How can you tell if your research questions are really good?

If they guide your literature search
If they are linked together to help you construct a coherent argument
If they force you to narrow the scope of your research
All of the above
All of the above  It is important to formulate some clear research questions from the outset of your project, because completely open-ended research can lead to the collection of too much data and a lack of focus for the analysis. If you decide on some fairly specific research questions before designing your project, it will help to guide your literature search, data collection and analysis, as well as form a coherent argument throughout your dissertation. So if your questions are clear, researchable, connected to the literature and linked closely together, you have good questions. Easy!
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 83

Related posts

What can you do to ensure your physical safety during your research?
A. Be alert to the possibility of exposure to danger
B. Avoid interviewing alone in the respondent’s residence
C. Make sure someone knows where you are and how you can contact them in an emergency
D. All of the above
Which of the following should be included in a research proposal?
A. Your academic status and experience
B. The difficulties you encountered with your previous reading on the topic
C. Your choice of research methods and reasons for choosing them
D. All of the above
Which of the following should you think about when preparing your research?
A. Your sample frame and sampling strategy
B. The ethical issues that might arise
C. Negotiating access to the setting
D. All of the above
You can manage your time and resources best, by:
A. Working out a timetable
B. Finding out what resources are readily available to you
C. Calculating a budget for likely expenditure
D. All of the above
Which of the following requirements for a dissertation may depend on your institution?
A. Whether an abstract should be included
B. The format for referencing
C. The word limit
D. All of the above
Why is it helpful to keep a research diary or log book while you are conducting your project?
A. To give you something to do in the early stages of your research when nothing is happening
B. Because funding councils generally demand to see written evidence that you were working every day during the period of the research
C. To keep a record of what you did and what happened throughout the research process
D. It can be added to your dissertation to ensure that you reach the required word limit
The role of a project supervisor is to:
A. Make sure you keep to your schedule and deadlines
B. Provide intellectual support, guidance and critical feedback
C. Negotiate access to the research setting on the student’s behalf
D. Give you a reading list

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *