on extend of
Geographic area from
which data are collected
Due to the large number of potential participants in the
population, the current study focused only on members
located within a selected district.
Limit of use of tools for the
study
In order to deal with collected data, the study utilized a
survey tool with multiple choice questions and did not
include open ended questions