Writing A Good Research Question

Writing a Good Research Question
The following unit will discuss the basics of how to develop a good research questions and will provide examples of well-designed
questions.
Learning Objectives:
 Identify the process for writing meaningful research questions.
 Evaluate research questions.
Developing a good research question is one of the first critical steps in the research process. The research question, when
appropriately written, will guide the research project and assist in the construction of a logical argument. The research question
should be a clear, focused question that summarizes the issue that the researcher will investigate.
How to Develop a Good Research Question:

 Researchers should begin by identifying a broader subject of interest that lends itself to investigation. For example, a
researcher may be interested in childhood obesity.
 The next step is to do preliminary research on the general topic to find out what research has already been done and what
literature already exists. How much research has been done on childhood obesity? What types of studies? Is there a
unique area that yet to be investigated or is there a particular question that may be worth replicating? The following video
may be helpful in learning how to choose appropriate keywords and search online
databases: https://youtu.be/233DzkmimV4?t=4s
 Then begin to narrow the topic by asking open-ended "how" and "why" questions. For example, a researcher may want to
consider the factors that are contributing to childhood obesity or the success rate of intervention programs. Create a list of
potential questions for consideration and choose one that interests you and provides an opportunity for exploration.
 Finally, evaluate the question by using the following list of guidelines:
 Is the research question one that is of interest to the researcher and potentially to others? Is it a new issue or
problem that needs to be solved or is it attempting to shed light on previously researched topic.
 Is the research question researchable? Consider the available time frame and the required resources. Is the
methodology to conduct the research feasible?
 Is the research question measureable and will the process produce data that can be supported or contradicted?
 Is the research question too broad or too narrow?
Examples of research questions:
Considering the information above, the following provides examples of flawed research questions as well as
questions that are well-designed:
Too narrow: What is the childhood obsesity rate Less narrow: How does the education level of the
in Pheonix, AZ? parents impact childhood obesity rates in Pheonix,
This is too narrow because it can be answered with AZ?
a simple statistic. Questions that can be answered This question demonstrates the correct amount of
with a "yes" or a "no" should also typically be specificity and the results would provide the
avoided. opportunity for an argument to be formed.
Unfocused and too broad: What are the effects More focused: How does childhood obesity
of childhood obesity in the United States? correlate with academic performance in
This question is so broad that research elementary school children?
methodology would be very difficult and the This question has a very clear focus for which data
question is too broad to be discussed in a typical can be collected, analyzed, and discussed.
research paper.
Too objective: How much time do young children More Subjective: What is the relationship
spend doing physical activity per day? between physical activity levels and childhood
This question may allow the researcher to collect obesity?
data but does not lend itself to collecting data that This is a more subjective question that may lead to
can be used to create a valid argument because the the formation of an argument based on the results
data is just factual information. and analysis of the data.
Too simple: How are school systems addressing More Complex: What are the effects of
childhood obesity? intervention programs in the elementary schools on
This information can be obtained without the need the rate of childhood obesity among 3rd - 6th grade
to collect unique data. The question could be students?
answered with a simple online search and does not This question is more complex and requires both
provide an opportunity for analysis. investigation and evaluation which will lead the
research to form an argument that may be
discussed.
Research Tutorials
 Why Research?
 Generating Ideas
 Writing a Good Research Question
 Developing a Research Proposal
 APA Style
 Literature Review
 Basic Research Designs
 Sampling & Variables
 Practical Considerations
 Research Participants
 Ethical Considerations
 Data Sources
 Data Management
 Disseminating Your Findings
 Components of a Research Paper

 Effective Poster Presentations
 Effective Oral Presentations
Resource Links
What Makes a Good Research Question? - Having trouble finding or deciding on a research question? This journal article
provides some tips.
 http://jeps.efpsa.org/blog/2012/09/10/what-makes-a-good-research-question/
Formulating a Research Question -This resources provides specific examples of good research question and addresses the
difference between a research topic and a research question.
 https://libraries.indiana.edu/sites/default/files/Develop_a_Research_Question.pdf
The Relationship Between the Research Question, Hypotheses, Specific Aims, and Long-Term Goals of the Project
- This link will explain how the research question should be developed to guide the creation of the hypotheses and the research
project.
 http://www.theresearchassistant.com/tutorial/2-1.asp
How to Write a Good Research Question - Review examples of correctly written research questions.
 http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/?p=307
Research Questions and Hypotheses - This book chapter takes an in-depth look at the principles used to design and write
research questions and hypotheses for qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research and describes the differences in
approaches based upon the type of research.
 http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/22782_Chapter_7.pdf
Suggested Readings
 Alon, U. (2009). How to choose a good scientific problem. Molecular Cell, 35, 726-728.
 Cox, C. (2012). What makes for good research? [Editorial] International Journal of Ophthalmic Practice, 3(1), 3.
 Taylor, D. (1999). Introduction to Research Methods. medicine, 319, 1618.

Writing A Good Research Question

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Writing A Good Research Question

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Writing A Good Research Question

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Writing a Good Research Question

How to Develop a Good Research Question:

 Writing a Good Research Question

 Developing a Research Proposal

 Basic Research Designs

 Sampling & Variables

 Disseminating Your Findings

 Components of a Research Paper

 Effective Oral Presentations

You might also like