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Research Question Examples 🧑🏻‍🏫

Research Question Examples

Psychology research questions
Business research questions
Education research questions
Healthcare research questions
Computer science research questions

Examples: Psychology

Let’s start by looking at some examples of research questions that you might encounter within the discipline of psychology.

How does sleep quality affect academic performance in university students?

This question is specific to a population (university students) and looks at a direct relationship between sleep and academic performance, both of which are quantifiable and measurable variables.

What factors contribute to the onset of anxiety disorders in adolescents?

The question narrows down the age group and focuses on identifying multiple contributing factors. There are various ways in which it could be approached from a methodological standpoint, including both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Do mindfulness techniques improve emotional well-being?

This is a focused research question aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific intervention.

How does early childhood trauma impact adult relationships?

This research question targets a clear cause-and-effect relationship over a long timescale, making it focused but comprehensive.

Is there a correlation between screen time and depression in teenagers?

This research question focuses on an in-demand current issue and a specific demographic, allowing for a focused investigation. The key variables are clearly stated within the question and can be measured and analysed (i.e., high feasibility).

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Examples: Business/Management

Next, let’s look at some examples of well-articulated research questions within the business and management realm.

How do leadership styles impact employee retention?

This is an example of a strong research question because it directly looks at the effect of one variable (leadership styles) on another (employee retention), allowing from a strongly aligned methodological approach.

What role does corporate social responsibility play in consumer choice?

Current and precise, this research question can reveal how social concerns are influencing buying behaviour by way of a qualitative exploration.

Does remote work increase or decrease productivity in tech companies?

Focused on a particular industry and a hot topic, this research question could yield timely, actionable insights that would have high practical value in the real world.

How do economic downturns affect small businesses in the homebuilding industry?

Vital for policy-making, this highly specific research question aims to uncover the challenges faced by small businesses within a certain industry.

Which employee benefits have the greatest impact on job satisfaction?

By being straightforward and specific, answering this research question could provide tangible insights to employers.

Examples: Education

Next, let’s look at some potential research questions within the education, training and development domain.

How does class size affect students’ academic performance in primary schools?

This example research question targets two clearly defined variables, which can be measured and analysed relatively easily.

Do online courses result in better retention of material than traditional courses?

Timely, specific and focused, answering this research question can help inform educational policy and personal choices about learning formats.

What impact do US public school lunches have on student health?

Targeting a specific, well-defined context, the research could lead to direct changes in public health policies.

To what degree does parental involvement improve academic outcomes in secondary education in the Midwest?

This research question focuses on a specific context (secondary education in the Midwest) and has clearly defined constructs.

What are the negative effects of standardised tests on student learning within Oklahoma primary schools?

This research question has a clear focus (negative outcomes) and is narrowed into a very specific context.

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Examples: Healthcare

Shifting to a different field, let’s look at some examples of research questions within the healthcare space.

What are the most effective treatments for chronic back pain amongst UK senior males?

Specific and solution-oriented, this research question focuses on clear variables and a well-defined context (senior males within the UK).

How do different healthcare policies affect patient satisfaction in public hospitals in South Africa?

This question is has clearly defined variables and is narrowly focused in terms of context.

Which factors contribute to obesity rates in urban areas within California?

This question is focused yet broad, aiming to reveal several contributing factors for targeted interventions.

Does telemedicine provide the same perceived quality of care as in-person visits for diabetes patients?

Ideal for a qualitative study, this research question explores a single construct (perceived quality of care) within a well-defined sample (diabetes patients).

Which lifestyle factors have the greatest affect on the risk of heart disease?

This research question aims to uncover modifiable factors, offering preventive health recommendations.

Examples: Computer Science

Last but certainly not least, let’s look at a few examples of research questions within the computer science world.

What are the perceived risks of cloud-based storage systems?

Highly relevant in our digital age, this research question would align well with a qualitative interview approach to better understand what users feel the key risks of cloud storage are.

Which factors affect the energy efficiency of data centres in Ohio?

With a clear focus, this research question lays a firm foundation for a quantitative study.

How do TikTok algorithms impact user behaviour amongst new graduates?

While this research question is more open-ended, it could form the basis for a qualitative investigation.

What are the perceived risk and benefits of open-source software software within the web design industry?

Practical and straightforward, the results could guide both developers and end-users in their choices.

Remember, these are just examples…

In this post, we’ve tried to provide a wide range of research question examples to help you get a feel for what research questions look like in practice. That said, it’s important to remember that these are just examples and don’t necessarily equate to good research topics . If you’re still trying to find a topic, check out our topic megalist for inspiration.

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Home » Research Questions – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Questions – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research questions are the foundation of any research study, guiding the direction, focus, and objectives of the investigation. A well-defined research question helps researchers clarify what they seek to answer or achieve and establishes a clear purpose for the study. Formulating effective research questions is crucial as they shape the research design, methodology, data collection, and analysis.

Research Questions

A research question is a focused inquiry that outlines the central issue or objective of a study. It articulates what the researcher aims to investigate or understand within the scope of their research. Research questions should be clear, concise, and answerable, providing a solid framework for the study and narrowing down the study’s focus.

Key Characteristics of Research Questions :

Clear : Easily understandable and specific.
Focused : Narrow enough to be manageable within the scope of the research.
Researchable : Feasible to answer with available methods and resources.
Relevant : Addresses significant issues related to the topic or field of study.

Types of Research Questions

Research questions can be categorized into different types based on their purpose and the kind of data they seek. The most common types are descriptive , comparative , causal , exploratory , and evaluative research questions.

1. Descriptive Research Questions

Definition : Descriptive research questions seek to describe the characteristics or features of a phenomenon. They often start with “What” or “How,” aiming to provide a detailed overview without investigating causal relationships.

Purpose : To outline the characteristics, behaviors, or trends of the subject under investigation.

What are the most common challenges faced by remote workers?
How do college students use social media for academic purposes?

2. Comparative Research Questions

Definition : Comparative research questions aim to compare two or more groups or variables to identify differences or similarities. These questions often start with “How” or “What,” followed by a comparison between distinct groups.

Purpose : To identify and analyze differences and similarities between groups or conditions.

How do male and female high school students differ in their academic performance?
What is the difference in job satisfaction between remote and in-office employees?

3. Causal Research Questions

Definition : Causal research questions explore cause-and-effect relationships between variables. These questions typically start with “How” or “What,” focusing on whether one variable influences another.

Purpose : To examine the impact of an independent variable on a dependent variable and identify causal relationships.

How does sleep duration affect cognitive performance in adults?
What is the impact of a new training program on employee productivity?

4. Exploratory Research Questions

Definition : Exploratory research questions are open-ended and aim to explore a topic that is not yet well understood. These questions often start with “Why” or “How” and are broad, guiding initial research to generate hypotheses.

Purpose : To investigate a new area of interest and gain foundational insights.

Why do students choose online learning over traditional classrooms?
How do individuals perceive the effects of climate change in their communities?

5. Evaluative Research Questions

Definition : Evaluative research questions assess the effectiveness, impact, or value of a program, intervention, or strategy. They help in determining whether specific goals or outcomes have been achieved.

Purpose : To assess the outcomes or effectiveness of specific actions or programs.

How effective is cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety?
What impact has the new policy on work-from-home had on employee satisfaction?

Examples of Research Questions in Different Fields

Descriptive: What are the most common learning challenges for students with dyslexia?
Comparative: How do public and private school students differ in their academic achievements?
Causal: How does teacher feedback impact student motivation?
Descriptive: How frequently do college students experience symptoms of anxiety?
Causal: What effect does mindfulness meditation have on reducing stress levels?
Evaluative: How effective is group therapy in treating depression?
Descriptive: What are the primary reasons patients visit emergency departments?
Comparative: How does patient satisfaction differ between private and public hospitals?
Causal: How does diet affect recovery time in post-surgical patients?
Descriptive: What are the primary reasons customers choose organic products?
Comparative: What is the difference in brand loyalty between millennials and Generation Z?
Causal: How does advertising frequency affect consumer buying behavior?

Writing Guide for Research Questions

Step 1: identify the research topic.

Begin by selecting a clear research topic or area of interest. Consider the broader field of study and identify a specific aspect that is meaningful, relevant, and researchable.

Example : Suppose your topic is “effects of social media on mental health.”

Step 2: Narrow the Focus

Refine the topic into a specific issue or question. Think about the aspect of social media’s effects on mental health that interests you most, such as anxiety, depression, or sleep.

Example : Narrow the topic to focus on “how social media affects anxiety levels in college students.”

Step 3: Determine the Type of Research Question

Choose the type of research question that best aligns with your research objectives. If you want to describe the relationship, use a descriptive question; if you are exploring causal relationships, use a causal question.

Example : “How does the amount of time spent on social media affect anxiety levels among college students?”

Step 4: Make It Clear and Researchable

Ensure that the question is clear and specific, so it can be answered within the scope of your study. Avoid overly broad questions, and ensure that the question aligns with available research methods and resources.

Example : Refine the question to be more specific: “Does spending more than two hours a day on social media increase anxiety levels among college students compared to those who spend less time?”

Step 5: Check for Feasibility and Relevance

Evaluate whether the research question is feasible to investigate given the resources, time, and methodology available. Additionally, confirm that the question is relevant to current issues or knowledge gaps in your field.

Tips for Writing Effective Research Questions

Be Specific : Avoid vague language and ensure the question is focused. A specific question provides clarity and direction for the research process.
Keep It Manageable : Narrow down broad questions to make them achievable within the constraints of time, resources, and study size.
Use Clear Language : Use simple, direct language to avoid misunderstandings. Ambiguity in research questions can lead to confusion and inaccurate findings.
Align with Research Goals : Ensure that the question aligns with the study’s purpose, objectives, and methods, making it suitable for the chosen methodology.
Avoid Leading or Biased Questions : Write questions that are neutral and unbiased, allowing for objective investigation rather than assuming specific answers.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overly Broad Questions : Questions that are too general or complex are challenging to answer in a single study. Narrow down the focus to create a researchable question.
Unanswerable Questions : Avoid questions that cannot be answered with empirical data or that lack objective measurement.
Assumptive Questions : Avoid questions that assume a certain outcome, as they can introduce bias into the research design and analysis.
Complex Language : Overly complicated language or jargon can make questions difficult to understand. Use clear, straightforward language instead.

Research questions are foundational to conducting structured, effective studies that contribute valuable insights to the field. By understanding different types of research questions and following a clear writing guide, researchers can create questions that direct their study and produce meaningful answers. Whether for descriptive, comparative, causal, exploratory, or evaluative research, well-crafted questions provide clarity and purpose to research, guiding all aspects of the methodology, data collection, and analysis.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Flick, U. (2018). An Introduction to Qualitative Research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Trochim, W. M., & Donnelly, J. P. (2008). The Research Methods Knowledge Base (3rd ed.). Cengage Learning.
Punch, K. F. (2014). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.