EXT 504 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN

EXTENSION (2+1)

RESEARCH QUESTIONS – TYPES & CRITERIA

FOR SELECTING RESEARCH QUESTIONS,
TECHNIQUES FOR NARROWING A PROBLEM
INTO A RESEARCH QUESTION

POOJA.B.M
2022507009
RESEARCH QUESTION
A specific inquiry which the research seeks to provide a response
It resides at the core of systematic investigation and it helps us to clearly define a
path for research process
The first step in any research project
A research question focuses on the research, determines the methodology and
hypothesis and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis and reporting
It narrows down a broad topic of interest into a specific area of study
It influences factors such as the research methodology, sample size, data
collection and data analysis
TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
 A qualitative research question is a type of systematic inquiry that aims at collecting qualitative data
from research subjects
The aim of qualitative research questions is to gather non-statistical information pertaining to the
experiences, observations, and perceptions of the research subjects in line with the objectives of the
investigation
TYPES : 
ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
It  is a qualitative research approach that involves observing variables in their natural environments or
habitats in order to arrive at objective research outcomes
This type of research question can be administered physically through one-on-one interviews, naturalism
(live and work), and participant observation methods. Alternatively, the researcher can ask ethnographic
research questions via online surveys and questionnaires. 
Examples:
◦ Why do you use this product?
◦ Have you noticed any side effects since you started using this drug?
CASE STUDIES
 A case study is a qualitative research approach that involves carrying out a detailed investigation into a
research subjects or variables
 This research method can be explanatory, descriptive , or exploratory depending on the focus of your
systematic investigation or research
 This type of case study uses "how" and "why" questions in order to gather valid information about the
causative factors of an event
 On the other hand, exploratory case studies aim at providing answers to "who" and "what" questions
using data collection tools like interviews and questionnaires. 
Examples: 
◦ Why did you choose our services?

INTERVIEWS
 An interview is a qualitative research method that involves asking respondents a series of questions in
order to gather information about a research subject. They can be close-ended or open-ended, and they
prompt participants to provide valid information that is useful to the research. 
Examples:
◦ What challenges did you face while using our product?
◦ What specific needs did our product meet?

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH QUESTIONS

 Quantitative research questions are questions that are used to gather quantifiable data from research subjects
 These types of research questions are usually more specific and direct because they aim at collecting information that can
be measured; that is, statistical information 

TYPES
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH QUESTIONS
 Descriptive research questions are inquiries that researchers use to gather quantifiable data about the attributes and
characteristics of research subjects
They are typically closed-ended because they aim at gathering definite and specific responses from research participants. 
EXAMPLES:
◦ How often do you make use of our fitness application?
COMPARATIVE RESEARCH QUESTIONS
 A comparative research question is a type of quantitative research question that is used to gather information
about the differences between two or more research subjects across different variables
EXAMPLES:
◦ What are the differences between a landline telephone and a smartphone?
◦ What are the differences between work-from-home and on-site operations?

RELATIONSHIP-BASED RESEARCH QUESTIONS 

 A relationship-based research question is one that inquires into the nature of the association between two
research subjects within the same demographic. These types of research questions help you to gather
information pertaining to the nature of the association between two research variables
 Relationship-based research questions are also known as correlational research questions because they seek
to clearly identify the link between 2 variables. 
EXAMPLES:
◦ What is the relationship between purchasing power and the business site?
◦ What is the relationship between the work environment and workforce turnover?

GOOD RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

A good research question is one that requires impartial responses and can be answered
via existing sources of information.

Open-Ended Questions
 An open-ended question is a type of research question that does not restrict
respondents to a set of premeditated answer options 
Examples:
◦ How do you deal with stress in the workplace?
◦ What is a typical day at work like for you?
Close-ended Questions
 A close-ended question is a type of survey question that restricts respondents to a set of
predetermined answers such as multiple-choice questions
 Close-ended questions typically require yes or no answers and are commonly used in quantitative
research to gather numerical data from research participants. 
Examples:
Did you enjoy this event?
◦ Yes
◦ No

Likert Scale Questions

 A Likert scale question is a type of close-ended question that is structured as a 3-point,
5-point, or 7-point psychometric scale
Examples:
 How satisfied are you with our service delivery?
◦ Very dissatisfied
◦ Not satisfied
◦ Neutral
◦ Satisfied
◦ Very satisfied

Rating Scale Questions

A rating scale question is a type of close-ended question that seeks to associate a specific qualitative measure
(rating) with the different variables in research 
Examples:
How would you rate our service delivery?
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Neutral
4. Bad
5. Very bad
BAD RESEARCH QUESTION
They help you avoid them in the course of your systematic investigation
These types of questions are usually unfocused and often result in research biases that can
negatively impact the outcomes of your systematic investigation

Loaded Questions
A loaded question is a question that subtly presupposes one or more unverified
assumptions about the research subject or participant
Examples:
◦ Have you stopped smoking?
◦ Where did you hide the money?
Negative Questions
 A negative question is a type of question that is structured with an implicit or explicit negator
 Negative questions can be misleading because they upturn the typical yes/no response order by
requiring a negative answer for affirmation and an affirmative answer for negation. 
Example:
◦ Didn't you visit last week?
 
Leading Questions 
 A leading question is a type of survey question that nudges the respondent towards an already-
determined answer
Examples:
◦ If you enjoyed this service, would you be willing to try out our other packages?
◦ Our product met your needs, didn't it? 
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A RESEARCH QUESTION

Focused on a single problem or issue

Researchable using primary and/or secondary
sources
Feasible to answer within the timeframe and
practical constraints
Specific enough to answer thoroughly
Complex enough to develop the answer over the
space of a paper or thesis
Relevant to your field of study and/or society
more broadly
TECHNIQUES FOR NARROWING A PROBLEM INTO
A RESEARCH QUESTION
After choosing a topic and gathering background information, add focus with
a research question

◦ EXPLORE QUESTIONS
- Ask open ended ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about your problem
- Consider the ‘so what’ of your topic
- Reflect on the questions you have considered. Identify one or two questions
that you find engaging and which could be explored through research
◦ DETERMINE AND EVALUATE YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION

- what aspect of the general topic you will explore

- is your research question clear
- is your research question focused
- is your research question complex ( it shouldn’t have simple yes/no answer
and should require research and analysis)
◦ HYPOTHESIZE

After you have come up with a question, consider the path your answer might
take
- If you are making an argument, what will you say?
- Why does your argument matter?
- How might others challenge your argument?
- What kind of sources will you need to- support your argument?
REFERENCE
Pujari Daivadeenam and Laxmi Lal Somani – Research Methodology in
Extension Education , 2nd Edition
https://research.com>how to write a research question – types, steps
THANK YOU