Master Session on Research Questions

Summary

In this session, the speaker offers valuable guidance on formulating effective research questions. They emphasize the importance of starting with a research problem and narrowing it down into specific questions based on related literature and theories. The speaker outlines steps for constructing clear, focused research questions that are meaningful, measurable, and realistic. They stress the significance of breaking down general questions into smaller, manageable parts, and ensuring the questions are open-ended for qualitative research. Practical examples are provided to illustrate how to approach topics like coping mechanisms in children from broken families.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research questions are the heart of any study and must be well-structured to address the problem at hand.
• 😀 A clear research question requires a deep understanding of the topic, supported by a review of related literature and theories.
• 😀 Always start research with a problem, which can be identified in your community, workplace, or surrounding environment.
• 😀 After identifying the problem, narrow it down to a specific topic, and then break it into focused research questions.
• 😀 Research questions should be based on a review of related literature and theories, ensuring they are relevant and backed by existing research.
• 😀 Formulate research questions that genuinely interest you and align with the potential findings of your study.
• 😀 Avoid research questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'—instead, aim for open-ended questions that encourage exploration.
• 😀 For qualitative research, open-ended questions are preferable, while quantitative research may use close-ended questions.
• 😀 Research questions should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
• 😀 In constructing your research title and questions, ensure they are concise and doable within the timeframe of your study, typically around one year.
• 😀 A clear structure, from the research problem to the general question and then to specific sub-questions, will guide the research process effectively.

Q & A

What is the importance of the research question in the study?

The research question is the heart of the study. It serves as the foundation for the entire research, guiding the direction and focus of the investigation. Without a well-defined research question, the study would lack clarity and purpose.

Why is the structure of the research question described as 'conservative'?

The structure of the research question is described as 'conservative' because it adheres to a standard format. This is important as it ensures that the question addresses all necessary variables and aspects relevant to the research, helping maintain rigor and clarity.

How should a researcher begin formulating their research question?

A researcher should begin by identifying a problem to address. This problem can stem from real-world issues in the community, workplace, or another relevant context. The research question emerges from this problem, guiding the study towards potential solutions.

What role does reviewing related literature play in formulating a research question?

Reviewing related literature is crucial because it helps researchers understand existing research and theories related to their topic. This broadens their perspective, enables them to refine their topic, and ensures their research question is grounded in the existing body of knowledge.

What are the key guidelines for formulating a research question according to Babby (2014)?

Key guidelines include ensuring a clear relationship between the research question, the topic, and the problem. The question should be based on a review of related literature and should generate interest. Additionally, it must be open-ended and avoid simple yes/no answers.

Why should research questions not be answerable by yes or no?

Research questions should not be answerable by yes or no because they need to be exploratory and meaningful. This approach ensures the research provides deeper insights and allows for a thorough investigation, which is particularly important in qualitative research.

What does the SMART criteria for research questions entail?

The SMART criteria suggest that a research question should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. This ensures that the question is clear, feasible, and achievable within a set timeframe.

What is an example of a well-formulated research question in the context of coping mechanisms for children with broken families?

An example of a well-formulated question could be: 'What different coping mechanisms were manifested in the lives of children from broken families?' This question clearly defines the problem and directs the research towards specific aspects of coping mechanisms.

How does one break down a general research question into specific sub-questions?

To break down a general research question, you start with a broad question and divide it into smaller, focused sub-questions. These sub-questions explore different angles of the problem, such as reactions, behaviors, and influences, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

What are the different types of questions applicable for qualitative and quantitative research?

Qualitative research typically uses open-ended questions that encourage exploration, while quantitative research relies on close-ended questions that can be measured numerically. Mixed-method research may use both types depending on the study’s objectives.