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Research Question Assignment Final

The document discusses the importance of research questions in qualitative research. It explains that research questions guide the research process and define what is being studied. For qualitative research specifically, questions should be open-ended to allow exploration of topics in depth. The research question also structures the research design and determines the methodology and methods used.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
24 views13 pages

Research Question Assignment Final

The document discusses the importance of research questions in qualitative research. It explains that research questions guide the research process and define what is being studied. For qualitative research specifically, questions should be open-ended to allow exploration of topics in depth. The research question also structures the research design and determines the methodology and methods used.

Uploaded by

sabaasifadv
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Assignment

Program Name: MS - Clinical Psychology


Course Title/Code: Research Methods in Clinical Research and Analysis
(MCP-601)

TOPIC: The importance of the Research Question in Qualitative Research

Submitted By:
Ammara Siddiqui (6022)
Saba Zahid (6027)
MSCP Semester: 3rd
Session:2023-2025

Submitted To: Dr Urusa Fahim


(Course Instructor)

Department of Applied Psychology

NUR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY


Topic
The importance of the Research Question in Qualitative Research

The research process involves a systematic and organized series of steps

undertaken to discover new knowledge or to deepen understanding of a particular topic.

It typically begins with identifying a research problem or area of interest, followed by

formulating specific research questions that will guide the investigation.

Research questions play a pivotal role in directing the research process. They

serve as focused inquiries that define the specific issues or problems the researcher

aims to explore and ultimately answer. A well-crafted research question is clear, specific,

and concise, providing a precise direction for the research study.

Introduction:

Qualitative research is a methodological approach which provides a rich

understanding of complex human phenomena, emphasizing real life context, subjective

interpretation, and in-depth exploration, exploration of “implement ability”, sensitive

topics where flexibility is needed to avoid causing distress, investigating processes,

seeking to understand change, addressing sensitive and taboo topics.

Qualitative research is concerned with developing explanations of social

phenomena. It aims to help us to understand the social world in which we live and why

things are the way they are. It is concerned with the social aspects of our world and

seeks to answer questions about:


 Why people behave the way they do.

 How opinions and attitudes are formed

 How people are affected by the events that go on around them

 How and why cultures and practices have developed in the way

they have.

Qualitative Research Question:

Research questions are statements that clearly define the specific phenomenon

or topic a researcher intends to investigate. Qualitative questions aim to understand the

depth and nuances of a phenomenon, focusing on “why” and “how” rather than

quantifiable measures.

According to Kivunja (2016), these questions should be unambiguous and

provide a clear direction for the research. The role of qualitative research question

describe below:

Open-ended Questions:

Open-ended questions are designed to elicit detailed and complex responses

from participants, allowing researchers to explore answers in-depth. This approach is

valuable for gaining comprehensive insights into the research topic.

Structuring Research Questions:

One effective way to structure research questions is to start with an overarching

question and then include subsidiary questions that address specific aspects or

components of the main question. This helps in refining and clarifying the research

focus and minimizes misinterpretation of responses.


Driving Questions:

Driving questions are central to shaping the activities and methods used in

research. Driving questions, which meet the criteria outlined above, are crucial as they

guide and direct the research in the desired direction. They help in probing and

exploring the research topic effectively.

Process of forming qualitative research question:

To form a complex research question, identify an overarching question and the

basis of the inquiry. Kline (2008) suggested presenting the central research questions to

identify what the researcher is wanting to accomplish by performing the research. In

qualitative research, the formulation of research questions involves several levels of

specificity and hierarchy.

Sequence in Formulation

 Central Question:

Defines the primary focus of the research.

Example "What are the experiences of first-generation college students in navigating

higher education?"

 Overarching Question:
An overarching question is a broader query that encompasses the central

question. Provides context and scope to the central question.

Example: "How do social and cultural factors influence the educational experiences of

first-generation college students?"

 Subsidiary Questions:

Support and elaborate on the central and overarching questions.

Example: "What challenges do first-generation college students face in accessing

academic support services?"

 Sub-questions:

Further specify and explore specific aspects derived from subsidiary questions

and aim to investigate specific elements within a broader topic. narrow down and

specify areas of inquiry.

Example: "How do familial expectations impact the academic performance of first-

generation college students?"

In summary, the formulation of research questions in qualitative research

involves a hierarchical structure starting from the central question, followed by

overarching questions, subsidiary questions, and finally sub-questions. Each level of

questioning serves a distinct role in shaping the research inquiry and guiding the

investigation into the chosen topic.

Overarching Question:

 Why
DRIVING QUESTIONS:

 WHO/WHAT/WHERE/WHEN

THEORETICAL OR CONTEXTUAL

 FRAMEWORK

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

 QUESTIONS & FRAMEWORK

Once the overarching questions have been established, driving questions should

be added to serve as clarifiers of the purpose of the research (Morgan, 2008). The

focus of the questions allows the emergence of the theoretical context to become

clearer to the researcher. Determining the population and purpose of the research

establishes the framework for the questioning to become specific in its inquiry. Thus,

establishing the relationship between the questions and the framework.

The qualitative research questions have the typical distinctions:

1. The number of sub-questions should be less than five to seven.

2. The central question should be associated with the qualitative strategy.

3. Use the words What and How in the beginning to convey an open and emerging

design.

4. Focus on a single phenomenon or concept.


5. Use non-directional explanatory verbs such as a report, describe, discover, seek,

explore, etc.

6. The research question is expected to evolve and change during a study,

7. Use opened-end question without reference to literature or theory.

8. Specify the participants and research site for the study.

Ql research questions are open-ended and non-directional. They frequently start

with words such as what or how rather then why. A Ql research question consists of a

broad Ql central questions and a few narrow sub-questions. Sub-questions that are

usually less than five to seven, consists of (a) issue-oriented sub-questions and (b)

procedural sub-questions (Denzin, Norman, Lincoln & Yvonna, 2005). :


Importance of research question:

Here are the extracted points that highlight the importance of qualitative

research questions:

 Relevance and Significance:

o Qualitative research questions provide essential information about the

research topic, allowing readers to assess its relevance, research ability,

and significance. They help readers understand why the topic is important

and worthy of investigation.

 Research Design and Execution:

o In qualitative studies, the research question plays a crucial role in

determining the study's methodology and methods. It outlines how the

study will be conducted and provides a roadmap for the researcher's

intentions and actions during the research process.


 Guidance for Researchers and Readers:

o Qualitative research questions serve as a guide for researchers, outlining

the procedures and approach to be used in the study. They also provide

readers with insights into the researcher's intentions, actions, and overall

study design.

 Methodological Clarity:

o The research question in qualitative studies clarifies the methodology and

methods that will be employed. It specifies how data will be collected,

analyzed, and interpreted, offering transparency and clarity in the research

process.

 Critical Thinking and Inquiry:

o Qualitative research questions stimulate critical thinking and inquiry by

focusing on understanding meanings, experiences, and social

phenomena. They encourage deep exploration and interpretation of

complex issues.

 Contextual Understanding:

o Qualitative research questions emphasize context and the subjective

experiences of participants. They seek to uncover nuances, perspectives,

and lived realities that quantitative approaches may overlook.

 Flexibility and Adaptability:


o Qualitative research questions allow for flexibility and adaptability during

the research process. They enable researchers to explore emergent

themes and adapt methodologies based on evolving insights.

 Impact of Question Quality:

o The quality of research questions significantly impacts the success of a

study. Poorly conceived or constructed questions can lead to problems

that affect all stages of the research process, from approval to publication

or funding.

 Role in Shaping the Study:

o The development and refinement of research questions are essential for

shaping all phases of a qualitative study. They guide the inquiry process

and influence how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted.

 Research Questions as Navigational Tools:

o Research questions are likened to navigational tools that help researchers

map possible directions and inquire about the unexpected in their study.

 Participant Perspectives:

o Qualitative research questions prioritize participant perspectives, aiming to

capture subjective experiences and diverse viewpoints. By engaging with

participants in meaningful dialogue, researchers can access insider

knowledge and uncover insights that resonate with the lived realities of

individuals involved in the research context.

 Theory Development:
o Qualitative research questions contribute to theory development by

generating rich empirical data that can inform and refine theoretical

frameworks. Through systematic analysis of qualitative data, researchers

can identify patterns, develop conceptual models, and propose theoretical

explanations grounded in empirical evidence.

 Complementarity with Quantitative Research:

o Qualitative research questions complement quantitative approaches by

providing a deeper understanding of phenomena identified in quantitative

studies. They offer explanatory insights, contextual understanding, and

nuanced interpretations that enhance the overall validity and

completeness of research findings.

 Ethical Considerations:

o Qualitative research questions emphasize ethical considerations by

prioritizing participant well-being, confidentiality, and informed consent. By

focusing on participant experiences and ensuring ethical research

practices, qualitative inquiries uphold principles of research integrity and

respect for human subjects.

Conclusion:

Research questions are fundamental to qualitative research, guiding the

research process and shaping study outcomes. By crafting clear, relevant, and well-

aligned research questions, researchers can enhance the quality and depth of

qualitative studies. It is essential for researchers to invest time and effort in formulating
meaningful research questions that contribute to a deeper understanding of human

experiences and phenomena.

References

Agee, J. (2008). Developing qualitative research questions: A reflective process.

International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 22(4), 431-447.

Irene Korstjens & Albine Moser (2017) Series: Practical guidance to qualitative

research. Part 2: Context, research questions and designs, European

Journal of General Practice, 23:1, 274-279, DOI:

10.1080/13814788.2017.1375090

Cornell, J. (2022, August 12). How to Write Awesome Qualitative Research

Questions: Types & Examples. ProProfs Survey Blog.

https://www.proprofssurvey.com/blog/qualitative-research-questions/

Kross, J., & Giust, A. (2019). Elements of Research Questions in Relation to

Qualitative Inquiry. The Qualitative Report, 24(1), 24-30.

https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2019.3426

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