Unlocking the Research Puzzle

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Importance of a Research Question
3. Features of a Good Research Question
   • Relevance
   • Manageability
   • Specificity
   • Measurability
   • Clarity
   • Interestingness
   • Legitimacy
   • Investigability
4. Steps to Formulate a Research Question
   • Identify the Broad Subject of Interest
   • Research the General Topic
   • Narrow Down the Topic with How and Why Questions
   • Make the Question Specific and Measurable
   • Consider Open-endedness
   • Focus on the Construct and Application
   • Address the "So What?" Factor
   • Use Sample Research Question Language
5. Drafting a Purpose Statement
6. Revising the Research Question
7. Example of Formulating a Research Question
8. Conclusion
9. Additional Resources

Importance of a Research Question

The research question is a crucial component of any research project. It serves as a guiding force, directing the entire research process towards finding answers and generating knowledge. A well-formulated research question ensures that the research focuses on relevant and significant issues, allowing researchers to delve deep into the subject matter. In this article, we will explore the features of a good research question and provide step-by-step guidance on how to formulate an effective research question that aligns with the research objectives.

Features of a Good Research Question

Relevance

A good research question must be relevant to the research being conducted. It should address an issue or problem that is within the scope of the research project. By ensuring relevance, researchers can maintain a clear focus and avoid unnecessary diversions from the main research objective.

Manageability

The manageability of a research question refers to its feasibility within the given resources, time frame, and scope of the study. The question should strike a balance between being comprehensive enough to cover the necessary aspects and being narrow enough to allow for detailed investigation.

Specificity

A good research question should be specific rather than general. It should clearly define the variables and factors being studied, allowing for precise data collection and analysis. A specific research question enables researchers to generate focused and actionable findings.

Measurability

The research question should be measurable, meaning that it should allow for the collection and analysis of empirical data. Measurability ensures that the research question can be answered using objective evidence, contributing to the overall validity and reliability of the research findings.

Clarity

Clarity is essential in a research question as it ensures that both the readers and researchers can understand the objective of the study. The question should be clear and concise, conveying the intended meaning without ambiguity or confusion. A clear research question facilitates effective communication and comprehension.

Interestingness

An interesting research question attracts the attention and curiosity of readers and researchers. It should stimulate intellectual engagement and offer the potential for novel insights or valuable contributions to the field of study. An interesting research question enhances the overall significance of the research project.

Legitimacy

A research question should adhere to the principles of academic integrity and be based on sound theoretical and empirical foundations. It should aim to investigate a legitimate and well-researched issue within the chosen field of study. Legitimacy establishes the credibility and validity of the research question.

Investigability

An investigable research question is one that can be explored and answered through empirical research. It should be feasible to collect the necessary data, analyze it appropriately, and draw meaningful conclusions. Investigability ensures that the research question is practical and aligned with the available research methods and resources.

Steps to Formulate a Research Question

1. Identify the Broad Subject of Interest: Begin by determining the general area or topic of interest that your research pertains to. If you already have data, use it to identify the broader subject. If you do not have data yet, focus on the overarching theme or subject matter.

2. Research the General Topic: Conduct a literature review and gather information on the general topic to understand existing knowledge and research gaps. This will help you identify potential research questions that have not been adequately addressed.

3. Narrow Down the Topic with How and Why Questions: Refine your research focus by asking "how" and "why" questions related to the general topic. These questions will enable you to explore the underlying causes, mechanisms, or processes at work.

4. Make the Question Specific and Measurable: Transform your broad research question into a specific and measurable one. Define the variables, factors, or phenomena you want to study, ensuring that they can be observed or measured effectively.

5. Consider Open-endedness: Ensure that your research question allows for open-ended exploration. Avoid questions that can be straightforwardly answered with a simple "yes" or "no" or a specific number. Open-ended questions promote in-depth analysis and interpretation.

6. Focus on the Construct and Application: Ensure that your research question goes beyond the data and engages with the underlying theoretical construct or concept. Consider how your research question will contribute to your field and its practical implications.

7. Address the "So What?" Factor: Continuously evaluate the significance of your research question by asking "so what?" This will help you establish the broader relevance and importance of your research to both the academic community and society at large.

8. Use Sample Research Question Language: Utilize question forms such as "what," "how," "why," and "does" to structure your research question. Additionally, incorporate interpretive language that highlights the significance of your research findings.

Throughout this process, it is essential to revise and refine your research question, ensuring that it aligns with the purpose and scope of your study. By following these steps, you can formulate a research question that drives your research forward and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in your field.

Drafting a Purpose Statement

Once you have formulated your research question, it is important to draft a purpose statement. The purpose statement explains why you are investigating the research question and what you aim to achieve through your study. It provides a clear and concise overview of the objectives and goals of your research.

A purpose statement typically begins with phrases like "The purpose of this study is to..." or "This research aims to investigate, determine, establish..." By drafting a purpose statement, you solidify the rationale and intention behind your research, guiding your methodology and analysis.

Revising the Research Question

After formulating the purpose statement, revisit your research question to ensure that it aligns with the intended purpose and scope. Make any necessary revisions to ensure that the question remains clear, specific, measurable, and relevant. A well-aligned research question and purpose statement create a strong foundation for your study.

Example of Formulating a Research Question

To illustrate the process of formulating a research question, let's consider the example of studying the causes of cyberbullying among young Australians in a specific location and time frame.

Broad Topic: Cyberbullying General Topic Research: Explore existing literature and data on cyberbullying to identify potential research gaps.

Narrowed Topic: Environmental Factors Influencing Cyberbullying in Young Australians Research Question: What are the social and environmental factors that occurred in Parkville between January and July, contributing to the increasing prevalence of cyberbullying among young Australians?

This research question is specific, measurable, and open-ended. It focuses on the causal factors while considering the broader theme of cyberbullying. The question allows for investigation and analysis, aligning with the purpose of determining the causes of cyberbullying.

Conclusion

Formulating a research question is a critical step in any research project. It sets the direction, scope, and purpose of the study, guiding researchers towards important insights and contributions. By considering the features of a good research question and following the step-by-step process described in this article, researchers can develop research questions that are relevant, specific, measurable, and meaningful. So take time to carefully craft your research question and embark on a productive and impactful research journey.

Additional Resources

For further information and guidance on developing a research question, consider the following resources:

• University of Melbourne - Developing a Research Question
• Dartmouth College - Formulating the Research Question
• University of California, Berkeley - Research Question and Methodology