The most important part of research is the research question.  If we view “Scholarship as Conversation” (American Library Association, 2015) we see research  questions as the framework for the discourse that happen between researchers .These questions also challenge researchers to explore and  generate new findings and discoveries.   All research that is published or  unpublished research brings  new discoveries  and fresh ideas that then give birth to more complex questions. These questions are then explored, challenged and investigated. They then produce solutions to complex problems, answers to social issues, clarification  or insight into of previous research and then inevitably give birth to  even more questions.

What is a Research Question?

Lipowski (2008) describes a research question as a “narrow, challenging question addressing a problem or controversy that is answered with a conclusion based on the analysis and interpretation of evidence” . These types of questions provide the reason for the research and  they cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  They require more  scrutiny and constant conversations with other scholars because they are already being discussed, debated and explored. These questions are a part of a  larger conversation that is already taking place. Most likely, questions like these have already been asked, examined and analyzed  by  other researchers and academics who have  documented their conclusions in journals, conference proceedings, case studies, reports and other scholarly publications. Your task is to ask questions that have not yet been asked, or to ask questions that have already been asked but not answered to your satisfaction.“narrow, challenging question addressing a problem or controversy that is answered with a conclusion based on the analysis and interpretation of evidence” .

Questions are the heart of  research.

A research question should be:

INTERESTING & SIGNIFICANT
The subject of your research should be something that interests you. If it interests you, it has inevitably  garnered the interest of other researchers and scholars who are talking, writing and also researching in that field.   It should have implications for further discussion or research and contribute to a discussion that is already happening.

DEBATABLE
The question should lead to more questions. The question should not be answerable with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but  should have the capacity to entertain different points of view. It should connect to questions asked by other researchers and  produce answers that clarify, build on or refute  previous research and discussions.

SPECIFIC
The question should focus on a particular issue or specific aspect of a larger conversation. It should be specific enough that it  can generate a hypothesis. First, think of a specific outcome relating to your topic that could occur.  Then  think backward and ask “What may be the cause of this outcome?”  You can also think ahead of the outcome e.g. “What would be the effect or the impact of this outcome?”  Now  put the outcome into some context–“What would be the effect of this outcome on a particular population?” or “What would be the effect of this outcome for this population in this particular environment?”. Questions that are specific  produce results and discussions that are more applicable and effective.

MANAGEABLE
The question, although it focuses on a specific issue, should also be broad enough to allow you to find information for the research, but not too broad that there is so much information that you cannot complete the research within your scheduled time. What question could you address realistically with as much information as possible?

This is one way that you can begin with a broad topic “Wellness” and narrow down your research  to the interesting, debatable research question – “Why do high school students who experience depression also feel a sense of shame?”

Watch This Video (4 mins)

Jessica Liu. How to Develop a STRONG Research Question | Scribbr 🎓  HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/71-GUCBAM8U

If you Want to learn more

Read the full article by Shona McCoombs. Developing Good Research Questions. | Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/

RECAP

Before you begin developing your own research question.

• Reflect and observe your surroundings. Select something that you are interested in.
• Assess your knowledge. Write down what you already know or think about your research. This will give you a place to start asking questions. What is it that you don’t know? What are you unsure of?  How accurate is your previous knowledge? Beginning with the information that you know forces you to ask some very probing questions about your previous knowledge.
• Do some quick searching and reading; Do some background reading to get more information about your interests.
• Determine your question’s relevance. Let your reading guide your topic selection:  Read the newspaper, some journals, find out what researchers are talking about. Involve yourself in the ‘scholarly conversation’ currently transpiring.
• Adjust your variables. Make your question more specific by adding details to your variables. Define and explain precisely what or who your variables are. This may be a specific population, age group, environment, location, etc.
• Dedicate time to selecting and refining your research question: Remember this takes time and your research question will become more refined as you research and finalize your interest and focus.

What are the qualities of a Good Research Question?
Drop the correct characteristic onto the corresponding explanation.

Next Session “Developing Good Search Strategies”

References

Clawson, Clancy. Research Questions Worth Answering. Writing Center.  University of Maryland, Baltimore Writing Center.  2014. https://youtu.be/k4Lrx2eP444

Earlene E. Lipowski, Ph.D., Developing great research questions, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, Volume 65, Issue 17, 1 September 2008, Pages 1667–1670, https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp070276

“Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education”, American Library Association, February 9, 2015. http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework (Accessed July 14, 2020). Document ID: b910a6c4-6c8a-0d44-7dbc-a5dcbd509e3f