Formulating your research question is a pivotal moment. A focused scope in your question is like a compass, guiding you through the vast research possibilities.

Having an open and broad research topic can be empowering at the beginning of the research process. It allows the researcher to change or shift as the research becomes more focused. This flexibility enables the researcher to try multiple paths before settling on a single concept and to use their research to justify their position further in their writing.

Beginning research with a focused and narrow research question allows you to specify what resources you find, read, and use. This would likely enable the researcher to waste less time and be more confident about what they must accomplish. Focusing only on a narrower topic may result in more substantial or better-developed arguments and opinions within writing.

I am not someone who can create a research question quickly. I need to understand the expectations within a course or assignment and my expectations of myself. As a research question is developed and researched, it typically “is an iterative process that involves significant revision and refinement, but there has not been as much acknowledgment that this refinement is substantially influenced.” (Maxwell, 2022, p 8) I start with a significant topic and a general idea of my research’s direction, then narrow my question, and my research comes together. Below, I have focused on what I consider when formulating my research questions.

Researchable: A question or topic must be large enough to be researched. This means there are enough articles, books, or videos for a researcher to develop a complete understanding. It also means that it is not a small question that can be answered with a quick internet search.

Purposeful: There must be an apparent reason at the centre of your question. This gives your research purpose and will help to drive the process further. Having an apparent reason or purpose within your question will allow you to remain focused and on track during your research instead of being impacted by potential complications or road bumps. (Dahlberg & McCaig, 2010, ch 3)

Is it big enough? This ties to the idea of a question being researchable. Is there enough information out there to provide you with enough to research the topic properly? If something is so new or unexplored, it can be difficult to properly research it, build your understanding, and find a way to share your research.

Although there are multiple other factors to consider when creating a research question, these three allow me to make something substantial. They also allow my questions to change and grow as my research progresses and help solidify my focus.

References

Dahlberg, L., & McCaig, C. (2010). Practical research and evaluation: A start-to-finish guide for practitioners. SAGE Publications Ltd, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446268346

Maxwell, J. A., (2022). Qualitative Research Design, In P. Atkinson, S. Delamont, A. Cernat, J.W. Sakshaug, & R.A. Williams (Eds.), SAGE Research Methods Foundations. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526421036788354