How to Write a Research Question: Types, Steps, and Examples

in Research Posted on August 5, 2020 Author: Imed Bouchrika,

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Most, if not all, studies and research start with formulating a research question. Unfortunately, researchers can
face difficulties in trying to convert what they see as legitimate, relevant issues into sound research questions
(Doody & Bailey, 2016). Additionally, despite the importance of properly constructing these questions, there
exists little support on how to create an innovative research question (Sandberg & Alvesson, 2011).

While the ability to create good questions is not an innate skill, it can be cultivated in researchers (Lipowski,
2008). This article aims to guide researchers in the pursuit of creating good research questions by first providing
a research question’s definition and importance and then discussing methods commonly used in constructing
these questions.

How to Write a Research Question Table of Contents

1. What is a Research Question?
2. Types of Research Questions
3. Steps to Developing a Good Research Question
4. Examples of Good and Bad Research Questions
5. Important Points to Keep in Mind in Creating a Research Question

What is a Research Question?

A research question is a question that a study or research project aims to answer. This question often addresses
an issue or a problem, which, through analysis and interpretation of data, is answered in the study’s conclusion.
In most studies, the research question is written so that it outlines various aspects of the study, including the
population and variables to be studied and the problem the study addresses.
As their name implies, research questions are often grounded on research. As a result, these questions are
dynamic; this means researchers can change or refine the research question as they review related literature
and develop a framework for the study. While many research projects will focus on a single research question,
larger studies often use more than one research question.

Importance of the research question

The primary importance of framing the research question is that it narrows down a broad topic of interest into a
specific area of study (Creswell, 2014). Research questions, along with hypotheses, also serve as a guiding
framework for research. These questions also specifically reveal the boundaries of the study, setting its limits,
and ensuring cohesion.

Moreover, the research question has a domino effect on the rest of the study. These questions influence factors,
such as the research methodology, sample size, data collection, and data analysis (Lipowski, 2008).

Types of Research Questions

Research questions can be classified into different categories, depending on the type of research to be done.
Knowing what type of research one wants to do—quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies—can help
in determining the best type of research question to use.

Doody and Bailey (2016) suggest a number of common types of research questions, as outlined below.
Quantitative research questions
Quantitative research questions are precise. These questions typically include the population to be studied,
dependent and independent variables, and the research design to be used. They are usually framed and
finalized at the start of the study (Berger, 2015).

Quantitative research questions also establish a link between the research question and the research design.
Moreover, these questions are not answerable with “yes” or “no” responses. As a result, quantitative research
questions don’t use words such as “is,” “are,” “do,” or “does.”

Quantitative research questions usually seek to understand particular social, familial, or educational experiences
or processes that occur in a particular context and/or location (Marshall & Rossman, 2011). They can be further
categorized into three types: descriptive, comparative, and relationship.

o Descriptive research questions aim to measure the responses of a study’s population to one or more
variables or describe variables that the research will measure. These questions typically begin with “what.”
o Comparative research questions aim to discover the differences between two or more groups for an
outcome variable. These questions can be causal, as well. For instance, the researcher may compare a
group where a certain variable is involved and another group where that variable is not present.

o Relationship research questions seek to explore and define trends and interactions between two or more
variables. These questions often include both dependent and independent variables and use words such as
“association” or “trends.”

Qualitative research questions

Qualitative research questions may concern broad areas of research or more specific areas of study. Similar to
quantitative research questions, qualitative research questions are linked to research design. Unlike their
quantitative counterparts, though, qualitative research questions are usually adaptable, non-directional, and
more flexible (Creswell, 2013). As a result, studies using these questions generally aim to “discover,” “explain,”
or “explore.”

Ritchie et al. (2014) and Marshall and Rossman (2011) have also further categorized qualitative research
questions into a number of types, as listed below:

o Contextual research questions seek to describe the nature of what already exists.
o Descriptive research questions attempt to describe a phenomenon.
o Emancipatory research questions aim to produce knowledge that allows for engagement in social action,
especially for the benefit of disadvantaged people.
o Evaluative research questions assess the effectiveness of existing methods or paradigms.
o Explanatory research questions seek to expound on a phenomenon or examine reasons for and
associations between what exists.
o Exploratory research questions investigate little-known areas of a particular topic.
o Generative research questions aim to provide new ideas for the development of theories and actions.
o Ideological research questions are used in research that aims to advance specific ideologies of a position.
The following table illustrates the differences between quantitative and qualitative research questions.
Topic Quantitative Research Questions Qualitative Research Questions

Mental health How does race affect rates of mental health What is the experience of African-
diagnoses diagnosis among teens in foster care? American teens seeking help for mental
health concerns?

Career choice What is the relationship between household How do American university students
income and career choice among American from low-income households experience
university students? making a career choice?

Social media What proportion of Australians aged 55 to How do Australians aged 55 to 75 use
use 75 use popular social media sites? social media?

Early-stage What are the differences in the perceptions How do people with early-stage dementia
dementia towards people with early-dementia before experience other people's reactions to their
and after diagnosis? changed condition?

Mixed-methods studies
Mixed-methods studies typically require a set of both quantitative and qualitative research questions. Separate
questions are appropriate when the mixed-methods study focuses on the significance and differences in
quantitative and qualitative methods and not on the study’s integrative component (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010).

Researchers also have the option to develop a single mixed-methods research question. According to
Tashakkori and Teddlie (2010), this suggests an integrative process or component between the study’s
quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Steps to Developing a Good Research Question

Broadly, a good research question should be relevant, decided, and meaningful (Stone, 2002). Creating a
research question can be a tricky process, but there is a specific method you can follow to ease the process.
The steps to this method are outlined below:

1. Start with a broad topic.

A broad topic provides writers with plenty of avenues to explore in their search for a viable research question.
Techniques to help you develop a topic into subtopics and potential research questions include brainstorming
and concept mapping. These techniques can organize your thoughts so you can identify connections and
relevant themes within a broad topic.

When searching for a topic, it’s wise to choose an area of study that you are genuinely interested in, since your
interest in a topic will affect your motivation levels throughout your research. It’s also wise to consider the
interests being addressed recently by the research community, as this may affect your paper’s chances of
getting published.
2. Do preliminary research to learn about topical issues.
Once you have picked a topic, you can start doing preliminary research. This initial stage of research
accomplishes two goals. First, a preliminary review of related literature allows you to discover issues that are
currently being discussed by scholars and fellow researchers. This way, you get up-to-date, relevant knowledge
on your topic.

Second, a preliminary review of related literature allows you to spot existing gaps or limitations in existing
knowledge of your topic. With a certain amount of fine-tuning, you can later use these gaps as the focus of your
research question.

Moreover, according to Farrugia et al. (2010), certain institutions that provide grants encourage applicants to
conduct a systematic review of available studies and evidence to see if a similar, recent study doesn’t already
exist, before applying for a grant.

3. Narrow down your topic and determine potential research

questions.
Once you have gathered enough knowledge on the topic you want to pursue, you can start focusing on a more
specific area of study. One option is to focus on gaps in existing knowledge or recent literature. Referred to by
Sandberg and Alvesson (2011) as “gap-spotting,” this method involves constructing research questions out of
identified limitations in literature and overlooked areas of study. Similarly, researchers can choose research
questions that extend or complement the findings of existing literature.

Another way of identifying and constructing research questions: problematization (Sandberg & Alvesson, 2011).
As a methodology for constructing research questions, problematization aims to challenge and scrutinize
assumptions that support others’ and the researcher’s theoretical position. This means constructing research
questions that challenge your views or knowledge of the area of study.
Lipowski (2008), on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of taking into consideration the researcher’s
personal experiences in the process of developing a research question. Researchers who are also practitioners,
for instance, can reflect on problematic areas of their practice. Patterns and trends in practice may also provide
new insights and potential ideas for research questions.

4. Evaluate the soundness of your research question.

Your initial research and review of related literature will have produced some interesting questions that seem like
they’re worth pursuing. However, not all interesting questions make for sound research questions. Keep in mind
that a research question draws its answer or conclusion through an analysis of evidence.

Hulley et al. (2007) suggest using a set of criteria- known as the “FINER” criteria-to find out if you have a good
research question. The FINER criteria are outlined below:

F – Feasible
A good research question is feasible, which means that the question is well within the researcher’s ability to
investigate. Researchers should be realistic about the scale of their research as well as their ability to collect
data and complete the research with their skills and the resources available to them. It’s also wise to have a
contingency plan in place in case problems arise.

I – Interesting
The ideal research question is interesting not only to the researcher but also to their peers and community. This
interest boosts the researcher’s motivation to see the question answered.

N – Novel
Your research question should be developed to bring new insights to the field of study you are investigating. The
question may confirm or extend previous findings on the topic you are researching, for instance.

E – Ethical
This is one of the more important considerations of making a research question. Your research question and
your subsequent study must be something that review boards and the appropriate authorities will approve.

R – Relevant
Aside from being interesting and novel, the research question should be relevant to the scientific community and
people involved in your area of study. If possible, your research question should also be relevant to the public’s
interest.

5. Construct your research question properly.

Research questions should be structured properly to ensure clarity. There are a number of frameworks that you
can use for properly constructing a research question. The two most commonly used frameworks are explained
below.

PICOT framework
The PICOT framework was first introduced in 1995 by Richardson et al. Using the PICOT framework; research
questions can be constructed to address important elements of the study, including the population to be studied,
the expected outcomes, and the time it takes to achieve the outcome. With these elements, the framework is
more commonly used in clinical research and evidence-based studies.
 o P – population, patients, or problem
o I – intervention or indicator being studied
o C – comparison group
o O – outcome of interest
o T – timeframe of the study
The sample research question below illustrates the PICOT framework and its elements:

Between the ages of five and 18, are children of parents with diagnosed mental health issues at increased risk of
depression or anxiety compared with children of parents with no diagnosed mental health issues?

P (population being studied) children

I (indicator or intervention) parents with diagnosed mental health issues

C (comparison group) children of parents with no diagnosed mental health issues

O (outcome of interest) increased risk of depression or anxiety

T (timeframe of interest) between the ages of five and 18

PEO framework
Like the PICOT framework, the PEO framework is commonly used in clinical studies as well. However, this
framework is more useful for qualitative research questions. This framework includes these elements:

o P – population being studied

o E – exposure to pre-existing conditions
o O – outcome of interest
Below is a sample research question in the PEO framework:

In infants and children aged below 8, how does exposure to classical music affect the development of emotional
expression?

P (population being studied) infants and children aged below 8

E (exposure to preexisting conditions) exposure to classical music

O (outcome of interest) effects on development of emotional expression

Other commonly used frameworks for research questions include the SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of
Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type) and CLIP (Client group, Location of provided service,
Improvement/Information/Innovation, Professionals) frameworks. Aside from helping researchers properly
structure research questions, these frameworks also help refine research results and improve the focus of data
analysis.

Examples of Good and Bad Research Questions

The following examples of good and bad research questions can further guide researchers on properly
constructing a research question.

Example no. 1

Bad: How does social media affect people’s behavior?

Good: What effect does the daily use of YouTube have on the attention span of children aged under 16?
The first research question is considered bad because of the vagueness of “social media” as a concept and the
question’s lack of specificity. A good research question should be specific and focused, and its answer should be
discovered through data collection and analysis.

Example no. 2

Bad: Has there been an increase in childhood obesity in the US in the past 10 years?
Good: How have school intervention programs and parental education levels affected the rate of childhood
obesity among 1st to 6th-grade students?

In the second example, the first research question is not ideal because it’s too simple, and it’s easily answerable
by a “yes” or “no.” The second research question is more complicated; to answer it, the researcher must collect
data, perform in-depth data analysis, and form an argument that leads to further discussion.

Important Points to Keep in Mind in Creating a Research

Question
Developing the right research question is a critical first step in the research process. The key points outlined
below should help researchers in the pursuit:

o The development of a research question is an iterative process that involves continuously updating one’s
knowledge on the topic and refining ideas at all stages (Maxwell, 2013).
o Remain updated on current trends, state-of-the-art research studies, and technological advances in the field
of study you are pursuing.
o Make the research question as specific and concise as possible to ensure clarity. Avoid using words or
terms that don’t add to the meaning of the research question.
o Aside from doing a literature review, seek the input of experts in the field, mentors, and colleagues. Such
inputs can prove beneficial not only for the research question but also for creating the rest of the study.
o Finally, refrain from committing the two most common mistakes in framing research questions: posing a
question as an anticipated contribution and framing a question as a method (Mayo et al., 2013).

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