Developing a Research Question and the Research Process

Lecture Objectives

  • Be able to discuss processes leading to the development of a research question.

  • Identify various stages of the research process.

  • Outline characteristics of each stage of the research process.

  • Design your own research.

What is a Research Question?

  • A specific enquiry the researcher seeks to provide answers to.

  • Indicates the process used to answer the question.

  • Forms the starting point for research and directs focus.

  • Characteristics of a research question:

    • Focused, narrow, clear, and concise.

Process to the Research Question

  1. Broad Topic: Very broad in the research area.

    • Aids in literature review.

    • Identify common questions within the topic.

    • Example: HIV in Canada.

  2. Narrow Topic: Specification based on broad topic outcomes.

    • Introduces more specificity into research.

    • Consider data, geographical, demographic, socioeconomic factors, time, and theories.

    • Example: The burden of HIV among racial minority populations in Canada.

  3. Focused Topic: Similar process to narrow topic.

    • Awareness of major issues and debates.

    • Gauge depth of information and available resources.

    • Example: The HIV vulnerability of Black Canadians in Ontario.

  4. Research Question: Critical thinking about the final research question.

    • Must have a rationale; consider complexities and debates in the area.

    • Example: Why are Black heterosexual men more vulnerable to HIV in Ontario, Canada?

Evaluating Your Research Question

  • Key considerations:

    • Interest to researcher and others.

    • New issue/problem or previously researched area.

    • Researchable within available time and resources.

    • Measurable and able to produce data.

    • Not too broad or narrow.

Types of Research Questions

  1. Causal: Compares phenomena to determine relationship.

    • Example: Does dietary Ca affect cavities in children?

  2. Descriptive: Describes phenomena (frequency, change).

    • Example: How often do college students use Twitter?

  3. Comparative: Examines differences between groups.

    • Example: Difference in caloric intake of high school girls vs. boys.

Research Question Frameworks

  • PICO (Clinical/Quantitative):

    • P: Population/Problem

    • I: Intervention/Exposure

    • C: Comparison

    • O: Outcome

    • T: Timeline

  • Qualitative Frameworks (e.g., PICo, PIE, PCC, PEO, SPIDER, SPICE).

PICO(T) Examples

  • PICO Example: For women aged ≥65 years, does cardio vs. cardio plus resistance training improve cardiovascular and bone health?

  • Mindfulness and quality of life in nurses during the pandemic: How does mindfulness influence nurses’ quality of life?

Good Research Questions

  • Characteristics:

    • Focused & Researchable: On a single issue, clear concepts.

    • Feasible & Specific: Time-conscious, well-defined.

    • Complex: Allows for debate; not merely yes/no questions.

    • Relevant: Contributes to field; not addressed previously.

Research Process Steps

  1. Choose a Topic: Consider relevance, data, knowledge gap.

  2. Review Literature: Identify existing sources and gaps.

  3. Formulate the Problem: Define clearly.

    • Types:

      • Exploratory: Investigates unclear problems.

      • Comparative: Examines group differences.

      • Descriptive: Describes phenomena.

      • Causal: Determines relationship.

  4. Research Design: Informs methodology, analysis.

  5. Sample Design: Choose participants based on criteria.

    • Probability vs. Non-probability sampling.

  6. Data Analysis: Carefully examine collected data, reduce bias.

  7. Preparing the Report: Adapt format based on dissemination medium.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ambiguity in key concepts.

  • Underestimating time/resources.

  • Setting questions beyond scope or resources.

  • Lack of openness to possible findings. (be open to possibiliites)