As I continue my journey at Royal Roads University (RRU), Masters of Arts in Learning and Technology (MALAT) program. My second course, Introduction to Research: Critical Reading and Writing (LRNT522), have challenged me with the question as to, what makes a good research question? This blog post provides you with a brief personal explanation as to my current understanding of what makes a good research question.
There are many variables to consider, before coming up with a research question. I must identify a problem that I am passionate about. Selecting a problem that redirects my attention and interests is important because I will be focused on this research and question for the next year or two. Here is an example of the following steps which are important to determine, what makes a good research question;
Part one:
- Topics
- Ideas
- Interests
Part two:
Creswell points out, “qualitative research ask at least one central question and several sub-questions” (2008. par. 2, p, 141). “Qualitative researches write either research questions or hypotheses” (2008. par. 3, p. 141).
Continued example, break down the topic of interests even more.
- Subtopic areas of the topic
- Cultures
- Ages
- Seniority
- Turnover
Part three:
- Whom does it affect (the study population)
- What is the issue, (negative behaviours, excessive turnover)
- Observation, survey
- Hiring practices, training practices, and relationship practices (Look at the increasing irregularity).
Part four:
- Formulate a research question
- How do you retain a positive workplace culture?
At this stage, I want to look at my question, reflecting if it is too broad and ponder if I need to break it down even more. Asking, what do I mean to retain, what do I mean being positive, and what do I mean by the culture. Now reflect to rewrite the research question.
- What environmental conditions can be implemented to sustain a positive workplace culture?
Conclusion
Only now can I consider which type of research path fits the type of research question required. I need to break down it I will research through qualitative, quantitative or mixed research. Johnson et al. (2010) defines three types of research options;
Qualitative research tends to use the exploratory scientific method to generate hypotheses and develop understanding about particular people, places, and groups…
Quantitative research hope to find common patterns in thought and behaviour and to generalize broadly.
Mixed research involves mixing and combining qualitative and quantitative research in single research studies.
In the example research question broken down above, I would consider researching through quantitative research; I would focus on people, behaviours, and groups/departments.
References
Creswell, J. (2009). Chapter seven: Research questions and hypotheses. Los Angeles: SAGE Publishing.
Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. B. (2010). Educational research: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publishing.
Pixabay. (2018). Literature. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/en/books-library-education-literature-768426/
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