Basharat Rasheed Mirza.

 Definition
 Importance of Research Questions
 Selection of a Research Problem/Question
 Characteristics of Good Research
Questions
 Examples
 Conclusion

 Research problems are frequently stated as
Research Questions.
 A Research Question is the statement of the
problem, to be researched, in inquisitive
form.
 A Research Question is usually the research
problem posed as a question which serves as
the focus of the researcher’s investigation.
 Research Question is the process of
operationalizing the research.

A good research question:
 Helps to find the direction
 Helps to narrow the scope
 Defines the investigation
 Sets boundaries

The research problem:
 Should be “researchable” i.e. it can be
investigated through the collection and
analysis of data
 Should have theoretical or practical
significance

A research problem should be
relevant to your:
 Academic interest
 Current level of research skills
 Available resources
 Time and other restrictions

Good research questions possess
four essential characteristics:
 The question is Feasible, i.e., it can be
investigated without an undue amount of
time, effort, or money.
 The question is Clear, i.e., most people
would agree as to what the key words in the
question mean.

 The question is Significant, i.e., it is worth
investigating because it will contribute
important knowledge about the human
condition.
 The question is Ethical, i.e., it will not
involve physical or psychological harm or
damage to human beings, or to the natural or
social environment of which they are a part.
 The questions often(not always) suggest a
relationship to be investigated.

NO
Non researchable
YES
Researchable
 Should I put my
youngster in
preschool?
 What is the best way
to learn to read?
 Are some people born
bad?
 Do children enrolled in
preschool develop
better social skills than
children not enrolled?
 At which age is it better
to introduce phonics to
children-age 5, age 6,
or age 7?
 Who commits more
crimes-poor people or
rich people?

 Many research problems are stated as questions.
 A research problem in question form is a
Research Question.
 A research problem should be
researchable, should have theoretical and
practical significance, and should be relevant to
academic interest, level of research
skills, available resources, time & other
restrictions.
 Good research questions have four essential
characteristics: they are
feasible, clear, significant, and ethical.

Thank you