Module 3 Part 1: Research Questions

Question 1

What are parts of the Research Process?

Answer 1

• Problem Statement: entices reader and stimulates interest
• Research Objectives: indicate what the research will do

Qualitative: discover, explore, describe, explain

Quantitative: affect, influence, impact, cause, relate

• Significance of the Study: reasons why the study adds to the research or literature in the field
• Scope and Limitation: boundaries, exceptions, reservations and qualifications in the study

Question 2

What are some ways to prompt research questions?

Answer 2

• Intellectual puzzles and contradictions
• Existing literature
• Structures and functions
• Opposition to theoretical perspective
• Gaps between reality and facts
• New methods and theories
• New social and technological developments
• Personal experience

Question 3

What are the types of intellectual puzzles?

Answer 3

• Developmental puzzles: how and why x or y develop
• Mechanical puzzles: how does x and y work?
• Comparative puzzles: comparing x and y, knowing their similarities and differences
• Casual/predictive puzzles: what influence is x to y, what causes x or y, what is the outcome of x or y?

Question 4

What is the criteria for excellent research questions?

Answer 4

• Intelligible/clear
• Researchable/using terms not abstract
• Connected to existing theory/research
• Linked to each other
• Originally contribute to knowledge
• Neither too broad nor too narrow

Question 5

Statement of the Problem Tips?

Answer 5

• Write the working title like this: “My study is about….”
• Consider a title no longer than 12 words
• Use single title or double title

Question 6

How to formulate research questions?

Answer 6

• Ask 1 or 2 central questions
• Ask no more than 7 sub questions in addition to your central questions
• Relate the central questions to specific qualitative strategy of inquiry
• To be open; begin RQs with what or how
• Focus on a single concept
• Use exploratory verbs non directionally and to show openness
• Expect RQs to change as research design changes
• Use open ended questions without reference unless indicate otherwise
• Specify participants and research site if info has not yet been given

Question 7

How to write statement of the problem?

Answer 7

• Describe who is affected
• Supported causes of the problem
• Objective of the improvement
• The intervention that will be initiated

Question 8

How to write significance of the study?

Answer 8

• Identify the deficiencies of other studies
• Write about areas overlooked by past studies
• Discuss how your proposed study will remedy these deficiencies and contribute to