#research question

#How to formulate a good research question

Introduction Top

Now that you are doing your own research, you need to formulate or consider your own question or questions to be answered. A good research question helps to:

• guide the research process
• construct a logical argument
• write a literature review
• plan thesis chapters
• devise efficient search strategies.

In this module, six properties are introduced, which you are asked to consider, and use to write a notional research question. The activity will help in writing a good research question, or help in reflecting on a research question you already have.

The end result does not necessarily need to be the exact question you will personally use for your thesis. You might revise and refine your own question throughout your research as you come to a more sophisticated understanding of your topic and target a more specific area of scholarship. Rather, the end result should be a research question relevant to your discipline, that applies the six properties. In this way, this section will help you not only to reflect on research questions in general, but also on the relationship of your research question with broader areas such as research scope, searching objectives, and logical thesis writing.

Background reading Top

This chapter informs the content of this module.

Foss, S. K. Waters, W. J. C. (2007). Advice from other travelers: The literature review. In S. K. Foss W. J. C. Waters (Eds.), Destination dissertation: A traveler's guide to a done dissertation (pp. 75-112). Lanham: Rowman Littlefield. [Download reading from list ]

The six properties

A well defined research question:

1. identifies the theoretical construct you want to learn more about
2. displays recognizability and assists you to code literature according to a logical structure
3. transcends the data used to conduct the research
4. draws attention to the significance of the research
5. has the capacity to surprise the researcher as they research
6. encourages a complex answer (i.e. not a 'yes' or 'no' response).

A good research question identifies the theoretical construct, transcends the data and has recognisability, significance, robustness and the capacity to surprise.

Difference between a research question, title, hypothesis research focus

A research question is not the same as a thesis title, research problem, hypothesis or research focus, although they are interrelated and support one another. To further define these elements:

• A research question summarises the significant issue your research will investigate.
• The title consists of the topic and outcome of a research project.
• The research problem explains the knowledge gap your research will address.
• A hypothesis is a predicted answer to the research question that can be tested and is based on prior research.
• A research focus specifies the scope or domain of inquiry.

Summary

This section talked about the research question and introduced properties to be considered for writing a good one.