Crafting a research question stands as a vital component of any research endeavour, serving as a fundamental basis for the study and providing direction for the research process. The quality of the research question holds immense significance, as it can either make or break the research project. Thus, comprehending the key attributes of a well-formulated research question becomes imperative to ensure the success of the study.
What is a research question?
A research question is a focused question that guides the research project. It helps define the scope of the study and provides a framework for the research process. A research question should be clear, concise, and answerable within the scope of the study.
Characteristics of a good research question
A good and robust research question has several characteristics. It should be:
- Clear and concise
- Answerable within the scope of the study
- Relevant to the research topic
- Original and innovative
- Feasible to answer
- Based on existing literature
How to write a good research question
To write a good research question, follow these steps:
- Start with a broad research topic
- Conduct a literature review to identify gaps in knowledge
- Narrow the research topic based on the gaps identified in the literature
- Formulate a research question that is clear, concise, and answerable within the scope of the study
- Ensure the research question is original, innovative, and relevant to the research topic
[For practitioner research, where the research question is informed by a real-world problem, there is a different process which I describe here].
Example research question
Here is an example of a well-written research question:
“What is the impact of mindfulness meditation on stress levels on university students in Freetown?”
This research question is clear, concise, and answerable within the scope of the study. It is also based on existing literature and is original and innovative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a good research question is essential to the success of any research project. A good research question is clear, concise, relevant, original, feasible, and based on existing literature. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write a research question that will guide your research project and help you achieve your research goals.
