Developing Research Questions

What is the purpose of formulating clear research questions?

• To complicate the study

• The purpose of formulating clear research questions is to define the scope of the study, guide the research process, ensure focus and relevance, and facilitate data collection and analysis.

• To hinder data collection

• To confuse researchers

How can you narrow down a broad research topic to a specific research question?

• Use vague and general terms in formulating the research question

• Identify key concepts, conduct preliminary research, brainstorm potential questions, and refine to be specific.

• Skip the preliminary research and directly choose a question

• Select a topic completely unrelated to the initial research area

Explain the importance of having a focused research question in a research study.

• A focused research question is unnecessary for a successful study

• Having a vague research question leads to better outcomes

• A focused research question is crucial for guiding the research process, ensuring clarity in study objectives, facilitating data collection and analysis, and obtaining meaningful results.

• Research questions should be broad and open-ended

What are the characteristics of a well-formulated research question?

• Narrow, biased, unfeasible, unimportant

• Vague, irrelevant, insignificant, broad

• Ambiguous, unanswerable, unrelated, general

• Clear, specific, feasible, relevant, significant, focused, answerable, based on existing knowledge gaps

Why is it essential to have a research question that is specific and concise?

• A broad research question leads to more accurate results

• A lengthy research question is more appealing to readers

• A vague research question allows for more flexibility

• Having a specific and concise research question is essential to provide clarity, focus, and direction to the research study.

Discuss the role of research questions in guiding the research process.

• Research questions help define the scope, focus, and direction of the study.

• Research questions are only necessary in qualitative studies

• Research questions limit the creativity of the researcher

• Research questions are irrelevant in the research process

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when formulating research questions?

• Avoid being too broad or too narrow, using biased language, asking leading questions, and not considering the feasibility of the research.

• Being too vague or too specific

• Using neutral language

• Asking open-ended questions

Explain the difference between a research topic and a research question.

• A research topic is broad, while a research question is specific.

• A research topic is specific, while a research question is broad.

• A research topic is detailed, while a research question is general.

• A research topic is focused, while a research question is broad.