Research Question

A research question is a specific inquiry which the research seeks to provide a response to[1]. This
question often addresses an issue or a problem, which, through analysis and interpretation of data,
is answered in the study’s conclusion[2]. It resides at the core of systematic investigation and it
helps us to clearly define a path for the research process. A research question is usually the first
step in any research project. Basically, it is the primary interrogation point of our research and it
sets the pace for our work[1]. In most studies, the research question is written so that it outlines
various aspects of the study, including the population and variables to be studied and the problem
the study addresses.
As their name implies, research questions are often grounded on research. As a result, these
questions are dynamic; this means researchers can change or refine the research question as they
review related literature and develop a framework for the study. While many research projects will
focus on a single research question, larger studies often use more than one research question[2].
Typically, a research question focuses on the research, determines the methodology and
hypothesis, and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting. With the right research
questions, we will be able to gather useful information for your investigation[1].

Importance of the research question

The primary importance of framing the research question is that it narrows down a broad topic of
interest into a specific area of study (Creswell, 2014). Research questions, along with hypotheses,
also serve as a guiding framework for research. These questions also specifically reveal the
boundaries of the study, setting its limits, and ensuring cohesion.
Moreover, the research question has a domino effect on the rest of the study. These questions
influence factors, such as the research methodology, sample size, data collection, and data analysis
(Lipowski, 2008)[2].

Types of Research Questions

Research questions can be classified into different categories, depending on the type of research
to be done. Knowing what type of research one wants to do—quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-
methods studies—can help in determining the best type of research question to use[2].
Doody and Bailey (2016) suggest a number of common types of research questions, as outlined
below:

Quantitative Research Questions

Quantitative research questions are questions that are used to gather quantifiable data from
research subjects. These types of research questions are usually more specific and direct because
they aim at collecting information that can be measured; that is, statistical information[1].

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These questions typically include the population to be studied, dependent and independent
variables, and the research design to be used. They are usually framed and finalized at the start of
the study (Berger, 2015).
Quantitative research questions also establish a link between the research question and the research
design. Moreover, these questions are not answerable with “yes” or “no” responses. As a result,
quantitative research questions don’t use words such as “is,” “are,” “do,” or “does”[2].

Types of Quantitative Research Questions

They can be further categorized into three types: descriptive, comparative, and relationship.
Descriptive research questions aim to measure the responses of a study’s population to one or
more variables or describe variables that the research will measure. These questions typically begin
with “what”.
Comparative research questions aim to discover the differences between two or more groups for
an outcome variable. These questions can be causal, as well. For instance, the researcher may
compare a group where a certain variable is involved and another group where that variable is not
present.
Relationship research questions seek to explore and define trends and interactions between two
or more variables. These questions often include both dependent and independent variables and
use words such as “association” or “trends”[2].

Qualitative Research Questions

A qualitative research question is a type of systematic inquiry that aims at collecting qualitative
data from research subjects. The aim of qualitative research questions is to gather non-statistical
information pertaining to the experiences, observations, and perceptions of the research subjects
in line with the objectives of the investigation[1].
Qualitative research questions may concern broad areas of research or more specific areas of study.
Similar to quantitative research questions, qualitative research questions are linked to research
design. Unlike their quantitative counterparts, though, qualitative research questions are usually
adaptable, non-directional, and more flexible (Creswell, 2013). As a result, studies using these
questions generally aim to “discover,” “explain,” or “explore”[2].

Types of Qualitative Research Questions

Ritchie et al. (2014) and Marshall and Rossman (2011) have also further categorized qualitative
research questions into a number of types, as listed below:
Contextual research questions seek to describe the nature of what already exists.
Descriptive research questions attempt to describe a phenomenon.

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Emancipatory research questions aim to produce knowledge that allows for engagement in
social action, especially for the benefit of disadvantaged people.
Evaluative research questions assess the effectiveness of existing methods or paradigms.
Explanatory research questions seek to expound on a phenomenon or examine reasons for and
associations between what exists.
Exploratory research questions investigate little-known areas of a particular topic.
Generative research questions aim to provide new ideas for the development of theories and
actions.
Ideological research questions are used in research that aims to advance specific ideologies of a
position[2].

Mixed-methods studies
Mixed-methods studies typically require a set of both quantitative and qualitative research
questions. Separate questions are appropriate when the mixed-methods study focuses on the
significance and differences in quantitative and qualitative methods and not on the study’s
integrative component (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010).
Researchers also have the option to develop a single mixed-methods research question. According
to Tashakkori and Teddlie (2010), this suggests an integrative process or component between the
study’s quantitative and qualitative research methods[2].

A Good Research Question

Since research questions lie at the core of any systematic investigations, it is important to know
how to frame a good research question. The right research questions will help us to gather the most
objective responses that are useful to our systematic investigation.
A good research question is one that requires impartial responses and can be answered via existing
sources of information. Also, a good research question seeks answers that actively contribute to a
body of knowledge; hence, it is a question that is yet to be answered in our specific research
context[1].

Steps to Developing a Good Research Question

Broadly, a good research question should be relevant, decided, and meaningful (Stone, 2002).
Creating a research question can be a tricky process, but there is a specific method we can follow
to ease the process. The steps to this method are outlined below:

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1. Start with a broad topic
A broad topic provides writers with plenty of avenues to explore in their search for a viable
research question. Techniques to help us develop a topic into subtopics and potential research
questions include brainstorming and concept mapping. These techniques can organize our thoughts
so we can identify connections and relevant themes within a broad topic.
When searching for a topic, it’s wise to choose an area of study that we are genuinely interested
in, since our interest in a topic will affect our motivation levels throughout our research. It’s also
wise to consider the interests being addressed recently by the research community, as this may
affect our paper’s chances of getting published.

2. Preliminary research to learn about topical issues

Once we have picked a topic, we can start doing preliminary research. This initial stage of research
accomplishes two goals. First, a preliminary review of related literature allow us to discover issues
that are currently being discussed by scholars and fellow researchers. This way, we get up-to-date,
relevant knowledge on our topic.
Second, a preliminary review of related literature allows us to spot existing gaps or limitations in
existing knowledge of our topic. With a certain amount of fine-tuning, we can later use these gaps
as the focus of our research question.

3. Narrowing down of the topic and determination of potential research questions

Once we have gathered enough knowledge on the topic we want to pursue, we can start focusing
on a more specific area of study. One option is to focus on gaps in existing knowledge or recent
literature. Referred to by Sandberg and Alvesson (2011) as “gap-spotting,” this method involves
constructing research questions out of identified limitations in literature and overlooked areas of
study. Similarly, researchers can choose research questions that extend or complement the findings
of existing literature.
Another way of identifying and constructing research questions: problematization (Sandberg &
Alvesson, 2011). As a methodology for constructing research questions, problematization aims to
challenge and scrutinize assumptions that support others’ and the researcher’s theoretical position.
This means constructing research questions that challenge our views or knowledge of the area of
study.
Lipowski (2008), on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of taking into consideration the
researcher’s personal experiences in the process of developing a research question. Researchers
who are also practitioners, for instance, can reflect on problematic areas of their practice. Patterns
and trends in practice may also provide new insights and potential ideas for research questions.

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4. Evaluation of the soundness of the research question
Our initial research and review of related literature will have produced some interesting questions
that seem like they’re worth pursuing. However, not all interesting questions make for sound
research questions. It should kept in mind that a research question draws its answer or conclusion
through an analysis of evidence.
Hulley et al. (2007) suggest using a set of criteria- known as the “FINER” criteria-to find out if we
have a good research question. The FINER criteria are outlined below:
F – Feasible
A good research question is feasible, which means that the question is well within the researcher’s
ability to investigate. Researchers should be realistic about the scale of their research as well as
their ability to collect data and complete the research with their skills and the resources available
to them. It’s also wise to have a contingency plan in place in case problems arise.
I – Interesting
The ideal research question is interesting not only to the researcher but also to their peers and
community. This interest boosts the researcher’s motivation to see the question answered.
N – Novel
Research question should be developed to bring new insights to the field of study we are
investigating. The question may confirm or extend previous findings on the topic we are
researching, for instance.
E – Ethical
This is one of the more important considerations of making a research question. Our research
question and our subsequent study must be something that review boards and the appropriate
authorities will approve.
R – Relevant
Aside from being interesting and novel, the research question should be relevant to the scientific
community and people involved in the area of study. If possible, Research question should also be
relevant to the public’s interest.

5. Construction of research question properly

Research questions should be structured properly to ensure clarity. There are a number of
frameworks that can be used for properly constructing a research question. The two most
commonly used frameworks are explained below:

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PICOT framework
The PICOT framework was first introduced in 1995 by Richardson et al. Using the PICOT
framework; research questions can be constructed to address important elements of the study,
including the population to be studied, the expected outcomes, and the time it takes to achieve the
outcome. With these elements, the framework is more commonly used in clinical research and
evidence-based studies.
P – Population, patients, or problem
I – Intervention or indicator being studied
C – Comparison group
O – Outcome of interest
T – Timeframe of the study

PEO framework
Like the PICOT framework, the PEO framework is commonly used in clinical studies as well.
However, this framework is more useful for qualitative research questions. This framework
includes these elements:
P – Population being studied
E – Exposure to preexisting conditions
O – Outcome of interest[2].

A Research Question about current Covid-19 crisis in Bangladesh

What psychological and socio-economic changes happened due to Covid-19 pandemic in
Bangladesh and what are the effects of it on mental health condition, healthcare systems, socio-
economic issues and immediate emerging issues?

Justification of my Research Question

Pros or advantages of my Research Question
 The question is well and within my ability to investigate.
 It is a realistic study and the resources are available.
 Most of the items of my research need no technical stuff.
 This research cost a small amount of money.
 It will be interesting to my peers and the community because by their participation they
represent the condition of the whole country to the world and many person are curious
about research and it’s a new thing to them.

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  I think my research question will confirm the previous finding on this question and will
extend more information.
 There are no unethical subject in my research question and hope institutional review board
will approve it.
 It is relevant to scientific knowledge and scientific community.
 It is relevant to clinical and health policy.
 It is relevant to the public’s interest and people involved in the area of study.
 It is relevant to future research because Covid-19 is still now an alarming issue.

Cons or disadvantages of my Research Question

 Adequate number of subjects can’t be possible because person who got psychologically
disturbed due to Covid-19 can refuse to give information or participate in the research.
 Technical staff are needed for determining the effects of Covid-19 on healthcare systems,
mental health condition and immediate emerging issues.
 An adorable amount of money needed for maintenance of technical staff.
 This research need a long time period.
 It is not interesting to a certain community like mentally and economically disturbed
people.
From the pros and cons of my research question, it can be said that my research question is not
fully or mostly feasible but feasible partly or to some extent; interesting to most of the person; it
is novel and ethical; and relevant to most of the area, subject and personnel.
So, this can be considered as almost a good research question but some further modification is
needed to turn it into a good research question.

Conclusion
The success of a research starts with framing the right questions to help collecting the most valid
and objective responses. It should be sure to avoid bad research questions like loaded and negative
questions that can be misleading and adversely affect the research data and outcomes.
The research questions should clearly reflect the aims and objectives of the systematic
investigation while laying emphasis on specific contexts[1].

References
1. Formplus, 2021. Research Questions: Definitions, Types + [Examples]. Available at:
<https://www.formpl.us/blog/research-question> [Accessed 23 September 2021].
2. Bouchrika, I., 2021. How to Write a Research Question: Types, Steps, and Examples. [online]
Available at: <https://research.com/research/how-to-write-a-research-question> [Accessed 23
September 2021].

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