Developing a research question

Summary

This video from Academic Skills at the University of Melbourne emphasizes the importance of developing a strong research question, which is central to any research project. It should be relevant, manageable, specific, measurable, and clear. The video guides viewers on formulating a question by identifying a broad subject, narrowing it with 'how' and 'why' questions, and ensuring it's investigatable and interesting. It also discusses creating a purpose statement and offers tips on language use and resources for further development.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The research question is considered the most important component of research as it guides the entire project and focuses all efforts on answering it.
• 🤔 Researchers should first ask themselves what they want to know and aim to find out, considering if the data they have or will collect can answer their questions.
• 📊 The research question should summarize the significant issue that the research intends to investigate and should be clear, simple, and understandable to readers.
• 📚 A good research question must be relevant, manageable, specific, measurable, and investigatable, ensuring it is neither too broad nor too narrow.
• 🧐 Researchers should be able to question the data and pull out insights, ensuring they understand the data and can provide answers to their research questions.
• 💡 Formulating a research question involves identifying a broader subject of interest, researching existing literature and data, and then narrowing the topic with how and why questions.
• 📉 Avoid overly broad or too specific questions; instead, aim for specificity and measurability while maintaining relevance to the field.
• 🙅‍♂️ A research question should not be a statement but a question that requires investigation and cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.
• 📝 When drafting a research question, consider the construct and application, ensuring the question is broad enough to show relevance within the academic field and addresses the 'so what?' factor.
• 📈 Use question forms such as 'what', 'how', 'why', and 'does' to frame the research question and include interpretive language that explains the importance of the research.
• 🔄 The process involves determining the broad topic, drafting a research question, forming a purpose statement, and revising the research question if necessary.

Q & A

Why is the research question considered the most important component of research?

The research question is fundamental because everything in a research project is focused on answering it. It guides the direction and scope of the research.

What should you consider when formulating a research question?

You should consider the broader subject of interest, the availability of data, and how and why questions that can narrow down the topic to something specific and measurable.

What are the features of a good research question?

A good research question should be relevant, manageable, specific, measurable, clear, simple, interesting, substantial, and investigatable.

How does relevance play a role in a research question?

Relevance ensures that the research question addresses an issue covered by the research and is of interest to the broader academic area, not just to the researcher.

Why is it important for a research question to be manageable?

A manageable research question keeps the scope within limits, avoiding being too large or too small, which ensures the research can be completed effectively.

What does it mean for a research question to be specific?

A specific research question is clear and focused, allowing for a targeted investigation that can be measured and investigated effectively.

How should clarity and simplicity be achieved in a research question?

Clarity and simplicity are achieved by ensuring that the research question is understandable to readers and does not rely on complex jargon or convoluted phrasing.

What is the significance of an interesting research question?

An interesting research question engages readers and makes them curious about the research, increasing the likelihood of their engagement and interest in the findings.

Why should a research question be a question and not a statement?

A question format invites investigation and exploration, whereas a statement does not prompt the same level of inquiry or research.

How can one determine if a research question is investigatable?

A research question is investigatable if it can be answered through research methods, such as data collection and analysis, and if the necessary resources and data are accessible.

What is the process of developing a research question according to the script?

The process involves determining the broad topic, drafting a research question, forming a purpose statement, and revising the research question based on the purpose statement.