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RESEARCH PAPER

04.

Formulating a Research Question

Crafting a clear and focused research question is a critical first step in any research project. A well-designed research question should be specific, measurable, and answerable through empirical investigation.

It should also be aligned with the researcher's overall goals and objectives, and contribute new knowledge or insights to the scholarly field.

Once the research question has been established, the next step is to develop a hypothesis - an educated prediction about the potential relationship or outcome that the study aims to investigate. A good hypothesis is typically a concise, testable statement that:

  1. Reflects the research question and study objectives

  2. Suggests a potential answer or explanation for the research problem

  3. Proposes a specific relationship between the independent and dependent variables

 

For example, a research question might be: "What is the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance among college students?" 

The corresponding hypothesis could be: "Increased sleep quality will be positively correlated with higher academic performance among college students."

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Formulating a clear research question and testable hypothesis is essential for guiding the research design, data collection, and analysis processes, as well as situating the study within the existing body of knowledge

PICO Framework for Developing Research Questions

The PICO framework can be a useful tool for formulating an effective research question. PICO stands for:

  • Population: Who or what is the focus of the study?

  • Intervention: What is the main factor, treatment, or exposure being studied?

  • Comparison: What alternative is the intervention being compared to?

  • Outcome: What are the measured results or effects?

 

By systematically considering each of these elements, the PICO framework helps researchers develop a clearly defined, answerable research question

For example, using the PICO framework, a research question could be formulated as:
P: Patients with type 2 diabetes
I: Metformin medication
C: Placebo
O: Blood glucose levels
The corresponding research question would be: "In patients with type 2 diabetes, what is the effect of metformin medication, compared to a placebo, on blood glucose levels?"


Applying the PICO approach can help ensure that the research question is specific, measurable, and aligned with the overall study objectives.

Ultimately, writing a high-quality research paper requires carefully defining the research question, developing a testable hypothesis, and aligning the study design, data collection, and analysis to address the research problem. 

 

Key methods for formulating an effective research question include:

  1. Clearly define your research objectives and area of focus. Identify the specific topic, problem, or phenomenon you aim to investigate.

  2. Review the existing literature to identify gaps, contradictions, or unanswered questions in the field. This can help you pinpoint an area ripe for further study.

  3. Brainstorm potential questions related to your topic of interest. Consider different angles, perspectives, or approaches you could take.

  4. Evaluate your potential research questions based on criteria such as relevance, feasibility, specificity, and the potential to contribute new knowledge.

  5. Refine and narrow down your research question to ensure it is clear, focused, and can be adequately addressed through your study.

  6. Consult with advisors, peers, or subject matter experts to get feedback and refine your research question.

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