Feasibility of a research study is determined by examining

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Nursing Research & Statistics

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

Feasibility in research refers to the practical viability of a study, assessing whether it can be successfully conducted and completed.
The availability of subjects (participants) is a primary determinant of feasibility. Without a sufficient number of willing participants who meet the study criteria, data cannot be collected, and the research question cannot be answered.
This factor addresses the logistical challenge of recruitment and is a fundamental prerequisite for any research involving human subjects.
Other feasibility aspects include time, cost, researcher expertise, and ethical considerations, but subject availability is a non-negotiable component.

Option A: Investigator's credibility relates to their reputation and expertise. While important for securing funding and gaining trust, it does not determine the practical possibility of conducting the study.
Option C: The importance of the research pertains to its significance and potential contribution to the field. A study can be highly important but completely unfeasible due to practical constraints.
Option D: Previous research evidence is used to build the literature review, establish a theoretical framework, and justify the need for the new study. It provides background, not a measure of practical feasibility.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Criteria for Evaluating a Research Problem as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses often participate in or lead evidence-based practice (EBP) projects. Assessing the feasibility of an EBP initiative (e.g., can we get enough staff participation? do we have the equipment?) is crucial for its success in a clinical setting.
Research nurses responsible for patient recruitment must provide realistic feasibility assessments to investigators to ensure study timelines and goals are achievable.
What if? A researcher proposes a study on a new wound care technique that requires a specific, expensive dressing. Even if the study is important and subjects are available, it may be deemed unfeasible if the hospital cannot afford or procure the required supplies, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of feasibility.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Feasibility'.
Define 'feasibility' in a research context. It means the practicality and possibility of actually doing the study.
Evaluate each option based on this definition. Ask yourself, 'Does this option relate to the practical execution of the study?'
Option A (credibility) is about the researcher, not the study's logistics.
Option C (importance) is about the study's value, not its execution.
Option D (previous evidence) is about the study's background, not its execution.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QnkW2RpcgNgcAD6rALqZU6

E6 NursingResearch Polit 11e Part 1 p. 83-85

E6 NursingResearch Suresh Sharma 5e Part 1 pp. 80-82, 83-85