Mini Research Proposal

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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:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mPapN3XpDo
• 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?