I.
Background Information for Learners
Constructing and formulating research questions is one of the most critical aspects
of all research. A carefully grounded research question is a fundamental step in the
theory development (Alvesson & Sandberg, 2013).
It is not possible to develop your knowledge about a particular subject if you fail to
formulate a research question. Good questions might be as valuable and sometimes
even more valuable than answers. However, good questions do not just exist, they
also need to be created and formulated. Many research enthusiasts pointed out the
importance in formulating innovative questions which will led to new research
problems, and resolve long-standing controversies. Formulating innovative questions
could also provide an integration of different approaches, and might even turn
conventional wisdom and assumptions upside-down by challenging old beliefs.
(Campbell, et al, 1982; Abbott, 2004; Astley, 1985; Bruner, 1996; Davis, 1971, 1986).
It means that if you do not pose innovative research questions it is less likely that
your research efforts will generate interesting and influential results. It also defines
what the study is all about and reflect the curiosity of the researcher. An innovative
research question may be what distinguishes an excellent research from an average
one.
In this learning activity, you will learn how to develop good research questions.
III. Activity Proper
Steps to developing a Research question:
1. Choose an interesting general topic.
• Most professional researchers focus on topics they are genuinely interested in
studying.
• Writers should choose a broad topic about which they genuinely would like to
know more.
2. Do some preliminary research on your general topic.
• Do a few quick searches in current periodicals and journals on your topic
• After searching see what’s already been done and to help you narrow your
focus.
• What questions occur to you as you read these articles?
For example: What herbal plant can be used to cure patients afflicted
by COVID-19?
3. Consider your audience.
1
•
Would that particular audience be interested in the question you are
developing?
4. Start asking questions.
• Taking into consideration items 1-3, start asking yourself open-ended “how”
and “why” questions about your general topic.
5. Evaluate your question.
• After you’ve put a question or even a couple of questions down on paper:
evaluate these questions to determine whether they would be effective
research questions or whether they need more revising and refining.
• Is your research question clear?
• With so much research available on any given topic;
research questions must be as clear as possible in order to be effective
in helping the writer direct his or her research
• Is your research question focused?
Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the
space available.
• Is your research question complex?
Research questions should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or
“no” or by easily-found facts.
They should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of
the writer.
They often begin with “How” or “Why.”
6. Begin your research. • After you’ve come up with a question, think about the
possible paths your research could take.
What sources should you consult as you seek answers to your
question?
What research process will ensure that you find a variety of
perspectives and responses to your question?
IV.
Activity Proper
Activity 1: Mind Map
Directions: List down the environmental problems found on the drawing inside the six
circles. Answer the questions that follow.
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Illustrated by: Yelaena S. Macasling
ENVIRONMENT
Guide Questions:
1. What is your topic?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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2. What interests you about this topic?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. List three questions you have about this topic:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
4. From among the three questions you’ve listed, change it to a more complex question
by using the words like cause, effect, compare, impact, change, and influence to
make it a good research question.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
5. Evaluate your question. Is it clear? Is it focused? Is it arguable? Reword and rewrite
your questions in number 4.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
6. Based on your main research question, list three sub-questions. These should be
questions that will help you find the answer to your research question in number 5.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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