Research problem and objectives

As surgeons become more aware of the hierarchy of evidence, grades of recommendations and the principles of critical appraisal, they develop an increasing familiarity with research design. Surgeons and clinicians are looking more and more to the literature and clinical trials to guide their practice; as such, it is becoming a responsibility of the clinical research community to attempt to answer questions that are not only well thought out but also clinically relevant. The development of the research question, including a supportive hypothesis and objectives, is a necessary key step in producing clinically relevant results to be used in evidence-based practice. A well-defined and specific research question is more likely to help guide us in making decisions about study design and population and subsequently what data will be collected and analyzed. Of this articlein this article, we discuss important considerations in the development of a research question and hypothesis and in defining objectives for research. By the end of this article, the reader will be able to appreciate the significance of constructing a good research question and developing hypotheses and research objectives for the successful design of a research study. The following article is divided into 3 sections: research question, research hypothesis and research ch questioninterest in a particular topic usually begins the research process, but it is the familiarity with the subject that helps define an appropriate research question for a study.

1 the challenge in developing an appropriate research question is in determining which clinical uncertainties could or should be studied and also rationalizing the need for their sing one’s knowledge about the subject of interest can be accomplished in many ways. In addition, awareness of current trends and technological advances can assist with the development of research questions. Canadian institute for health research) encourage applicants to conduct a systematic review of the available evidence if a recent review does not already exist and preferably a pilot or feasibility study before applying for a grant for a full -depth knowledge about a subject may generate a number of questions. Additional research questions can be developed, but several basic principles should be taken into consideration. Any additional questions should never compromise the primary question because it is the primary research question that forms the basis of the hypothesis and study objectives. It must be kept in mind that within the scope of one study, the presence of a number of research questions will affect and potentially increase the complexity of both the study design and subsequent statistical analyses, not to mention the actual feasibility of answering every question. A sensible strategy is to establish a single primary research question around which to focus the study plan.

In a study, the primary research question should be clearly stated at the end of the introduction of the grant proposal, and it usually specifies the population to be studied, the intervention to be implemented and other circumstantial factors. And colleagues2 have suggested the use of the finer criteria in the development of a good research question (box 1). The finer criteria highlight useful points that may increase the chances of developing a successful research project. A good research question should specify the population of interest, be of interest to the scientific community and potentially to the public, have clinical relevance and further current knowledge in the field (and of course be compliant with the standards of ethical boards and national research standards). 1finer criteria for a good research questionffeasibleadequate number of subjectsadequate technical expertiseaffordable in time and moneymanageable in scopeiinterestinggetting the answer intrigues investigator, peers and communitynnovelconfirms, refutes or extends previous findingseethicalamenable to a study that institutional review board will approverrelevantto scientific knowledgeto clinical and health policyto future researchview it in a separate windowadapted with permission from wolters kluwer health. The finer criteria outline the important aspects of the question in general, a useful format to use in the development of a specific research question is the pico format — consider the population (p) of interest, the intervention (i) being studied, the comparison (c) group (or to what is the intervention being compared) and the outcome of interest (o). Knowing the specific population of interest, intervention (and comparator) and outcome of interest may also help the researcher identify an appropriate outcome measurement tool.

The more defined the population of interest, and thus the more stringent the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the greater the effect on the interpretation and subsequent applicability and generalizability of the research findings. Is the appropriate follow-up time to assess outcomeview it in a separate windowa poorly devised research question may affect the choice of study design, potentially lead to futile situations and, thus, hamper the chance of determining anything of clinical significance, which will then affect the potential for publication. Without devoting appropriate resources to developing the research question, the quality of the study and subsequent results may be compromised. During the initial stages of any research study, it is therefore imperative to formulate a research question that is both clinically relevant and ch hypothesisthe primary research question should be driven by the hypothesis rather than the data. 2 that is, the research question and hypothesis should be developed before the start of the study. Therefore, a good hypothesis must be based on a good research question at the start of a trial and, indeed, drive data collection for the research or clinical hypothesis is developed from the research question and then the main elements of the study — sampling strategy, intervention (if applicable), comparison and outcome variables — are summarized in a form that establishes the basis for testing, statistical and ultimately clinical significance. For example, in a research study comparing computer-assisted acetabular component insertion versus freehand acetabular component placement in patients in need of total hip arthroplasty, the experimental group would be computer-assisted insertion and the control/conventional group would be free-hand placement.

The null hypothesis for the preceding research hypothesis then would be that there is no difference in mean functional outcome between the computer-assisted insertion and free-hand placement techniques. After forming the null hypothesis, the researchers would form an alternate hypothesis stating the nature of the difference, if it should appear. The research hypothesis should be stated at the beginning of the study to guide the objectives for research. A research hypothesis is supported by a good research question and will influence the type of research design for the study. Acting on the principles of appropriate hypothesis development, the study can then confidently proceed to the development of the research ch objectivethe primary objective should be coupled with the hypothesis of the study. Study objectives define the specific aims of the study and should be clearly stated in the introduction of the research protocol. Note that the study objective is an active statement about how the study is going to answer the specific research question.

Objectives can (and often do) state exactly which outcome measures are going to be used within their statements. These concepts will be discussed in other articles in this the surgeon’s point of view, it is important for the study objectives to be focused on outcomes that are important to patients and clinically relevant. 7 it is the precise objective and what the investigator is trying to measure that is of clinical relevance in the practical following is an example from the literature about the relation between the research question, hypothesis and study objectives:study: warden sj, metcalf br, kiss zs, et al. To investigate the clinical efficacy of lipus in the management of patellar tendinopathy sionthe development of the research question is the most important aspect of a research project. A research project can fail if the objectives and hypothesis are poorly focused and underdeveloped. Designing and developing an appropriate and relevant research question, hypothesis and objectives can be a difficult task. The critical appraisal of the research question used in a study is vital to the application of the findings to clinical practice.

Focusing resources, time and dedication to these 3 very important tasks will help to guide a successful research project, influence interpretation of the results and affect future publication 3tips for developing research questions, hypotheses and objectives for research studiesperform a systematic literature review (if one has not been done) to increase knowledge and familiarity with the topic and to assist with research about current trends and technological advances on the careful input from experts, mentors, colleagues and collaborators to refine your research question as this will aid in developing the research question and guide the research the finer criteria in the development of the research that the research question follows picot p a research hypothesis from the research p clear and well-defined primary and secondary (if needed) that the research question and objectives are answerable, feasible and clinically = feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant; picot = population (patients), intervention (for intervention studies only), comparison group, outcome of interest, tescompeting interests: no funding was received in preparation of this paper. Related slideshares at ch questions and research al institute of technology karnataka( nitk ),hed on mar 22, ch questions are the starting point in any good research . They provide the road map to proceed and identify and focus on the research gaps . You sure you want message goes the first to jalie ch questions and research objectives. Step1 : usually begin with /problem (sources : ences, state of knowledge in , solving problem , curiosity based ing in the media , personal values,Social premiums and everyday life). The research question defines the “area st” but it is not a declarative statement like. Research objectives should be clear , achievable able - as they directly assist in answering ch questions / problem .

Be developed for a research exploratory study on ethnic product choices with reference to indian. 02/2015 ra e :research topic – exploratory study population and product choices nce to indian settlers in ch questions (rq) & objectives(ro). 02/2015 ra e :research topic – exploratory study population and product choices nce to indian settlers in what extent is the assimilation es taking place which will have g on determine the extent the rs have a tendency to assimilate with. 02/2015 ra e :research topic – an exploratory ethnic population and product choices nce to indian settlers in r subsequent generations rs exhibit the same the first generation settlers? 02/2015 ra e :research topic – exploratory study population and product choices nce to indian settlers in what extent host culture g changes in adopting immigrant’ 4 to find out whether the second uent generation of indian t similar behavior of the tion of indian settlers. 02/2015 ra e :research topic – exploratory study population and product choices nce to indian settlers in develop a model which can d by the exporters to use the age in their product design. Prep: writing a strong course - linkedin ng with course - linkedin ic research foundations: course - linkedin ch question and ch questions and county school of exploratory research g research sent successfully..

Clear statement of objectives will help you develop effective will help the decision makers evaluate your project. Two or three clear goals will help to keep your research project focused and relevant. Review the environment or context of the research a marketing researcher, you must work closely with your team. This will help you determine whether the findings of your project will produce enough information to be worth the order to do this, you have to identify the environmental variables that will affect the research project. Explore the nature of the ch problems range from simple to complex, depending on the number of variables and the nature of their you understand the nature of the problem as a researcher, you will be able to better develop a solution for the help you understand all dimensions, you might want to consider focus groups of consumers, sales people, managers, or professionals to provide what is sometimes much needed insight. Define the variable ing plans often focus on creating a sequence of behaviors that occur over time, as in the adoption of a new package design, or the introduction of a new programs create a commitment to follow some behavioral pattern in the ng such a process involves:Determining which variables affect the solution to the ining the degree to which each variable can be ining the functional relationships between the variables and which variables are critical to the solution of the the problem formulation stage, you will want to generate and consider as many courses of action and variable relationships as possible. Anticipating and communicating the possible outcomes of various courses of action is a primary responsibility in the research ing, snacking and “stranger things:” the data behind binge cing qualtrics experienceweek ter study: economic impact of experience every experience that matters: why x-data is the new er research: 4 steps for an ‘insights first’ company might also like...