The importance of the Research Question in Qualitative Research

Submitted By:
Ammara Siddiqui (6022)
Saba Zahid (6027)
MS - Clinical Psychology
Submitted To: Dr Urusa Fahim
Research Methods in Clinical Research and Analysis (MCP-601)

Department of Clinical Psychology

Session:2023-2025
NUR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
MSCP Semester: 3rd
 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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

 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:

Research questions are likened to navigational tools that help researchers map

possible directions and inquire about the unexpected in their study.

 Participant Perspectives:

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:

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:

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:

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