Examples of Research Questions

Introduction

Research questions are an essential part of any research project, big or small. They provide focus and direction as researchers conduct their investigations. A research question is the fundamental core of a research project, study, or review of literature. It focuses the study, determines the methodology, and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting.

Formulating Research Questions

Formulating research questions can be a tricky task. There are several things to consider when formulating research questions, including the type of research, the nature of the topic, and the resources available. Here are some tips for formulating research questions:

• Be specific. Avoid broad, sweeping statements.
• Be clear. Make sure the research question is clear and concise.
• Be focused. Make sure the research question is focused and relevant to the topic.
• Be realistic. Make sure the research question is achievable given the resources available.

Types of Research Questions

There are several types of research questions, including descriptive, comparative, and causal. Each type of research question has its own characteristics and considerations. Here is a brief overview of each type of research question:

• Descriptive: Descriptive research questions are used to describe a phenomenon or to investigate a question with a yes or no answer. Examples of descriptive research questions include: What is the average age of participants? How often do people use public transportation?
• Comparative: Comparative research questions are used to compare two or more phenomena or to investigate a question with more than one answer. Examples of comparative research questions include: How does the use of technology affect student learning? How do different cultures view the same issue?
• Causal: Causal research questions are used to investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between two or more phenomena. Examples of causal research questions include: What is the effect of technology on student learning? What is the cause of poverty in developing countries?

Examples of Research Questions

Now that we’ve discussed the different types of research questions and how to formulate them, let’s look at some examples of research questions:

• Descriptive: What is the average age of participants in a study on depression?
• Comparative: How does access to technology affect student performance in math?
• Causal: What is the effect of poverty on educational outcomes in developing countries?

Conclusion

Research questions are an essential part of any research project, big or small. They provide focus and direction as researchers conduct their investigations. Formulating research questions can be a tricky task, but there are several tips and tricks to help. There are several types of research questions, including descriptive, comparative, and causal. Examples of research questions include: What is the average age of participants in a study on depression?, How does access to technology affect student performance in math?, and What is the effect of poverty on educational outcomes in developing countries?