“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
– Carl Sagan
Research can be conducted in many types and forms, such as qualitative, quantitative, experimental, mixed methods, user experience, and market research, to name a few. As Dahlberg & McCaig state (2010, Chapter 1), research questions are closely linked to the research purpose. As a result, research questions are a crucial factor in the success of the research conducted.
As stated in the title of this blog, garbage in, garbage out, meaning if you ask a poor question, you will get a poor answer. In this blog post, as part of the Introduction to Research: Critical Reading and Writing course at Royal Roads University, I dissect and explore the critical elements of a good research question.
Please get me a GOOD apple.
Before we can unpack the meaning of a “good research question,” we must consider one of the words in this statement, “good.” Words like good, bad, big, and small are ambiguous, providing different and unmeasurable meanings to the reader depending on the context in which they are used. For example, what type of apple would you get me if I asked you to go to the market and buy me a “good” apple? Some may return with a Macintosh. In contrast, others would buy a Gala. Everyone would be correct in their regard, but let’s be honest: only those who return with a “honey crisp” apple will be buying a good apple.
Just as there are different types of apples, there are different types of research questions, each suited to their specific research strategy. However, specific characteristics define a ”good” research question like they define a good apple. The following explores key characteristics identified in Dahlberg & McCaig’s book Practical Research and Evaluation: A Start-to-Finish Guide for Practitioners (2010, Chapter 3). We’ll use the subject of AI in K-12 classrooms to ground the examples provided in these key characteristics.
- Consider the Methodology, Goals, Framework, and Validity:
- A research question must account for the designed research’s methodology, goals, framework, and validity. Defining your question requires interative amendments as you plan and refine your research strategy.
- Example: Starting with “What is AI’s impact in K-12 classrooms?” might reveal AI is not used until grade ten. The question could then become, “What is AI’s impact on high school classrooms?”
- Guide the Research:
- A good research question guides the research like a compass needle. The direction of the study will be based on this question. Even if the question was revised during the planning stages, during execution, the question should guide further research amendments and remain relatively the same.
- Allow for Dynamic Changes:
- The research question should allow for dynamic changes. If too narrowly focused, it may not be answerable due to unforeseen limitations. However, avoid being too broad; your research needs focus.
- Example: “What is the meaning of life?” is too broad (the answer is 42, by the way). However, you can also be too focused; “What impact does AI have on classrooms where students have private accounts and use ChatGPT?”
- Rephrase as a Hypothesis:
- A research question can be rephrased as a hypothesis. The question can be written in a statement that alludes to a potential outcome and is testable.
- Example: “AI improves student engagement in high school classrooms.”
Conclusion
As explored in this blog, a good research question is contextual, flexible, and testable. It requires consideration of the boundaries within which your research will be conducted. A research question will undergo many iterations during the research planning phase and needs to be susceptible to minor changes during your research execution. Much like the thoughtful process we would take in planning our research events, such as focus groups, sampling, and interview questions, we also need to take as much, if not more, care in identifying “good” research questions.
References
Dahlberg, L., & McCaig, C. (2010). Practical research and evaluation: A start-to-finish guide for practitioners. SAGE Publications Ltd.
Hopler, W. (2020, July 20). Famous quotes on research and well-being. Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, George Mason University. https://wellbeing.gmu.edu/famous-quotes-on-research-and-well-being/
OpenAI. (2024). Man at cluttered desk, frustrated, with overflowing trash bins background. https://chat.openai.com/
That was an insighful review of the elements of a good research question, Allie. Honestly, my favourite part was the Hitchhiker’s Guide reference. Well done, sir.
In my own blog I’ve attempted to tackle the nebulous definition of good, as a moral description of a research question. As you’ve noted, it’s a vague word open to broad interpretation, which aligns well with Maxwell’s interactive model of research design.
And, yes, honey crisp are the only good apples.
This is well considered and thorough. Honey crisp though? I might have to give it another try.
In your writing, I enjoy finding familiar references to our dev work. This post gave me debate flashbacks, once you started seeking to define “good”.
Good work. Wait…
Great post Allie, I love the examples you use to help zero in on the understanding of your points or claim; I had done much the same in my Blog post.
I really appreciate the use of imbedded web links to the RRU resources, as it’s super helpful to your reader to have these to go along with your reference list. I hope to remember to consider this whenever possible in my own writing.
Now, if we are to avoid Mis, or possibly even Mal-information; Organic Galas are the finest example of a Good Apple.
I’m sure a research question as such: “How do different apple varieties compare in terms of nutritional content, health benefits, consumer preferences, and sustainable agricultural practices?” could provide clearity.
4 of 5 Grocers Agree…… 😂
Great examples, Allie.