When I think about what makes a good research question, there are two things that immediately pop into my mind:
- Clear
- Concise
A clear question that identifies what is the objective of the research being done. A concise question that provides the relevant information needed to ensure the research question is being appropriately answered.
I decided to further investigate, as I have always somewhat struggled when it came to research. I would start with what I thought was a clear path and I would end up somewhere completely different taking turns left and right.
When I looked at the Writing Centre there is an outline for the basis of a research question, “a research question should: be clear and specific; state the focus of investigation in the research; not be answerable with a yes/no response” (“Thesis statements/Research questions/Problem statements | RRU Library”, 2019).
Comparing what I had originally thought versus the information I was able to pull up, leaves the question itself. To expand on my original thought, I would include that a research question should include: who, what, where, why, and/or how. This ensures that the question would not be answerable with a simple yes or no.
References:
Thesis statements/Research questions/Problem statements | RRU Library. (2019). Retrieved from https://library.royalroads.ca/writing-centre/writing/structure/thesis-statements
Hi Leigha,
I really like this post and I have a question for the Momfessional.
You said that you would begin your research with a perceived clear path but “…would end up somewhere completely different taking turns left and right.” Did these turns ever lead you into something new or something you never would have previously considered?
I ask because I too have been nudged off what I thought my original path was and ended up digging around in a new direction. I’ve always wondered if this may indicate that I lack the focus or discipline needed for proper research.
Thoughts?
Owen
(you should copyright that term by the way. I think it is whimsically poignant.)
Hi Owen,
Thanks so much for your comments!
Hahaha, that quite funny! I actually just started getting set up with “The Momfessional”. I have purchased the url’s and set up Instagram/Facebook accounts. I’m not sure about copyrighting the term, but this is interesting! Maybe I should inquire about it and see what’s happening already with it.
We’ll see it where it takes me 🙂
Yes, absolutely! I tend to feel like I end up with a positive outcome (enjoying where this research path has taken me) or a negative outcome (where I feel very lost). I have struggled understanding if this is due to my research question not being focused enough, or if this is just part of the process. I feel like research question end up being edited and narrowed as you continue your research. I think I might bring this up to Loni and see I can get some clarity with this. If you have any advice, I would love to compare! I will keep you posted!