what characteristics should a good research question have? ( under different methodological approaches : quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodological approaches. )
Dear Jeeva Madduma,
hi,
A good research question is not judge on the basis of difficulty and complexity or how difficult to answer. But it should be judged on the basis of its simplicity and clarity.
The purpose of statement of research is narrowed in the form of research question statement.
Question statements are interrogative statements that narrow the purpose statement to specific questions that researcher seeks to answer in his/her study.
Research Questions are typically framed at the end of the introduction of the statement of the problem section or immediately following the review of literature.
While formulating a research question (for quantitative or qualitative or any other type of researches) the following process is commonly tenable:
- Pose a question
- Begin with how, what or why
- Specify the independent, dependent and control variables or specify a phenomenon
- Use such words as describe, compare, relate or indicate the action or connection among the variables.
- Indicate the sample and population
Three popular forms are available to frame the question statement i.e.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FORMULATING RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Adequate formulation of research question statement is one of the most important parts of research. However, there are some suggestions, which if followed, result in good research question statements being framed.
- Research questions must explain the relationship among variables.
- Research questions should not be vague e.g. what is the issue of illiteracy.
- Specific problem to be solved must be indicated e.g. what is the effect of intelligence on achievement?
- Research questions should be researchable and feasible. these must be within the reach of a researcher and must contribute to the quantum of knowledge.
- It must specify the activities of the researcher. A good research question monitors the researcher's efforts.
- It must not involve any philosophical issue or value judgement.
- It should be observed that the problem's solution fills the gap in the existing knowledge or helps resolve some of the inconsistencies or the interpretation of known facts.
- The scope of the investigation or the limits within which the problem is to be studied must be mentioned explicitly in stating a research problem.
Hope, you find it useful.
Happy Research...
S. C. Basu
The question which is relevant to the subject of interest.
To the point...clear in expression.
The one which further enhances knowledge about that particular subject.
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