Choosing the Research Question and Designing the Study


The research process begins with the identification of a concern or question that is both relevant and important. A research question often originates from problems encountered in everyday clinical practice or management. To define your research question, you must begin by being knowledgeable about the published literature in the area of interest. That understanding enables you to focus your research ef- forts on an issue that is lacking evidence or requires further confirmation. A good research question can be described using the acronym FINER, which stands for feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant8


(see Box 12.2). The research ques-


tion you develop is critical because it drives the rest of the research process; it is the key to conducting good research. If written well, the research question dictates the type of study design as well as the type of statistical analysis. Variables in the re- search question should be operationally defined so that a better assessment of how to analyze the data can be made. Research questions can be descriptive (eg, What is the prevalence of malnutrition in a facility?), relationship or association oriented (eg, What is the association between type of feeding and 30-day mortality in critical illness?), or causal (eg, What is the difference in glycemic control in patients who receive enteral vs parenteral nutrition support?). Creating a specific and measurable question will also help you use time and resources more effectively and assist with determining what research design is most appropriate. See Box 12.3 on page 250 for examples of ways to narrow down the research question.


BOX 12.2 Using FINER to Help Define a Research Question


F = Feasible If you want to compare resting energy expenditure (REE) of patients who are critically ill as measured with indirect calorimetry to REE calculated using a predictive equation, you need a metabolic cart and someone to operate it correctly to make this study feasible. Another important consideration is your required sample size (the minimum number of subjects required to produce statistically relevant or meaningful results) and the length of time required to obtain it. If you have funding for 1 year but need 5 years to accrue the required sample, the study is not feasible as designed; you must either restructure it or find additional funding. Even if funding is not limiting the length of the study, you need to consider the time involved in terms of feasibility. Consider collaborating with others who have expertise in the area to make your study more feasible and your subject pool more diverse.


I = Interesting The research topic should be of interest to you but also to the dietetics profession and other stakeholders, such as administrators, potential funding groups, physician or nurse leaders, and your staff. Their interest in your topic can assist in making the project more successful, and interesting research is more likely to be selected for presentation or publication.


N = Novel Research should lead to new evidence that answers a question. However, it is not always necessary (or possible) to ask a completely original question. In the area of nutrition, there is also opportunity for additional research to determine whether findings from previous research can be confirmed or validated. If you review evidence-based guidelines, such as those in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library, you will notice that many of the recommendations do not have a “strong” rating because more evidence is needed. Therefore, replicating a study that has already been carried out can add to the evidence in a particular area, as evidence- based practice is established through results from multiple studies.


continued on next page CHAPTER 12: Getting Involved in Research 249


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