By completing the readings and watching the videos in Unit 1, there are many different aspects of what makes a good research question. Qualitative and Quantitative research methods combined to make a Mixed Method Research Question seems to be the best way to provide a holistic approach to research.
However, my interpretation of what makes a good research question is much simpler.
I believe a good research question needs to have the following two components.
- A research question should be clear and specific and should not be answerable by a yes or no response.
This will allow a more broad initial research question and will allow the researcher to unpack specific details throughout the research paper by using specific subtopics.
Although, it’s easier said than done. I think the initial question is the key to the flow of the research paper as a whole.
July 9, 2017 at 4:56 pm
Andrea, I agree with your two key characteristics of a good research question. However, the question of what methods to use fully depends on the research question. For example, I may want to do a qualitative research study (using a phenomenological approach) to understand the “lived experience” of parents who have had a child commit suicide. In this example, quantitative methods do not apply. I am looking to produce “thick” description of the parents experience of this phenomenon. (suicide of a child). I may be looking to develop support programs that will best address their needs and this kind of research could help me. The point is that just combining qualitative and quantitative methods doesn’t make a research study good or necessarily more robust. Making sure the methods produce the kind of data I want is the important thing.
July 10, 2017 at 12:20 pm
Thank you for the feedback, Loni. I agree, I think the research question itself will determine which method to use.