Module 1

Research questions in literary studies

Week 3

RGüçlü
 1. What is a research question?

Methodological point of departure

for scholarly research in science

A well-crafted research question guides

the systematic planning of the research
 2. Role of the research question

• Attempts to focus on a stated goal

• Gives directions to research process
• Suggests the hypothesis(es)
“Potential research questions may
occur to us on a regular basis, but
the process of formulating them in
a meaningful way is not at all an
easy task.
(Powers, Meenaghan and Twoomey, 1985, p. 38)
 2. Role of the research question

In the absence of a research question, a clear

and economical workplan is impossible.

A research problem is like the

foundation of a building.

The type and design of the building are

dependent upon the foundation. If the
foundation is well designed and strong,
you can expect the building to be also.
The research problem/question serves as
the foundation of a research study. If it is
well formulated, you can expect a good
study to follow.
 2. Role of the research question

In the absence of a research question, a clear

and economical workplan is impossible.

INPUT RQ THE STUDY OUTPUT

3. Considerations in selecting a research question

interest
magnitude
measurement of concepts
level of expertise
relevance
availability of the data
ethical issues
 3. Considerations in selecting a research question

Interest
If you select a topic which
does not greatly interest
you, it could become
extremely difficult to sustain
the required motivation and
put in enough time and
energy to complete it.
 3. Considerations in selecting a research question

Magnitude
You should have sufficient
knowledge about the
research process to be able
to visualize the work
involved in completing the
proposed study. Narrow the
topic down to something
manageable, specific and
clear.
 3. Considerations in selecting a research question

Measurement of
concepts
If you are using a concept in
your study (in quantitative
studies), make sure you are
clear about its indicators and
their measurement. Do not
use concepts in your
research problem that you
are not sure how to
measure.
 3. Considerations in selecting a research question

Level of expertise
Make sure you have an
adequate level of expertise
for the task you are
proposing. Allow for the fact
that you will learn during
the study and may receive
help from your research
supervisor and others, but
remember that you need to
do most of the work
yourself.
 3. Considerations in selecting a research question

Relevance
Select a topic that is of
relevance to you as a
professional. Ensure that
your study adds to the
existing body of knowledge,
bridges current gaps or is
useful in policy formulation.
 3. Considerations in selecting a research question

Availability of the data

If your topic entails
collection of information
from secondary sources,
(office records, client
records, census or other
already-published reports,
etc.) make sure that this
data is available and in the
format you want before
finalising your topic.
 3. Considerations in selecting a research question

Ethical issues
Another important
consideration in formulating
a research problem is the
ethical issues involved.
4. Steps in formulating a research question

When formulating a research problem, several

steps need to be taken.
 4. Steps in formulating a research question

1 Identify a broad field or 2 Break down the broader 3 Choose a particular

subject area that aligns with domain into smaller, more subarea that resonates
personal interests manageable subareas, most strongly, which will
allowing for focused serve as the nucleus for
exploration the research problem

6 Evaluate these objectives to 5 Formulate the objectives, 4 Formulate the research

ensure their alignment with which guide the study by question
the overarching research outcomes and insights
question and goals

7 Review all the steps

 5. Research question vs hypothesis

• A research question is an interrogative sentence, a

hypothesis is a statement.
• A research question is broad, a hypothesis is specific.
 5. Research question vs hypothesis

What is the frequency of slang words used by

Gaziantep University students?
RESEARCH QUESTION
VS.
HYPOTHESIS
In terms of the use of slang, students in Gaziantep
University employ (a) fewer slang inventory at school
and (b) more at home.
 6. Research question vs topic

• A topic refers to the general subject or area of interest

a researcher wants to explore.
• It provides a broad thematic focus that defines the
overall context of the study, but it does not specify the
exact aspect or question to be investigated.
 6. Research question vs topic

What are the determinants of the use of slang among

Gaziantep University students?
RESEARCH QUESTION
VS.
TOPIC
The use of slang among Gaziantep University students
The determinants of the use of slang among Gaziantep
University students
 7. Types of research questions

Research questions are of various types

based on the objectives of the study.
 explanatory vs descriptive
cause & effect detailed
relationship account of
description

why how, when,

where, what,
is/are, do/does,
what extent

Explanatory Descriptive
Why do bilinguals engage in code- What are the patterns of code-
switching during conversations, and switching observed in conversations
what are the underlying linguistic and among bilingual speakers in a
sociolinguistic factors that influence multilingual community?
their choice of languages?
 primary vs secondary
The main and central Supplementary to the
research question primary research question
and often addresses
additional aspects or
dimensions of the study

Primary Secondary
What are the effects of early What role do sociocultural factors
bilingual exposure on language play in shaping language
development in children, and how preferences and language use
does it influence their linguistic patterns in bilingual children?
skills and cognitive abilities?
 main vs contributory
The main and central The earlier research question
research question that helps to lay out the main
research question

Contributory Main
Do the students of Gaziantep (If yes) What is the frequency of
University use vulgarity? the use of vulgarity by Gaziantep
University students?
 empirical vs methodological vs theoretical
seeks to explore and focuses on the delves into concepts, theories,
understand phenomena techniques and and relationships within a
through observation and data procedures used to theoretical framework. It aims
collection. It aims to uncover conduct research. It to contribute to theoretical
facts, patterns, and aims to improve understanding
relationships in the real world methodologies,
explore new
approaches, or
compare different
methods

Empirical Methodological Theoretical

What is the relationship What is the most effective How does Chomsky’s
between bilingualism and method for teaching phonemic Universal Grammar theory
cognitive abilities, such as awareness to preschool relate to language
memory and problem-solving children? acquisition in children with
skills, in young adults? developmental language
disorders?
 Module 2

Types of scholarly publications

Week 3
 Scholars share their research and insights via
various scholarly publications to advance their
fields.
Academic Books
written works that provide a thorough and detailed
examination of a particular topic within a specific
field of study
They are intended for an audience of fellow researchers,
students, professionals, and individuals interested in the
subject matter.
Research Articles
• Original research papers covering study’s research questions,
methodology, data analysis, results, and conclusions
• Various options and venues are available to publish research papers, e.g.,
academic journals and online repositories
• The choice of venue depends on several factors, such as the field of study,
the nature of the research, the target audience, and the intended impact
Review Articles
Summarisation of existing literature on a specific topic, analysing trends, gaps,
and future research directions
Book Chapters
Scholars contribute individual chapters to academic books or edited volumes,
each addressing a specific aspect of a more prominent topic.
Conference Proceedings
These papers are collections of research presented at academic conferences.
Book Reviews
Scholars can evaluate recently published books in their field based on content,
contribution, and relevance.
Proceeding Papers
Like conference proceedings, proceedings papers are contributions
presented at specific events, often in engineering, computer science, and
applied sciences.
Technical Reports
Detailed documents that provide comprehensive information about the
methods, results, and implications of specific research projects.
Dissertations and Theses
These are research projects graduate students undertake to meet the
academic requirements of advanced degrees.