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Developing Questions from Research

Problems

In: Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research

By: Derek Layder

Pub. Date: 2014

Access Date: December 15, 2019

Publishing Company: SAGE Publications Ltd

City: London

Print ISBN: 9781849201834

Online ISBN: 9781473913936

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781473913936

Print pages: 39-56

This PDF has been generated from SAGE Research Methods. Please note that the pagination of the

online version will vary from the pagination of the print book.

https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781473913936

Developing Questions from Research Problems

Preview

This chapter covers the following:

• What is problem-driven research?

• The difference between problem-questions and topic-questions

• Research questions and research design

• Key problem questions

• Developing and refining research questions

• Defining the range of topic-questions

• Shaping specific topic-questions

• Limiting the number of topic-questions

• Deciding on core research questions

• Tightening up research questions

The adaptive approach taps into the unfolding nature of the research process by flexibly responding to

unanticipated data, evidence, concepts and ideas. However, in many other respects it is quite unlike the

model of ‘unfolding’ research described by Punch (2008: 22–7). One fundamental difference is that it stresses

the need to develop and hone research questions right from the word go – before data collection – in order

to inject shape and direction into a project. But another difference is that it centralises the idea of research

as problem-driven. Many methods texts stress the importance of research questions (Blaikie 2009; Creswell

2009; Punch 2008) for providing early structure to a project. However, there is no mention of the role of

(explanatory) problems in framing the initial design of a project, providing its ongoing practical impetus, and

influencing how it unfolds in the longer term.

These two characteristics – structured questions in advance of data collection and its problem-driven nature

– have a close and very special relationship. Thus the central problem-focus of a research project importantly

shapes and influences the research questions that underpin the overall research design. This chapter

examines exactly what is involved here, and how it is achieved in the context of particular projects. But other,

more basic issues are covered, such as: what is a research problem? How does a problem differ from a

topic? What is problem-driven research? What is the role of research questions? How does a problem-focus

influence the development and refinement of research questions?

Problem-Driven Research

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From the adaptive perspective it is important to make a distinction between ‘research problems’ and ‘research

topics’. This is because in the methods literature, ‘problems’ and ‘topics’ are frequently regarded as

synonymous, and thus the two words are used interchangeably. For example, Blaikie (2009: 46) suggests

that ‘research topics can also be stated in the form of a research problem to be investigated’. Many other

authors simply omit to talk about research problems altogether. However, in the present context it is of the

utmost importance to think of ‘problems’ as quite different from ‘topics’ since the distinction has a general

bearing on the unfolding of research projects. Furthermore, the distinction has a particular role to play in the

development of research questions. First, let us clear up the issue of what a research problem is.

Social Problems

A ‘research problem’ must not be confused with what is commonly referred to as a ‘social problem’. A ‘social

problem’ indicates a state of affairs that is deemed to be unsatisfactory – say, an increase in knife or gun

crime, or in divorce rates – which is thought, by government or policymakers to be in need of rectifying by

some legal or policy intervention.

Research Problems

A ‘research problem’, by contrast, is more analytic and centres on how different dimensions of society (or

constituent features of social life) combine and ‘work’ together. These sorts of problems can be said to

be explanatory problems because some aspect of the operation and functioning of society is in need of

explanation. (They are also sometimes referred to as ‘analytic’ or ‘theoretical’ problems.)

Research Topics

A research ‘topic’ is much more specific and empirical. It focuses on discrete areas of social activity in society.

Topics centre on specific types of activities, such as work, leisure/entertainment, family, intimacy and personal

relationships, crime, bureaucracy, and so on. They focus on the nature of the social relationships between

those people operating within the sphere of activity in question.

Research problems and research topics each provide a focus on different aspects within the same research

project. As such, they also raise different kinds of research questions about what is going on in the specific

sphere of activity that is the subject of the research.

What Is the Difference Between Problem-Questions and Topic-

Questions?

The following preliminary definitions indicate the differences between these types of question.

Topic-questions are specific and descriptive.

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Problem-questions are general and explanatory.

Let me illustrate these by discussing a specific example of research on universities. What is said here is not

limited to the example of universities. Exactly the same could be said of many other examples – schools,

hospitals, health clubs, fast-food restaurants, cafés, night clubs, gangs, and so on.

With universities, topic-questions would target the issue of the differences between individual universities.

Since there are many universities, all of which their own specific characteristics, a factual description of any

particular university will enable us to distinguish it from others, say in terms of its physical size and campus

layout, the number of students it has, how popular it is, its academic status as compared with others, and so

on. Thus topic-questions would focus on the particular descriptive details that emphasise differences between

universities.

On the other hand, problem-questions would ask ‘why are universities structurally similar to each other?’ Thus

an important question for social analysis is ‘what is it about a particular organisation that enables us to identify

it as a university in the first place? What general characteristics make a university distinguishable from, say, a

fast-food restaurant or a hospital? To answer this we have to move away from individual differences and ask

‘what characteristics do all universities possess? Among other things, we could point to: their educational role

in society; the existence of groups of students and teachers (lecturers and professors) and the transmission

of knowledge between them; age-graded learning; the capacity to award examination certificates, and so on.

Such characteristics serve to categorise particular organisations as universities. Since problem-questions are

concerned with the general characteristics shared by all universities, it is not necessary to focus on individual

differences.

In Summary

Topic-questions focus on the variations in social organisation produced by people and their activities, at

specific times and places. Topic-questions, therefore, focus on ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘when’ questions and, as a

consequence, they are more concrete and empirical in nature. Thus they are:

Particular, Concrete and Empirical,

Vary in terms of Time, Place, People,

Descriptive.

By contrast, problem-questions focus on patterns of social organisation and activity that do not vary from time

to time, place to place, or people to people. As a consequence, they are more abstract and conceptual in

nature. Thus they are:

General, Abstract and Conceptual,

Independent of Time, Place and People,

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Explanatory.

Research Questions: Problems, Topics and Research Design

More detailed examples of the differences between problem- and topic-questions will appear as the

discussion proceeds. Before this, however, let me briefly underline what is involved in problem-driven

research by spelling out the links between problems, topics, research questions and research design.

The important point is to develop some core research questions which will serve to define the nature, scope

and objectives of the research, and thus give it clarity and momentum right from the start. However, I have

emphasised that research questions themselves result from the combined influence of a problem-focus and a

topic-focus. Thus research questions are a definite mixture of problem- and topic-questions. The importance

of research problems, in providing a focus for a project and in influencing research questions, is essential,

although frequently neglected. Figure 3.1 summarises the links between the different elements.

Figure 3.1

A problem-focus provides the starting point and driving impetus of the project. It ties the research to

explanatory objectives and thus moves it beyond an exclusively descriptive account. Of course, good

descriptive and informational elements are also essential and targeted by the topic-questions. Thus, research

questions result from a combination of problem- and topic-questions. However, ‘problems’ have a dominant

role within this ‘mixture’ in so far as they shape and influence topic questions. The result is expressed in the

core research questions, and I shall explain how this is achieved further on in the discussion. Once the core

research questions have been decided, you are then in a position to take the next step, which is to outline a

research design (dealt with more fully in the next chapter).

Problems, Topics and Research Questions

This section focuses on how problem-questions help to define and refine topic-questions and how they

are linked with particular kinds of data or evidence. What exactly should you be looking for? What data or

evidence do you need in order to throw light on the issues raised by your research problems and questions?

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What sources of evidence are most useful? The discussion proceeds by examining each of the six key

problem questions introduced in Chapter 1. As such, each of the questions deals with an important social

domain.

The format of the discussion is the same for each problem. First, the core problem focus is stated and

followed by a short discussion unpacking its implications for research. Then, in order to bring out their

differences, several related problem- and topic-questions and themes are identified for comparison. This

format gives the reader an impression of the relationship between the two types of question and the skills

required in formulating good research questions.

Take especial notice of what happens in switching from thinking about problem-questions to topic-questions.

There is a shift from the general, abstract level of problem-questions, to the more particular, level of topic-

questions. As you try to envision problem-questions in empirical terms, the more you ask ‘what sort of data,

information or evidence is relevant to these problems and issues?’ Conversely, to check the relevance of

topic-questions against a particular problem-focus, it is necessary to take the opposite journey from the

particular to the general, and so on. It is this continual movement back and forth, between the different levels

and types of question, which enables the researcher to decide on research questions.

Key Problem-Questions

1 Self-Identity and Life Careers (Domain of Psychobiography)

The core problem-focus:

How are a person's self-identity, feeling, ideas and attitudes related to his or her social environment?

The relationship between an individual and society – or between subjective experience and social

organisation – is one of reciprocal influence. As ‘individuals’ we are never completely separated from social

contact and involvements with other people. We are ‘automatically’ entangled in a fairly complex array of

social relationships, ranging from the more ‘durable’ ones with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours to

the more ‘transient’, with fellow travellers, strangers, passers-by, ticket sellers, and so on. However, each of

us tends to see ourselves – and are seen by others – as a unique individual with a distinctive ‘self’ or ‘personal

identity’. Clearly, self-identity is to some degree influenced (formed and shaped) by social involvements and

influences, although it isn't completely moulded by them. Individuals always have some freedom from social

influences, pressures and constraints and are able to react to and creatively shape their own destinies.

Each of us has a unique personal history of social involvements as we pass from childhood to adulthood,

while ongoing life experiences endow us with unique personality traits, capacities and behavioural responses.

For instance, individuals have different levels of confidence, security and self-esteem which in turn, determine

their capacity for love, how they get on with others, and how resentful or content they are with their lot.

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http://origin-methods.sagepub.com/book/doing-excellent-small-scale-research/n1.xml

Such individual differences are manifested in how sociable we are, how skilled at conversation, our ability to

sympathise with others or read their emotions, to deal with the misfortunes or successes that life has to offer,

and so on. Each person has a repertoire of feelings and behavioural responses that are specific to them as

an individual person.

In short, everyone has a psychobiography (or life career) that traces changes and continuities in personal

identity as we make our way through life (Layder 1993). Psychobiography maps the interplay between private

thoughts and feelings and social experiences and involvements over time.

Problem-Questions

1 What is the ‘subjective’ career of the self over time as a person engages in certain social

activities and involvements?

2 What feelings, motivations and experiences are associated with particular spheres of

activity?

3 To what extent do psychological and social influences shape human behaviour?

Topic-Questions

1 What subjective careers are associated with: (a) crime (robbery, violence, shop lifting,

fraud, drug dealing, homicide); (b) work; (c) illness; (d) marriage; (e) personal

relationships?

2 What motivates people to become involved in drug taking or alcohol or petty theft? Do

individuals’ perceptions of the meanings of these activities and meanings change over

time?

3 Why do individuals feel entrapped or fulfilled by marriage, partnerships and friendships?

4 Why do individuals resent the authority others hold over them at work?

5 What are a person's ambitions at school, college, work or in personal life?

2 Social Interaction (Encounters) (Domain of Situated Activity)

The core problem-focus:

How do people influence one another's behaviour in social interaction?

We encounter each other in everyday life at school, at work, during leisure or relaxation periods, on the

street, on public transport, and so on. Sometimes these encounters are between strangers, at other times

with people we know very well. Most encounters are face to face, although in the modern world they are

often ‘mediated’ by mobile phones, texts, the internet, and so on. Face-to-face interaction produces emergent

characteristics which affect the behaviour of those involved (Goffman 1983). For example, individuals tend to

‘present’ themselves in particular ways so as to impress, persuade, help or manipulate others. Also, those

present in encounters create and share ‘local’ meanings. Thus, what is said in an encounter may only be

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completely understandable to those present since bystanders or outsiders may not be privy to its special

meanings. Finally, there are social rules about the appropriateness of certain kinds of interactive behaviour,

such as standing at a certain distance from a speaker, allowing them appropriate conversational turns, and

not needlessly embarrassing or unmasking them.

Problem-Questions

1 What is the nature of the encounter? Is it transient, as with a stranger on public transport,

or is it part of a linked series of encounters over time, as with family members, friends or

work colleagues?

2 In what kind of social setting does the encounter occur? How does it affect the encounter?

Is it a formal setting, such as at college, school, work, or is it an informal setting, such as

between family and friends?

3 What meanings and rules are created and shared by the participants?

4 How are the self-identities of the participants influenced by the dynamics of the

encounters?

Topic-Questions

1 Do encounters on public transport and in shopping malls differ from those at work, school

and university? How do they differ from encounters between friends and family

members?

2 Do conversations with friends differ from those between acquaintances?

3 Why are some individuals excluded from encounters, or from their real meanings and

business? Are there ‘rules’ of inclusion and exclusion?

4 What is the nature of interaction between customers in shops, restaurants, cafés? Does

the size of such establishments make any difference to the quality of the interaction?

5 Is there tension and conflict in encounters between customers and staff in a particular

fast-food restaurant or a gym?

6 Does gossip help cement bonds between friends or lovers?

7 How and why do people support others in conversations? How and why do they attempt

to undermine others?

3 The Influence of Social Settings (Domain of Social Settings)

The core problem-focus:

How do social settings (for example, schools, hospitals families or companies) influence behaviour and

activity?

Social interaction always takes place within specific social settings, but ‘interaction’ and ‘settings’ are very

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different kinds of phenomena. Social interaction has a transient, evanescent quality and depends on the

comings and goings and matching up of particular people. Social settings have a more durable quality

and, over time, give rise to routine patterns of interaction. In this sense they have an already established

pattern of social organisation. Some settings are formally organised with positions of power and authority,

as in bureaucratic organisations like banks, hospitals, factories, industrial companies even schools and

universities. Other types of setting are more loosely and informally organised, such as family or friendship

networks, gangs and criminal sub-cultures. Nonetheless, they are socially organised in terms of roles,

expectations and values.

Problem-Questions

1 How does the type of social setting influence behaviour and social activity? What are the

significant differences between formally organised and informal settings?

2 How do established social practices within settings affect behaviour? What roles or social

positions are there? How is power and authority organised within the setting?

3 How do people become attached and committed to particular settings? How are social

relationships organised within settings?

Topic-Questions

1 How is a particular factory, hospital, school, religious sect or fast-food restaurant socially

organised? Is there a hierarchy of power, authority and control? How does this

organisation affect social behaviour and activity?

2 In what ways are family ties or friendship networks socially organised? What sort of bonds

are there in such settings? How do people become committed and attached to them?

What are the general rules and expectations of friendship?

3 Are relations between customers and staff in fast-food restaurants fleeting, alienated and

artificial? If they are, why is this so?

4 What range of emotional expression is expected of flight attendants, school teachers or

social workers in their respective work settings? Do these settings fulfil creative,

emotional or spiritual needs?

5 Do families fulfil or thwart emotional needs?

6 Do factors associated with class, ethnicity, gender or age influence the organisation and

operation of particular settings?

4 The Wider Social Context (Domain of Contextual Resources)

The core problem-focus:

How is social behaviour influenced by (a) social class, ethnicity, gender, age, neighbourhood, region or politics

and (b) cultural values, expectations and institutions?

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Society as a whole stretches beyond the boundaries of particular fields of activity. In a society-wide sense,

money, property, possessions, status and power are organised and distributed between social groups in

terms of structural factors such as class, ethnicity, gender, age, and so on. The forms of inequality so created

profoundly affect people's life experiences and their subjective responses expressed in feelings, attitudes,

values and expectations. The central, political and economic institutions of a society also promote values,

ideas and ideologies that encourage or discourage certain forms of behaviour. Thus the macro context of

society impinges on particular spheres of activity by shaping their social settings and influencing values and

attitudes in everyday life.

Problem-Questions

1 How do class, gender, age and ethnicity affect intimacy, drug taking, leisure and sport,

educational experiences, and so on?

2 In what sense is the political, religious and economic situation relevant to the focus of the

research project? How do such factors influence social behaviour?

3 In what ways do values, expectations and ideology encourage or discourage certain

forms of behaviour?

4 How do social media shape values and imagery?

Topic-Questions

1 Are women (or ethnic minorities) treated differently in the workplace?

2 Why and how do some people suffer harassment or bullying on the street, in clubs or in

school?

3 Are some social groups discriminated against in the educational system? What role do

financial inequalities play in such cases?

4 How do people deal with fear caused by gang violence or paramilitary violence or

terrorism?

5 Power and Social Activity (Dimension of Power)

The core problem-focus:

How does power influence social activity?

Power can be found everywhere in social life, although it takes different forms and affects people's lives

and behaviour in different ways. With individual or subjective power a person's physical and psychological

attributes enable him or her to wield varying degrees of control and influence over others. Situational

dynamics are also important because the power that an individual possesses tends to vary from situation

to situation (situational power). A chief executive officer of a multinational company may be powerful in the

workplace, but oppressed and put upon in her or his personal life. An ordinary member of the public may

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perform an extraordinary act of bravery, and so on. Occupational positions in work settings often have a quota

of power and authority so that individuals holding these positions exert control over co-workers (positional

power). Finally, there is power deriving from a group's position in the wider (macro) structure of society

(structural power). Inequalities of power between various groupings are based on unequal distributions of

resources.

Problem-Questions

1 What are the main differences between types of power in social life? How do they operate

and what is their domain of influence?

2 In what ways do different power types influence social behaviour and activity?

3 How is interpersonal power shaped and moulded by subjective power and structural

power?

4 On what kinds of resources are particular forms of power based? Is power visible, direct

and upfront or concealed, indirect and behind the scenes? Is power benign or

exploitative?

5 What does it mean to say that particular groups are relatively powerless or powerful?

Topic-Questions

1 Are certain individuals ‘natural’ leaders and why? What qualities do they possess? What

personal and social resources do they draw upon?

2 How does the balance of power in a relationship affect the quality of intimacy in romantic

and sexual partnerships?

3 Does holding a position of power and control at work make it difficult for a person to be

friends with co-workers who are subject to their authority?

4 Are lower-class children less likely to succeed in the educational system?

5 Do men have more power than women?

6 Temporality and History (Dimension of Time)

The core problem-focus:

How does the passage of time influence social behaviour?

The elapsing of time has several kinds of effects on social activity depending on which element of social life

we focus upon. For example, self-identity is not a fixed ‘essence’; it develops over an individual's lifetime

and continues to do so as new experiences imprint themselves on the psyche. Situated social interaction is

shaped by the duration of an encounter which, as we have seen, may be brief and one-off (as with strangers

on a train or aircraft) or part of chains of encounters (Collins 2005) over successive periods of time (like

those with loved ones). Social settings not only have organisational ‘histories’ of their own, but often operate

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according to their own defined rhythms of time. Finally, there is the larger sense of the passing of time, the

vast sweeps of history which not only mark out specific epochs, but also transitions between types of society

(such as that between feudal and capitalist society). All these different senses of time impinge on social life

and thus influence it in different ways.

Problem-Questions

1 How does the passing of time influence the study of individuals, encounters, settings and

contexts?

2 How is social behaviour influenced by different ‘constructions’ of time?

Topic-Questions

1 Do individuals base their self-images on past experiences or their aspirations?

2 Does intimacy inevitably erode over time? What roles do familiarity and habituation play

in personal relationships?

3 How does a person's status within a group change over time?

4 Have conceptions of romantic love changed in the last two centuries? Do present ideas

about romantic love bear any resemblance to earlier ideas?

Distinguishing Between Problem- and Topic-Questions

This concludes the discussion of the key problem-questions. Hopefully, you will now be able to spot the

‘problem’ and ‘topic’ elements in research questions. You need to feel confident in handling both, and in being

able to think about, and organise, your efforts in these terms. As I said earlier, moving in your mind from

problem to topic elements (and back again) requires a shift in thought processes – a shift from fairly abstract

and general considerations to more concrete and empirical issues, and vice versa. Importantly, you need to

be able to do this fairly rapidly and easily in order to extract most benefit.

Unless you are very lucky and are naturally gifted in this regard, honing such skills takes a lot of practice, and

no little experience. However, careful study of the examples in the previous discussion will help to make you

aware of what is required and also, perhaps, inspire you to develop research questions for your own project.

Developing and Refining Research Questions

Although research questions are derived from a mixture of problem- and topic-questions, the problem-driven

nature of the approach means that problem-questions will have an important influence on shaping and

refining topic-questions, and thus on how you finally decide on the core research questions.

Given that problem-questions play this large and crucial role, you must ensure that any prior fascination you

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may have with a particular topic does not get in the way of this process. If your interest in the topic itself

develops into an obsession or fixation, then it can be a problem. Remember, a key component of excellent

research is to demonstrate your awareness of the importance of a problem-focus for the overall shape and

scope of topic-questions.

Having your attention fixed exclusively on topic issues is more likely to happen at the beginning of a research

project when your objectives and purposes are less well developed or pinned down. Nevertheless, this can be

a distraction and, if not dealt with, can linger on to haunt you all the way through the project. If you recognise

that you are only, or mainly, dealing with topic-related issues, you must shift tack. Otherwise, you will be in

danger of losing sight of important research aims and objectives. You must stand back and ask ‘what is my

problem?’ Then ask ‘what are my problem-questions?’ Once you have a definite problem-focus – and the

problem-questions that go with it – you can switch your attention back to topic-related issues.

In the following sections I describe how to develop and refine research questions by using research problems

and problem-questions as filters and shapers of topic-questions.

Defining the Range of Topic-Questions

The most basic issue in this regard concerns understanding how problem-questions define the parameters of

topic-questions. We can see the mechanism at work here when we examine what happens if we change the

problem-focus of a research project, but keep the same topic area. Generally speaking, a change in problem-

focus requires a change in the focus and relevance of topic-questions. This can be observed in the following

hypothetical example of two research projects focusing on the same topic area, gym or health club use, but

with each project tackling it from the point of view of a different problem-focus.

(A)

The first project focuses on the social interaction between staff and users of a gym or health club (problem-

question 2).

In this respect the relevant problem-questions are:

How does interaction between staff and users influence their perceptions of, attitudes and behaviour towards

each other? Is their interaction characterised by tension and conflict, or by harmony and cooperation?

Relevant topic questions might be:

How successful are staff members at dealing with users? Do members of staff show empathy and sensitivity

with users and their problems? Are staff able to adapt to changing user demands? How do staff members

perceive users? Do users find staff officious and reluctant to assist, or pleasant and helpful? What are the

most frequent complaints about staff? Do users’ backgrounds or goals affect their relations with staff?

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(B)

The second project centres on the self-identities and body images of users.

This shift in problem-focus raises a different set of problem-questions:

How is self identity shaped and developed through social involvements over time, with significant others, and

through the influence of social background (occupation/class gender, ethnicity).

The shift in problem-focus requires a corresponding shift in relevant topic-questions:

How frequently do particular individuals attend the gym/health club? For what reasons do they attend

– appearance, fitness/health, weight loss, social contact? Does social background influence goals and

aspirations? Do users wish to alter their self-image? Do they want to be more attractive or socially sought-

after (say, by shedding fat or gaining musculature)? Does gender play a role?

Comment on Examples

Clearly, because the problem-focus in each of the above examples is different, a correspondingly different

range of topic-questions is required. This is because the relevance of the topic-questions is defined in and

through the lens of the problem-focus and problem-questions.

Having said this, however, it is important to note that while both the problem- and topic-questions change,

their general nature remains the same. That is, in both examples the problem-questions remain abstract and

conceptual because they refer to general characteristics – which don't vary, regardless of which particular

gym or health club you choose to study. Topic-questions remain more focused on particular, concrete and

empirical aspects. They are centred on ‘factual’ details and information about the particular club you are

studying, separating it out from other gyms and health clubs. In this sense, the relevance of topic-questions

is tied to particular empirical settings.

Defining and Shaping Specific Topic-Questions

In the two examples of research on gyms/health clubs it is clear that when the problem-focus changes the

range of relevant research questions must also change. However, this range includes many possible topic-

questions so the list must be narrowed down to more specific questions depending on their importance to

the problem-focus. The relevance of particular topic-questions can only be decided upon in the light of your

problem-focus.

Topic-questions need to be fine-tuned by filtering them through the lens of your problem-focus and problem-

questions. This will ensure that they really ‘hit the mark’ in terms of your overall research aims and objectives

– what you want to investigate and what you want to explain. Allowing the problem-focus to refine and shape

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topic-questions means that it is more likely that they will target data/information/evidence pertinent to the

problem itself, and not simply the topic.

For example, if your problem-focus is on the dynamics of interaction in fast-food restaurants or universities,

there is quite an array of possible topic-questions that could be of relevance – perhaps too many for comfort!

However, if you refine your problem-focus to an interest in the quality of interaction, say, between staff and

customers in a fast-food restaurant, or betweenprofessors and students in a university, this will narrow down

relevant topic-questions. For example, your main topic-questions would need to centre on the purposes

served by the interaction and to what extent it is smooth and sincere as opposed to being strained and

artificial. You would be less concerned with issues about stresses and strains among restaurant staff or

among students. Thus the range of relevant research questions would be narrowed down. Filtering topic-

questions through a problem-focus helps align your main research questions with the most relevant data and

greatly increases your chances of collecting the best evidence.

Limiting the Number of Topic-Questions

A problem-focus also imposes a limit on the number of topic-questions that are pertinent. First-time

researchers are often confused by the potentially endless number of questions (or issues) that can be

investigated. It often seems that the more you think about a topic, the more questions you come up with, all

of which seem important. However, as the potential questions multiply, the more confused you become about

which are the most important. Anxiety and uncertainty are likely to creep in.

Having a problem-focus offers a way around such difficulties because it helps limit your main research

questions to a relatively stable core. As a result, it reduces the tendency to think endlessly of new topic-

questions. The only topic-questions that matter are those that relate directly to the problem-focus. Realising

that not everything is relevant alleviates the nagging feeling that you might have missed out something

important. A sure way of focusing only on research questions that are directly relevant to your ‘current’

research objectives is to ask whether a particular topic-question throws any light on your research problems.

The word ‘current’ here is important because, at this time, it is best not to regard objectives as absolutely

fixed or permanent. The adaptive method stresses the benefits of an unfolding approach in which research

questions may change, shift or gradually transform in the light of incoming evidence as well as evolving ideas

about how to analyse and interpret this evidence. So the process of refining and limiting research questions

is designed to provide structure and momentum at the very beginning of the project. And while the structure

may remain relatively unchanged throughout the project, this is not inevitable. In many cases, subsequent

changes in problem-focus and topic-questions will be required.

Deciding on Core Research Questions

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Core research questions will consist of some problem-questions and some topic-questions. By formulating

core questions and writing them down as succinctly but accurately as possible (as notes in your Research

Log), you can confidently let them front-up your research design. It is crucial to throw out any questions that

are marginal to your concerns. Reduce them to the bare minimum otherwise they will clutter up your mind

and impede the progress of the research. Be ruthless, but keep a note of everything you discard, including

notes and ideas as well as discarded questions, in your Research Log. You may change your mind later on

and want to use the material after initial data collection analysis has begun. It may become apparent that

discarded questions and thoughts still have some relevance to the project.

Tightening Up Research Questions

Finally, having settled on your core research questions you should then go about reviewing them with an

eagle eye, making sure that they are expressed as accurately, appropriately and as economically as possible.

Every word counts and, crucially, a single word can have the power to draw your attention either to or away

from seemingly small details that may later take on much greater significance. It is important, therefore, to

be sure from the outset that your research questions convey as closely as possible what they are meant to

convey (White 2009).

Final Comments

This chapter has emphasised the importance of developing and refining core research questions from

a problem-focus. The problem-driven character of the approach ensures that it will have at least some

explanatory (as well as descriptive) objectives, which are essential for achieving research excellence. Settling

on core research questions also gives the project a definite structure right from the start. But this does not in

any way compromise the unfolding or emergent character of the approach. Rather, it merely guards against

the confusion that can result from starting out with an unstructured ‘wait and see’ approach. The adaptive

method ensures that any subsequent unfolding will take place smoothly and effectively because it does so in

relation to a stable point of reference.

Remember the following. Setting up core questions in advance of data collection doesn't mean you are

limiting the capacity of the research to let issues emerge. You are not predetermining the answers to these

core questions. At the beginning of the research ‘answers’ are, as yet, merely unfulfilled potentials. They

are ‘open’ in the sense that they are formulated from the interplay between incoming evidence/data and its

analysis. Shifts and transformations in core research questions can happen at any point during the project,

after data collection has begun, and are a natural part of the research process.

Checklist for Research Log Notes

• Make sure you know the difference between ‘problem-’ and ‘topic-’ questions.

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• Make sure you know the links between problems, topics, research questions and research design.

• What is your research problem?

• What is your topic?

• How does your problem-focus help you to develop and refine research questions?

• Keep a note of all discarded material (such as rejected research questions) – they may be important

later on.

http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781473913936.n3

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Developing Questions from Research Problems

In: Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research