Research & Referencing - How do I develop research questions? - Library Website

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Developing your own research questions involves the following 6 steps:

Identify the topic.
Start by choosing a topic that you are interested in or want to learn more about. This could be a specific issue, problem, or area of study.
Conduct a literature review.
Read existing research and literature on your topic of interest to gain a deeper understanding and to identify gaps in knowledge. These gaps are what will direct your research question.
(See the following module: How do I conduct a literature review?)
Formulate a research question.
Based on your review of the literature, formulate a research question that addresses a gap or area of uncertainty in the existing knowledge. Ensure that the question is specific, focused, and relevant to your topic.
Refine the question.
Review your research question to ensure that it is clear and concise, and that it can be answered through research. If necessary, refine or modify the question to make it more precise.
Determine feasibility.
Consider the resources available to you such as time, funding, and access to data, and determine whether your research question is feasible to answer.
Get feedback.
Share your research question with others, such as colleagues, teachers, or peers, to get feedback and ensure that it is well-designed and relevant.

Watch

Watch the following short clip to gain a wider understanding on developing a research question.

Resources and further reading

The Research Process by Gary Bouma; Susan Carland
Call Number: 300.72 BOU
Publication Date: 2016
The sixth edition of The Research Process is an easy-to-use introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods. The book emphasises the process of research in an accessible and readable way, taking a non-statistical and non-mathematical approach for new students. The Research Process will guide students through the research process, analysing and demonstrating a variety of research methods supported by extensive examples and illustrations to explain the fundamental concepts of the research process and its application.
Social Research by Sotirios Sarantakos
Call Number: 301.072 SAR
Publication Date: 2012
From question development and research design to data collection and statistical analysis, this text guides the reader through every aspect of social research. Encouraging a critical approach in each chapter, this 4th edition includes enhanced coverage of internet sampling, mixed methods, conversation analysis and feminist research.
Doing Research in the Real World by David E. Gray
Call Number: 300.72 GRA
Publication Date: 2009
This fully revised and expanded edition of Doing Research in the Real World introduces readers to all the essential aspects of the research process and will be an essential guide to any student on a research methods course. David Gray's clear and accessible introduction starts by setting out best approaches to the design of appropriate research tools, and leads the reader in to issues of data collection, analysis and writing up. Practically focused throughout, this book encourages the reader to develop an awareness of the real nature of research, and the many means by which data can be collected, validated and interpreted.
Introduction to Social Research by Keith F. Punch
Call Number: 300.72 PUN
Publication Date: 2005-04-23
This book offers an excellent description of quantitative and qualitative design and analysis taught in the context of three inquiry pathways: knowledge development, social inquiry, and social research. Furthermore, it provides an excellent overview of both quantitative and qualitative methods with regard to their different epistemologies, methods and techniques.

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Library Website: Research & Referencing - How do I develop research questions?