Research questions are essential in guiding a research project. They define the purpose and provide a roadmap for the entire research process. Without clear research questions, it’s difficult to determine what data to collect and how to analyze it effectively.
There are several types of research questions:
- Exploratory: Gain initial insights into new or poorly understood phenomena.
Example: “What is it like to be a member of a gang?” - Descriptive: Provide detailed accounts of particular phenomena or situations.
Example: “Who are the young men involved in gun crime?” - Explanatory: Uncover reasons behind phenomena or relationships between factors.
Example: “Why do young men who join gangs participate in gun-related crime?” - Evaluative: Assess the effectiveness of policies, programs, or interventions.
Example: “What changes in policy and practice would best help young men not to join such gangs?”
Research projects often use multiple types of questions for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Hypotheses
Hypotheses are statements proposing relationships between two or more concepts. They are tested by collecting and analyzing data to determine if they are supported or refuted. Hypotheses are commonly used in quantitative research for statistical testing[1].
Example hypothesis: “People from ethnic group A are more likely to commit crimes than people from ethnic group B.”
Operational Definitions
Before data collection, it’s crucial to develop clear operational definitions. This process involves:
- Breaking down broad research questions into specific sub-questions
- Defining key concepts in measurable ways
Operational definitions specify how concepts will be measured or observed in a study. For example, “long-term unemployment” might be defined as “adults aged 16-65 who have been in paid work (at least 35 hours per week) but have not been doing any paid work for more than one year”[2].
Precise operational definitions ensure:
- Validity and reliability of research
- Relevance of collected data
- Replicability of findings
Pilot Testing and Subsidiary Questions
Pilot-testing operational definitions is recommended to check clarity and consistency. This involves trying out definitions with a small group to ensure they are easily understood and consistently interpreted[3].
As researchers refine definitions and explore literature, they often develop subsidiary research questions. These more specific questions address different aspects of the main research question[4].
Example subsidiary questions for a study on long-term unemployment and mental health:
- What specific mental health outcomes are being investigated?
- What coping mechanisms do individuals experiencing long-term unemployment employ?
- How does social support mitigate the negative impacts of unemployment?
Carefully developing research questions, hypotheses, and operational definitions establishes a strong foundation for a focused, rigorous study capable of producing meaningful findings.