2 Module 1: The Heart of Research: Asking Interesting Questions
Lorna Dawes
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 All research that is published or unpublished research brings new discoveries and fresh ideas that then give birth to more complex questions.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.
By the end of this section you will be able to:
- Identify the characteristics of an interesting research question.
- Develop an interesting research question on your chosen subject.
- Select the most suitable research question for your project.
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?
Example
Let’s develop a research question on the broad topic of ‘Wellness’
- First explain what aspect of Wellness you are interested in. Lets chose “Emotional Health e.g. Depression, Anxiety, Happiness, Love, etc.
Lets select Depression as our subject of interest - Think of an outcome e.g. one outcome of depression could be Shame, suicide, low self esteem, fear.
Let’s select ‘Shame’ - Now let’s think backward about that outcome: ” Why do individuals who experience depression also experience some shame?
or we could think ahead of that outcome : “What impact does shame have on individuals who experience acute depression? - Now select a specific population: High school students.
- So we now have two possible research questions
“Why do high school students who experience depression also feel a sense of shame?”
“What is the impact of shame on high school students who experience acute depression? “
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.
Activity
develop your own research question
To brainstorm and develop a first draft of a research question complete the activity below.
- Save and export the text to a Word Doc..
- Edit and refine and use the information that you have exported to develop two possible research questions.
- Select one research question to discuss in your group.
- Edit and refine your final research question by incorporating suggestions and comments from the group.
At the end of this session
- At the end of this session you should have at least one completed research question that you will use for your final project.
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