Qualitative Research Methods: Developing a Research Question

Speaker: Leslie Currie from the Yale School of Public Health
Topic: Developing a qualitative research question
Purpose of series: Enhance capacity to conceptualize, design, and conduct qualitative research in health sciences.
Overview of Modules:
  - Module 1: What is Qualitative Research?
  - Module 2: Developing a Qualitative Research Question (current module)
  - Module 3: Major Qualitative Study Designs
  - Module 4: Interviews and Focus Groups
  - Module 5: Overview of Qualitative Data Analysis
  - Module 6: Scientific Rigor in Qualitative Research

Key reasons for well-formed questions:
  - Defines Purpose: Sets boundaries around research questions and identifies gaps in literature.
  - Guides Method Selection: Essential not to begin with a methodology, but with the research question first, then determine appropriate methods.
  - Aids in Study Planning: A precise research question helps in resource allocation, time management, implementation, analysis, and reporting.
  - Frames Analysis and Findings: In qualitative research, a well-formed question focuses the data analysis amidst large volumes of narrative transcripts and results.

Examples of potential research areas:
  - Organizational Context in Technology Implementation: e.g., electronic medical records in primary care clinics; explore barriers and facilitators.
  - Complex Social Processes: Dynamics among formal and informal caregivers for frail, homebound older adults.
  - Patient Perceptions: Experience of informed consent discussions with physicians.
  - Health Behavior Motivations: Preferences surrounding preventive screening for diseases such as breast or colon cancer.

Characteristics of a qualitative research question:
  - Inductive and Exploratory: No assumptions or hypotheses at the outset; open exploration of the phenomenon.
  - Framed as a Question, Aim, or Objective: Avoid hypothesis-driven testing; instead focus on exploring the topic.
  - Focus on a Single Phenomenon: Critical to prevent tangential data from complicating the research.

Key elements to include in the research question:
  - Start with a Goal Verb: Use action words such as "to characterize," "to describe," and "to understand."
  - Identify the Topic of Interest: Specify what the study will address following the verb.
  - Use Neutral Language: Avoid assumptions; explore all dimensions of the implementation process, both positive and negative.
  - Define Sample and Setting: Clearly outline boundaries of the research question for feasibility.

Example 1:
- Research Question: "What interpersonal and system level factors are relevant to delivering health care to emergency department patients who are homeless?"
- Features: Begins with the verb "understand", specifies the topic (interpersonal and system factors), and clearly defines the patient population (homeless emergency department patients).
Example 2:
- Research Question: "What hospital discharge processes are associated with better performance in hospital AMI care as measured by mortality rates?"
- Features: Begins with "identify", names processes, and clarifies setting/conditions around the AMI care context.
Example 3:
- Research Question: "What are the experiences of individuals in key health care leadership roles in Sub-Saharan Africa?"
- Features: Begins with "characterize", defines topic and setting.

Original Question Example:
  - Purpose: "Understand the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, preferences, and barriers regarding contraception use among women."
  - Issues Identified:
    - Broad scope covering many domains that are difficult to manage in a single study.
    - Lack of specificity in targeting the population (just "women").
Revised Research Question:
  - Revised Purpose: "To characterize barriers to contraception use among young Latina women at high risk for unintended pregnancy."
  - Improvements:
    - Clear focus on specific barriers.
    - Defined population and context, making it feasible for study conduct.