Course Review

Course Review

Session II

SELECTION, ANALYSIS & STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Objectives11 IdentifyIdentify criteria for selecting problems to1.1. IdentifyIdentify criteria for selecting problems to

be given priority in research.22 UseUse a group consensus technique to set2.2. UseUse a group consensus technique to set

priorities for research, applying the selected criteria on a number of research topics.

3.3. AnalyzeAnalyze a selected problem and the yy pfactors influencing it.

4.4. PreparePrepare the statement of the problem.pp p

IDENTIFYING AND PRIORITIZING PROBLEMS FOR RESEARCHPROBLEMS FOR RESEARCH

Whether a problem situation requires research depends on threeIdentification of Topic

Whether a problem situation requires research depends on three conditions:

1 There should be a perceived differenceperceived difference or1. There should be a perceived difference perceived difference or discrepancy between what exists and the ideal or planned situation;

ll2. The reason(s) for this difference should be unclearunclear (so that it makes sense to develop research questions); and

3 There should be more than onemore than one possible answer to a3. There should be more than one more than one possible answer to a question or more than one solution to the problem.

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Criteria for Prioritizing Problems for Research• Relevance • Avoidance of duplication

U f d t d d (ti li )• Urgency of data needed (timeliness) • Political acceptability of study

F ibilit f t d• Feasibility of study • Applicability of results • Ethical acceptability

RelevanceThe topic you choose should be a priority problem Questions to beThe topic you choose should be a priority problem. Questions to be asked include:• How large or widespread is the problem? o a ge o desp ead s e p ob e• Who is affected? • How severe is the problem?How severe is the problem?

If you do not consider a topic relevant, it is not worthwhile to continue rating it. In that case you should drop it from your list.

Avoidance of DuplicationBefore you decide to carry out a study it is important that you findBefore you decide to carry out a study, it is important that you find out whether the suggested topic has been investigated investigated beforebefore either within the proposed study area or in another areabeforebefore, either within the proposed study area or in another area with similar conditions.

consider carefully whether you can find answers to the problem in already available, unpublished information or just by using your common sense. If so, you should drop the topic from your list.

Urgency of Data Needed (Timeliness)tltlHow urgentlyurgently are the results needed for making a decision or

developing interventions at various levels (from community to policy)? p y)Consider which research should be done first and which can be done later.

Political Acceptabilityi t ti t tIn general it is advisable to research a topic that has the interest interest

and support of the local/national authorities. This will increase the chance that the results of the study will be yimplemented.

FeasibilityLook at the project you are proposing and consider theLook at the project you are proposing and consider the complexity complexity of the problem and the resourcesresources you will require carrying out your study. q y g y yThought should be given first to manpower, time, equipment and money that are locally available.

Applicability of Possible Results/RecommendationsIs it likely that the recommendations from the study will be applied?Is it likely that the recommendations from the study will be applied?

This will depend not only on the managementmanagement capability within p y gg p ythe team and the blessingblessing of the authorities but also on the availability of resourcesresources for implementing the recommendations.

Likewise, the opinion of the potential clients and of responsible staff will influence the implementation of recommendations.will influence the implementation of recommendations.

Ethical AcceptabilityWe should always consider the possibility that we may inflict harm on others whileWe should always consider the possibility that we may inflict harm on others while carrying out research. Therefore, review the study you are proposing and consider important ethical issues such as:

1. How acceptable is the research to those who will be studied? (Cultural sensitivity must be given careful consideration).

2 Can informed consent be obtained from the research subjects?2. Can informed consent be obtained from the research subjects? 3. Will the condition of the subjects be taken into account? For

example, if individuals are identified during the study who require certain services, will these be given? What if this interferes with your study results?will these be given? What if this interferes with your study results?

4. Will the results be shared with those who are being studied? Will the results be helpful in improving the lives of those studied?studied?

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Relevance

Criteria for Prioritizing Problems for ResearchRelevance1. = Not relevant 2. = Relevant 3 = Very relevant3. = Very relevant Avoidance of duplication1. = Sufficient information already available 2 = Some information available but major issues not covered2. = Some information available but major issues not covered 3. = No sound information available on which to base problem-solving Urgency1 = Information not urgently needed1. = Information not urgently needed 2. = Information could be used right away but a delay of some months

would be acceptable 3 = Data very urgently needed for decision-making3. Data very urgently needed for decision making

Political acceptability

Criteria for Prioritizing Problems for ResearchPolitical acceptability1. = Topic not acceptable to high level policymakers 2. = Topic more or less acceptable 3. = Topic fully acceptable Feasibility1 St d t f ibl id i il bl1. = Study not feasible, considering available resources 2. = Study feasible, considering available resources 3. = Study very feasible, considering available resources y y , g

Applicability

Criteria for Prioritizing Problems for ResearchApplicability1. = No chance of recommendations being implemented 2. = Some chance of recommendations being implemented 3. = Good chance of recommendations being implemented Ethical acceptability1 M j thi l bl1. = Major ethical problems 2. = Minor ethical problems 3. = No ethical problems p

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Students’Students acceptance of teaching system

Accessibility of the new campus

Changing the façade color of the F.o.E.

Rating scale: 1=low; 2=medium; 3=high

ANALYSIS AND STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMTHE PROBLEM

Steps in Analyzing a ProblemStep 1: Clarify the viewpoints of managers workers and researchers in relation toStep 1: Clarify the viewpoints of managers, workers and researchers in relation to the problem.• Areas of concern are often expressed in broad or broad or vaguevague terms by managers.agueague e s by a age s

• During initial discussions with managers and workers who are involved in the problem area, clarifyclarify the issues b li ti ll th bl i th fby listing all the problems in the area of concern, as they perceive them.

• Remember that a problem exists when there is aRemember that a problem exists when there is a discrepancydiscrepancy between ‘what is’ and ‘what should be’. Therefore, the perceived problems should be worded in such a way as to illustrate this discrepancysuch a way as to illustrate this discrepancy.

Steps in Analyzing a ProblemStep 2: Further specify and describe the core problemStep 2: Further specify and describe the core problem.

• The naturenature of the problem; the discrepancy between ‘what is’ and what you prefer the situation to be. a s a d a you p e e e s ua o o be

• The distributiondistribution of the problem - who is affected, when, and where andwhen, and where and

• The sizesize and intensityintensity of the problem - is it widespread how severe is it what are itswidespread, how severe is it, what are its consequences?

Steps in Analyzing a ProblemStep 3: Analyze the problemStep 3: Analyze the problem.

After identifying the core problem you should:• Identify factors that may have contributed to the• Identify factors that may have contributed to the

problem.

• Clarify the relationshiprelationship between the problem and• Clarify the relationshiprelationship between the problem and contributing factors.

Steps in Analyzing a ProblemSt 3 A l th blStep 3: Analyze the problem.• Step 3.1: WriteWrite down the core problem(s) as defined in Step 2 in the centre of a blackboard or flipchartStep 2 in the centre of a blackboard or flipchart.

• Step 3.2: BrainstormBrainstorm on possible causes or factors contributing to the problemcontributing to the problem.

• Step 3.3: IdentifyIdentify further contributing factors.

• Step 3.4 Attempt to organizeorganize related factors together into larger categories, and develop your final draft of the diagramthe diagram.

Steps in Analyzing a ProblemSt 3 A l th blStep 3: Analyze the problem.• Step 3.1: WriteWrite down the core problem(s) as defined in Step 2 in the centre of a blackboard or flipchartStep 2 in the centre of a blackboard or flipchart.

• Step 3.2: BrainstormBrainstorm on possible causes or factors contributing to the problemcontributing to the problem.

• Step 3.3: IdentifyIdentify further contributing factors.

• Step 3.4 Attempt to organizeorganize related factors together into larger categories, and develop your final draft of the diagramthe diagram.

Steps in Analyzing a Problem

Deciding on the Focus and Scope of the ResearchSeveral issues are particularly important to consider including:Several issues are particularly important to consider, including:

1. Usefulness of the information. Would the information that will be collected on this problem help solve the problem? Who

ld th fi di l t d t th f t i th diwould use the findings related to the factors in the diagram that would be studied? How would the findings be used?

2. Feasibility. Is it feasible to analyze all the factors related to y ythe problem in the time frame available for research?

3. Duplication. Is some of the information related to factors in the diagram already available? What aspects of the problemthe diagram already available? What aspects of the problem need further research?

Formulating the Problem StatementThe first major section in a research proposal is the ‘statement of the problem’.j p p p

Why is it important to state and define the problem well?Why is it important to state and define the problem well?Because you will find that a clear statement of the problem:y p

• Is the foundation for the further development of the research proposal (research objectives, methodology, work plan, budget, etc.).

• Makes it easier to find information and reports of similar studies from pwhich your own study design can benefit.

• Enables you to systematically point out whywhy the proposed research on the problem should be undertaken and whatwhat you hope to achieve with the study resultsthe study results.

This is important to highlight when you present your project to community members, relevant ministries and donor agencies who need to support your study or give their g pp y y gconsent.

Formulating the Problem StatementWhat information should be included in the statementWhat information should be included in the statementWhat information should be included in the statement What information should be included in the statement of the problem? of the problem? • A brief description of socio-economic and cultural

h t i ti I l d f ill t ti t ti ti ifcharacteristics. Include a few illustrative statistics, if available, to help describe the contextcontext in which the problem occurs.

• A concise description of the nature of the problem nature of the problem (the discrepancy between what is and what should be) and of the size, distribution and severity of the problem (who is affected, where, since when, and what are the consequences for those affected and for the services). For a descriptive or evaluation study you will elaborate the diff t tt f th bldifferent componentscomponents of the problem.

Formulating the Problem Statement• An analysis of the major factors that may influence themajor factors that may influence the• An analysis of the major factors that may influence the major factors that may influence the

problemproblem and a discussion of why certain factors need more investigation if the problem is to be fully understood. A b i f d i ti f l ti t th bl th t• A brief description of any solutions to the problem that have been tried in the past, how well they have worked, and why further research is needed (justificationjustification for your study)study).

• A description of the type of information expected to result from the project and how this information will be used to help solve the problem.

• If necessary, a short list of definitionsdefinitions of crucial concepts used in the statement of the problemused in the statement of the problem.

Session II

SELECTION, ANALYSIS & STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Thank You