1

Developing Your Research Question

I know what general area, but I’m not sure of my research

question?

2

The Importance of Good Questions

A good research question:

Defines the investigation Sets boundaries Provides direction Helps produce good research

3

Defining Your Topic

If you are finding it a challenge to generate a research topic you can:

Hone in on your passions Use your curiosity Look for inspiration from the creative arts Develop ‘right brain’ skills such as concept

mapping

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Concept Map of Potential Research Topics

5

Minding Practicalities

Research directions are not always at the full discretion of the researcher. Practicalities include:

Appropriateness of the topic Your ability to get supervisory support Funding opportunities and

commitments

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From Interesting Topics to Researchable Questions theory observations/personal experiences contemporary issues engagement with the literature develop a title Pose the topic as a brief question

7

Narrowing and Clarifying Narrowing, clarifying, and even

redefining your questions is essential to the research process.

Forming the right ‘questions’ should be seen as an iterative process that is informed by reading and doing at all stages.

8

The Hypothesis Dilemma Hypotheses are designed to

express relationships between variables. If this is the nature of your question, a hypothesis can add to your research

If your question is more descriptive or explorative, generating a hypothesis may not be appropriate

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The Hypothesis Dilemma

A hypothesis may not be appropriate if: You do not have a hunch or educated guess

about a particular situation You do not have a set of defined variables. Your question centres on phenomenological

description Your question centres on an ethnographic

study of a cultural group

10

Good Question Checklist

Is the question right for me?

Will the question hold my interest? Can I manage any potential

biases/subjectivities I may have?

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Good Question Checklist

 Is the question right for the field?

Will the findings be considered significant?

Will it make a contribution?

12

Good Question Checklist

Is the question well articulated?

Are the terms well-defined? Are there any unchecked assumptions?

 

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Good Question Checklist Is the question doable?

Can information be collected in an attempt to answer the question?

Do I have the skills and expertise necessary to access this information? If not, can the skills be developed?

Will I be able to get it all done within my time constraints?

Are costs likely to exceed my budget? Are there any potential ethics problems?

14

Good Question Checklist

Does the question get the tick of approval from those in the know?

Does my supervisor think I am on the right track?

Do ‘experts’ in the field think my question is relevant/ important/ doable?