Lesson 5 Stating Research Questions

STATING RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
TYPES, STEPS & SAMPLES
LESSON 5
PRACTICAL RESEARCH II
What is a Research Question?
A research question is a question that a study or

research project aims to answer. This question often
addresses an issue or a problem, which, through analysis
and interpretation of data, is answered in the study’s
conclusion.
(Layder 2013) says that social research is literally a search
for the best explanation of the problem around which
evidence or data is focused.
It is good to emphasize at this point that social research

problems are the thing called, “topics” or “areas of
interests”.
Types of Research Questions
• Problem Questions (General Problem) – general and explanatory and have a

crucial influence on the form and content of topic questions.
• Topic Questions (Specific or Sub-Problem) – are specific and descriptive.
6 Key Problem Questions

1. How does a person’s self-identity, feelings, ideas, and attitudes related
to his or her social environment?
2. How do people influence each other’s behaviour in social interaction-
either ‘face-to-face’ or ‘mediated’ through texts, emails, mobiles, and
so on?
3. How do social settings (such as schools, universities, families,
factories, companies, hospitals, and so on) influence the behavior of
those operating within them?
4. How is social behavior influenced by: (a) social class, ethnicity,
gender, age, neighborhood, region, or politics; (b) cultural values,
expectations and institutions (including the media)?
5. How does power influence human behaviour and social activity?
6. How does the passage of time influence social behavior?
Developing a research design at the very start provides a framework or

template in advance of the research itself, so that it has some planned
structure to it.
5 Tips in Writing an Effective Research
Questions
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 you develop a topic into subtopics and potential research
questions include brainstorming and concept mapping. For example,
you can raise thought-provoking questions with your friends and flesh
out ideas from your discussions. These techniques can organize your
thoughts so you can identify connections and relevant themes within
a broad topic.
Questions
• 2. Do preliminary research to learn about topical issues.
Once you have picked a topic, you can start doing

preliminary research. This initial stage of research accomplishes
two goals.
First, a preliminary review of related literature allows you
to discover issues that are currently being discussed. This way, you
get up-to-date, relevant knowledge on your topic.
Second, a preliminary review of related literature allows you
to spot existing gaps or limitations in existing knowledge of your
topic.
Questions
3. Narrow down your topic and determine potential research

questions.
Once you have gathered enough knowledge on the topic you

want to pursue, you can start focusing on a more specific area of
study and narrowing down a research question. One option is to focus
on gaps in existing knowledge or recent literature.
Questions
4. Evaluate the soundness of your research question.
Your 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. Keep in mind the research question meaning —
that a research question draws its answer or conclusion through an
analysis of evidence.
“Use the FINER Criteria”

FINER CRITERIA
Hulley et al. (2007) suggest using a set of criteria- known as the

“FINER” criteria-to find out if you 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 their ability to collect data and
complete the research with their skills and the resources available to
them.
FINER CRITERIA
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
Your research question should be developed to bring new insights

to the field of study you are investigating. The question may confirm or
extend previous findings on the topic you are researching, for instance.
FINER CRITERIA
E – Ethical
One of the most important considerations of making a research

question. Your research question and your 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
your area of study. If possible, your research question should also be
relevant to the public’s interest.
Questions
5. Construct your research question properly.
Considering research question importance, research questions

should be structured properly to ensure clarity. Look for good
research questions examples.
Important Points to Keep in Mind in Creating a Research Question
• The development of a research question is an iterative process that

involves continuously updating one’s knowledge on the topic and
refining ideas at all stages (Maxwell, 2013).
• Remain updated on current trends, state-of-the-art research studies,

and technological advances in the field of study you are pursuing.
• Make the research question are specific and concise as possible to

ensure clarity. Avoid using words or terms that don’t add to the
meaning of the research question.
Important Points to Keep in Mind in Creating a Research Question
• Aside from doing a literature review, seek the input of experts in

the field, mentors, and colleagues. Such inputs can prove beneficial
not only for the research question but also for creating the rest of
the study.
• Finally, refrain from committing the two most common mistakes in

framing research questions: posing a question as an anticipated
contribution and framing a question as a method (Mayo et al.,
2013).
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STATING RESEARCH

A research question is a question that a study or

It is good to emphasize at this point that social research

• Problem Questions (General Problem) – general and explanatory and have a

• Topic Questions (Specific or Sub-Problem) – are specific and descriptive.

6 Key Problem Questions

Developing a research design at the very start provides a framework or

1. Start with a broad topic.

A broad topic provides writers with plenty of avenues to

• 2. Do preliminary research to learn about topical issues.

Once you have picked a topic, you can start doing

3. Narrow down your topic and determine potential research

Once you have gathered enough knowledge on the topic you

4. Evaluate the soundness of your research question.

Your initial research and review of related literature will have

“Use the FINER Criteria”

Hulley et al. (2007) suggest using a set of criteria- known as the

The ideal research question is interesting not only to the

Your research question should be developed to bring new insights

One of the most important considerations of making a research

Aside from being interesting and novel, the research question

5. Construct your research question properly.

Considering research question importance, research questions

• The development of a research question is an iterative process that

• Remain updated on current trends, state-of-the-art research studies,

• Make the research question are specific and concise as possible to

• Aside from doing a literature review, seek the input of experts in

• Finally, refrain from committing the two most common mistakes in

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