Research Questions
Writing good research questions is crucial for conducting effective research. Here are some important things to remember when crafting research questions:
Be clear and specific:
Clearly state the objective of your research and ensure that your research question is specific and focused. Avoid vague or overly broad questions that can lead to confusion or lack of direction.
Ensure relevance:
Your research question should address a topic or problem that is relevant to your field of study or area of interest. Consider the significance and potential impact of your research question within the larger context.
Consider feasibility:
Assess the feasibility of your research question in terms of available resources, time constraints, and ethical considerations. Ensure that the question is answerable within the limitations of your research project.
Formulate a single question:
Ideally, your research question should be concise and framed as a single, clear question. Avoid combining multiple questions or introducing unnecessary complexity.
Align with existing knowledge:
Familiarize yourself with existing literature and research related to your topic. Ensure that your research question builds upon prior knowledge, addresses existing gaps, or offers a new perspective.
Use appropriate language:
Your research question should use clear and unambiguous language that is appropriate for your field. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to your target audience.
Consider the research design:
Think about the type of research design you will employ (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) and tailor your research question accordingly. Different research designs may require different types of questions.
Reflect on the scope:
Consider the scope of your research question and determine whether it is too narrow or too broad. Strive for a balance that allows you to explore the topic in sufficient depth while remaining manageable.
Open-ended:
Construct questions that allow for exploration and generate discussion. Avoid yes/no questions, as they may limit the depth of analysis.
Remember that research questions evolve during the research process, and it is common to refine or adjust them based on new information or findings. Flexibility and adaptability are important qualities to maintain throughout your research journey.
You may watch the video of JEFFRY OCAY, PhD, Full Professor 4,
Eastern Visayas State University for an in- depth discussion.
[Back]