Problems in Designing an Experimental Research Study

Joseph Barnes

Chapter I: Introduction

Problem Statement

A major problem that is important to

address

in the United States

is

sleep

deprivation

.

Sleep

deprivation is the source of many chronic mental and physical health problems for Americans. The

s

ource of poor sleep for many is

self

-

inflicted

such as

s

taying up late,

drinking excessive caffeine

and using electronic devices late into the night.

Research Purpose

This problem exists because modern American society places a great emphasis on work and less on

relaxing and enjoying leisure time. Americans are constantly plugged into computers, phones or

television in their off time, further

reducin

g relaxation time. Resolving this problem is important

because it can greatly help any

organization in being more productive if all participan

ts are well

rested and healt

hy. This topic is

interesting

because sleep deprivation affects everyone in one way

or

another

.

Problem Background

Sleep deprivation affects people and their

performance

in school,

work and personal relationships

.

It

is worthy of study because it can improve the performance in so many areas of people

’

s lives and

can increase quality of life.

P

ublic health

professionals

would

be

interested in this study

because

many physical and mental health problems arise from la

ck of sleep.

The problem of la

ck of sleep has been around since the beginning of time. The causes are many but

among the common modern problems stem from technological devices

distracting people from

getting sleep as well a

s modern stressors of life. Many things have been done to resolve this

problem. The

pharmaceutical

industry has made billions of dollars selling sleeping pills, and other

industries have also profited from selling sleeping devices for people.

The mattress industry also has

attempted to help people sleep with innovative beds and accessories. Doctors and other medical

professionals have discovered many useful tips for better sleep that range from proper eating habits,

exercise, relaxing

techniques

and temperature control.

Research Question

T

he

research question for this

problem statement is therefore: Among the common causes of sleep

deprivation, how much sleep deprivation is caused by factors that can be controlled by

the

individual?

Scope, Limitations, and Assumptions

The boundaries of this study are the potential lack of comprehensive data

available

for all possible

factors that contribute to sleep deprivation

.

One of the limitations will be that the study will be

specific to

this organization or this timeframe.

One assumption will be that the data provided are the

most cu

rrent and accurate available.

Joseph Barnes

Chapter I: Introduction

Problem Statement

A major problem that is important to address in the United States is sleep deprivation. Sleep

deprivation is the source of many chronic mental and physical health problems for Americans. The

source of poor sleep for many is self-inflicted such as staying up late, drinking excessive caffeine

and using electronic devices late into the night.

Research Purpose

This problem exists because modern American society places a great emphasis on work and less on

relaxing and enjoying leisure time. Americans are constantly plugged into computers, phones or

television in their off time, further reducing relaxation time. Resolving this problem is important

because it can greatly help any organization in being more productive if all participants are well

rested and healthy. This topic is interesting because sleep deprivation affects everyone in one way

or another.

Problem Background

Sleep deprivation affects people and their performance in school, work and personal relationships. It

is worthy of study because it can improve the performance in so many areas of people’s lives and

can increase quality of life. Public health professionals would be interested in this study because

many physical and mental health problems arise from lack of sleep.

The problem of lack of sleep has been around since the beginning of time. The causes are many but

among the common modern problems stem from technological devices distracting people from

getting sleep as well as modern stressors of life. Many things have been done to resolve this

problem. The pharmaceutical industry has made billions of dollars selling sleeping pills, and other

industries have also profited from selling sleeping devices for people. The mattress industry also has

attempted to help people sleep with innovative beds and accessories. Doctors and other medical

professionals have discovered many useful tips for better sleep that range from proper eating habits,

exercise, relaxing techniques and temperature control.

Research Question

The research question for this problem statement is therefore: Among the common causes of sleep

deprivation, how much sleep deprivation is caused by factors that can be controlled by the

individual?

Scope, Limitations, and Assumptions

The boundaries of this study are the potential lack of comprehensive data available for all possible

factors that contribute to sleep deprivation. One of the limitations will be that the study will be

specific to this organization or this timeframe. One assumption will be that the data provided are the

most current and accurate available.