LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

MEETING NO. 01
NOTES-August 31, 2023

CHAPTER 6: RESEARCH PROBLEM AND ITS VARIABLES

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lecture the learner will be able to: CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A RESEARCH PROBLEM:

1. Understand the nature of a research problem EXTERNAL CRITERIA

2. Identify the sources of the problem 1. Significance of the Problem

2. Problem Research ability
3. Explain the criteria for choosing a problem for scientific inquiry 3. Feasibility of the Problem
4. Give the characteristics of researchable problems
1. Significance of the problem  “newness” or the practical value
solution which can contribute.
5. Define research variables
 Is this problem worth studying?
 Will this study prove something?
6. Differentiate the kinds of variables
 Will this study bring about change?
7. Formulate a problem statement with well-defined variables  Will this study make a difference?

RESEARCH PROBLEM 2. Problem researchable  Nature and scope must be specific and
well- defined.
 is an area of concern in which there is a gap in the knowledge base needed for  Phenomenon must be observable,
nursing practice. quantifiable and measurable
 A perceived difficulty
 Feeling of discomfort 3. Feasibility of the problem  Time
 The discrepancy between “what is” and “what should be.”  Availability of Subjects/Participants
 Control and Support Group
 Daily experience
 Research Resources
PROBLEM VS PURPOSE  Fiscal Resources
 Capability of the Researcher
Problem Purpose  Ethical Considerations

INTERNAL CRITERIA
 the question or difficulty that  the outcome being intended.
the study seeks to solve  the REASON
1. Motivation, Intellectual Curiosity
 what TRIGGERS
2. Experience and Training
3. Time Management
4. Costs and Returns
5. Hazards, Handicaps
HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE PROBLEM IS RESEARCHABLE?

Guideposts (researchability of a problem) 1. Motivation, Intellectual Curiosity of the  Genuine interest and experience of the
researcher researcher
 No available answers to an existing gap  What sparked your interest to conduct
 No available solutions the study?
 Possible answers are untested or contradictory.
 A phenomenon exists which requires clarifications and explanations. 2. Experience, Training, and Professional  The researcher must have the
Qualifications knowledge and skills
SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
3. Time Management  A study must be completed at a given
1. Field of Specialization time frame.
2. Instructional Programs
3. Reading programs. 4. Costs and Returns  Do I have money?
4. Literature sources and previous research studies  What benefits can be weighed?
5. Organizational Structure, Policies, and Interpersonal Relationship
6. New Technologies 5. Hazards, Penalties and Handicaps  Can I cope intellectually, morally and
7. Conflicting Ideas and Ideals materially?
8. Journals, Books, thesis or dissertations, and mass media
9. Theories and Principles affecting certain phenomena.
10. Problem Situations & Issues
11. Suggestions of Experts and Authorities

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

An intervening variable is a variable that handles the change in the dependent variable due to the
change in the independent variable. In other words, the outcome of the dependent variable is
CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITIES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS decided through the intervening variable, which itself gets influenced by the independent variable.
An intervening variable is also referred to as mediating variable.
1. Originality
2. Significance
3. Manageability
4. Measurability
5. Resource Availability
How do you identify mediating variables?
RESEARCH VARIABLE
When there is no clear or direct relationship present between the independent and dependent
 Are measurable qualities, properties, or characteristics of people, things, events or variables and their relationship is controlled by some other variable then that variable is considered
situations under study that vary from one subject to another. as mediating variable. When independent variables cannot influence the dependent variable, a
 These are assessed and measured quantitatively and qualitatively. mediating variable works as a referee between the two and helps us navigate the relationship
between independent variables (IV) and dependent variables (DV).
CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIABLES
Independent variables govern the dependent variables through the channel of mediating or
1. They have two or more mutually exclusive values or properties that can be intervening variables.
quantitatively and qualitatively measured.
2. They are varying factors that affect the phenomenon, nursing situations or cases The variables on which researchers have control over and can manipulate are called
under study. the independent variables, whereas the variables that are being seen and estimated for the change
3. They are varying qualities of people, institutions, situations, or statuses. are called the dependent variables, which happens, due to the changes in independent variables,
4. They can be heterogenous when the attributes or characteristics of a group being the researchers are interested in examining the outcome or result of the dependent variables.
studied are extremely varied. Dependent variables cannot be exploited by the researchers as opposed to the independent
5. They can homogenous if the attributes or characteristic of the group being variables.
studied have limited variability.
Independent variables are the presumed cause in an observation, so are called the predictor
variables. The changes in the dependent variables are dependent on the changes in the
independent variables, that's why these are called the outcome variables.
KINDS OF RESEARCH VARIABLES:
The main characteristics of Mediating variables are:
1. Explanatory Variable  These are the variables of interest to the
researcher.  Mediating variables are caused by the independent variable.
 The focus of the research which will indicate the
direction of influence to what the researcher  Mediating variables affect the dependent variable.
would like to discover.
 an explanatory variable is the expected cause,
and it explains the results
 The statistical correlation between the independent and dependent variables is higher
in the presence of the mediator.
1a. Independent Variable  These are the factors that are being manipulated
To statistically test whether a variable is mediating variable or not we use linear regression analyses
by the researcher and are the focus of the inquiry.
or ANOVAs and it's called mediation analysis.
 They are also called experimental, treatment,
causal or stimulus variables. Full mediation the relationship between the independent and dependent variable is entirely
explained through the mediator, and the absence of a mediator in the model causes the relationship
1b. Dependent Variable  The factors that are affected or influenced by the to disappear between independent and dependent variables.
independent variables.
 They are also called criterion, effect, response, or
outcome variable, which captures the interest of
the researcher.

1c. Intervening Variable
 Factors or variables that can come between the
independent and the dependent variables and
can influence the effect of the former on the latter.
 These are also called correlated or mediator
variables.
 Explains the process through which two variables
are related.

*****

1. It’s caused by the independent variable.

2. It influences the dependent variable
3. When it’s taken into account, the statistical
correlation between the independent and
dependent variables is higher than when it isn’t
considered.

What are intervening variables in a research study?

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

A moderator variable affects the direction or strength of the relationship between two other
variables.

Example 03.

Example 04.
Example 01.

KINDS OF RESEARCH VARIABLES:

2. Extraneous/exogenous Variable  Variables which are not the direct foci of

the study.
 These variables are not the direct
Example 02.
interest of the researcher and must be
controlled or eliminated in order for the
hypothesis to be validly tested.

2a. Organismic Variable  physiological, psychological, and

demographic factors of the target
population that could affect the outcome
of the study.

2b. Environmental Variable  economic, anthropological, sociological

and physical factors that influence the
phenomenon under study.

1d. Moderator Variable  Variables that affect the strength or
direction of the relationship between the
independent and the dependent variable.
 The independent variables interact with
the moderator variable which makes the
relationship between the independent
and dependent variables stronger or
weaker in regard to the different values
of the moderator variable
1) Categorical variables such as ethnicity, race, religion, favorite colors, health
status, or stimulus type
2) Quantitative variables such as age, weight, height, income, or visual stimulus size
Situational variables: These extraneous variables are
related to things in the environment that may impact
how each participant responds. For example, if a
participant is taking a test in a chilly room, the
temperature would be considered an extraneous
variable.
3. Abstract/continuous Variable  These are factors that have different
values which are quantitatively
measured and statistically tested
through the hypotheses.
 Examples:
Age (values from 0 to 100)
BP (120/80 to 180/100)

4. Dichotomous Variable  These are factors with only two values,

MEDIATOR VS MODERATOR VARIABLES used in comparative studies and
specially identified in the hypotheses.
A mediator variable explains the relationship between two other variables.

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

 Examples:
smoker - non-smoker
pregnant – non-pregnant
male – female

5. Active Variable  These are factors which researcher

creates and/or manipulates.
 These variables are commonly used in
experimental studies.
 Example:
Drug A and B effects on blood pressure

6. Attribute Variable  These are pre-existing characteristics of

the subjects which the researcher
simply observes and measures.
 These variables may or may not directly
influence or affect the phenomenon
under study.
 Example:
Age, height, weight, health belief

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

 Variables differ in different studies. They may be categorized as dependent

variables in one study, or independent variables in another study.
 Researchable problems are the result of the researcher’s own observations and
experiences drawn from theories that were taken from the research literature.

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

MEETING NO. 02
NOTES-September 07, 2023

COMPONENTS OF RESEARCH
Objectives:

At the end of the lecture, the students will be able to :

1. Explain the basic components of research

2. Give the types of assumptions
3. Describe the types of research definitions 2. INTRODUCTION
4. Reflect on the significance of the study
5. State the scope and delimitation of the study  Presents a brief discussion of the rationale and background of the problem or subject
6. Explain all the sections of a research report inquiry.

COMPONENTS OF RESEARCH  Serves as a springboard for the statement of the problem.

1. Title of the Study  Should stimulate the interest of the reader and set the stage for the presentation of the
2. Chapter 1 study.
a) Introduction
b) Statement of the Problem * Brief discussion about the background of the problem.
c) Hypothesis
d) Purpose of the Study * Research is for everybody so that we can improve our writing
e) Assumptions
f) Definition of Terms
g) Significance of the Study
h) Scope and Delimitation Introduction (1 and a half page)
3. Theoretical Framework
4. Chapter 2 (Review of Related Literature) - 3rd person POV
5. Chapter 3 (Methodology and Design)
- 1st paragraph (the problem) experience/ nakita na problem ; Okay ra walay citation
6. Chapter 4 (Analysis and Findings)
7. Chapter 5 (Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations)
- 2nd paragraph (citation na dayun as much possible butang ang main anchor sa study) 3-4 paragraph
discussing the concept
1. TITLE
- 3rd paragraph (purpose of the study) or aim
 Gives a general idea (title will give us general idea) of what the research study is
all about
The Introduction part includes the following:
 Must be clearly stated, concise and should be limited to at most 15 words if
possible. 1. The context of the problem and its historical background.
 Variables of the study are reflected in the title, particularly the relationship among
variable the proposed target population. 2. Authoritative viewpoint on the problem

*Topic- problem on mind; dile pa makita ang variables 3. The researcher’s interest in working on the problem.

*Title – specific details 4. The purpose of the study

EXAMPLES:

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

EXAMPLE: Your study is about Depression.

TF: could be how Aaron Beck explain depression in terms of Cognitive theory

CF: evaluating depression in terms of stress, social support, and self- esteem

3. THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Framework:

 is simply the structure of the idea or concept and how it is put together.

 is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The theoretical
framework introduces and describes the theory which explains why the research
problem under study exists.

 It is a conceptual underpinning of a study or an essay that is in the form of an argument.

 It supports the rationale for developing the research question.

Theoretical:

 Based on pre- existing theories or studies na pwede ma apply sa imohang research

 When the variable have been studied before and been found to be related to one
another.

 It is a collection of interrelated concepts, that exists in the literature, a ready – made

map for the study but may or may not be well worked out.
4. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
 A theoretical framework guides the explanation or an essay that interrelate the concepts
or theories involved in the phenomenon.

Conceptual:

 Is a structure of concepts grouped together as map for the study.

 It refers to the explanation of the variables of the study based on literature and research.

 Serves as a roadmap sa atong research.

 Gina connect niya ang concepts sa atong research. How related and 1 variable sa other
variables  refers to the question that the research seeks to answer
 must be clearly stated
 Ang researcher ang gahimo/ maghimo mismo.  must be expressed in precise terms, identify its key components, the population, and the
major variables of the study which need to be subjected to empirical testing.

 typically broken down into the main or major problem and the specific or sub-problem
that will be worked out in response to the inquiry
 may be stated in various ways as follows:
a) Interrogative Form
EXAMPLE: b) Declarative Form

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

Consists of various components:

a. The Major Problem

 a.k.a. the general problem statement

 The main issue to be answered
 The goal of the study

b. The Minor Problem

 Problems implicitly contained in the major problem

 Broken down for purposes of analysis
 Serves as the guide to data collection

The researcher must ensure that:

 Variables in the study are clearly identified and stated

 Must always be grammatically correct
 Findings are expressed in data obtained through direct or indirect inquiry and
observation
 Scope or coverage is well defined.
 Sampling must be representative enough
 Limitations and manageability are ensured
 Variables are factual and hypothesis can be supported and tested

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

8
 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

 supposition or proposed  a kind of belief that is

explanation made on the basis considered to be true.
of limited evidence as a starting  may or may not be verified or
point for further investigation. investigated.
 an uncertain explanation  In research, assumption denotes
regarding a phenomenon or the existence of the relationship
event between the variables.
 widely used as a basis for
conducting tests and the results
of the tests determine the
acceptance or rejection of the
hypothesis.

Proving Methodology

 Various experiments can lead to  General assumptions may or

various results
 Can be proved or rejected
depending upon the methods
used by the scientists
 The higher time the students
spend on their studies, the
better they achieve tests and
score better marks.
may not require any methods for
verification or acceptance
 Research assumptions are
generally proved by forming
hypothesis based on them.
 There is a correlation between
time period of study and marks
attained.

NULL HYPOTHESIS ALTERNATIVE HYPO

 A null hypothesis is a statement,  An alternative hypothesis is a

in which there is statement in which
no relationship there is some
between two statistical
5. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY variables. significance between two
measured phenomena.
 The researcher should state the reason or reasons for undertaking the study and leave
no doubt in the readers’ minds regarding the true intent of the study. EXAMPLE:
 The statement of purpose should describe the intent of the inquiry and the rationale for
it. Is there a significant relationship between the level of implementation and the awareness of the
respondents on infection control?
 It should reflect both the main problem it wants to address as well as the corollary
issues.
NULL HYPOTHESIS ALTERNATIVE HYPO
 It, therefore, presents the rationale or justification of its inquiry.
 The goals of the study are expressed in a broad statement of purpose.
 There is no significant  There is a significant relationship
 The goals of the study will identify, describe or explain a situation, predict a solution to a
relationship between the level of between the level of
situation or control a situation to produce positive outcomes in practice.
implementation and the implementation and the
 The specific objectives of the study are expressed in a statement that pinpoints the main
awareness of the respondents awareness of the respondents
concern or intent of the inquiry. Objectives must be well-defined, measurable and
on infection control. on infection control.
logical.

6. HYPOTHESIS AND ASSUMPTIONS

What is the difference between an assumption and a hypothesis?

When you conduct an experiment you have to start somewhere.

Assumptions are axiomatic. These are the things you assume to be true about the world. An
assumption is a supposed statement/idea that is not due for scientific proving for example: We
ASSUME gravity exists.

Hypotheses are educated guesses that you hope to test in your experiment. A good hypothesis will
predict an experimental result. A hypothesis, on the other hand, is a statement that is subject to
scientific proof.

For example: I PREDICT that if I let go of this ball in my hand, it will fall to the floor and bounce. The
experiment in this extremely simple case would be actually dropping the ball to see what happens.

HYPOTHESIS ASSUMPTION

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

f) Improvement of nursing service and nursing education

g) Strengthen research-based intervention
h) Personal and societal benefits

8. SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

Scope

 The context of the study in terms of subject, concepts, specific characteristics of the
phenomenon, treatment, sampling and time frame.
 The who, what, when, where, how and why of the study shall the be clarified and
specifically stated.

Delimitations

 sets the parameter of the study by accepting what should be included and rejecting what
ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS should be excluded.

Specific Constraints

a) Scope or coverage
b) Expected Manageability of the Problem
 In experimental studies

 internal & external constraints may affect validity & reliability of findings & should
also be taken into account
c) Limitation of the Study
 Study maybe limited by anticipated shortfalls and specific constraints such as
foreseen weaknesses in methodology & design, the exclusion of certain sectors
of the populations, the inaccessibility of the data, statistical treatment and
analysis and failure to get a representative sampling must be clearly stated.

9. DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Conceptual Definitions

 Definitions that are universally understood.

2. Operational Definition

 Researchers’ own definition of the term as used in the study. concrete & measurable
based on observable characteristics of what is being defined within the context of the
7. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY phenomenon being investigated.
a. Denotative Definitions (define in terms of what the concept or what it
 The researcher should cite the importance, responsiveness, or relevance of the represent)
expected outcomes of the investigation and its probable effects on a nursing theory or b. Connotative Definitions (according to implication or associations)
practice.
 It also emphasizes the significant contribution of the proposed research study to its 3. Lexical Definitions
target population, to the different sectors of nursing education and nursing service, to
society, and its implications for future researchers in nursing.  definitions from Authoritative Sources
 facilitates a better understanding of the study by explaining the meaning of terms or
Benefits gained from its results or findings are the following: variables as they are used in the study

a) Development of new theories and concepts Reasons for defining the variables:
b) Building up of expertise and technologies
c) Formulation of guides to policy-making and decision making 1. guide and direct the researcher in quantifying and qualifying the variables
d) Opening new areas for possible study 2. ensure clarity of the meaning of the variables and minimize the readers ‘misconceptions
e) Enhancement of nursing care

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 LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
LEVEL 3

BSNG -3101 NURSING RESEARCH 1

LECTURE PRELIM TERM
Clinical Instructor: Melvin Oliveros S.Y. 2023 - 2024 1ST SEMESTER
TRANSCRIBE BY: MA. EM CONCEPCION LAGARE (MECTL)

3. direct the reader into the meaning of the word according to the researcher’s own
interpretation and analysis of variables

EXAMPLE:

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