Research Methods in Nursing By: Gli / F. A.

Ahmed
College of Nursing
University of Kirkuk
2019-2020, Lecture 3

The conceptual phase

1-The conceptual phase:

1.1 Formulating & delimiting the problem

1.2. Review of literature.

1.3. Defining theoretical framework.

1,4. Formulating hypothesis.

Research problem: A research problem is a question or statement that describes the focus of a

study. A research problem is a general area of personal interest the researcher wishes to study.

Research purpose: The research purpose is developed from the research problem. It clarifies and

focuses of the research. The population, setting and major variables to be studied are identified in

the research purpose.

Research sub-problem: The problem and purpose of a study are analyzed to produce sub

problems. These sub problems can be stated as objectives, questions or hypothesis and are what

the researcher actually tries to find an answer to in the study.

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Research Methods in Nursing By: Gli / F. A. Ahmed
College of Nursing
University of Kirkuk
2019-2020, Lecture 3

The conceptual phase

Significance verses insignificance of research problem: A research is significant when it has the

potential to generate or refine knowledge and/or influence nursing practice. The problem that are

considered to be significant vary with time and the need of the society. Some significant topics for

nursing research are:

 The quality of care for a large number of clients.

 The suffering of severe difficulties of particular clients.

 Access to care.

 Clients health situations.

 Modifications of current health services.

 The development of effective strategies for maintaining and promoting health.

Some of the problems selected for study in nursing might be considered insignificant. For

example, a problem might be studied because it appears easy, or convenient to study. For example,

problems that focus on the attitudes of nurses regarding job satisfaction have been investigated

numerus times with minimal impact on practice.

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Research Methods in Nursing By: Gli / F. A. Ahmed
College of Nursing
University of Kirkuk
2019-2020, Lecture 3

The conceptual phase

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Research Methods in Nursing By: Gli / F. A. Ahmed
College of Nursing
University of Kirkuk
2019-2020, Lecture 3

The conceptual phase

Some examples of research title:

1. Assessment of Nursing College Students' Health Protective Behaviors.

2. Assessment of Health Problems for the Elderly at the Nursing Home in Baghdad city.

3. Evaluation of Nursing Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nursing Care of Patient with
Skin Traction in Orthopedic Units in Kurdistan Region.

4. Inducing the Health Promotion Model for Nursing Practice: Qualitative Study.

5. Effectiveness of osteoporosis prevention instruction program on nursing college students’

knowledge at Baghdad University.

6. Stress and Its Associated Factors among Students of the College of Nursing University of
Baghdad.

7. Construction of an Initial Assessment Documentation Tool for Nursing Recording System

in Coronary Care Units.

8. Evaluation of Personal Digital Assistant Acceptance in Nursing Education.

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Research Methods in Nursing By: Gli / F. A. Ahmed
College of Nursing
University of Kirkuk
2019-2020, Lecture 3

The conceptual phase

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Research Methods in Nursing By: Gli / F. A. Ahmed
College of Nursing
University of Kirkuk
2019-2020, Lecture 3

The conceptual phase

Review relevant literature: a review of relevant literature is conducted to determine the

knowledge that currently exists concerning a selected research problem. The concept and

interrelationships of the concepts in the problem guide the researcher in reviewing the literature.

Develop a frame of reference: a frame of reference is a theory or set of concepts that are used to

give meaning to the study. It is the structure within which a study is developed and links all

concepts of a study together. One important purpose of a framework is to provide a means to

interpret the study findings. A frame of reference can be either theoretical or conceptual.