How large or widespread is the problem? Who is affected? How severe is the problem? | If a possible research topic is not addressing a priority problem, it is not worthwhile researching it, so you should drop it from your list. | |
Has the topic been investigated before within the proposed study area, or in another area with similar conditions? | Can you find answers to the problem in already available, published or unpublished information, or just by using your common sense? If so, you should drop the topic from your list. | |
How urgently are the results needed for making a decision or developing interventions? Consider which research should be done first and which can be done later. | If the research can’t be done in time, then there is no point in doing it. | |
In general it is advisable for you to research a topic that has the interest and support of the woreda authorities. This will increase the chance that the results of the study will be implemented. | Avoid any topic which does not have the support of the relevant authorities. | |
Consider the complexity of the problem and the resources you will require to carry out your study. | If you don’t have the manpower, time, equipment and money available, then don’t do the research. | |
Will your study be practically useful? | If your research isn’t going to be useful, then don’t do it! | |
You should always consider the possibility of inflicting harm on others while carrying out research. Always consider whether there are any relevant ethical issues to be concerned about. | If you think the research isn’t ethical or might cause harm or disturbance then don’t do it. |
Relevance | 1 = Not relevant to a priority health problem (don’t do it) 2 = Relevant 3 = Very relevant |
Avoidance of duplication | 1 = Sufficient information already available (don’t do it) 2 = Some information available, but major issues not covered 3 = No sound information available on which to base your research |
Urgency | 1 = Information not urgently needed (no need to do the research now) 2 = Information could be used right away, but a delay of some months would be acceptable 3 = Data needed very urgently for decision making |
Political acceptability | 1 = Topic not acceptable to community members and/or woreda managers (don’t do it) 2 = Topic more or less acceptable to all stakeholders 3 = Topic fully acceptable |
Feasibility | 1 = Study not feasible, considering available resources (don’t do it) 2 = Study feasible, considering available resources 3 = Study very feasible, considering available resources |
Applicability | 1 = No chance of recommendations being implemented (don’t do it) 2 = Some chance of recommendations being implemented 3 = Good chance of recommendations being implemented |
Ethical acceptability | 1 = Major ethical problems (don’t do it) 2 = Minor ethical problems 3 = No ethical problems |
Score | Notes | |
Total |