O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 1

Developing Your Research Question

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

question?

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 2

The Importance of Good QuestionsA good research question:

Defines the investigation Sets boundaries Provides direction

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 3

Defining Your TopicIf you are finding it a challenge

to generate a research topic you can:

Develop ‘right brain’ skills such as concept mapping

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 4

Concept Map of Potential Research Topics

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 5

From Interesting Topics to Researchable QuestionsAn ‘angle’ for your research can

come from insights stemming from:

personal experience theory observations contemporary issues engagement with the literature

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 6

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.

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 7

Cycles of ResearchQuestion Development

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 8

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?

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 9

Good Question Checklist  Is the question right for the field?

Will the findings be considered significant?

Will it make a contribution?

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 10

Good Question Checklist Is the question well articulated?

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

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 11

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?

 

O'Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Sage. Chapter Three 12

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?