A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Strong Research Question

Formulating a clear and answerable research question is crucial for any research project, whether it’s for academic purposes, a thesis, or market research.  A focused question not only guides your research but also helps to clarify your objectives and scope. The quality of your research question has a direct influence on the overall success of your study. Several strategies have been used to develop research questions and there is no single, universal standard for what constitutes a good research question, as different fields have varying requirements. A good research question for a policy paper, for example, will differ from one for a science paper.  Nonetheless, a good research question can follow a stepwise approach using the principles below that can be coined into an acronym called FOCUS. The acronym provides a structured way to evaluate whether a research question meets the criteria of being Feasible, Observable, Clear, Useful, and Specific. This stepwise approach can serve as a practical tool for assessing and improving the quality of research questions across different disciplines.

 

1. Feasible

The first component, feasibility, addresses whether your research question can be realistically answered given your resources, timeframe, and access to data. A feasible question should consider your methodological capabilities and any potential constraints.

How to Ensure Feasibility:

• Assess the scope of your question. Avoid overly broad topics that would require excessive time or resources.
• Consider the availability of data and participants. Ensure you can gather the necessary information to address your question.

Example: Instead of asking, “How does social media influence mental health globally?” you might narrow it to, “How does Instagram usage affect the mental health of university students in Nigeria over one semester?

 

2. Observable

An observable research question should focus on phenomena that can be measured or assessed through empirical data. This component emphasizes the importance of basing your inquiry on tangible evidence.

How to Make Your Question Observable:

• Identify specific variables you can measure.
• Ensure that your question lends itself to data collection through surveys, experiments, or observations.

Example: Rather than asking, “Do students like online learning?” you could ask, “What percentage of students report feeling engaged during online learning sessions?”

 

3. Clear

Clarity is vital in ensuring that your research question is easily understood by both you and your audience. A clear question should avoid ambiguity and confusion, making it easier to design your study and communicate your findings.

Tips for Achieving Clarity:

• Use straightforward language and avoid “scientific” jargon unless necessary for your audience.
• Clearly define any terms or concepts that may be complex or subject to interpretation.

Example: Instead of asking, “What are the effects of climate change on reproductive health?” you might clarify it by asking, “What is the relationship between drought and child marriage?”

 

4. Useful

Your research question should be useful, meaning it contributes valuable insights to your field of study. A useful question addresses a significant gap in existing literature or explores an issue relevant to practitioners, policymakers, or other stakeholders.

How to Ensure Usefulness:

• Conduct a literature review to identify gaps in knowledge or areas needing further exploration.
• Consider the implications of your research for real-world applications.

Example: Rather than a general question like, “What are the trends in renewable energy?” focus on a more useful inquiry such as, “How do government incentives affect the adoption of solar energy technologies among homeowners in urban areas?”

 

5. Specific

The final component of the Focus Framework is specificity. A specific research question highlights a particular aspect of a broader topic, making it more manageable and precise.

Strategies for Increasing Specificity:

• Limit the scope of your question by focusing on a particular population, timeframe, or context.
• Avoid vague language and be explicit about what you intend to study.

Example: Instead of asking, “What is the role of exercise in health?” refine it to, “How does a 30-minute daily walking regimen influence cardiovascular health in adults aged 50 and over?”

 

Conclusion

There are several approaches to ensuring you have a good research question. Using an acronym as a checklist can make this easy to achieve. By ensuring that your question is Feasible, Observable, Clear, Useful, and Specific, you set a solid foundation for your research project. This structured approach not only clarifies your objectives but also increases the likelihood of obtaining meaningful results. With a strong research question in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of your study and contribute valuable insights to your field. Happy researching!

 

AI disclaimer 

The author used Grammarly on the 30th of October 2024 to revise this publication. After using this tool, the authors checked the work to ensure accuracy and are fully responsible for the content of the publication.

 

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