1. A research problem is an issue identified for investigation that arises from experience, literature, theories or social issues. It begins with selecting a broad topic and understanding the nature and relevance of the problem. 2. Literature review helps gain knowledge on existing data and scientific support for stating the problem. The research problem should also be evaluated for feasibility. 3. The general topic is then made more specific by identifying variables, population and setting, and formulating a final research problem statement in either declarative or interrogative format.

1. RESEARCH PROBLEM
Dr. Binu Babu
Ph. D (N), MSN, MBA
Mrs. Jincy Ealias
MSN, RN
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2. • A problem statement articulates the
problem to be addressed and indicates the
need for a study.
• Research questions are the specific
queries researchers want to answer in
addressing the research problem. Research
questions guide the types of data to be
collected in a study.
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3. • A research problem is an enigmatic,
perplexing, or troubling condition. Both
qualitative an quantitative researchers
identify a research problem within a broad
topic area of interest.
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4. DEFINITION
According to Kerlinger, ‘A problem is an
interrogative sentence or statement that asks
what relation exists between two or more
variable. The answer to question will provide
what is having sought in the research.
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5. Components of a problem statement
–Variable
–Population
–Setting of the study
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6. SOURCES
OF
RESEARCH
PROBLEMS
Experience
and Clinical
Fieldwork
Literatures
Social
issues
Theories
Ideas from
external
sources
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7. Formulating Research Problem
Rephrasing the Research Problem
Evaluating the research problem
Surveying the available Literature
Understanding the nature of the Problem
Form a problem statement in a general way depends on area or
subject
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8. 1. Form a problem statement in a General
Way depends on area or subject
– It begins with selection of a broad research topic
from personal experience, literature and theories.
2. Understanding the nature of the Problem
– The broad research topic should examine the
beneficiary groups needs and the appropriate area
for its implementation. The problem should be
relevant, significant to nursing practice.
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9. 3. Surveying the available Literature
– Literature review helps to gain knowledge on
existing data and provides scientific support
for stating the problem.
4. Evaluating the research problem
– Research problem should be evaluated for
time, money, availability of subjects and
researcher’s interest.
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10. 5. Rephrasing the Research Problem
– The general area of interest is drawn more
specific with research variables, population and
setting of the study and formulate the final
research statement.
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11. Format of problem statement
• The problem statement should be either in
declarative format or interrogative format
• Declarative format: the format which
represents in a statement with variables,
population and setting of the study.
• Eg: Music therapy decreases the level of
maternal anxiety during C - section
• interrogative format: this is a question format
which ends with a question mark.
• Eg. Does music therapy decreases the level of
maternal anxiety during C – section?
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12. References
• Grove SK, Gray JR. Understanding nursing
research: Building an evidence-based practice.
7th ed. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2018.2.
• Polit DF, Beck C. Nursing research: Generating
and assessing evidence for nursing practice.
10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health;
2017.3.
• Sharma SK. Nursing research et statistics. New
Delhi: Elsevier; 2014.
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13. Thank you
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