Research Question Examples To Inspire You In Research

A well-crafted research question is the cornerstone of any successful research project. It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple yes/no query or a complex analysis destined for publication in academic journals. The question itself directs the entire research process.

For students at all levels—college, graduate, and international—as well as academic professionals and freelance writers, formulating a strong research question is crucial. It’s essential for academic writing, publishing, and contributing to discussions on current issues and policy-making. A clearly defined and focused research question forms the basis for impactful research.

A well-structured research question must be clear and researchable, setting the stage for a successful study. If you’re struggling with formulating one, check out this guide on how to write a research question to ensure it aligns with your study objectives.

Research Question Examples and Practical Guidance for Your Dissertation

This list provides 10 research question examples showcasing a variety of research approaches. These include exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, correlational, comparative, longitudinal, mixed methods, action research, theoretical, and evaluative approaches across diverse disciplines.

When preparing a dissertation, your research question must be able to address a specific research project effectively. Learn the steps in the research process to refine your inquiry and approach.

Let’s explore these examples and answer the question: what makes a strong research question? 

1. Exploratory Research Question

Exploratory research questions are essential for any research project, especially when delving into unfamiliar territory. They act as a guide, shaping the initial research stages and paving the way for more specific inquiries. This approach is invaluable for uncovering foundational information and influencing the direction of future research. Whether you’re a student working on a thesis, an academic contributing to a journal, or a writer tackling social issues, understanding exploratory research questions is key.

These questions aim to uncover underlying issues surrounding a topic. Essentially, they investigate a problem that hasn’t been clearly defined. This allows researchers to become familiar with the basic details, context, and concerns related to the research problem. Think of it as the initial fact-finding mission.

This type of question is often open-ended, typically starting with “what” or “how,” and may not have definitive answers. It frequently serves as a launching point for more focused research, such as quantitative or qualitative research within a specific field.

Exploratory research often requires a preliminary research phase to establish context. If your question is not focused enough, reviewing how to write a research question can help refine its scope.

Examples of Research Questions Across Disciplines

Health Care: 

1. What factors influence patient satisfaction with telehealth services?
2. What are the main barriers to accessing telehealth services for individuals experiencing homelessness?
3. How can telehealth be improved for patients in rural areas?

Education: 

1. What are the main challenges faced by first-generation college students?
2. How do mentoring programs influence student retention rates?
3. What is the correlation between parental involvement and student academic achievement?

Biology: 

1. What genetic factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease?
2. How does pollution impact marine ecosystems?
3. What are the long-term effects of pesticide exposure on insect populations?

Social Sciences: 

1. How do social media algorithms influence political polarization?
2. What are the root causes of income inequality in developed nations?
3. What factors contribute to community resilience after natural disasters?

2. Descriptive Research Question (Qualitative Research Question)

A descriptive research question aims to systematically uncover information about a phenomenon. It focuses on the ‘what,’ observing and cataloging characteristics, frequencies, and trends. Unlike other research questions, it doesn’t delve into cause-and-effect relationships (causality). Instead, it provides crucial baseline data, laying the foundation for more complex research. Understanding descriptive research is vital for anyone involved in academic writing, from college students to seasoned professionals.

A descriptive research question aims to provide a clear and structured inquiry, often targeting a specific population or context. Understanding the parts of a research paper will help ensure your study is well-organized and meets academic standards.

Let’s illustrate this concept with some clear examples.

Features of Descriptive Research Questions

• Often begin with what, when, where, or how
• Focus on existing conditions or situations
• Aim to measure or observe specific variables
• Do not manipulate variables
• Typically address specific populations or contexts

Examples of Descriptive Research Questions

1. What is the prevalence of smartphone use among teenagers aged 13-17 in urban areas?
2. How have voting patterns changed in swing states over the last four presidential elections?
3. What are the demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in rural communities?
4. What is the relationship between obesity and hypertension in university students?
5. What are the perceived experiences of patients using telehealth services for mental health support, such as depression treated with antidepressants?

3. Explanatory (Causal) Research Question

Explanatory research questions explore cause-and-effect relationships. They seek to explain why things happen and how one variable influences another. This goes beyond simply observing correlations. From students working on dissertations to academics publishing in journals, understanding this type of research question is essential for quality research. A well-defined explanatory question forms the foundation of any robust research project.

These questions often begin with “why” or “how does X affect Y.” They involve at least one independent variable (the potential cause) and one dependent variable (the potential effect). For example, a research question in public health might ask, “How does access to green spaces affect stress levels in urban residents?” Access to green spaces is the independent variable, while stress levels are the dependent variable.

To develop a strong explanatory question, you need to consider how to structure it in a way that’s both practical and straightforward. This is particularly important when writing a research proposal that clearly outlines the study’s objectives.

Other examples include:

1. To what extent does early childhood education impact future academic achievement?
2. What is the effect of regular exercise on cardiovascular health?

These questions all focus on understanding causal links, and exploring how one factor influences another. Strong research questions are specific and focused, vital for a successful research project, be it a thesis, dissertation, or journal article.

4. Correlational Research Questions

A correlational research question explores how different variables relate to each other. Unlike experimental research, which manipulates variables to determine cause and effect, correlational research observes existing relationships without intervention. This is especially useful when manipulating variables is ethically problematic or practically impossible, like in studies on epidemiology, health care quality, or social issues such as homelessness. Its broad applicability across diverse fields, from biology to education, and its ability to lay the groundwork for future, more targeted research, earns it a spot on this list of research question examples.

Correlational research questions centre on the relationship between two or more variables. For example, is there a connection between time spent using telehealth services and patient satisfaction among those with hypertension or diabetes?

Or, what is the relationship between tutoring session length and student achievement in Midwestern secondary schools?

Features and Benefits

• Focuses on Relationships: Examines associations between variables, such as antidepressant use and biomarker levels.
• No Manipulation: Observes variables as they naturally occur, without researcher intervention.
• Statistical Measures: Uses statistical measures like Pearson’s r to quantify the strength and direction (positive, negative, or zero) of the correlation. These metrics provide valuable data for research papers and dissertations.
• Predictive Power: Allows for predictions based on observed relationships. If obesity is correlated with hypertension, knowing someone’s BMI can help assess their hypertension risk.
• Handles Large Datasets: Efficiently processes large datasets, crucial for population-level studies in health and social sciences.

Examples of Correlational Research Questions

1. Is there a link between sleep duration and academic performance in college students?
2. What is the correlation between social media use and anxiety levels in teenagers?
3. How does access to health care relate to health outcomes in homeless populations?
4. Is there a correlation between specific leadership styles and employee retention?
5. To what extent is employee satisfaction related to productivity in remote work environments?

5. Comparative Research Question

A comparative research question explores how two or more things are alike and how they differ. Comparing and contrasting different groups, time periods, or approaches can reveal insightful patterns that might be missed when studying a single subject. Developing a robust comparative research question is an essential skill for anyone involved in academic work, from undergraduate students to seasoned professionals.

This type of specific research question is especially valuable for assessing different options. For example, in healthcare, a comparative study might analyze the effectiveness of telehealth versus traditional in-person consultations. Similarly, such research could examine how social factors like homelessness influence access to quality healthcare. The applications span numerous fields, from biology to education, and these types of questions are frequently found in academic journals.

Features of Comparative Research Questions

• Involves comparing at least two elements (e.g., two different medications or two different management styles).
• Frequently uses words like “compare,” “contrast,” “differ,” or “similar.”
• Applicable across various contexts, cultures, or time periods.
• Can incorporate both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Often classified as either cross-sectional (examining data at a single point in time) or longitudinal (examining data over a period of time).

Examples of Comparative Research Questions

1. How do healthcare outcomes, specifically for hypertension and diabetes, differ between countries with and without universal healthcare? 
2. How do female leadership styles compare between Eastern and Western corporate cultures, particularly regarding employee retention? 
3. How do traditional teaching methods compare with project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills among secondary school students in the Midwest? 
4. How does the patient-perceived quality of care differ between those using telehealth and those receiving in-person care for managing antidepressant medication? 

6. Longitudinal Research Question

Longitudinal research questions are essential for understanding how things change over time. These questions examine developments and trends across extended periods by repeatedly observing the same subjects or phenomena. This approach is crucial for uncovering insights that cross-sectional methods simply can’t capture.

Think about studying developmental processes, long-term effects, or historical trends. Longitudinal research is key in fields like epidemiology, biology, education, and social sciences, especially when exploring behavior, health, and social issues like homelessness. Tracking data over time unveils dynamic processes and causal relationships.

These studies can be prospective, following subjects forward in time, or retrospective, analyzing existing data from the past.

Common longitudinal study designs include cohort studies (following a specific group), panel studies (repeatedly surveying the same individuals), and trend studies (examining population changes).

7. Mixed Methods Research Questions

A mixed methods research question combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This allows for a deeper understanding of complex issues than using either method alone. It’s like looking at a problem through two different lenses, getting both the big picture and the close-up details. This makes mixed methods essential for any research project aiming for a thorough understanding of its subject. 

Features of a Mixed Methods Research Question

Mixed methods research questions have distinct characteristics:

• Combine qualitative and quantitative elements
• Often use sub-questions for each method (like exploring the basics of qualitative research within the larger framework)
• Can be structured sequentially, concurrently, or in a nested design
• Address both exploratory and confirmatory research aspects
• Integrate different data types

Mixed Methods Research Question Examples

1. How do teachers implement STEM curriculum in urban elementary schools, and what is the impact on student achievement (measurable metric)? This explores teaching strategies (qualitative) and their effect on test scores (quantitative).
2. What factors influence patient adherence to diabetes management plans, and how do these factors predict health outcomes? This examines patient behavior (qualitative) and correlates it with health indicators (quantitative).
3. How do refugees experience resettlement, and what are the measurable impacts on their mental health? This combines personal stories (qualitative) with mental health data (quantitative).
4. How do telehealth interventions affect the perceived quality of care for patients with hypertension, and what is the connection between patient satisfaction and blood pressure control? This explores patient experience (qualitative) and the effectiveness of telehealth (quantitative).
5. How does access to tutoring programs influence academic performance and student perception of support among university students experiencing homelessness? This looks at academic results (quantitative) and student experiences (qualitative).

8. Action Research Questions

Action research questions play a special role in research. They bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, focusing on solving real-world problems and improving specific situations. This makes them particularly useful for professionals in fields like education and healthcare. Unlike traditional research aimed at academic publications, action research tackles immediate challenges within a defined context.

Action research questions are practical and solution-oriented. They are designed, implemented, and analyzed by professionals (teachers, nurses, social workers, etc.) within their own work environments. The process is cyclical, often described as plan, act, observe, and reflect. This allows for continuous improvement based on collected data. It often involves collaboration with stakeholders like patients or students. The goal is to find practical solutions while simultaneously building knowledge.

Features of Action Research

• Practice-oriented and solution-focused: Addresses real-world problems within a specific professional setting.
• Conducted by practitioners: Research is led by those directly involved in the context being studied.
• Cyclical process: Follows a continuous loop of planning, action, observation, and reflection.
• Collaborative and participatory: Often involves stakeholders in the research process.
• Aims for practical improvement and knowledge generation: Seeks both immediate solutions and broader understanding.

Examples of Action Research Questions

1. How can community recycling program participation be improved through targeted education?
2. What teaching strategies can boost engagement for English language learners in science classes?
3. How can nursing staff reduce medication errors through revised protocols?
4. How can telehealth improve healthcare access for rural patients and address issues like homelessness?
5. What impact do different leadership styles have on employee retention within a specific company?
6. How can schools use tutoring to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary education?
7. How does implementing new data collection software affect the perceived quality of care for diabetes patients?
8. What are the ethical implications of using biomarkers to assess antidepressant-induced weight gain risks in obese patients?

9. Theoretical/Conceptual Research Questions

A theoretical/conceptual research question lies at the heart of robust research, especially in academic fields dealing with abstract concepts. Unlike empirical research, which gathers data through observation or experiments, theoretical research explores ideas, concepts, frameworks, and theories. It aims to develop, expand, critique, or synthesize existing theoretical frameworks, sometimes even creating entirely new ones. These questions are essential for advancing a discipline conceptually and providing the frameworks that guide future empirical research, making them a critical element of any comprehensive list of research question examples.

Examples of Theoretical Research Questions

1. How does the concept of intersectionality inform our understanding of privilege in organizations?
2. Which theoretical framework best explains the connection between digital surveillance and personal autonomy?
3. How can chaos theory be applied to organizational change?
4. How do different leadership styles affect employee retention in telehealth?
5. What is the relationship between hypertension, obesity, and diabetes within specific demographics? (This can be approached theoretically by analyzing existing literature and proposing models.)

10. Evaluative Research Questions

Evaluative research questions play a vital role in many fields, from biology and epidemiology to education and addressing social issues like homelessness. These questions aim to determine the effectiveness, impact, and value of interventions, programs, policies, products, or other initiatives. Through systematic investigation, evaluative research provides crucial data for informed decision-making and program improvement.

This practical focus makes it a cornerstone of effective research.

Features of Evaluative Research Questions

• Focus on Assessment: Evaluative research questions go beyond simply describing a situation. They delve into the merit and significance of the subject being studied, perhaps assessing the quality of telehealth services or the trustworthiness of patient behavior research.
• Defined Criteria: Sound judgments require clear standards. When evaluating a diabetes management program, criteria could include blood glucose levels, patient quality of life, and the program’s cost-effectiveness.
• Scope of Inquiry: An evaluative research question might explore a program’s implementation, its outcomes (such as reductions in obesity or hypertension), the processes involved, or its cost-effectiveness compared to other approaches.
• Formative vs. Summative: Evaluations can be formative, focusing on ongoing improvements, or summative, offering a final judgment. A formative evaluation of a tutoring program might refine the curriculum, while a summative evaluation would measure its overall impact on student performance.
• Stakeholder Perspectives: The viewpoints of those affected by a program or policy—patients, students, and community members—are often crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.

Examples of Evaluative Research Questions

1. To what extent did the youth mentoring program improve academic performance?
2. How effective is the new telehealth system for rural communities compared to traditional methods?
3. What is the return on investment of the employee wellness program?
4. How do students perceive online versus in-person tutoring? (Qualitative)
5. What’s the relationship between leadership styles and employee retention in Midwest software companies? (Quantitative)

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