Introduction to Research Methodology (01) : Research Question

§  What is a research question?

Research question is the fundamental step of doing research project which will draw where the direction of research project itself, then it will be the important point because it focuses to the study, determines methodology, and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis and reporting. Furthermore, this research question is composed from the research problem of an issue that will be discussed on the research project itself.  Therefore, based on this research question, the researcher can have easier step of doing research project because the research will focus to the object that will be investigated, not to be large and out of the context.

Research question is divided into two kinds, those are:

1.      Qualitative research question

In this research question, it inquires state research questions, not objectives (specific goals for the research) or hypotheses (predictions that involve variables and statistical tests). It means that this research question will focus to enrich the strength of the data as the qualitative research. Then, it includes as two forms question. The first is central question that deeply question about the concept study or exploring the central phenomenon that is investigated on the research project.

2.      Quantitative research question

In this research question, it inquires about the relationships among variables that the investigator seeks to know. It means that this research question will focus to the data such as survey studies that support the research project.

§  Sources of a research question

There are three sources of specific research questions, those are:

1.      The own experience, casual observation, common sense/hunch which are leading to one sort of theory or question. It usually takes the form of good advice which may well be very useful but which often has little basis in any actual empirical research.

2.      The previous empirical studies by others, either in classical or alternative research mode. It is usually in journal article or book.

3.      Theories in the grand scientific sense. It is usually based on the large body of  prior research.

§  Characteristics of a research question

There are some characteristics of research question, those are:

1.      The question is feasible.

2.      The question is clear.

3.      The question is significant.

4.      The question is ethical.