What type of question seeks to address the investigative questions of a specific study?
J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg. 2019 Jan-Mar; 24(1): 15–20. Formulation of research question (RQ) is an essentiality before starting any research. It aims to explore an existing uncertainty in an area of concern and points to a need for deliberate investigation. It is, therefore, pertinent to formulate a good RQ.
The present paper aims to discuss the process of formulation of RQ with stepwise approach. The characteristics of good RQ are expressed by acronym “FINERMAPS” expanded as feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant, manageable, appropriate, potential value, publishability, and systematic. A RQ can address different formats depending on the aspect to be evaluated. Based on this, there can be different types of RQ such as based on the existence of the phenomenon, description and
classification, composition, relationship, comparative, and causality. To develop a RQ, one needs to begin by identifying the subject of interest and then do preliminary research on that subject. The researcher then defines what still needs to be known in that particular subject and assesses the implied questions. After narrowing the focus and scope of the research subject, researcher frames a RQ and then evaluates it. Thus, conception to formulation of RQ is very systematic process and has to
be performed meticulously as research guided by such question can have wider impact in the field of social and health research by leading to formulation of policies for the benefit of larger population. KEYWORDS:Health, hypothesis, policy, research A good research question (RQ) forms backbone of a good research, which in
turn is vital in unraveling mysteries of nature and giving insight into a problem.[1,2,3,4] RQ
identifies the problem to be studied and guides to the methodology. It leads to building up of an appropriate hypothesis (Hs). Hence, RQ aims to explore an existing uncertainty in an area of concern and points to a need for deliberate investigation. A good RQ helps support a focused arguable thesis and construction of a logical argument. Hence, formulation of a good RQ is undoubtedly one of the first critical steps in the research process, especially in the field of social and health research,
where the systematic generation of knowledge that can be used to promote, restore, maintain, and/or protect health of individuals and populations.[1,3,4] Basically, the research can be classified as
action, applied, basic, clinical, empirical, administrative, theoretical, or qualitative or quantitative research, depending on its purpose.[2] Research plays an important role in developing clinical practices and instituting new health policies. Hence, there is a need for a logical scientific approach as research has an important goal of generating new
claims.[1] “The most successful research topics are narrowly focused and carefully defined but are important parts of a broad-ranging, complex problem.” A good RQ is an asset as it: Details the problem statement Further describes and refines the issue under study Adds focus to the problem statement Guides data collection and analysis Sets context of research. Hence, while writing RQ, it is important to see if it is relevant to the existing time frame and conditions. For example, the impact of “odd-even” vehicle formula in decreasing the level of air particulate pollution in various districts of Delhi.
Feasible Interesting Novel Ethical Relevant Manageable Appropriate Potential value and publishability Systematic. FINERMAPSFeasibleFeasibility means that it is within the ability of the investigator to carry out. It should be backed by an appropriate number of subjects and methodology as well as time and funds to reach the conclusions. One needs to be realistic about the scope and scale of the project. One has to have access to the people, gadgets, documents, statistics, etc. One should be able to relate the concepts of the RQ to the observations, phenomena, indicators, or variables that one can access. One should be clear that the collection of data and the proceedings of project can be completed within the limited time and resources available to the investigator. Sometimes, a RQ appears feasible, but when fieldwork or study gets started, it proves otherwise. In this situation, it is important to write up the problems honestly and to reflect on what has been learned. One should try to discuss with more experienced colleagues or the supervisor so as to develop a contingency plan to anticipate possible problems while working on a RQ and find possible solutions in such situations. InterestingThis is essential that one has a real grounded interest in one's RQ and one can explore this and back it up with academic and intellectual debate. This interest will motivate one to keep going with RQ. NovelThe question should not simply copy questions investigated by other workers but should have scope to be investigated. It may aim at confirming or refuting the already established findings, establish new facts, or find new aspects of the established facts. It should show imagination of the researcher. Above all, the question has to be simple and clear. The complexity of a question can frequently hide unclear thoughts and lead to a confused research process. A very elaborate RQ, or a question which is not differentiated into different parts, may hide concepts that are contradictory or not relevant. This needs to be clear and thought-through. Having one key question with several subcomponents will guide your research. EthicalThis is the foremost requirement of any RQ and is mandatory to get clearance from appropriate authorities before stating research on the question. Further, the RQ should be such that it minimizes the risk of harm to the participants in the research, protect the privacy and maintain their confidentiality, and provide the participants right to withdraw from research. It should also guide in avoiding deceptive practices in research. RelevantThe question should of academic and intellectual interest to people in the field you have chosen to study. The question preferably should arise from issues raised in the current situation, literature, or in practice. It should establish a clear purpose for the research in relation to the chosen field. For example, filling a gap in knowledge, analyzing academic assumptions or professional practice, monitoring a development in practice, comparing different approaches, or testing theories within a specific population are some of the relevant RQs. Manageable (M): It has the similar essence as of feasibility but mainly means that the following research can be managed by the researcher. Appropriate (A): RQ should be appropriate logically and scientifically for the community and institution. Potential value and publishability (P): The study can make significant health impact in clinical and community practices. Therefore, research should aim for significant economic impact to reduce unnecessary or excessive costs. Furthermore, the proposed study should exist within a clinical, consumer, or policy-making context that is amenable to evidence-based change. Above all, a good RQ must address a topic that has clear implications for resolving important dilemmas in health and health-care decisions made by one or more stakeholder groups. Systematic (S): Research is structured with specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well-defined set of rules though it does not rule out creative thinking. Example of RQ: Would the topical skin application of oil as a skin barrier reduces hypothermia in preterm infants? This question fulfills the criteria of a good RQ, that is, feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant. Types of research questionA RQ can address different formats depending on the aspect to be evaluated.[6] For example:
How to develop a research question
Brainstorm/Concept map for formulating research question
Writing down the research question
For example, Evaluation of reproductive hormonal profile in children presenting with isolated hypospadias)
Another example of a research questionWould the topical skin application of oil as a skin barrier reduces hypothermia in preterm infants? Apart from fulfilling the criteria of a good RQ, that is, feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant, it also details about the intervention done (topical skin application of oil), rationale of intervention (as a skin barrier), population to be studied (preterm infants), and outcome (reduces hypothermia). Other important points to be heeded to while framing research question
Some of the other problems and their possible solutions have been discussed in Table 1. Table 1Potential problems and solutions while making research question GOING BEYOND FORMULATION OF RESEARCH QUESTION–THE PATH AHEADOnce RQ is formulated, a Hs can be developed. Hs means transformation of a RQ into an operational analog.[1] It means a statement as to what prediction one makes about the phenomenon to be examined.[4] More often, for case–control trial, null Hs is generated which is later accepted or refuted. A strong Hs should have following characteristics:
EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH QUESTION AND HYPOTHESISResearch question-1
Hypothesis-1
Research question-2
Hypothesis-2In patients aged 2–9 years with corrosive esophageal strictures, 34 applications of mitomycin C in dosage of 0.4 mg/ml for 5 min over a period of 6 months improve the outcome in terms of symptomatic and radiological relief. Some other examples of good and bad RQs have been shown in Table 2. Table 2Examples of few bad (left-hand side column) and few good (right-hand side) research questions RESEARCH QUESTION AND STUDY DESIGNRQ determines study design, for example, the question aimed to find the incidence of a disease in population will lead to conducting a survey; to find risk factors for a disease will need case–control study or a cohort study. RQ may also culminate into clinical trial.[9,10] For example, effect of administration of folic acid tablet in the perinatal period in decreasing incidence of neural tube defect. Accordingly, Hs is framed. Appropriate statistical calculations are instituted to generate sample size. The subject inclusion, exclusion criteria and time frame of research are carefully defined. The detailed subject information sheet and pro forma are carefully defined. Moreover, research is set off few examples of research methodology guided by RQ:
The results of the research are then be available for wider applications for health and social life CONCLUSIONA good RQ needs thorough literature search and deep insight into the specific area/problem to be investigated. A RQ has to be focused yet simple. Research guided by such question can have wider impact in the field of social and health research by leading to formulation of policies for the benefit of larger population. Financial support and sponsorshipNil. Conflicts of interestThere are no conflicts of interest. REFERENCES1. Kishore J, Vasundhra S, Anand T. Formulation of a research question. Indian J Med Spec. 2011;2:184–8. [Google Scholar] 2. Kishore J. A Dictionary of Public Health. New Delhi: Century Publications; 2007. pp. 769–71. [Google Scholar] 3. Alvesson M, Sandberg J. Generating research questions through problematization. Acad Manage Rev. 2011;36:247–71. [Google Scholar] 4. Bryman A. The research question in social research: What is its role? Int J Soc Res Methodol. 2007;10:5–20. [Google Scholar] 5. Hulley SB, Cummings SR. Conceiving the research question. In: Hulley SB, Cummings SR, Browner WS, Grady D, Hearst N, Newman TB, editors. Designing Clinical Research. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 2007. pp. 17–25. [Google Scholar] 6. Walk K. Asking an analytical question. [Class handout or worksheet]. Princeton University. In: White P, editor. Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists. New York: Palgrave McMillan; 2009. [Google Scholar] 7. Jones R. Choosing a research question. Asia Pac Fam Med. 2003;2:42–4. [Google Scholar] 8. Frenk J. Balancing relevance and excellence: Organizational responses to link research with decision making. Soc Sci Med. 1992;35:1397–404. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 9. Cresswell JW. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches. Can J Univ Contin Educ. 2009;35:121–3. [Google Scholar] 10. Punch KF. Introduction to Social Research – Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. London: Sage; 2005. pp. 82–114. [Google Scholar] Articles from Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons are provided here courtesy of Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications What are the two types of questions that can be used to collect information from respondent?Closed-ended, or restricted-choice, questions offer respondents a fixed set of choices to select from. These questions are easier to answer quickly. Open-ended or long-form questions allow respondents to answer in their own words.
What is survey research method?Survey research is defined as "the collection of information from a sample of individuals through their responses to questions" (Check & Schutt, 2012, p. 160). This type of research allows for a variety of methods to recruit participants, collect data, and utilize various methods of instrumentation.
What do you call the way of gathering data that uses printed questionnaires to elicit important information needed from the respondents?A survey is a process of data gathering involving a variety of data collection methods, including a questionnaire. On a questionnaire, there are three kinds of questions used.
What is the first step in designing questionnaire?The first step of designing of a good questionnaire is to construct a conceptual framework. The researcher needs to be very clear about his research questions and what “dependent” and “independent” factors he intends to investigate.
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