Problem Statement and Research Question(s)

Week 1 Assignment – Identifying a Research Topic

Overview

The purpose of the Week 1 assignment is to identify possible topics for your research topic and develop and a problem statement and possible research question(s).

Week 1 targets the following Course Learning Objectives

• CLO1: Examine a variety of topics relevant to teaching and learning and reach consensus with colleagues and/or mentor on a problem to be research
• CLO5: Develop a coherent research plan that support instructional planning through data-driven decision-making

Week 1 Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• W1LO1: Collaboratively review campus cultural and/or instructional concerns/issues and choose on for an area of study.
• W1LO2: Describe the purpose of the study.
• W2LO3: Take the weekly quizzes demonstrating your knowledge of the information from the assigned readings.

Part 1: Week 1 Assignment Part 1: Identifying a Research Topic

Directions:

1. Meet with a colleague to identify 2 to 3 areas of concern that are pertinent to the field of research.
2. In a 1-2 paragraph summary, describe the research that you would like to conduct (although you will not actually be conducting this research in this course), including, the evidence used to identify need, what resources are available to address the needs, and what is a reasonable timeline to address the needs. Be sure to include who your sample would be and how you would access this population.

Part 2: Week 1 Assignment Part 2: Problem Statement and Research Question(s)

Directions:

Based on your meeting with your colleague and the readings from the textbook, identify your problem to research. Then, the next step is to “convert” it into a problem statement.  The problem statement is a reiteration of the research problem as a complete sentence. The purpose of the problem statement is to guide your study. Refer to the examples in the text. The research statement is the fundamental question inherent in the research topic. It serves as the main guide to the study. The research questions should begin with the word how or what. Do not assume results in the questions. Ask questions that can be answered with data.  Write a problem statement followed by your research question(s).

Week 1 Assignment Part 1: Identifying a Research Topic

Summary:

After discussing with a colleague, we identified three critical areas of concern pertinent to the field of research in psychiatric mental health:

1. Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Areas: There is a significant disparity in access to mental health services between urban and rural areas. This issue is identified through various reports and studies highlighting longer wait times, fewer available practitioners, and higher rates of untreated mental health conditions in rural populations. Resources to address this need include telehealth services, mobile health units, and community outreach programs. A reasonable timeline to address this need could be 2-3 years, focusing initially on increasing awareness and gradually implementing telehealth services. The sample would include rural residents diagnosed with mental health conditions, accessed through local clinics and community health programs.
2. Mental Health Support for Adolescents in Schools: There is growing concern about the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among adolescents. School-based mental health programs and services have been shown to improve outcomes but are often underutilized. The need is evidenced by increasing reports of adolescent mental health crises and the lack of sufficient school-based support. Resources include school counselors, psychologists, and partnerships with local mental health agencies. The timeline for addressing this need could be 1-2 years, focusing on integrating mental health education into the curriculum and providing training for school staff. The sample would consist of students, parents, and school staff, accessed through school district partnerships.
3. Effectiveness of Integrative Therapies for PTSD in Veterans: Veterans with PTSD often face challenges with traditional treatments and may benefit from integrative therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture. Research indicates that these therapies can complement traditional treatments and improve outcomes. Resources available include VA hospitals, veteran support groups, and existing integrative therapy programs. A timeline of 2-3 years could be reasonable to conduct pilot programs and evaluate their effectiveness. The sample would include veterans diagnosed with PTSD, accessed through VA hospitals and veteran organizations.

Week 1 Assignment Part 2: Problem Statement and Research Question(s)

Problem Statement: There is a significant disparity in access to mental health services between urban and rural areas, leading to higher rates of untreated mental health conditions in rural populations.

Research Question:

• What are the most effective strategies to improve access to mental health services in rural areas?
• How does the implementation of telehealth services impact the quality of mental health care in rural communities?
• What barriers do rural residents face in accessing mental health services, and how can these be mitigated?

This structure ensures the assignment is comprehensive, addressing the rubric’s requirements, and prepares a coherent plan for further research development.