{"id":2251,"date":"2023-08-22T09:19:14","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T09:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paperpal.com\/blog\/?p=2251"},"modified":"2024-03-11T10:40:11","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T10:40:11","slug":"how-to-write-a-research-question","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/researcher-resources\/how-to-write-a-research-question","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Research Question: Types and Examples\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step in any research project is framing the research question. It can be considered the core of any systematic investigation as the research outcomes are tied to asking the right questions.\u202fThus, this primary interrogation point sets the pace for your research as it helps collect relevant and insightful information that ultimately influences your work.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically, the research question guides the stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting. Depending on the use of quantifiable or quantitative data, research questions are broadly categorized into quantitative or qualitative research questions. Both types of research questions can be used independently or together, considering the overall focus and objectives of your research.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-research-questionnbsp\">What is a research question? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A research question is a clear, focused, concise, and arguable question on which your research and writing are centered.<sup>1<\/sup> It states various aspects of the study, including the population and variables to be studied and the problem the study addresses. These questions also set the boundaries of the study, ensuring cohesion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designing the research question is a dynamic process where the researcher can change or refine the research question as they review related literature and develop a framework for the study. Depending on the scale of your research, the study can include single or multiple research questions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good research question has the following features:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>It is relevant to the chosen field of study.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>The question posed is arguable and open for debate, requiring synthesizing and analysis of ideas.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>It is focused and concisely framed.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>A feasible solution is possible within the given practical constraint and timeframe.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\" https:\/\/paperpal.com\/?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=paperpal-blog&amp;utm_campaign=research-question-hero-banner1\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"139\" src=\"http:\/\/www.paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/RPaperpal_BlogBanners-1_02_.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2053\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/RPaperpal_BlogBanners-1_02_.png 640w, https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/RPaperpal_BlogBanners-1_02_-300x65.png 300w, https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/RPaperpal_BlogBanners-1_02_-585x127.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A poorly formulated research question poses several risks.<sup>1&nbsp;<\/sup>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Researchers can adopt an erroneous design.&nbsp;<\/li><li>It can create confusion and hinder the thought process, including developing a clear protocol.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>It can jeopardize publication efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>It causes difficulty in determining the relevance of the study findings.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>It causes difficulty in whether the study fulfils the inclusion criteria for systematic review and meta-analysis. This creates challenges in determining whether additional studies or data collection is needed to answer the question.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Readers may fail to understand the objective of the study. This reduces the likelihood of the study being cited by others.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you know \u201cWhat is a research question?\u201d, let\u2019s look at the different types of research questions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-research-questionsnbsp\">Types of research questions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the type of research to be done, research questions can be classified broadly into quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies. Knowing the type of research helps determine the best type of research question that reflects the direction and epistemological underpinnings of your research.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The structure and wording of quantitative<sup>2<\/sup> and qualitative research<sup>3<\/sup> questions differ significantly. The quantitative study looks at causal relationships, whereas the qualitative study aims at exploring a phenomenon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>Quantitative research questions:<\/em>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Seeks to investigate social, familial, or educational experiences or processes in a particular context and\/or location.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Answers &#8216;how,&#8217; &#8216;what,&#8217; or &#8216;why&#8217; questions.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Investigates connections, relations, or comparisons between independent and dependent variables.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quantitative research questions can be further categorized into descriptive, comparative, and relationship, as explained in the Table below.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Research Questions&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Explanation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Descriptive research questions&nbsp;<\/td><td>These measure the responses of a study&#8217;s population toward a particular question or variable. Common descriptive research questions will begin with &#8220;How much?&#8221;, &#8220;How regularly?&#8221;, &#8220;What percentage?&#8221;, &#8220;What time?&#8221;, &#8220;What is?&#8221;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Research question example: How often do you buy mobile apps for learning purposes?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Comparative research questions&nbsp;<\/td><td>These investigate differences between two or more groups for an outcome variable. For instance, the researcher may compare groups with and without a certain variable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Research question example: What are the differences in attitudes towards online learning between visual and Kinaesthetic learners?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Relationship research questions&nbsp;<\/td><td>These explore and define trends and interactions between two or more variables. These investigate relationships between dependent and independent variables and use words such as &#8220;association&#8221; or &#8220;trends.&nbsp;&nbsp;Research question example: What is the relationship between disposable income and job satisfaction amongst US residents?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"2\"><li><strong><em>Qualitative research questions<\/em>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qualitative research questions are adaptable, non-directional, and more flexible. It concerns broad areas of research or more specific areas of study to discover, explain, or explore a phenomenon. These are further classified as follows:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Research Questions<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Explanation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Exploratory Questions&nbsp;<\/td><td>These question looks to understand something without influencing the results. The aim is to learn more about a topic without attributing bias or preconceived notions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Research question example: What are people&#8217;s thoughts on the new government?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Experiential questions&nbsp;<\/td><td>These questions focus on understanding individuals&#8217; experiences, perspectives, and subjective meanings related to a particular phenomenon. They aim to capture personal experiences and emotions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Research question example: What are the challenges students face during their transition from school to college?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Interpretive Questions&nbsp;<\/td><td>These questions investigate people in their natural settings to help understand how a group makes sense of shared experiences of a phenomenon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Research question example: How do you feel about ChatGPT assisting student learning?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"3\"><li><strong><em>Mixed-methods studies<\/em>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mixed-methods studies use both quantitative and qualitative research questions to answer your research question. Mixed methods provide a complete picture than standalone quantitative or qualitative research, as it integrates the benefits of both methods. Mixed methods research is often used in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research, especially in the behavioral, health, and social science fields.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.adjust.net.in\/9a5h9w2?campaign=Paperpal Blog&amp;adgroup=research-question-hero-AI-curated-list-banner&amp;fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fdiscovery.researcher.life%2F%23content_marketing_adjust_blog       \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"656\" height=\"250\" src=\"http:\/\/www.paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/blog-banner_extra.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/blog-banner_extra.png 656w, https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/blog-banner_extra-300x114.png 300w, https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/blog-banner_extra-585x223.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 656px) 100vw, 656px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-makes-a-good-research-questionnbsp\">What makes a good research question <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good research question should be clear and focused to guide your research. It should synthesize multiple sources to present your unique argument, and should ideally be something that you are interested in. But avoid questions that can be answered in a few factual statements. The following are the main attributes of a good research question.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Specific: The research question should not be a fishing expedition performed in the hopes that some new information will be found that will benefit the researcher. The central research question should work with your research problem to keep your work focused. If using multiple questions, they should all tie back to the central aim.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Measurable: The research question must be answerable using quantitative and\/or qualitative data or from scholarly sources to develop your research question. If such data is impossible to access, it is better to rethink your question.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Attainable: Ensure you have enough time and resources to do all research required to answer your question. If it seems you will not be able to gain access to the data you need, consider narrowing down your question to be more specific.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>You have the expertise&nbsp;<\/li><li>You have the equipment and resources&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Realistic: Developing your research question should be based on initial reading about your topic. It should focus on addressing a problem or gap in the existing knowledge in your field or discipline.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Based on some sort of rational physics&nbsp;<\/li><li>Can be done in a reasonable time frame&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Timely: The research question should contribute to an existing and current debate in your field or in society at large. It should produce knowledge that future researchers or practitioners can later build on.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Novel&nbsp;<\/li><li>Based on current technologies.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Important to answer current problems or concerns.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Lead to new directions.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Important: Your question should have some aspect of originality. Incremental research is as important as exploring disruptive technologies. For example, you can focus on a specific location or explore a new angle.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Meaningful whether the answer is &#8220;Yes&#8221; or &#8220;No.&#8221; Closed-ended, yes\/no questions are too simple to work as good research questions. Such questions do not provide enough scope for robust investigation and discussion. A good research question requires original data, synthesis of multiple sources, and original interpretation and argumentation before providing an answer.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"steps-for-developing-a-good-research-questionnbsp\">Steps for developing a good research question <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The importance of research questions cannot be understated. When drafting a research question, use the following frameworks to guide the components of your question to ease the process.<sup>4<\/sup>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Determine the requirements: Before constructing a good research question, set your research requirements. What is the purpose? Is it descriptive, comparative, or explorative research? Determining the research aim will help you choose the most appropriate topic and word your question appropriately.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Select a broad research topic: Identify a broader subject area of interest that requires investigation. Techniques such as brainstorming or concept mapping can help identify relevant connections and themes within a broad research topic. For example, how to learn and help students learn.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Perform preliminary investigation: Preliminary research is needed to obtain up-to-date and relevant knowledge on your topic. It also helps identify issues currently being discussed from which information gaps can be identified.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\" https:\/\/paperpal.com\/?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=paperpal-blog&amp;utm_campaign=research-question-hero-banner3\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"139\" src=\"http:\/\/www.paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-17.png\" alt=\"Paperpal for Word\" class=\"wp-image-1421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-17.png 640w, https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-17-300x65.png 300w, https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-17-585x127.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Narrow your focus: Narrow the scope and focus of your research to a specific niche. This involves focusing on gaps in existing knowledge or recent literature or extending or complementing the findings of existing literature. Another approach involves constructing strong research questions that challenge your views or knowledge of the area of study (Example: Is learning consistent with the existing learning theory and research).&nbsp;<\/li><li>Identify the research problem: Once the research question has been framed, one should evaluate it. This is to realize the importance of the research questions and if there is a need for more revising (Example: How do your beliefs on learning theory and research impact your instructional practices).&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-write-a-research-questionnbsp\">How to write a research question <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those struggling to understand how to write a research question, these simple steps can help you simplify the process of writing a research question.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table has-normal-font-size\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Steps&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Explanation&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Topic selection&nbsp;<\/td><td>Choose a broad topic, such as &#8220;learner support&#8221; or &#8220;social media influence&#8221; for your study. Select topics of interest to make research more enjoyable and stay motivated.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Preliminary research&nbsp;<\/td><td>The goal is to refine and focus your research question. The following strategies can help:&nbsp;Skim various scholarly articles.&nbsp;List subtopics under the main topic.&nbsp;List possible research questions for each subtopic.&nbsp;Consider the scope of research for each of the research questions.&nbsp;Select research questions that are answerable within a specific time and with available resources.&nbsp;If the scope is too large, repeat looking for sub-subtopics.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Audience&nbsp;<\/td><td>When choosing what to base your research on, consider your readers. For college papers, the audience is academic. Ask yourself if your audience may be interested in the topic you are thinking about pursuing. Determining your audience can also help refine the importance of your research question and focus on items related to your defined group.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Generate potential questions&nbsp;<\/td><td>Ask open-ended &#8220;how?&#8221; and &#8220;why?&#8221; questions to find a more specific research question. Gap-spotting to identify research limitations, problematization to challenge assumptions made by others, or using personal experiences to draw on issues in your industry can be used to generate questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Review brainstormed questions&nbsp;<\/td><td>Evaluate each question to check their effectiveness. Use the FINER<sup>5<\/sup> model to see if the question meets all the research question criteria.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Construct the research question&nbsp;<\/td><td>Multiple frameworks, such as PICOT<sup>6<\/sup> and PEA, are available to help structure your research question. The frameworks listed below can help you with the necessary information for generating your research question.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><figcaption><br>Table: Frameworks for developing good research questions&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Framework&nbsp;<\/td><td>Attributes&nbsp;of each framework<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FINER&nbsp;<\/td><td>Feasible&nbsp;<br>Interesting&nbsp;<br>Novel&nbsp;<br>Ethical&nbsp;<br>Relevant&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>PICOT&nbsp;<\/td><td>Population or problem&nbsp;<br>Intervention or indicator being studied&nbsp;<br>Comparison group&nbsp;<br>Outcome of interest&nbsp;<br>Time frame of the study&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>PEO&nbsp;<\/td><td>Population being studied&nbsp;<br>Exposure to preexisting conditions&nbsp;<br>Outcome of interest&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=paperpal-blog&amp;utm_campaign=research-question-hero-banner1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"139\" src=\"http:\/\/www.paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AllAccess_BlogBanner_640x139_02.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AllAccess_BlogBanner_640x139_02.png 640w, https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AllAccess_BlogBanner_640x139_02-300x65.png 300w, https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AllAccess_BlogBanner_640x139_02-585x127.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sample-research-questionsnbsp\">Sample Research Questions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following are some bad and good research question examples&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example 1&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Unclear:\u202fHow does social media affect student growth?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Clear:\u202fWhat effect does the daily use of Twitter and Facebook have on the career development goals of students?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Explanation: The first research question is unclear because of the vagueness of &#8220;social media&#8221; as a concept and the lack of specificity. The second question is specific and focused, and its answer can be discovered through data collection and analysis.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example 2&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Simple:\u202fHas there been an increase in the number of gifted children identified?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Complex:\u202fWhat practical techniques can teachers use to identify and guide gifted children better?&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Explanation: A simple &#8220;yes&#8221; or &#8220;no&#8221; statement easily answers the first research question. The second research question is more complicated and requires the researcher to collect data, perform in-depth data analysis, and form an argument that leads to further discussion.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>References:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Thabane, L., Thomas, T., Ye, C., &amp; Paul, J. (2009). Posing the research question: not so simple.\u202f<em>Canadian Journal of Anesthesia\/Journal canadien d&#8217;anesth\u00e9sie<\/em>,\u202f<em>56<\/em>(1), 71-79.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Rutberg, S., &amp; Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research.\u202f<em>Nephrology Nursing Journal<\/em>,\u202f<em>45<\/em>(2), 209-213.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Kyng\u00e4s, H. (2020). Qualitative research and content analysis.\u202f<em>The application of content analysis in nursing science research<\/em>, 3-11.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Mattick, K., Johnston, J., &amp; de la Croix, A. (2018). How to\u2026 write a good research question.\u202f<em>The clinical teacher<\/em>,\u202f<em>15<\/em>(2), 104-108.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Fandino, W. (2019). Formulating a good research question: Pearls and pitfalls.\u202f<em>Indian Journal of Anaesthesia<\/em>,\u202f<em>63<\/em>(8), 611.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-list\"><li>Richardson, W. S., Wilson, M. C., Nishikawa, J., &amp; Hayward, R. S. (1995). The well-built clinical question: a key to evidence-based decisions.\u202f<em>ACP journal club<\/em>,\u202f<em>123<\/em>(3), A12-A13&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. <\/em><strong><em>Try for free or <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/pricing?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=paperpal-blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-write-a-research-question-boilerplate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>upgrade to Paperpal Prime<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em> starting at US$19 a month <\/em><\/strong><em>to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Experience the future of academic writing &#8211; <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/edit.paperpal.com\/sign-up?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=paperpal-blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-write-a-research-question-boilerplate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first step in any research project is framing the research question. It can be considered the core of any systematic investigation as the research outcomes are tied to asking&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":2258,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","_ayudawp_aiss_exclude":false,"_ayudawp_aiss_summary":"","_ayudawp_aiss_summary_provider":"","_ayudawp_aiss_summary_hash":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[132],"tags":[352],"class_list":["post-2251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-researcher-resources","tag-research-question"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Write a Research Question: Types and Examples | Paperpal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Framing the research question is the first step in any research project, and you can learn how to write a research question that is focused, achievable, and answerable! 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