Types of Research Question

Research Question is the main driving force around which your whole research project revolves. It gives direction to your research project. Before diving into how and why a research question holds such importance, Let’s first define what a research question is;

“A research question is a specific and focused inquiry that focuses your project to a single point”

A good research question has the following characteristics:

  • It is focused on a single point.
  • It is clear and without any ambiguity.
  • Feasibility is the main character of a research question.

Types of Research Questions:

There are several types of research questions based on their nature and applicability.

Descriptive:

  • This type of research question usually describes what exists and what is going on.
  • These types of questions are asked in descriptive research.
  • For Example, What are the characteristics of Model ABC? [1,2,3].

Relational / Observational:

  • This type of research question is made when a study compares the relationship between two or more variables.
  • For example How much noise can destroy the signal?
  • In this question, we study the relationship between noise and signal power [2,3].

Causal:

  • This type of research question is made when a study determines whether one or more variables cause or affect the outcomes variables.
  • For example, Does a change in delay, affect bandwidth?
  • In this question, we study the effect on one variable w.r.t change in the other variable [1,2,3].

Theoretical:

  • This type of research question is used in a study where a full set of facts is explored that cause a condition, event or process.
  • For example why Model ABC is better than Model XYZ?
  • Look at the answers to this question in literature and come up with your answer [3].

Policy Arguments:

  • This type of research question is about asking whether one policy is better than another.
  • How this policy finds its objectives as well as considerations of cost and benefit analysis model.
  • For Example, Is it better to incorporate attribute A or Attribute B in model ABC? And why is it so? [3].

Normative:

  • This type of research question is asked about preferences and values about what ought to happen.
  • For example, Will 3G be a good step towards advancement in communication in Pakistan? [3].

Predictive:

  • In this type of research question, we are asked what the likelihood of happening something is.
  • For example, will the salesperson problem be solved in the next few years?
  • Here we will talk about some factors, by which our prediction can be true [3].

Choosing the right question for your project:

It depends mainly on your research goals and the nature of your topic. A further aspect that can help you in choosing the right question is:

  • Whether the data for which you have derived a question is available or not. There is no use in formulating a question for which you cannot find data.
  • Are you comfortable with the type of question you have formulated? Whether it is according to your speciality or not.
  • Ask yourself whether this question will be valid after a few years.

Conclusion:

By studying different types of research questions and considering other points that are mentioned in the above blog you will be able to formulate a question that not only be easy to research but the validity of such a study will evergreen also.

References

  1. http://www.csun.edu/science/ref/science_projects/research_questions.html
    2. http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/resques.php
    3. http://irn.uit.tufts.edu/research_planner/4b.cfm