One of the critical steps that anyone takes in thesis writing is the choice of problem. A great number of students find this stage

stimulating, if not challenging. Most often, this hinders a researcher from writing a thesis.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

o It is, therefore, common to hear a student lament, saying “I simply cannot find a good problem.” One dean of a graduate school says that this is the stage when the student does a “starting up the ceiling” in search of a topic. He is also desperate that it seems that the ceiling or the sky will provide an answer to his query.

o On the other hand, adds the same dean, if, at the start of the student’s work, he develops a positive attitude, the vast amount of literature he encounters in his field of specialization from day to day will provide the background of his problem.

o Moreover, if all teachers of their classes attend to point out to the class some possible areas for research, every time there is an opportunity, this, in effect, will find choosing a problem very naturally, an outgrowth of work in the courses that one has taken.

SOURCES OF PROBLEM

Good and Scates list three General sources of problems. They are:

1. The various phases of the graduate instructional program,

2. Through the analysis of an area of knowledge or of existing needs, and

3. The extension of completed investigations or the “budding out” of studies in progress.

THE SAME AUTHORS ENUMERATE A MORE DETAILED LIST OF SOURCES OF PROBLEMS AS FOLLOWS:

1. SPECIALIZATION. The scholarship that should result

from intensive specialization in one or more subdivisions of the chosen field of training will reveal both the accomplishments of completed research and the problems yet unsolved.

2. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM PURSUED.

Adequate graduate courses include numerous suggestions concerning needed research, through the medium of lectures, discussions, reports, and reading.

3. PROGRAM OF READING. Both extensive reading over a

range of topics for breadth of background and intensive reading on selected themes for analytical, evaluative purposes are desirable aspects of the graduate program, as well as potential sources of problem.

4. ANALYSIS OF AN AREA OF KNOWLEDGE.

In analyzing a field of knowledge, the area under consideration should be reasonably limited in scope.

5. CONSIDERATION OF EXISTING PRACTICES AND NEEDS.

A systematic analysis of existing practices and needs in a particular field is a challenging intellectual exercise, whether the area examined is local, state, regional, or national.

6. REPETITION OR EXTANSION OF INVESTIGATION.

It is pointed out that history is never complete, that surveys of status can be accurate only for the time and area are represented, and that many experiments should be repeated for purposes of verification.

7. OFF- SHOOTS” OF STUDIES UNDER WAY.

Sometimes, a problem, method, or discovery that “buds out” of an investigation in progress proves more fruitful than the original line of research.

CRITERIA FOR CHOICE OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROBLEM. Research focuses on an existing or

prevailing problem, the novelty and practical value of the study, the solution of which can contribute knowledge to the field of nursing.

2. PROBLEM RESEARCHABILITYNot all problems can be

investigated scientifically for researchability. The research problem must be manageable, the nature and scope of which are specific and well defined. The phenomenon which is the focus of the problem must be observable, quantifiable and measurable.

3. FEASIBILITY OF THE PROBLEM

Feasibility is the potential researchability of the problem which makes it a good subject for scientific inquiry. Feasibility of a problem for research purposes is established when it meets the following criteria:

a. TIME. The problem is projected to be solved within a given time frame.

b. AVAILABILITY OF SUBJECTS. Available population size is adequate enough for sampling purposes.

d. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL AND GROUP SUPPORT. The problem is likely to be endorsed by the approval board concerned

e. RESEARCH RESOURCES. The problem must be of such nature and structure that solution is possible, using available space, computers and other equipment, transportation, communication and other facilities.  

e. FISCAL RESOURCES. There must be sufficient available funds to pursue the study through completion. Hence, anticipated benefits from the study must justify its cost.

f. EXPERIENCE OF THE RESEARCHER. The problem must represent the researcher’s specialized field to ensure knowledge of the phenomenon under study, and skill in analyzing, interpreting, and rationalizing the implications of the results of the study to its target population.

g. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS. A research problem is feasible if it does not make any undue impositions on the respondents.

4. POTENTIALS OF THE RESEARCHERThere must be genuine

interest and curiosity about the particular problem on the part of the researcher. Research requires the researcher’s experience in the field being investigated or the subject under inquiry.

THE END!!!!!!!!!

Chonamarie R. Butardo, RN