Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods: Developing a Qualitative Research Question (Module 2)

Summary

In this module from the Yale School of Public Health, Lesle Curry emphasizes the critical role of well-formed qualitative research questions in the health sciences. She outlines how these questions define research purpose, guide methodological choices, and frame analysis. Key characteristics include being inductive, exploratory, and precise in topic, sample, and setting. The module explores various topics suitable for qualitative research and illustrates the process of crafting effective research questions. Emphasizing feasibility and focus, Curry encourages researchers to invest time in honing their questions to ensure their studies contribute meaningfully to scientific knowledge.

Takeaways

• 😀 A well-formed research question is essential for guiding qualitative research in the health sciences.
• 📊 The purpose of a research question is to define the study's boundaries and identify gaps in existing literature.
• 🔍 Research questions should be inductive and exploratory, allowing for open investigation without preconceived hypotheses.
• 📝 Using clear and non-directional language in research questions helps maintain an exploratory focus.
• 👥 Well-formed questions guide the selection of appropriate qualitative methods such as interviews or focus groups.
• ⏳ Precise research questions aid in study planning, including resource allocation and time management.
• 🔑 The focus of a qualitative research question should be a single phenomenon, concept, or idea to ensure feasibility.
• 💡 Examples of suitable topics for qualitative research include healthcare access perceptions and caregiver dynamics.
• 📖 Critiquing research questions is vital; vague or overly broad questions can hinder research feasibility.
• 🎯 A strong research question should pass the 'so what' test, confirming its relevance and contribution to the field.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the series on qualitative research methods?

The primary goal is to enhance the capacity to conceptualize, design, and conduct qualitative research in the health sciences.

Why are well-formed research questions important in qualitative research?

Well-formed research questions define the purpose of the research, help identify knowledge gaps, determine appropriate methods, guide study planning, and frame analysis and findings.

What should qualitative research questions be based on?

Qualitative research questions should be inductive and exploratory, avoiding assumptions or hypotheses about the phenomenon being studied.

What are the key characteristics of a qualitative research question?

They must focus on a single phenomenon, use neutral language, and clearly define the sample and setting.

What verbs are commonly used to start qualitative research questions?

Common verbs include 'characterize,' 'describe,' and 'understand.'

Can you provide an example of a qualitative research question?

An example is, 'What are the interpersonal and system-level factors relevant to delivering healthcare to emergency department patients who are homeless?'

What is a crucial step when refining a research question?

It's important to ensure the research question is feasible, manageable, and focused on a specific gap in the literature.

How did the student’s original research question about contraception use change?

The original question was too broad, so it was refined to focus specifically on barriers to contraception use among young Latina women at high risk for unintended pregnancy.

What is the significance of the 'so what' test in qualitative research?

The 'so what' test helps to assess the relevance and impact of the research question, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to the field.

What is the importance of literature review in developing a research question?

Mastering the literature is essential to understand what is known and not known about the focal topic, ensuring the research addresses a genuine knowledge gap.