Research Questions: Definition, Development, and Examples

Constructing and formulating research questions is one of the most critical aspects of the research process. A good research question helps investigators determine the study’s objectives and apply the right data collection and analysis methods to draw valid conclusions. Searching for expert help to write research questions? Look no further, as we offer professional assistance with formulating research questions for theses, dissertations, research papers, and capstone projects across multiple research disciplines. This article is a comprehensive guide to research questions, detailing the process of question development, essential criteria for a good research question, types of qualitative and quantitative questions, and examples of good research questions.

What is a Research Question?

A research question is a specific area of inquiry that a study aims to investigate, therefore generating new knowledge and solving a specific problem. A well-defined research question directs the investigator toward the theory to explore, the literature to review, and the methodologies they need to employ to make valid conclusions. A research question is essential because it provides information about the study, gives direction to the project, and serves as a frame of reference, illustrating the focus of the research.

What are the Criteria for Good Research Questions?

The criteria for a good research question are expressed by the acronym “FINER,” which stands for feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant. Ensuring a research question aligns with the FINER criteria is crucial for obtaining results that are valuable and useful and make a significant contribution to the area of study.

The first component (F) stands for feasibility, which means the degree of a study being conveniently conducted. The investigator should be realistic about the scope of the study and must have access to the necessary instruments, documents, respondents, and other resources required to conduct successful research.

The second component (I) represents interesting means that the research question should be appealing to the investigator and scholars within the relevant research field. A research question with high interest levels will motivate the experimenter to continue with the study and is more competitive for publication or funding.

The third component (N) stands for novel, meaning that the research question should address an existing gap in knowledge in the field of study. Investigators can ensure novelty in their study by selecting research that either enhances limitations in previous studies or evaluates unknown areas that have not yet been researched.

The fourth component (E) represents ethics, whereby the researcher should ensure that safety measures are addressed according to the IRB protocols. The research question should be designed such that the study maintains the confidentiality of respondents, protects their privacy, and eliminates their risk of harm.

The fifth component (R) stands for relevant in that the research question should demonstrate a clear purpose for the study in relation to the specific field of research.

How do I Formulate a Research Question?

To develop a good research question, first identify a broad area of interest through brainstorming, reflecting on personal passions, concept mapping, assessing existing research, talking to experts, or identifying gaps in the field. Second, conduct preliminary research to identify recent issues being discussed by professionals in the field and spot existing gaps in knowledge in the area of study. Third, narrow the scope of the research and formulate potential research questions based on the identified limitations and overlooked areas in the literature. Fourth, evaluate the characteristics to determine if the area of inquiry fits the ‘FINER’ criteria of a good research question. Fifth, formulate the final research question that will be used to guide the study process.

What are Quantitative Research Questions?

Quantitative research questions are precise areas of inquiry that aim to quantify variables and analyze the association between them. To answer quantitative research questions, investigators employ a structured approach that involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the results. Quantitative research questions are further categorized into:

(a) Descriptive research questions that aim to measure variables and identify patterns, trends, and relationships in variables in data.

(b) Comparative research questions that seek to illustrate the differences between multiple groups.

(c) Relationship-based research questions that are used to demonstrate the association between two or more variables.

Examples of Good Quantitative Research Questions

1. What is the comparison between lean and obese individuals in the prevalence and intensity of meal cravings?
2. What is the impact of workload on burnout levels among healthcare practitioners in referral hospitals in the United States of America?
3. Does access to educational support systems improve academic performance among scholars in public universities in the USA?
4. Is there a significant relationship between the level of education attained and income earned in adults aged 20-60 years in the USA?
5. How are the freshman students at Stanford University in California characterized in terms of gender, parent’s occupation, and family income bracket?

What is a Qualitative Research Question?

Qualitative research questions are inquiries that are used to design, discover, or explore complex phenomena. Qualitative research questions are used to understand the opinions, experiences, behavior, and motivations of individuals in a given setting. The main types of qualitative research questions include:

(a) Descriptive research questions that are used to provide a comprehensive explanation of an experience or situation.

(b) Exploratory research questions that are applied in investigating and evaluating new or under-researched areas of study.

(c) Explanatory research questions that seek to present and explain the reasons and causes of a phenomenon in detail.

Other types of qualitative inquiries include phenomenological, process-oriented, comparative, evaluative, generative, and emancipatory research questions.

Examples of Good Qualitative Research Questions

1. How do medical practitioners in outreach clinics describe their experiences of providing care to patients in low-income rural areas?
2. How do patients diagnosed with chronic cardiovascular diseases sustain their emotional well-being in their everyday lives?
3. What are the experiences of men aged 20-40 years utilizing smartphone applications for doing physical exercises?
4. How do patients with musculoskeletal issues feel about the daily use of assistive devices and technology?
5. What is the experience of mothers living with infant children who have been diagnosed with cancer?

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A poorly developed research question can lead to ineffective research efforts, inappropriate data collection, and flawed conclusions, even in a carefully designed study. Common pitfalls faced by scholars and investigators when formulating research questions include: i). Overly broad questions, ii). lacking specificity, iii). using ambiguous language, iv). narrow, and v). vague inquiries. Developing a good research question requires a background understanding of the broad area of study and literature review skills to identify gaps.

When clients choose to have our professionals help them develop research questions, they receive a feasible, clear, focused, and appropriate research question that presents their unique argument. With our expert assistance, we conduct preliminary reading to understand the range of research questions and information relating to a specific topic, identify possible areas to focus on, and then develop a researchable question. By formulating an exceptional research question, our clients can effectively determine their study aims and objectives, employ the right methodology, collect and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions.

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Summary

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