How to Formulate a Good Research Question | A 5 Step Guide for Writing a Research Question with Examples

What is a Research Question?

A research question is a fundamental element in any research project or research paper. It sets the direction for the entire research process and guides the development of the research design. In this section, we will define the research question, explain its importance, and highlight the characteristics of a good research question.

Definition of a Research Question

• A research question is a clear, focused, and concise query that a researcher aims to answer through their study.
• It stems from a research problem, which highlights an issue or gap in knowledge that needs to be explored.
• The research question must be precise, guiding the methodology and the entire research process.
• This question can be broad or specific, depending on the scope of the research project.
• A specific research question focuses on a narrow aspect of a broad topic, ensuring that the study remains manageable and targeted.
• The research question is crucial because it shapes the literature review, helping the researcher to identify existing studies and gaps in the field.
• A well-formulated research question informs the thesis statement, which outlines the purpose and direction of the research.

Importance of a Strong Research Question

• A strong research question is vital as it determines the entire trajectory of the research.
• Without a focused research question, the research process can become aimless and disorganized.
• The research question helps define the research design, providing the foundation for how data will be collected and analyzed.
• A well-crafted research question ensures that the research project is specific and relevant, guiding the researcher to a meaningful outcome.
• A specific research question is essential for maintaining clarity and focus in the study.
• The research question must align with the research problem, guiding the researcher toward a solution or deeper understanding.
• If the research question is not clear, the resulting findings may be vague and unhelpful to the academic community.
• A strong research question leads to more relevant results and a stronger hypothesis that can be tested through quantitative and qualitative research.

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

• A good research question is specific research that is focused and clear, avoiding overly broad or vague inquiries.
• It must be researchable, meaning it can be answered through the collection and analysis of data.
• The research question must be aligned with the research design, ensuring that the methods chosen are appropriate for answering the question.
• A well-formulated research question addresses a research problem that is significant and contributes to the field.
• The research question must be feasible within the scope of the study, considering time, resources, and access to data.
• It should allow for the development of a clear hypothesis, which can be tested through the chosen research methods.
• A good research question often starts with words like “how,” “why,” or “what,” as these indicate areas of inquiry that are open for exploration.

Creating a research question is a crucial first step in any research project. It sets the stage for the entire research process, providing direction and focus. By ensuring the research question is clear, specific, and aligned with the research design, researchers can develop a strong foundation for their research paper and produce meaningful, impactful results.

How to Write a Research Question?

Crafting a strong research question is a crucial step in any research project. A well-developed research question guides the entire research and writing process. Below, we outline a 5-step guide to help you formulate your research question, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and offer tips for writing effective research questions.

A 5-Step Guide to Create a Research Question

1. Identify a broad topic:
   • Begin by selecting a specific area of study or broad topic that interests you.
   • The research question should be related to this general field but narrow enough to focus on specific aspects.
2. Review existing literature:
   • Explore the existing literature to identify gaps in research.
   • This helps in the development of a research question by ensuring your inquiry is relevant and adds value to the current knowledge base.
3. Narrow your focus:
   • Once you identify a potential research area, narrow it down to a specific question that can be answered through research and writing.
   • The research question should be focused and precise, as an overly broad research question can lead to unfocused research.
4. Consider the research type:
   • Determine whether your research question is suited for a qualitative study or quantitative studies.
   • The research question may involve hypothesis testing in quantitative studies or thematic exploration in qualitative research.
5. Refine your research question:
   • After considering these factors, continue to refine your research question to ensure it is clear and researchable.
   • The research question should be developed by considering its feasibility, resources available, and the time constraints of the study.

Common Mistakes in Formulating Research Questions

• Being too broad:
  • A research question may become ineffective if it’s too general, making it difficult to address within the scope of your dissertation introduction chapter.
  • The research question should aim to address a specific area of study, with focused criteria to guide your research.
• Lack of clarity:
  • Avoid ambiguous wording in your research question. A vague research question leads to unclear objectives and weak conclusions.
• Not aligning with research aims:
  • Ensure the research question aligns with your research aims and objectives. A poorly framed research question may result in unfocused research and incomplete findings.
• Failure to consider research type:
  • The research question may not be suitable for the intended research type, whether qualitative or quantitative. A mismatch can hinder the rigorous research process.

Tips for Writing Effective Research Questions

• Be specific:
  • A research question should be specific to ensure that your study is focused and manageable. It should define the boundaries of the research question.
• Ensure it’s answerable:
  • A research question should seek answers that can be derived from available data and rigorous research methods. It should not be too complex or speculative.
• Formulate a main question:
  • Your research question serves as the main question that will drive the study. It should capture the essence of your research aims and guide the development of a hypothesis.
• Start with clear language:
  • Use straightforward language to make your research question easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary for a clinical research context or similar specialized fields.
• Test the question:
  • Try to phrase your research question in a way that can be tested through quantitative studies or explored in qualitative study formats.

By following these steps, you can crafting a research question that is clear, specific, and answerable, helping you succeed in your research project.

Frameworks for Developing a Research Question

Developing a strong research question is crucial to ensuring the success of your study. Several frameworks can guide you in formulating a research question that is clear, focused, and answerable. Below are some commonly used frameworks for developing a research question.

PICO(T) Framework

• PICO(T) stands for:
  • P: Patient or Population
  • I: Intervention or Exposure
  • C: Comparison (if applicable)
  • O: Outcome
  • T: Time (optional)
  • The PICO(T) framework helps structure a research question primarily used in clinical and healthcare-related research.
• How it helps in formulating a research question:
  • It encourages specificity in defining the patient or population, the intervention or exposure being studied, and the outcomes expected.
  • Example: “In diabetic patients (P), how does diet modification (I) compared to medication (C) affect blood sugar levels (O) over six months (T)?”
  • The research question here is focused on a causal relationship, aiming to compare two interventions.
• Research may be focused on outcomes, making PICO(T) particularly useful in healthcare and public health research.

SPIDER Framework

• SPIDER stands for:
  • S: Sample
  • P: Phenomenon of Interest
  • I: Design
  • D: Evaluation
  • E: Research type
  • R: Research question focus
• How it helps in formulating a research question:
  • The SPIDER framework is ideal for qualitative research, particularly in areas like social sciences and educational research. It emphasizes understanding experiences, perceptions, or social phenomena.
  • Example: “What are the experiences of college students (S) participating in online learning (P) in the context of a global pandemic (I) regarding academic engagement (D)?”
  • This research question seeks to understand the impact of a specific phenomenon rather than focusing on quantitative outcomes.

SMART Framework

• SMART stands for:
  • S: Specific
  • M: Measurable
  • A: Achievable
  • R: Relevant
  • T: Time-bound
• How it helps in formulating a research question:
  • The SMART framework ensures that the research question is clear and feasible. It helps in constructing a research question that is not only well-defined but also measurable, realistic, and achievable within a given timeframe.
  • Example: “What is the impact of a six-week fitness program (S) on weight loss (M) in women aged 30-40 (A), with results assessed over a three-month period (T)?”
  • The research question here is clearly measurable and sets a defined timeframe for analysis.

SWOT Framework

• SWOT stands for:
  • S: Strengths
  • W: Weaknesses
  • O: Opportunities
  • T: Threats
• How it helps in formulating a research question:
  • The SWOT framework is useful in strategic research and when studying the internal and external factors that influence a particular subject.
  • Example: “What are the strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) of using renewable energy sources in urban areas (O) compared to traditional energy (T)?”
  • This research question is designed to explore the comparative advantages and challenges of renewable energy.

By using these frameworks to guide your research question, you ensure that your question is focused, clear, and capable of providing valuable insights. Each framework, from PICO(T) to SWOT, helps in structuring the research question in a way that aligns with your research design, whether qualitative or quantitative. These frameworks are particularly useful when your research may require you to explore complex phenomena or causal relationships.

What are Good and Bad Research Questions in a Thesis?

A well-formulated research question is the backbone of any research project, especially in a thesis. A research question can make or break your study, and it’s crucial to understand what constitutes a good research question and what doesn’t. This section will explore examples of both, as well as criteria for differentiating between them.

Examples of Good Research Questions

• Specific and focused:
  • A good research question should aim to address a narrow issue within a specific area of study.
  • Example: “How does digital learning affect the performance of high school students in mathematics?”
    • This question is clear, specific, and targeted.
• Researchable and answerable:
  • A research question should be one that can be addressed using primary research, existing literature, or quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Example: “What are the impacts of remote work on employee productivity in the technology sector?”
    • This research question can be explored through surveys, interviews, or existing data.
• Aligned with the research design:
  • The research question should complement your research framework and align with your research design.
  • Example: “What are the long-term effects of childhood obesity on public health outcomes?”
    • This question is suitable for mixed-methods research, combining qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Fosters hypotheses and objectives:
  • A good research question sets the stage for the development of hypotheses and research objectives.
  • Example: “What is the relationship between physical activity and mental health in urban adolescents?”
    • This question allows the development of a clear hypothesis and provides direction for the research proposal.

Examples of Bad Research Questions

• Too broad or vague:
  • A bad research question is often too broad or vague, making it difficult to answer within the scope of your study.
  • Example: “What causes health problems?”
    • This is far too general and not focused enough to guide a structured research process.
• Unclear or poorly defined:
  • If the research question is not well-defined, it can confuse the reader and lead to ambiguous research outcomes.
  • Example: “What is health?”
    • This question lacks focus, clarity, and doesn’t specify which aspect of health is being investigated.
• Not feasible or researchable:
  • A bad research question may be unanswerable due to lack of data, time, or resources.
  • Example: “What will the future of technology look like?”
    • While interesting, this research question is speculative and cannot be answered through primary research or reliable data.
• Does not fit the research design:
  • If the research question does not align with the research design, the study may lack cohesion.
  • Example: “How do you feel about politics?”
    • This question is subjective and not appropriate for a quantitative study.

Criteria for Differentiating Good and Bad Research Questions

• Clarity and focus:
  • A good research question is clear and specific, addressing a defined issue. A bad research question is broad, vague, or unclear.
• Researchable and answerable:
  • A good research question can be addressed with the available resources, and can be tested through research methods, while a bad research question is unfeasible or speculative.
• Alignment with research objectives:
  • A good research question directly links to the research objectives and hypotheses. A bad research question may not align with the phases of research or research framework.
• Relevant and original:
  • A good research question addresses an important gap in the existing literature or focuses on overlooked areas. A bad research question may be redundant or irrelevant to the field.

Key Points to Note Regarding these Examples of Good and Bad Research Questions

• Viable research question:
  • A viable research question is one that you can research within the time frame, resources, and scope of your project. Consider your first research question carefully to ensure it’s feasible.
• Questions that extend or complement existing knowledge:
  • A good research question should build upon the preliminary review of related literature, seeking answers to gaps or unexplored areas, while a bad research question may repeat what’s already known.
• Specific research types:
  • The research question should align with your research type (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research). The right approach ensures that your research questions aim at generating valid, actionable results.
• Testing hypotheses:
  • A good research question allows for the testing of hypotheses and drawing meaningful conclusions, while a bad research question may not lead to clear answers or conclusions.

Learning how to write a research question is fundamental to successful research. By understanding the criteria for a good research question, and distinguishing between good and bad research questions, you can develop your research in a clear, focused, and effective manner.

Types of Research Questions

Understanding the different types of research questions is crucial to guiding your study effectively. Whether you’re working on qualitative research, quantitative research, or a mixed-methods research project, your research question shapes the approach and methodology used throughout the research process. Below are the key types of research questions and their distinct characteristics.

Qualitative Research Questions

• Focus on exploration and understanding:
  • Qualitative research questions aim to explore phenomena in depth, focusing on the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of participants.
  • Example: “How do teachers perceive the impact of online learning on student engagement?”
    • This research question seeks to understand subjective experiences and viewpoints.
• Open-ended questions:
  • These questions are typically open-ended and do not have straightforward, yes-or-no answers.
  • A research question in qualitative research often begins with “How,” “Why,” or “What,” such as “What are the challenges faced by students in a blended learning environment?”
• Exploration of processes and context:
  • Qualitative research questions often focus on understanding processes, interactions, or contexts within a specific group or setting.
  • This type of research question seeks to explore in-depth, providing richer, narrative data rather than numerical data.
• Connection to research design:
  • The research question and the research design must align. For example, qualitative research often uses interviews, focus groups, and observations to collect data.

Quantitative Research Questions

• Focus on measurement and numbers:
  • Quantitative research questions are designed to measure variables and quantify relationships or patterns.
  • Example: “What is the relationship between social media usage and academic performance among college students?”
    • This research question involves numerical data and can be answered through surveys or experiments.
• Causal or correlational:
  • These questions may explore cause-and-effect relationships or correlations between variables.
  • A research question in quantitative studies may be causal, such as “Does regular exercise improve mental health in adolescents?”
    • Here, the research question seeks to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Finer criteria for measurement:
  • The research question should be precise enough to allow for statistical analysis. It involves hypotheses that can be tested using statistical methods.
• Clear, structured design:
  • The research question and the research design for quantitative studies are often tightly structured to allow for accurate measurement and analysis.

Mixed Methods Research Questions

• Combination of qualitative and quantitative:
  • Mixed-methods research questions combine elements from both qualitative and quantitative approaches, often using qualitative data to explore a phenomenon and quantitative data to confirm findings.
  • Example: “How does teacher satisfaction influence student performance in online learning environments, and what is the statistical relationship between these two variables?”
    • This research question includes both a qualitative component (exploring teacher satisfaction) and a quantitative component (examining the relationship between satisfaction and performance).
• Research questions that extend knowledge:
  • These questions aim to extend existing knowledge by providing insights through both numeric data and narrative descriptions. They help uncover complex relationships between variables.
  • A research question in a mixed-methods study can include both descriptive and causal elements, addressing multiple dimensions of a research problem.
• In-depth investigation:
  • Mixed-methods research allows researchers to explore a research question from multiple angles, offering both broad statistical insights and deeper contextual understanding.
• Development of a single or second research question:
  • In mixed-methods studies, researchers may develop a single research question with components that require both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Alternatively, a second research question may focus on exploring the data in more detail after the primary quantitative analysis.

Type of research question you choose dictates your research design and methodology. Whether you are conducting educational research, public health research, or exploring other fields, your research question is central to guiding the development of your study and determining the most effective approach to data collection and analysis.

How to Develop a Strong Research Question?

A well-developed research question is critical for any research project. It guides the entire study, ensuring that the research stays focused and results in meaningful findings. Below are the essential steps to help you develop a strong research question.

Identifying Your Research Topic

• Choose a broad area of interest:
  • Start by identifying a broad topic that interests you. Your research question will emerge from this area as you begin to narrow it down.
  • Example: “Education,” “public health,” or “environmental science” could serve as general fields where your research question will develop.
• Narrow down the focus:
  • Once you’ve selected a broad topic, narrow it to a specific aspect. A research question must be specific and manageable.
  • Example: If you are interested in public health research, narrow it down to “How does physical activity impact mental health in adolescents?”
• Consider existing gaps:
  • Look for areas that have limited research or are under-explored. Identifying gaps in the literature and overlooked areas can help in formulating a valuable research question.

Conducting Preliminary Research

• Explore existing literature:
  • Before formulating your research question, conduct a preliminary review of existing studies to understand what has already been done in the field.
  • This will help you see where your research question fits in and where it can contribute new insights.
• Identify potential research questions:
  • Based on your initial research, identify potential research questions that address gaps in the literature or questions that haven’t been thoroughly explored.
  • Example: If previous studies have focused on adults, a research question might be, “What impact does physical activity have on adolescent mental health?”
• Refine your approach:
  • As you review the literature, refine your research question to ensure it is researchable and relevant.

Refining and Developing Research Question

• Make the question clear and focused:
  • Your research question should be clear and concise. Avoid vague language or overly broad inquiries that cannot be answered within the scope of your study.
  • Example: “How does exercise impact adolescent well-being?” is clearer and more focused than a broad question like “What affects adolescent health?”
• Ensure the question is feasible:
  • Your research question should be researchable within your available time, resources, and scope of the study.
  • Example: In a quantitative research project, you could assess the relationship between exercise frequency and mental health using surveys or statistical analysis.
• Consider causal relationships:
  • If appropriate, your research question may explore causal relationships, especially in quantitative research. Questions like “Does exercise improve mental health?” may be a good fit.

Factors to Consider When Constructing a Research Question

• Research design:
  • The research question should align with the research design. If you’re working on a quantitative study, the research question should lend itself to statistical testing. For qualitative studies, it should explore experiences or perceptions.
• Relevance to the field:
  • Your research question should aim to contribute meaningful knowledge to the field of study. It should be significant, offering insights into areas that matter to your audience.
• Clarity and specificity:
  • A research question is most effective when it is clear and specific. Avoid overly complex or broad questions that make it difficult to draw conclusions. A well-defined research question can guide your entire project.
• Testability:
  • Ensure your research question can be tested or explored through methods that are appropriate for your research type. Whether you’re focusing on causal relationships or exploratory insights, the research question must be researchable.

By following these steps, you can develop a strong research question that will guide your study, ensuring it is focused, relevant, and manageable. Keep in mind the finer criteria for crafting a research question, such as its alignment with your research design, feasibility, and the contribution it can make to the field.

Examples of Research Questions

A well-formed research question is critical to the success of any study. It helps guide the research process, ensuring that the study remains focused and produces valuable insights. Below, we explore research question examples across various fields, discuss strong research questions in case studies, and analyze how to evaluate research questions in academic writing.

Research Question Examples in Different Fields

• Social Sciences:
  • Example: “How do social media platforms affect the mental health of teenagers?”
  • This research question seeks to understand a complex social issue and is typically explored through qualitative methods.
• Education:
  • Example: “What impact does online learning have on student engagement in high school classrooms?”
  • Here, the research question can be explored using quantitative counterparts, like surveys and statistical analysis.
• Health and Medicine:
  • Example: “Does exercise reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged adults?”
  • This research question may be causal, aiming to identify a relationship between physical activity and health outcomes, ideal for quantitative studies.
• Environmental Science:
  • Example: “What are the effects of urbanization on local biodiversity?”
  • This research question involves both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the environmental impacts of urbanization.

Case Studies: Strong Research Questions

• Public Health:
  • Example: “How does access to clean drinking water influence the health outcomes in rural communities?”
  • This research question is clear, specific, and provides a strong basis for research, focusing on a measurable outcome.
• Business and Economics:
  • Example: “What factors influence consumer buying behavior during an economic downturn?”
  • The research question here is focused on causal relationships, guiding the development of hypotheses for analysis.

Analyzing Research Questions in Academic Writing

• Clarity and Focus:
  • A research question should be clear and specific, allowing the researcher to concentrate on answering a particular issue.
• Testability:
  • The research question must be measurable and capable of being answered through research, whether through quantitative counterparts or qualitative methods.
• Research Design:
  • The research question means a defined approach to answering it. The question and the research design must align, ensuring that the chosen methods can address the research question effectively.

By considering the examples provided and understanding the structure of a strong research question, researchers can better navigate the process of creating a meaningful and focused inquiry for their studies.