how to create a good dissertation question

Writing the Dissertation - Guides for Success: Research Question

• Writing the Dissertation Homepage
• Overview and Planning
• Research Question
• Literature Review
• Methodology
• Results and Discussion
• Picking a Topic
• Questions and Hypotheses
• Room for Refinement
• Action Words
• Preparing to Research

Overview of developing research questions

Effective writing should have a clear purpose, and purpose shines through the best when an essay or dissertation responds to an explicit research question(s).  Sometimes, you will need to define or refine a research question based on an essay title provided by an instructor. In the case of dissertations and theses, you will start from scratch, developing one or more research question(s) to anchor and guide a major piece of work.

A research question is powerful: it shapes the focus and breadth of your reading, suggests the data you will need to access or produce, underpins choices related to method/methodology, and more. Therefore, it's crucial to build experience both in inventing and amending research questions.

Guide contents

The tabs of this guide will support you in developing research questions and/or hypotheses to get your writing project started. The sections are organised as follows:

• Picking a Topic  - Tips on finding the broad starting place for your essay or writing project.
• Questions and Hypotheses  - Learn how to develop your idea into a workable hypothesis or research question.
• Room for Refinement  - Explore ways to fine-tune your question to allow maximum depth and criticality.
• Action Words   - Help deciding on the right verbs to frame what you will do in your writing.
• Preparing to Research  - With your question decided, here's a concise outline to begin the research process.

Getting started: the topic

The first things you will need to do when starting your research are to think of a subject or topic  for your writing project and design either a hypothesis (a statement for investigation) or question that you will address. Let's start with picking the subject.

Inspiration

When embarking on a thesis or dissertation , you can find the inspiration for your research topic from anywhere: for example, the media, current affairs, art, literature, technology, or your course notes and general reading interests. Above all, it is important that you are interested in and enthusiastic about your topic. You will be a more successful researcher if you care about your project.

If you are starting an  essay  rather than a final project, odds are you will be assigned a general subject. However, within the broad essay title/instructions, there may be scope to  tailor the focus.

 – Our Understanding the Assignment guide goes into more depth about unpicking and responding to assigned essay titles.

Your supervisor's role

You needn't discuss your approach to every essay with the lecturer ahead of time. However, if working on a major project , make sure you discuss your topic with your supervisor. This includes chatting with them about changes to, expansions of, etc. your topic. Academic supervisors might do some of the following:

• Talk through whether the subject matter is suitable for your own skill set;
• Indicate if they are happy to work with you on your chosen topic;
• Advise you on the availability of information and resources on your topic, or if any problems are likely to arise;
• Help you to shape/refine your hypothesis or question.

Supervisors vary in how directive they get with student projects: there are many valid approaches to supervision. However, if you are ever concerned about the supervision you're receiving, consider discussing this with your Personal Academic Tutor.

In any case, you should  not  expect your academic supervisor to simply give you a 'good topic' – learning to develop research questions is a vital part of independent study, so while it can take trial and error, the process is worth it to improve as a scholar in your field.

From topic to hypothesis/question

Once you have decided upon the general topic and the main issues you wish to address, then you can think about developing your hypothesis or question in a more detailed way.  Hypotheses  need to be carefully phrased as the wording is an indication of what will be discussed in your essay. The hypothesis not only gives the reader information about the content you will write about, but also how you will approach the topic.

We'll explore an organised way to begin developing your hypothesis/question on the next tab.

Developing your hypothes(es) or question(s)

In developing your hypothesis or question, experiment with  starting broad  and gradually  narrowing the focus.  Work through the sequence of questions below to begin:

What subject?

What general field of study do you want to cover in the course of your research and writing? In some cases, this is self-evident: 'I'm a Biology student, so I'll cover Biology, of course.' However, some projects lend themselves to an  interdisciplinary approach,  meaning you will link or combine multiple subjects. For example...

• The fields of Medicine and Philosophy intersect when considering medical ethics, which could raise an initial question such as, ‘What are the ethical dimensions of denying NHS treatment on account of lifestyle choices?’
• The fields of History, Linguistics, and Queer Studies might intersect in undertaking an analysis of letters written between same-sex couples in the late 1800s.

Inventory your research interests and assess whether they nest neatly inside one discipline or are interdisciplinary in nature.

What theme?

• For the fields of History, Government and Politics, you could look at a theme such as U.S. foreign policy.
• For the field of Biomedical Engineering, you could look at the theme of smart prosthetics.
• For the field of Marketing, you could look at the theme of multi-channel retailing.

What context?

The themes above are too wide to tackle in a single piece of research. For example, 'U.S. foreign policy' could cover a ~250-year period that spans American relationships with nearly 200 different countries: that's too much! Therefore, the next step is to pick a context for your theme. For example...

• U.S. foreign policy as related to Iran in the twenty-first century.
• Smart prosthetics used by individuals with acquired lower-limb shortening.
• Multi-channel retailing among organic food brands in the UK.

As you can see, this context step continues to narrow down the focus of the initial subject and theme.

What specific angle?

Here, you will carefully consider the theme and its context, and ask yourself, 'What, specifically, is  relevant to find out about this theme?' Or, put another way, what do you want to  discover?  The answers to questions like these will suggest a  meaningful angle  for your project. For example...

• Question: What role did the U.S. play in the 2009 Iranian elections?
• Hypothesis: Lower-limb prosthetic sockets could be redesigned with innovative materials to improve shock absorption and, thus, user comfort.
• Question: Which marketing channels are proving most effective for customer acquisition amongst organic food brands currently operating in the UK?

Bear in mind that longer projects such as dissertations and theses often address  a handful of related questions  – so don't panic if you can't boil it down to just one question!

What method(ology)?

Finally, it's time for a reality check: your idea might be fantastic, but is there a realistic way to produce meaningful answers? For example, this is an intriguing question:

Leading up to the 2016 Brexit vote, to what extent did the privately expressed opinions of top officials in the UK government align with, or contradict, their publicly made statements?

However intriguing that question, it would be difficult or impossible to research: how would you gather evidence of 'privately expressed opinions' in an ethical, reliable way? (Hacking governmental memos or email accounts definitely runs afoul of academic responsibility and conduct!)

Therefore, you need to vet whether a sound method or methodology can underpin your choice of theme(s), context and angle(s). You don't need to define every detail of your method at this stage, but ask yourself questions like these:

• For example, is it possible to compare and contrast the official responses of the U.S. and Iranian governments by using public speeches? Is there any further evidence of American involvement in the election highlighted in press reports, or online sources such as YouTube and Twitter? Which sources can you use to confirm facts, and which to confirm public perceptions/opinions?
• For example, have any organic food brands published their data on customer acquisition strategies? If not, how could you measure this using publicly available information and/or direct correspondence with brands?
• Identifying an ethical consideration doesn't necessarily mean you need to abandon your idea, but you will need to review the University Ethics Policy , discuss your idea with your supervisor, and, if deemed necessary, apply for ethics approval before proceeding.

The benefits

If you write a well considered hypothesis or question you can:

• Narrow your research and focus more carefully;
• Make better choices for the selection of your reading;
• From your reading you can select information more carefully and get the right evidence to include in your essay/project;
• Structure your writing to address the question(s) more directly;
• Transform your original hypothesis into a final thesis statement that frames your writing: see our Crafting the Introduction guide for more on thesis statements.

Refine and shine

All activities within the writing process are  iterative:  that is, you have to go through multiple versions (i.e., iterations) of what you're producing in order to improve it. In fact, your research questions may continue to evolve even once the research is underway. Such evolution is normal, so don't panic if you start to doubt your hypothesis halfway through writing up your work. Instead, use your growing knowledge base and new insights to make  informed changes  to your question(s) or hypothes(es).

Below, we'll work through some examples of ways that research questions might shift or be improved.

Think argument

It is essential that you can clearly develop an argument from the hypothesis or question that you pose. Avoid generalisations that are not possible to substantiate, for example...

Bad:  The relationship between humanity and nature.

What is this trying to talk about? It could cover so many different topics and subjects that it needs to be much more focused. A better question would target  specific relations between humanity and nature, for example...

Better example:  Has humanity overcome the threat of earthquakes through its specially engineered buildings?

• This question would examine mankind’s relationship with nature in light of geological factors.
• However,  while this question is better than the 'bad' original, it could be further improved – more on that shortly!

Avoid the yes/no trap

Let's return to the question above and consider the  type of answer  that its phrasing invites:

Has humanity overcome the threat of earthquakes through its specially engineered buildings?

In this case, the  wording  used encourages a response of either 'yes' or 'no' – either 'yes,' humanity has overcome the threat entirely (hurrah!), or 'no,' engineering has done nothing to stop the threat (boo!). However, the situation is surely more complex than that. A yes/no framing is therefore a poor foundation for the research, as it might compel the writer to  sacrifice critical nuance  in favour of a straightforward answer.

What if the writer were instead to consider phrasing options like these? 

To what extent do specially engineered buildings mitigate the threat of earthquakes in major cities?

Which innovations in building design have proved most effective in reducing human casualties during earthquakes?

How can buildings be reengineered to minimise the threat to life posed by earthquakes?

These iterations of the question might not be perfect, but notice how they encourage greater complexity of response. The writer has moved away from a yes/no framing to instead pose questions that will allow richer, more layered answers to be explored in the body of the essay or project.

Is yes/no ever okay?

In short, yes – this is sometimes okay. However, you should treat any yes/no question with caution. In many cases, a yes/no question functions better when  paired with  or  embedded within  a question of more nuanced phrasing. For example...

Could polymer XYZ be replaced with polymer ABC in the manufacture of technology Q? If so, what implications exist for the cost and longevity of the final product?

Here, the first question is yes/no in nature – and for some assessment types, it might be sufficient! However, the second question builds upon the first to add more depth and relevance.

Expect detours

In many cases, research questions must be refined not because they are 'bad' or problematic, but instead due to either 1) evolution of interests/knowledge or 2) change(s) in research circumstances. The prior can loosely be understood as internally driven  whilst the latter is externally driven.  The examples below illustrate how these shifts might look in practice.

Evolution of interests/knowledge

Sam plans to critically evaluate the TV show  The Walking Dead  through the lens of disability theory in their dissertation. They begin the project with a set of related research questions that includes this one:

How do depictions of facial differences (e.g. scars, burns) in  The Walking Dead  reinforce – or alternately, subvert – the damaging trope of the 'Disabled Villain'?

This question operates well alongside Sam's other enquiries/hypotheses, and they make a strong start on their research. However, the deeper Sam gets into their analysis, the more they find themself writing about the show's depictions of amputations and prostheses rather than facial differences. Therefore, Sam decides to revise the focal question as so:

To what extent does loss of limbs operate as a metaphor for change to internal character throughout  The Walking Dead,  and do these depictions cumulatively serve to reify or subvert persistent tropes of disability in filmed media?

In this manner, Sam refined their research question to respond to an  evolution of interest  as well as their  expanding knowledge  of the source material. The 'detour' was  internal  as Sam didn't technically  need  to change directions, but by realigning the question with what they are actually curious about, the resulting dissertation will surely be richer.

Change(s) in research circumstances

The more panic-inducing 'detours' are those compelled by  external change  over which the writer has little or no control. Circumstantial changes that might impact the feasibility of your research question(s) include things like the following (click each dropdown heading to see examples):

 Access to required data 

• Problem: You intended to analyse items held overseas in a historical archive. However, your funding request to visit the archive was rejected, and the archive curators say they can't digitise the items for you.
• Potential solution:  Can you conduct an equivalent analyis of items held in an archive you  can  access? For example, an archive maintained by a UK library or university, or an international archive that has already been digitised?

Availability of collaborators/partners for the research 

• Problem: You intended to test the efficiency of a water filtration design by partnering with someone whose engineering specialty fills a vital gap in your abilities. However, they bail. You can't produce the whole filtration system on your own.
• Potential solutions:  Could your supervisor help you find an appropriate collaborator to backfill the one who bailed? If not, could you test the design using computer modelling rather than building it 'IRL'? Alternately, could you test the durability, environmental friendliness, etc. of the design element you  can  produce rather than testing the efficiency of the entire system?

 Current events

• Problem: Your MA is intended to culminate in a fieldwork experience during the spring of your degree. The fieldwork will underpin your entire dissertation. Unfortunately, conflict emerges in the geographical area of your planned fieldwork, and you can't safely proceed with traveling/working there.
• Potential solutions:  In this case, your supervisor should definitely help you figure out an alternate plan! You might need to engage in fieldwork in a different area entirely, which will of course changes the precise question(s) you're asking. Alternately, your supervisor might encourage you to work with existing literature/data rather than gathering new data in the field.

A change to the feasibility of your  method(ology)  doesn't always mean you need to abandon your research question(s). If your question relates to the concept of customer satisfaction, for example, there could be many valid ways to measure and interpret that central concept.

If a circumstantial change pushes your plan off course,  think creatively  and  think widely  about potential solutions. And if this happens whilst tackling your dissertation or thesis, contact your supervisor ASAP to arrange a meeting.

The role of sub-questions

Finally, understand that you may need to ask (and answer) additional questions in order to address your central question: this is especially true of  dissertations and theses.  Think of these additional enquiries as  sub-questions.  Let's return to Sam's original research question from earlier:

This is phrased as one question, but let's slow down and consider how Sam can  satisfactorily answer that central question. To provide rich, nuanced answers, Sam might actually need to ask a series of questions that build upon one another:

• How is the trope defined, discussed, etc. across research in Disability Studies?
• How is the trope defined, discussed, etc. across research in Film Studies?
• Are certain facial differences (e.g. a missing eye, a prominent scar) ascribed more often to certain character archetypes?
• Finally, having explored the above, how do depictions of facial differences in  The Walking Dead  serve to reinforce or subvert the trope of the 'Disabled Villain'?

Sam won't necessarily use the same  method  or approach to answer each question. For instance...

• Sam will likely  review and synthesize existing literature  from the fields of Disability Studies and Film Studies to answer the first sub-question.
• To answer the second sub-question, Sam will engage in close viewing and interpretation of the TV show.
• Finally, to answer the overarching question, Sam will use relevant theory as a lens to frame their firsthand textual analysis  of the TV show, thereby drawing  original conclusions.

Therefore, as you refine your research question, consider building out a  mind map  or  bulleted list  of the  implied  questions that underpin your main enquiry. Making these sub-questions explicit in the writing can help ensure the research proceeds in a logical way from A to B, B to C, etc.

Verbs are vital

Essay questions/titles provided by module leads usually hinge around one or more specific  verb(s): that is,  action word(s)  or instruction(s) of  what to do,  e.g. 'Discuss,' 'Explain,' 'Evaluate,' etc.  For example, imagine Daria's module lead has issued this essay prompt:

Instructor's prompt: 'Trace the evolution of rotor designs in functional helicopters from 1940 onward.'

Daria considers the prompt and her research interests, and she comes up with this hypothesis to kickstart her writing:

Hypothesis: 'In contemporary helicopters, height-based and weight-based adjustments to rotor blades minimize vibration in order to prevent stalling and ensure safe flights.'

Okay, perhaps that's true, but can you see the problems? First, Daria's hypothesis reads more as a statement of fact than a focusing concept for an essay – it's hard to tell what Daria plans to actually do in the writing. Second, Daria has ignored the key  verb  in the prompt, which was 'trace'  – this means she should follow the development of rotor designs over time rather than comparing designs of the present day.

But what if you are designing your own essay/dissertation question or hypothesis rather than following an instructor's prompt?

Picking your own verbs

Essay verbs are every bit as vital when designing our own research questions and hypotheses!  You will need to think about these words and their usage, as they will indicate what is to come in your essay or dissertation. For example, imagine you write that you will 'analyse' a situation, but then your essay simply 'summarises' the situation.

• The verb 'analyse' suggests that you will describe the main ideas in depth, showing why they are important, how they are connected, etc. in a critical manner.
• The verb 'summarise' means that you will offer a concise account of main points without critical elaboration.

The  mismatch  between what you stated you would do and what you actually delivered will likely compel the marker to assign a lower mark to your work.

In the context of a  dissertation or thesis ,  you are likely to use  multiple verbs  to describe what you will do, given the complexity of the work at hand. These typically appear in your introduction as well as the opening paragraphs of your individual chapters, e.g. 'This chapter will first  define  condition ABC and then  compare  divergent perspectives on its treatment.'

 – Need a hand understanding the verbs you can choose from and which is the best fit? Check out the 'The Verb' tab of our Understanding the Assignment guide for a comprehensive list.

When you have posed your hypothesis or question, check your department’s guidelines:

• How long should the assignment be?
• What is the deadline?
• What other requirements are there (presentation, referencing, bibliography, etc.)?

Basic research

Start with basic reading to get an overview of the topic and the current issues surrounding it. Keep the question in mind as you do your initial research:

• Lecture and seminar notes.
• Relevant chapters in core textbooks.
• Frequently cited and recent articles.
• Websites: The internet is a hugely valuable resource for research, but remember to verify that the information you have located is academically reliable.

You can think of this first research phase as 'dipping your toes in the water.' It's helpful to get a sense of the overall landscape before investing too much time unpicking highly complex, sprawling literature.

Detailed research

When you are familiar with the basics, move on to more advanced texts where you will find detail on the variety of academic opinions on a given topic and suitable supporting evidence:

• Articles in academic journals (use your Library Search account to get started).
• Texts referred to by your lecturers or supervisor.
• References in core texts (you can expand your reading by checking footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies of core texts to find related work and sources).
• General and specialist databases (check your Library subject page for databases suggested for your discipline).

Be selective

It is essential to always make sure your examples are  relevant to the topic in hand. Keep the question in mind, and check the relevance of the material you read and note down.

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Developing the Research Question for a Thesis, Dissertation, or Doctoral Project Study

MethodSpace will explore phases of the research process throughout 2021.  In the first quarter will explore design steps, starting with a January focus on research questions. Find the unfolding series  here .

Dr. Gary Burkholder is a co-author of Research Design and Methods: An Applied Guide for the Scholar-Practitioner . Dr. Burkholder was a Mentor in Residence on SAGE MethodSpace in December 2019, and is a regular contributor. See his practical advice for research faculty and students here .

Contrary to what you may think or have heard, creating a suitable research question to guide a thesis, dissertation, or doctoral project study does not necessarily follow a linear process. However, this does not mean that getting to the research question is not rigorous! There are clear steps to get to the research question (see Crawford, Burkholder, & Cox, 2020).

Generate the initial idea.

Complete a thorough investigation of the literature in the relevant domains.

For those pursuing the research doctorate, identify gaps in theory and empirical knowledge that result in a research problem and purpose statement.

For those pursuing the applied doctorate, draw upon expertise to identify gaps in practice that allow the development of the practice-based problem and purpose statement.

Identify the principal research questions from the problem and purpose statements.

Generating the Initial Idea . This is arguably the most creative part of the process and generates the initial enthusiasm in engaging in formal research. Most of the time, whether theoretical or practical, students get an idea because of something that sparks their interest. Someone having a personal experience with obesity and subsequent weight loss and have an interest in learning more about why particular weight loss programs seem to work. In professional settings, the practitioner may notice that a process or activity isn’t working correctly. For example, children in school may not be adapting to online learning as quickly as they should. In a company setting, a middle manager may be surprised that employees are not adapting to working remotely as quickly as they had thought. In a healthcare setting, a nurse notices that patients are taking too much time completing forms in the clinical practice office and that there may be other more efficient ways to complete this activity that would result in less waiting time. Whatever the source, consider these observations as initial “hunches” that might lead to an interesting research study that can allow you to contribute to theory or practice in a way that suits your own expertise.

Reviewing the Literature .  The purpose of original research is to address a lack of knowledge in theory or practice. Therefore, once you have your initial idea, the next step is to take a look at the literature that addresses the topic of your idea. There is a vast selection of journals in all disciplines, both theoretical and practice-oriented, that provide excellent resources for your investigation. The goal for now is to read enough literature to establish that this is an important topic for further exploration and to see if anyone has written about it. Has research already been completed that provides ways to address your initial idea? If yes, then the study probably won’t be worthy of doctoral level research (although you may actually find the answers to issues in the workplace that you are looking for!). Whether you are trying to solve a problem in practice or theory, reviewing the existing literature is important to see what others have already done. Remember, the goal of doctoral level scholarship is to add to the existing body of knowledge regarding theory or practice. At this stage, if you find sufficient literature to help you address your initial question, then it is time to put that idea aside and pursue others that may yield a more innovative contribution.

Developing the Problem in Research or Practice . The problem statement is probably the most important part of the doctoral capstone. In your problem statement, you succinctly identify what is currently know about the area of interest and what is not known. It is what is NOT known that identifies your unique contribution to scholarship in theory or practice. If you cannot identify what is not known, or what is commonly referred to as the gap in theory or the gap in practice, then you probably don’t have a study worthy of doctoral level scholarship. Once you identify the gap in theory or practice, you can then develop the statement of purpose that defines for the reader exactly what your study will add to the existing body of scholarship and/or practice.

The Research Question .  Once you have identified the practice or theory-based problem, you are then ready to propose the formal research question that guides your study. This is a succinct question that provides focus, describes the scope of the study, and provides insight into the direction of inquiry. There are important ideas to remember when crafting the research question.

All studies are guided by one or more research questions, regardless of whether they are quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.

Fewer research questions are better than many. In most cases, studies are addressing one primary research question (and likely never more than 2 or 3). The research question provides focus of the study. The more research questions, the more unfocused the study may become.

For those doing qualitative studies or studies with qualitative components, do not confuse the research question with interview questions. There will likely be several interview questions, but interview questions are in service to addressing the key research question guiding the overall study.

In general, questions should not be framed as “yes or no”. For example, “What is the extent of understanding teachers have regarding training first graders to use tablets in acquiring knowledge?” is better than “Do teachers know how to train first graders to use tablets in acquiring knowledge?” The former is worded in a way that supports depth and breadth of observation and analysis.

Research questions must be aligned with other aspects of the thesis, dissertation, or project study proposal, such as the problem statement, research design, and analysis strategy.

To summarize:  Idea >Reviewing literature > Identifying the gap in theory or practice >Problem and Purpose Statements >Research question

Thus, there is a clear process for getting to the research question. However, there is fluidity in terms of how that process unfolds. Ideas, when explored further, may turn out to be just that and have to be scrapped for a different idea that can be pursued. Ideas can come from intuitive hunches or from extensive exploration and knowledge of a particular theory or practice. They may emerge from conversations with mentors or other experts in the field. This dance of ideas creates the initial sparks of excitement in social science research that leads to a rigorous and scientific process of generating the research question ultimately guiding the study.

Research Design and Methods

Crawford, L. M., Burkholder, G. J., & Cox, K. (2020). Writing the research proposal. In G. J. Burkholder, K. A. Cox, L. M. Crawford, & J. H. Hitchcock (Eds.), Research Design and Methods: An Applied Guide for the Scholar-Practitioner (pp. 309-334). SAGE Publications. 

Hypotheses: Introduction & selection of articles

Practical <> conceptual questions.

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Research Question Examples – Guide & Tips

Published by Owen Ingram at August 13th, 2021 , Revised On October 3, 2024

One of the most important parts of your research paper , thesis or dissertation is a research question. A strong research question lays the foundation for an in-depth analysis and insightful conclusions. It serves as a guide for your research paper and states what you want and which problem you want to address.

In this blog, we will cover precise and properly structured research question examples, to facilitate your understanding and help you approach your work with confidence.

What Is A Research Question Example?

A research question example is a sample that provides a deeper understanding of how to write a research question. These examples can help first-time authors comprehend the structure and components of the question.

A research question’s length depends on the topic chosen and the specific requirements of the field. However, the length should not be the main focus. The ultimate goal is to convey the main problem statement being addressed.

Importance Of Research Question

A research question is a critical component of research because of the following reasons:

• It is central to research as it guides the research design , data collection , analysis, evaluation and interpretation of the results.
• The paper relies on the research question to properly address the evaluated problem and inform readers about the research topic. Without a question, the readers and researchers may face difficulty in understanding the purpose of your research.
• It helps researchers understand the quantity and type of data needed to answer the question sufficiently.
• Moreover, it provides a framework for drawing conclusions and builds the credibility of the research design.

Research Questions for Dissertation Examples

Below are 10 examples of research questions that will enable you to develop research questions for your research. These examples will help you to check whether your chosen research questions can be addressed or whether they are too broad to find a conclusive answer.

List of Research Question Examples For Students

Effective research questions are clear and focused, and well-written. Many students struggle to craft such questions, which is why we have listed a few examples of different types of research questions. By examining these questions, students can have a clearer understanding of how to develop research questions of all disciplines.

Examples of Qualitative Research Questions

Qualitative research questions focus on specific areas of study or broader themes. They are adaptable and flexible, unlike quantitative research questions. There are certain categories of qualitative research questions such as contextual, descriptive, evaluative, explanatory and exploratory. Let’s discuss a few examples of qualitative research questions:

Example 1: What are the characteristics of ATP synthase?

Example 2: What factors contribute to homelessness in urban areas?

Example 3: What are the challenges faced by immigrants in learning a new language?

Example 4: What is the cause of increased violence among young adults?

Example 5: What are the spiritual experiences of individuals who practice medication?

Example 6: What are the experiences of patients with chronic illness in getting healthcare services?

Example 7: Is it possible that VEGF has an effect on plant photosynthesis?

Examples of Quantitative Research Questions

Quantitative research questions measure and quantify variables to identify relationships and correlations. These questions aim to answer the “how many” or “how much” aspects of a subject, and are widely used in fields that involve statistical analysis and numerical data. Here are seven examples of quantitative research questions:

Example 1: What is the correlation between sleep duration and productivity levels among office workers?

Example 2: What percentage of people in the city support the ban on plastic bags?

Example 3: What is the relationship between TikTok usage and academic performance among college students?

Example 4: What is the effect of a high-protein diet on muscle growth in fitness individuals?

Example 5: What is the relationship between social media usage and depression in young adults?

Example 6: How does the consumption of dietary fibre affect blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes?

Example 7: What effect does internet speed have in increasing work productivity in the IT sector?

Constructivist Research Questions Examples

Constructive research questions are designed to explore an individual’s interaction with the world, and how they create meaning through it. They examine the process that develops an individual’s understanding, perspectives and knowledge. Here are some examples of constructivist research questions:

Example 1: How do employees learn and respond to organisational change initiatives?

Example 2: What effects do teaching methods have on student’s perception of learning?

Example 3: How do individuals create their identities in relation to their cultural backgrounds?

Example 4: What are the variables that affect an individual’s perception of justice?

Example 5: How does media shape people’s perception of social issues?

Example 6: How do students construct their understanding of complex mathematical concepts?

Example 7: What are the challenges faced by marginalised groups in media production?

Discourse Analysis Research Question Examples

Understanding how language is used to construct meaning, power dynamics and social identities in particular contexts is the main purpose of discourse analysis research questions. They are also known as discursive research questions. They aim to investigate the way language shapes ideologies and social structures. Some popular examples of discourse analysis research questions are:

Example 1: How does discourse in health advertisements promote products and services?

Example 2: How is a discourse in criminal justice policy used to shape public attitudes towards justice and punishment?

Example 3: How is national identity constructed by the usage of discourse in flags and national anthems?

Example 4: How is discourse used to confront racial stereotypes?

Example 5: How is classroom discourse used to maintain power relations among professors and students?

Example 6: How does advertising discourse construct gender stereotypes?

Example 7: How is discourse in political campaigns used to obtain support for specific candidates?

Comparative Research Questions Examples

Comparative research questions aim to identify the differences and similarities between two cases, phenomena and groups. These questions compare and contrast different variables to identify trends, practices and relationships. Let’s explore some examples to gain a better understanding:

Example 1: What are the similarities and differences in political systems between democracies and authoritarian regimes?

Example 2: What are the differences between the economic policies of developed and under-developed countries?

Example 3: How do family structures differ in various cultures?

Example 4: What are the similarities and differences in gender roles across various cultures?

Example 5: What are the similarities and differences in the prevalence of chronic diseases across various countries?

Example 6: How do literary works from different time periods compare in terms of theme and prose?

Example 7: What is the biodiversity comparison between ecosystems of various biomes?

Descriptive Research Question Examples

Descriptive research questions are questions used in research to gain a clearer picture of a particular topic or phenomenon. These questions focus on specific characteristics, conditions and attributes of the topic that is being studied. Let’s study a few examples of descriptive research questions examples:

Example 1: How does childhood trauma affect mental health?

Example 2: What is the impact of globalisation on local business?

Example 3: How does artificial intelligence affect job markets?

Example 4: What are the factors that contribute to the drop-outs in schools?

Example 5: How much do brands invest in digital marketing as compared to traditional advertising?

Example 6: What is the effect of climate change on biodiversity?

Example 7: What are the ethical limitations of genetic engineering?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a research question example in psychology.

Research question examples in the field of psychology are:

• How does bipolar disorder’s initial age affect its progression and treatment?  
• How does childhood trauma impact the advancement of borderline personality disorder in adulthood? 
• What are the long-term psychological effects of being the victim of a violent crime?

What is a research question example in natural sciences?

Research question examples in natural sciences are:

• What are the effects of ocean acidification on the biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems? 
• How does air pollution impact respiratory well-being in individuals living in polluted areas? 
• What are the effects of organic and inorganic fertilisers on soil and crop health? 

What are the characteristics of a well-written research question?

A good research question is focused, clear, specific and relevant to the topic and subject. It should also be researchable so that enough data can be collected to answer the question.

What are some examples of research questions in the classroom?

• How do interactive whiteboards impact student engagement?
• Does peer tutoring improve maths proficiency?
• How does classroom seating arrangement influence student participation?
• What’s the effect of gamified learning on student motivation?
• Does integrating technology in lessons enhance critical thinking skills?
• How does feedback frequency affect student performance?

What are some examples of research questions in geography?

• How does urbanisation impact local microclimates?
• What factors influence water scarcity in Region X?
• How do migration patterns correlate with economic disparities?
• What’s the relationship between deforestation and soil erosion in Area Y?
• How have coastlines changed over the past decade?
• Why are certain regions’ biodiversity hotspots?

What are three basic research questions?

The three basic types of research questions are:

• Descriptive: Seeks to depict a phenomenon or issue. E.g., “What are the symptoms of depression?”
• Relational: Investigates relationships between variables. E.g., “Is there a correlation between stress and heart disease?”
• Causal: Determines cause and effect. E.g., “Does smoking cause lung cancer?”

What are some examples of a research question?

Examples of research questions:

• How does social media influence self-esteem in adolescents?
• What are the economic impacts of climate change on agriculture?
• What factors contribute to employee job satisfaction in the tech industry?
• How does exercise frequency affect cardiovascular health?
• What is the relationship between sleep duration and academic performance in college students?

You May Also Like

Find how to write research questions with the mentioned steps required for a perfect research question. Choose an interesting topic and begin your research.

How to write a hypothesis for dissertation,? A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested with the help of experimental or theoretical research.

Let’s briefly examine the concept of research paradigms, their pillars, purposes, types, examples, and how they can be combined.

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How to Write a Research Question

What is a research question? A research question is the question around which you center your research. It should be:

• clear : it provides enough specifics that one’s audience can easily understand its purpose without needing additional explanation.
• focused : it is narrow enough that it can be answered thoroughly in the space the writing task allows.
• concise : it is expressed in the fewest possible words.
• complex : it is not answerable with a simple “yes” or “no,” but rather requires synthesis and analysis of ideas and sources prior to composition of an answer.
• arguable : its potential answers are open to debate rather than accepted facts.

You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious and/or passionate about.

The question you ask should be developed for the discipline you are studying. A question appropriate for Biology, for instance, is different from an appropriate one in Political Science or Sociology. If you are developing your question for a course other than first-year composition, you may want to discuss your ideas for a research question with your professor.

Why is a research question essential to the research process? Research questions help writers focus their research by providing a path through the research and writing process. The specificity of a well-developed research question helps writers avoid the “all-about” paper and work toward supporting a specific, arguable thesis.

Steps to developing a research question:

• Choose an interesting general topic. Most professional researchers focus on topics they are genuinely interested in studying. Writers should choose a broad topic about which they genuinely would like to know more. An example of a general topic might be “Slavery in the American South” or “Films of the 1930s.”
• Do some preliminary research on your general topic. Do a few quick searches in current periodicals and journals on your topic to see what’s already been done and to help you narrow your focus. What issues are scholars and researchers discussing, when it comes to your topic? What questions occur to you as you read these articles?
• Consider your audience. For most college papers, your audience will be academic, but always keep your audience in mind when narrowing your topic and developing your question. Would that particular audience be interested in the question you are developing?
• Start asking questions. Taking into consideration all of the above, start asking yourself open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic. For example, “Why were slave narratives effective tools in working toward the abolishment of slavery?” or “How did the films of the 1930s reflect or respond to the conditions of the Great Depression?”
• Is your research question clear? With so much research available on any given topic, research questions must be as clear as possible in order to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her research.
• Is your research question focused? Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available.
• Is your research question complex? Research questions should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no” or by easily-found facts.  They should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of the writer. They often begin with “How” or “Why.”
• Begin your research . After you’ve come up with a question, think about the possible paths your research could take. What sources should you consult as you seek answers to your question? What research process will ensure that you find a variety of perspectives and responses to your question?

Sample Research Questions

Unclear: How should social networking sites address the harm they cause? Clear: What action should social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook take to protect users’ personal information and privacy? The unclear version of this question doesn’t specify which social networking sites or suggest what kind of harm the sites might be causing. It also assumes that this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. The clearer version specifies sites (MySpace and Facebook), the type of potential harm (privacy issues), and who may be experiencing that harm (users). A strong research question should never leave room for ambiguity or interpretation. Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming? Focused: What is the most significant effect of glacial melting on the lives of penguins in Antarctica?

The unfocused research question is so broad that it couldn’t be adequately answered in a book-length piece, let alone a standard college-level paper. The focused version narrows down to a specific effect of global warming (glacial melting), a specific place (Antarctica), and a specific animal that is affected (penguins). It also requires the writer to take a stance on which effect has the greatest impact on the affected animal. When in doubt, make a research question as narrow and focused as possible.

Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.? Appropriately Complex:   What main environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors predict whether Americans will develop diabetes, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?

The simple version of this question can be looked up online and answered in a few factual sentences; it leaves no room for analysis. The more complex version is written in two parts; it is thought provoking and requires both significant investigation and evaluation from the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quick Google search can answer a research question, it’s likely not very effective.

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How to Write a Research Question: A Guide for Graduate Students

Crafting a research question is a bit of an art. In some ways, it’s simple – what do you want to know? On the other hand, crafting a research question is complex; changing a single word (e.g., changing “relationship” to “effect”) can have major implications for your research. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of a research question, the steps involved in formulating one, the characteristics of a good research question, and the common mistakes to avoid.

The Importance of a Research Question

A research question serves as the foundation of a study, providing a clear path of inquiry for investigation. Without a clear research question, you may find yourself lost in a sea of information, struggling to make sense of the data. When formulating a research question, you need to consider various factors. These include the research topic, the target population, and the available data sources. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a research question that is both feasible and impactful.

Once a research question is established, it serves as a guide throughout the research process. It helps you stay focused and ensures that the data s relevant to your study. Without a research question, you may be tempted to collect data that is interesting but not necessarily relevant to the research.

Defining a Research Question

Before diving into the steps involved in formulating a research question, it is essential to understand what constitutes a research question. A research question is a concise and well-defined inquiry that sets the boundaries for a research project. It should be specific, focused, and answerable.

When defining a research question, you need to consider the following elements:

• The outcome of interest: The research question should directly align with the outcome you intend to investigate.
• The target population: The research question should specify the population or group of individuals that the study will focus on.
• The research methods: The research question should guide the selection of appropriate research methods and data collection techniques.

For instance, a well-crafted research question might be: What is the impact of targeted mental health interventions on the quality of life of adolescents with anxiety disorders in urban settings ? This question is clear, focused, and specific. It identifies the population (adolescents with anxiety disorders), the intervention (targeted mental health interventions), the setting (urban areas), and the outcome of interest (quality of life).

Role of a Research Question in Research Design

The research question drives all aspects of the research design. It determines the type of data to be collected, the research methods to be employed, and the analysis techniques to be utilized. The research question shapes the structure of the study and ensures that all aspects of the research work cohesively towards answering the question.

For example, if the research question aims to explore the impact of a specific intervention on a certain population, the research design may involve collecting quantitative data through an experiment. On the other hand, if the research question aims to understand the experiences and perspectives of individuals , the research design may involve qualitative data collection methods such as interviews or focus groups.

The research question also plays a crucial role in determining the sample size and sampling technique. By clearly defining the research question, you can select a sample that is representative of the target population.

Steps to Formulate a Research Question

Step 1. identify your research topic..

The first step in formulating a research question is to  identify your research topic . This involves brainstorming and conducting preliminary research to gain an understanding of the existing literature and gaps in knowledge. It is crucial to select a topic that interests you and aligns with your expertise and research goals.

For example, if you are interested in the field of psychology, you may choose to explore the impact of social media on mental health. This topic allows you to delve into the effects of social media usage on individuals’ well-being and psychological state.

By identifying your research topic, you lay the foundation for developing a research question that addresses a specific aspect of the chosen subject.

Step 2. Conducting a Literature Search.

Preliminary research allows you to explore the existing literature related to your topic. This step helps you identify existing theories, concepts, and gaps in knowledge that can be further explored in your research work. It is essential to  review reputable sources , such as academic journals and books, to ensure the credibility of the information obtained.

Continuing with the example of the impact of social media on mental health, you would conduct preliminary research to understand the current state of knowledge in this area. You might come across studies that highlight the negative effects of excessive social media usage on self-esteem and body image. Additionally, you may find research that examines the positive aspects of social media, such as its role in providing social support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

By conducting preliminary research, you gain valuable insights into the existing body of knowledge, which can help you refine your research question and contribute to the existing literature.

Step 3. Narrow Down Your Focus.

Once you have conducted preliminary research, it is time to narrow down your focus and identify a specific aspect of your topic that you wish to explore further. This involves refining your research question to ensure that it is neither too broad nor too narrow. A well-focused research question will enable you to conduct a thorough investigation within the given time and resource constraints.

Referring back to the previous example, you may decide to narrow down your focus to the impact of Instagram usage on body image dissatisfaction among young adults. This specific research question allows you to examine the relationship between Instagram usage patterns and body image concerns in a specific demographic.

By narrowing down your focus, you enhance the precision and relevance of your research question, enabling you to conduct a more in-depth analysis of the chosen aspect.

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

A good research question shares several key characteristics that make it effective in guiding the research process. The following qualities should be considered when formulating a research question:

• Clarity and Precision. A research question should be clear and concise, devoid of any ambiguity or vagueness. It should clearly state what is being investigated and the desired outcome of the study. A clear research question ensures a focused approach to research and aids in avoiding irrelevant distractions.
• Relevance and Originality. A research question should address a significant gap in knowledge or contribute to existing literature in a meaningful way. It should be relevant to the field of study and demonstrate originality.
• Feasibility and Specificity. A research question should be feasible within the limitations of the study. It should be specific enough to guide the research process and enable the collection of relevant data. A well-defined research question allows for a narrow focus, ensuring a detailed and meaningful investigation.

Good RQ: What are the effects of a 12-week cognitive behavioral therapy program on the severity of depressive symptoms in adults aged 30-40 in urban areas? Bad RQ: Can therapy solve depression?   Good RQ: How does the introduction of bilingual education in elementary schools in Texas affect the English language proficiency of students by the end of the fifth grade? Bad RQ: Is bilingual education good for students?

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Research Question

While formulating a research question, it is essential to be aware of common pitfalls:

• Avoiding Too Broad or Too Narrow Questions. Avoid formulating research questions that are too broad or too narrow. A broad research question may lead to a scattered approach, while a narrow question may limit the potential findings and implications of the research. Striking a balance between the two is crucial for a well-designed study.
• Steering Clear of Biased Questions. Biased research questions can lead to skewed results and subjective interpretations. Ensure that your research question is objective and unbiased, allowing for an impartial investigation of the topic. A biased research question undermines the credibility of the research and diminishes its value.
• Avoiding Complex and Unanswerable Questions. Research questions should be clear and answerable. Avoid questions that are too complex or unanswerable within the scope of the study. A research question should provide clarity and direction to the research process, and complex or unanswerable questions hinder progress and impede meaningful findings.

Ready to take your research to the next level? Dissertation by Design is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need help refining your research question, developing a proposal, or analyzing complex data, our team of experienced academic coaches, qualitative methodologists, statisticians, and editors are equipped to guide you. S chedule a free consultation  with Dissertation by Design today and confidently progress through each stage of your research.

Author:  Jessica Parker, EdD

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“The central question that you ask or hypothesis you frame drives your research: it defines your purpose.” Bryan Greetham, How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation

This page gives some help and guidance in developing a realistic research question. It also considers the role of sub-questions and how these can influence your methodological choices. 

Choosing your research topic

You may have been provided with a list of potential topics or even specific questions to choose from. It is more common for you to have to come up with your own ideas and then refine them with the help of your tutor. This is a crucial decision as you will be immersing yourself in it for a long time.

Some students struggle to find a topic that is sufficiently significant and yet researchable within the limitations of an undergraduate project. You may feel overwhelmed by the freedom to choose your own topic but you could get ideas by considering the following:

Choose a topic that you find interesting . This may seem obvious but a lot of students go for what they think will be easy over what they think will be interesting - and regret it when they realise nothing is particularly easy and they are bored by the work. Think back over your lectures or talks from visiting speakers - was there anything you really enjoyed? Was there anything that left you with questions?

Choose something distinct . Whilst at undergraduate level you do not have to find something completely unique, if you find something a bit different you have more opportunity to come to some interesting conclusions. Have you some unique experiences that you can bring: personal biography, placements, study abroad etc?

Don't make your topic too wide . If your topic is too wide, it will be harder to develop research questions that you can actually answer in the context of a small research project.

Don't make your work too narrow . If your topic is too narrow, you will not be able to expand on the ideas sufficiently and make useful conclusions. You may also struggle to find enough literature to support it.

Scope out the field before deciding your topic . This is especially important if you have a few different options and are not sure which to pick. Spend a little time researching each one to get a feel for the amount of literature that exists and any particular avenues that could be worth exploring.

Think about your future . Some topics may fit better than others with your future plans, be they for further study or employment. Becoming more expert in something that you may have to be interviewed about is never a bad thing!

Once you have an idea (or even a few), speak to your tutor. They will advise on whether it is the right sort of topic for a dissertation or independent study. They have a lot of experience and will know if it is too much to take on, has enough material to build on etc.

Developing a research question or hypothesis

Research question vs hypothesis.

First, it may be useful to explain the difference between a research question and a hypothesis. A research question is simply a question that your research will address and hopefully answer (or give an explanation of why you couldn't answer it). A hypothesis is a statement that suggests how you expect something to function or behave (and which you would test to see if it actually happens or not).

Research question examples

• How significant is league table position when students choose their university?
• What impact can a diagnosis of depression have on physical health?

Note that these are open questions - i.e. they cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. This is the best form of question.

Hypotheses examples

• Students primarily choose their university based on league table position.
• A diagnosis of depression can impact physical health.

Note that these are things that you can test to see if they are true or false. This makes them more definite then research questions - but you can still answer them more fully than 'no they don't' or 'yes it does'. For example, in the above examples you would look to see how relevant other factors were when choosing universities and in what ways physical health may be impacted.

For more examples of the same topic formulated as hypotheses, research questions and paper titles see those given at the bottom of this document from Oakland University: Formulation of Research Hypothesis

Which do you need?

Generally, research questions are more common in the humanities, social sciences and business, whereas hypotheses are more common in the sciences. This is not a hard rule though, talk things through with your supervisor to see which they are expecting or which they think fits best with your topic.

What makes a good research question or hypothesis?

Unless you are undertaking a systematic review as your research method, you will develop your research question  as a result of reviewing the literature on your broader topic. After all, it is only by seeing what research has already been done (or not) that you can justify the need for your question or your approach to answering it. At the end of that process, you should be able to come up with a question or hypothesis that is:

• Clear (easily understandable)
• Focused (specific not vague or huge)
• Answerable (the data is available and analysable in the time frame)
• Relevant (to your area of study)
• Significant (it is worth answering)

You can try a few out, using a table like this (yours would all be in the same discipline):

A similar, though different table is available from the University of California: What makes a good research topic?   The completed table has some supervisor comments which may also be helpful.

Ultimately, your final research question will be mutually agreed between yourself and your supervisor - but you should always bring your own ideas to the conversation.

The role of sub-questions

Your main research question will probably still be too big to answer easily. This is where sub-questions come in. They are specific, narrower questions that you can answer directly from your data.

So, looking at the question " How much do online users know and care about how their self-images can be used by Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook? " from the table above, the sub-questions could be:

• What rights do the terms and conditions of signing up for Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook accounts give those companies regarding the use of self-images?
• What proportion of users read the terms and conditions when creating accounts with these companies?
• How aware are users of the rights they are giving away regarding their self-images when creating accounts with these companies?
• How comfortable are users with giving away these rights?

Together, the answers to your sub-questions should enable you to answer the overarching research question.

How do you answer your sub-questions?

Depending on the type of dissertation/project your are undertaking, some (or all) the questions may be answered with information collected from the literature and some (or none) may be answered by analysing data directly collected as part of your primary empirical research .

In the above example, the first question would be answered by documentary analysis of the relevant terms and conditions, the second by a mixture of reviewing the literature and analysing survey responses from participants and the last two also by analysing survey responses. Different projects will require different approaches.

Some sub-questions could be answered by reviewing the literature and others from empirical study.

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