The last couple weeks of MALAT, have again brought me much more to read. No word of a lie, its one of those situations where it can be such a large portion of my day, its hard not to fall asleep and Dream about it….
This Units readings include a large portion regarding academic research practices. Our required reading, as well as some of the extra explorative reading that tends to happen when a provoking thought occurs or new weblink emerges, has given me a look into where an academic research journey begins.
For the reader, the question driving the researcher’s inquiry is the first place to start when examining the quality of their work because if the question is flawed, the quality of the methods and soundness of the researchers’ thinking does not matter.
(Dodgson, 2020, P.105)
The question we are asked to pause and unpack in this Unit 1, Activities #3 Blog post is:
“What actually makes a good research question?”
And as it turns out, a whole lot more goes into it than I had ever dreamt.
A good research question is essential for guiding a study’s direction and maintaining its focus. Dodgson (2020) shares that having a good research question is foundational to good research, and Dahlberg and McCraig (2010) add that it influences everything from the research design, methodology, data collection, and analysis; therefore, its importance should not be overlooked.
Clarity and Specificity
In academic research, a clear and specific question is like having a detailed treasure map for an expedition. Without it, you’d wander aimlessly; as if in the dark. A well-defined research question keeps you focused, lighting the way and ensuring your research is more easily manageable and on point. For example, imagine you are cooking dinner. Saying “make dinner” all by itself is much too vague. However, “make veal parmesan” gives a more clear goal and steps to follow. Similarly, a precise research question helps you know exactly what you’re exploring, guiding your efforts more effectively.
Relevance and Importance
A good research question should be relevant and important; tackling a significant issue that aligns with current concerns and holds practical and/or theoretical value. Think of it like researching the redesigning of a smartphone; if we’re addressing a real need, such as better battery life or camera quality; people will care. Similarly, a good research question finds the interests and voids in existing knowledge, making it relevant and important to both practitioners and policymakers, to fill these gaps elevating everyone’s knowledge.
Feasibility
Can it be done? Think about it like planning a road trip; we need to make sure it’s doable with the time, resources, funding and access we have. A good research question should be realistic, fitting within the project’s constraints, just like ensuring we have enough gas, money, and time to complete the trip successfully. Feasibility is key, ensuring we can realistically answer the question within our available resources and time.
Measurable Observables
In research, our question should be like turning a recipe into a shopping list. We should take abstract concepts and turn them into measurable data, just like breaking down a dish into its specific ingredients so that we could buy them. This makes the question practical and ready for empirical investigation, ensuring we can measure or observe the elements we are studying.
Alignment with Purpose
The research question should align with the overall goals of the study, like pieces of a puzzle fitting together. It needs to flow logically from our objectives and contribute to understanding the bigger picture. Just as each puzzle piece is essential to complete an image, our research question should seamlessly fit into and support the study’s broader purpose.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations are crucial, ensuring our study respects participants’ rights and follows ethical guidelines. It’s like being an archaeologist excavating an ancient site; the archaeologist ensures that the excavation process preserves the integrity of the site and honours the history it represents; research questions must respect participants and adhere to ethical standards, safeguarding the integrity and dignity of those involved in your study.
Flexibility
In qualitative research, which is the most common in my vocation, a research question might evolve as I go, requiring a flexible and adaptable approach. It’s like adjusting our travel route based on new discoveries and experiences along the way that align our perspective. Being open to new insights and findings ensures the research remains relevant and responsive to what is learned during the study.
For me, crafting a good, or possibly even great research question is a matter of repeated practice. By ensuring a question is well-defined, significant, realistic, and respectful of participants, I hope to create good habits in the foundation of meaningful and impactful research.
Like an archaeologist carefully plans an excavation, a well thought out research question guides the study, uncovering valuable insights and contributing to the broader understanding of the field being researched.
References
Dahlberg, L., & McCaig, C. (2010). Practical research and evaluation: A start-to-finish guide for practitioners. SAGE Publications Ltd. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1058505.pdf
Dodgson, J. (2020) Quality in Research: Asking the Right Question. Journal of Human Lactation. 36(1):105-108. doi:10.1177/0890334419890305
OpenAI. (2024). 1980’s Comic book theme, Middle aged academic, Dream scape, Male and Female jungle ruins adventure, Best research questions. https://chat.openai.com/
A thorough discussion of what makes a good research question, Darren. The visuals made this fun to read and showcased your ability to liven up what some might think a dull topic. I would only argue that some types of research involve having measurable data, while other approaches (qualitative) involve having descriptive data.