Crafting Effective Research Questions

What is a research question?

• A research question is a summary of previous studies.

• A research question is a random guess about a topic.

• A research question is a statement of facts.

• A research question is a specific inquiry that guides a research study.

Why is it important to have a clear research question?

• It eliminates the need for data collection.

• It is important to have a clear research question because it focuses the research, guides methodology, and ensures relevant findings.

• It guarantees funding for the project.

• It helps in selecting the research team.

How can you identify a topic for your research question?

• Identify your interests, review literature, find gaps, consider trends, and narrow down to specific questions.

• Pick a topic that has already been extensively researched

• Select a topic based on popular opinion

• Choose a random topic from the internet

What are the characteristics of a good research question?

• Ambiguity and vagueness

• Characteristics of a good research question include clarity, focus, researchability, relevance, and complexity.

• Lack of relevance to the field

• Simplicity and ease of understanding

How does a research question guide your research process?

• A research question is irrelevant to the research process.

• A research question only affects the conclusion of the study.

• A research question is solely for academic purposes and has no impact on methodology.

• A research question guides the research process by defining the focus, shaping methodology, and ensuring relevance.

What is the difference between a research question and a hypothesis?

• A research question is always a yes or no question, while a hypothesis is a detailed explanation.

• A research question is only used in qualitative research, while a hypothesis is used in quantitative research.

• A research question is a statement, while a hypothesis is a question.

• The difference is that a research question identifies what you want to study, whereas a hypothesis predicts the relationship or outcome based on that question.

Can a research question be too broad? Why or why not?

• A broad research question is always beneficial.

• No, a research question cannot be too broad.

• Research questions should be as vague as possible.

• Yes, a research question can be too broad.

How can you narrow down a research question?

• Identify a broad topic, focus on specific aspects, refine for clarity, and assess feasibility.

• Select a question from a textbook

• Choose a random topic

• Ignore the research context

What role does background research play in formulating a research question?

• Background research is only necessary for quantitative studies.

• Background research is irrelevant to the research process.

• Background research is essential for formulating a research question as it identifies gaps in knowledge and informs the relevance and focus of the inquiry.

• Background research is primarily used for data collection.

How can you ensure your research question is specific and measurable?

• Choose a broad topic to explore

• Define key variables and population, and specify data collection methods and metrics.

• Use only qualitative data without metrics

• Avoid defining any variables or population