- Journal List
- J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg
- v.24(1); Jan-Mar 2019
- PMC6322175
J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg. 2019 Jan-Mar; 24(1): 15–20.
PMCID: PMC6322175
PMID: 30686882
Simmi K. Ratan, Tanu Anand,1 and John Ratan2
Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer
Abstract
Formulation of research question (RQ) is an essentiality before starting any research. It aims to explore an existing uncertainty in an area of concern and points to a need for deliberate investigation. It is, therefore, pertinent to formulate a good RQ. The present paper aims to discuss the process of formulation of RQ with stepwise approach. The characteristics of good RQ are expressed by acronym “FINERMAPS” expanded as feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant, manageable, appropriate, potential value, publishability, and systematic. A RQ can address different formats depending on the aspect to be evaluated. Based on this, there can be different types of RQ such as based on the existence of the phenomenon, description and classification, composition, relationship, comparative, and causality. To develop a RQ, one needs to begin by identifying the subject of interest and then do preliminary research on that subject. The researcher then defines what still needs to be known in that particular subject and assesses the implied questions. After narrowing the focus and scope of the research subject, researcher frames a RQ and then evaluates it. Thus, conception to formulation of RQ is very systematic process and has to be performed meticulously as research guided by such question can have wider impact in the field of social and health research by leading to formulation of policies for the benefit of larger population.
KEYWORDS: Health, hypothesis, policy, research
INTRODUCTION
A good research question (RQ) forms backbone of a good research, which in turn is vital in unraveling mysteries of nature and giving insight into a problem.[1,2,3,4] RQ identifies the problem to be studied and guides to the methodology. It leads to building up of an appropriate hypothesis (Hs). Hence, RQ aims to explore an existing uncertainty in an area of concern and points to a need for deliberate investigation. A good RQ helps support a focused arguable thesis and construction of a logical argument. Hence, formulation of a good RQ is undoubtedly one of the first critical steps in the research process, especially in the field of social and health research, where the systematic generation of knowledge that can be used to promote, restore, maintain, and/or protect health of individuals and populations.[1,3,4] Basically, the research can be classified as action, applied, basic, clinical, empirical, administrative, theoretical, or qualitative or quantitative research, depending on its purpose.[2]
Research plays an important role in developing clinical practices and instituting new health policies. Hence, there is a need for a logical scientific approach as research has an important goal of generating new claims.[1]
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH QUESTION
“The most successful research topics are narrowly focused and carefully defined but are important parts of a broad-ranging, complex problem.”
A good RQ is an asset as it:
Details the problem statement
Further describes and refines the issue under study
Adds focus to the problem statement
Guides data collection and analysis
Sets context of research.
Hence, while writing RQ, it is important to see if it is relevant to the existing time frame and conditions. For example, the impact of “odd-even” vehicle formula in decreasing the level of air particulate pollution in various districts of Delhi.
A good research is represented by acronym FINERMAPS[5]
Feasible
Interesting
Novel
Ethical
Relevant
Manageable
Appropriate
Potential value and publishability
Systematic.
FINERMAPS
Feasible
Feasibility means that it is within the ability of the investigator to carry out. It should be backed by an appropriate number of subjects and methodology as well as time and funds to reach the conclusions. One needs to be realistic about the scope and scale of the project. One has to have access to the people, gadgets, documents, statistics, etc. One should be able to relate the concepts of the RQ to the observations, phenomena, indicators, or variables that one can access. One should be clear that the collection of data and the proceedings of project can be completed within the limited time and resources available to the investigator. Sometimes, a RQ appears feasible, but when fieldwork or study gets started, it proves otherwise. In this situation, it is important to write up the problems honestly and to reflect on what has been learned. One should try to discuss with more experienced colleagues or the supervisor so as to develop a contingency plan to anticipate possible problems while working on a RQ and find possible solutions in such situations.
Interesting
This is essential that one has a real grounded interest in one's RQ and one can explore this and back it up with academic and intellectual debate. This interest will motivate one to keep going with RQ.
Novel
The question should not simply copy questions investigated by other workers but should have scope to be investigated. It may aim at confirming or refuting the already established findings, establish new facts, or find new aspects of the established facts. It should show imagination of the researcher. Above all, the question has to be simple and clear. The complexity of a question can frequently hide unclear thoughts and lead to a confused research process. A very elaborate RQ, or a question which is not differentiated into different parts, may hide concepts that are contradictory or not relevant. This needs to be clear and thought-through. Having one key question with several subcomponents will guide your research.
Ethical
This is the foremost requirement of any RQ and is mandatory to get clearance from appropriate authorities before stating research on the question. Further, the RQ should be such that it minimizes the risk of harm to the participants in the research, protect the privacy and maintain their confidentiality, and provide the participants right to withdraw from research. It should also guide in avoiding deceptive practices in research.
Relevant
The question should of academic and intellectual interest to people in the field you have chosen to study. The question preferably should arise from issues raised in the current situation, literature, or in practice. It should establish a clear purpose for the research in relation to the chosen field. For example, filling a gap in knowledge, analyzing academic assumptions or professional practice, monitoring a development in practice, comparing different approaches, or testing theories within a specific population are some of the relevant RQs.
Manageable (M): It has the similar essence as of feasibility but mainly means that the following research can be managed by the researcher.
Appropriate (A): RQ should be appropriate logically and scientifically for the community and institution.
Potential value and publishability (P): The study can make significant health impact in clinical and community practices. Therefore, research should aim for significant economic impact to reduce unnecessary or excessive costs. Furthermore, the proposed study should exist within a clinical, consumer, or policy-making context that is amenable to evidence-based change. Above all, a good RQ must address a topic that has clear implications for resolving important dilemmas in health and health-care decisions made by one or more stakeholder groups.
Systematic (S): Research is structured with specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well-defined set of rules though it does not rule out creative thinking.
Example of RQ: Would the topical skin application of oil as a skin barrier reduces hypothermia in preterm infants? This question fulfills the criteria of a good RQ, that is, feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant.
Types of research question
A RQ can address different formats depending on the aspect to be evaluated.[6] For example:
Existence: This is designed to uphold the existence of a particular phenomenon or to rule out rival explanation, for example, can neonates perceive pain?
Description and classification: This type of question encompasses statement of uniqueness, for example, what are characteristics and types of neuropathic bladders?
Composition: It calls for breakdown of whole into components, for example, what are stages of reflux nephropathy?
Relationship: Evaluate relation between variables, for example, association between tumor rupture and recurrence rates in Wilm's tumor
Descriptive—comparative: Expected that researcher will ensure that all is same between groups except issue in question, for example, Are germ cell tumors occurring in gonads more aggressive than those occurring in extragonadal sites?
Causality: Does deletion of p53 leads to worse outcome in patients with neuroblastoma?
Causality—comparative: Such questions frequently aim to see effect of two rival treatments, for example, does adding surgical resection improves survival rate outcome in children with neuroblastoma than with chemotherapy alone?
Causality–Comparative interactions: Does immunotherapy leads to better survival outcome in neuroblastoma Stage IV S than with chemotherapy in the setting of adverse genetic profile than without it? (Does X cause more changes in Y than those caused by Z under certain condition and not under other conditions).
How to develop a research question
Begin by identifying a broader subject of interest that lends itself to investigate, for example, hormone levels among hypospadias
Do preliminary research on the general topic to find out what research has already been done and what literature already exists.[7] Therefore, one should begin with “information gaps” (What do you already know about the problem? For example, studies with results on testosterone levels among hypospadias
What do you still need to know? (e.g., levels of other reproductive hormones among hypospadias)
What are the implied questions: The need to know about a problem will lead to few implied questions. Each general question should lead to more specific questions (e.g., how hormone levels differ among isolated hypospadias with respect to that in normal population)
Narrow the scope and focus of research (e.g., assessment of reproductive hormone levels among isolated hypospadias and hypospadias those with associated anomalies)
Once question has been framed, one should evaluate it. This is to realize if these would be effective RQs or if they need more revising
Is RQ clear? With so much research available on any given topic, RQs must be as clear as possible in order to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her research
Is the RQ focused? RQs must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available
Is the RQ complex? RQs 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
Is the RQ one that is of interest to the researcher and potentially useful to others? Is it a new issue or problem that needs to be solved or is it attempting to shed light on previously researched topic
Is the RQ researchable? Consider the available time frame and the required resources. Is the methodology to conduct the research feasible?
Is the RQ measurable and will the process produce data that can be supported or contradicted?
Is the RQ too broad or too narrow?
Create Hs: After formulating RQ, think where research is likely to be progressing? What kind of argument is likely to be made/supported? What would it mean if the research disputed the planned argument? At this step, one can well be on the way to have a focus for the research and construction of a thesis. Hs consists of more specific predictions about the nature and direction of the relationship between two variables. It is a predictive statement about the outcome of the research, dictate the method, and design of the research[1]
Understand implications of your research: This is important for application: whether one achieves to fill gap in knowledge and how the results of the research have practical implications, for example, to develop health policies or improve educational policies.[1,8]
Brainstorm/Concept map for formulating research question
First, identify what types of studies have been done in the past?
Is there a unique area that is yet to be investigated or is there a particular question that may be worth replicating?
Begin to narrow the topic by asking open-ended “how” and “why” questions
Evaluate the question
Develop a Hypothesis (Hs)
Write down the RQ.
Writing down the research question
State the question in your own words
Write down the RQ as completely as possible.
For example, Evaluation of reproductive hormonal profile in children presenting with isolated hypospadias)
Divide your question into concepts. Narrow to two or three concepts (reproductive hormonal profile, isolated hypospadias, compare with normal/not isolated hypospadias–implied)
Specify the population to be studied (children with isolated hypospadias)
Refer to the exposure or intervention to be investigated, if any
Reflect the outcome of interest (hormonal profile).
Another example of a research question
Would the topical skin application of oil as a skin barrier reduces hypothermia in preterm infants? Apart from fulfilling the criteria of a good RQ, that is, feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant, it also details about the intervention done (topical skin application of oil), rationale of intervention (as a skin barrier), population to be studied (preterm infants), and outcome (reduces hypothermia).
Other important points to be heeded to while framing research question
Make reference to a population when a relationship is expected among a certain type of subjects
RQs and Hs should be made as specific as possible
Avoid words or terms that do not add to the meaning of RQs and Hs
Stick to what will be studied, not implications
Name the variables in the order in which they occur/will be measured
Avoid the words significant/”prove”
Avoid using two different terms to refer to the same variable.
Some of the other problems and their possible solutions have been discussed in Table 1.
Table 1
Potential problems and solutions while making research question
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GOING BEYOND FORMULATION OF RESEARCH QUESTION–THE PATH AHEAD
Once RQ is formulated, a Hs can be developed. Hs means transformation of a RQ into an operational analog.[1] It means a statement as to what prediction one makes about the phenomenon to be examined.[4] More often, for case–control trial, null Hs is generated which is later accepted or refuted.
A strong Hs should have following characteristics:
Give insight into a RQ
Are testable and measurable by the proposed experiments
Have logical basis
Follows the most likely outcome, not the exceptional outcome.
EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH QUESTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Research question-1
Does reduced gap between the two segments of the esophagus in patients of esophageal atresia reduces the mortality and morbidity of such patients?
Hypothesis-1
Reduced gap between the two segments of the esophagus in patients of esophageal atresia reduces the mortality and morbidity of such patients
In pediatric patients with esophageal atresia, gap of <2 cm between two segments of the esophagus and proper mobilization of proximal pouch reduces the morbidity and mortality among such patients.
Research question-2
Does application of mitomycin C improves the outcome in patient of corrosive esophageal strictures?
Hypothesis-2
In patients aged 2–9 years with corrosive esophageal strictures, 34 applications of mitomycin C in dosage of 0.4 mg/ml for 5 min over a period of 6 months improve the outcome in terms of symptomatic and radiological relief. Some other examples of good and bad RQs have been shown in Table 2.
Table 2
Examples of few bad (left-hand side column) and few good (right-hand side) research questions
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RESEARCH QUESTION AND STUDY DESIGN
RQ determines study design, for example, the question aimed to find the incidence of a disease in population will lead to conducting a survey; to find risk factors for a disease will need case–control study or a cohort study. RQ may also culminate into clinical trial.[9,10] For example, effect of administration of folic acid tablet in the perinatal period in decreasing incidence of neural tube defect. Accordingly, Hs is framed.
Appropriate statistical calculations are instituted to generate sample size. The subject inclusion, exclusion criteria and time frame of research are carefully defined. The detailed subject information sheet and pro forma are carefully defined. Moreover, research is set off few examples of research methodology guided by RQ:
Incidence of anorectal malformations among adolescent females (hospital-based survey)
Risk factors for the development of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients (case–control design and cohort study)
Effect of technique of extramucosal ureteric reimplantation without the creation of submucosal tunnel for the preservation of upper tract in bladder exstrophy (clinical trial).
The results of the research are then be available for wider applications for health and social life
CONCLUSION
A good RQ needs thorough literature search and deep insight into the specific area/problem to be investigated. A RQ has to be focused yet simple. Research guided by such question can have wider impact in the field of social and health research by leading to formulation of policies for the benefit of larger population.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
REFERENCES
1. Kishore J, Vasundhra S, Anand T. Formulation of a research question. Indian J Med Spec. 2011;2:184–8. [Google Scholar]
2. Kishore J. A Dictionary of Public Health. New Delhi: Century Publications; 2007. pp. 769–71. [Google Scholar]
3. Alvesson M, Sandberg J. Generating research questions through problematization. Acad Manage Rev. 2011;36:247–71. [Google Scholar]
4. Bryman A. The research question in social research: What is its role? Int J Soc Res Methodol. 2007;10:5–20. [Google Scholar]
5. Hulley SB, Cummings SR. Conceiving the research question. In: Hulley SB, Cummings SR, Browner WS, Grady D, Hearst N, Newman TB, editors. Designing Clinical Research. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 2007. pp. 17–25. [Google Scholar]
6. Walk K. Asking an analytical question. [Class handout or worksheet]. Princeton University. In: White P, editor. Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists. New York: Palgrave McMillan; 2009. [Google Scholar]
7. Jones R. Choosing a research question. Asia Pac Fam Med. 2003;2:42–4. [Google Scholar]
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Articles from Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons are provided here courtesy of Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications
FAQs
What are the steps to formulate the research question? ›
- Step 1: Choose a topic by identifying a broad area of interest.
- Step 2: Find background information to help you understand your topic.
- Step 3: Define your research question.
- Step 4: Modify and refine your search question to achieve a manageable focus.
- Introduction.
- Step 1: Develop a Topic. Select Topic. Identify Keywords. ...
- Step 2: Locate Information. Search Strategy. Books. ...
- Step 3: Evaluate Information. Evaluate Sources. ...
- Step 4: Write. Organize / Take Notes. ...
- Step 5: Cite Sources. Citation Styles. ...
- Step 6: Legal / Ethical Use. Copyright.
- A Good Qualitative Survey Question Is Specific. ...
- The Question Must Have a Clear Purpose. ...
- Focus on a Single Phenomenon. ...
- Define Sample Size and Setting for Your Question. ...
- Make Sure the Question Is Feasible.
- Identify a general area of interest. ...
- Learn more about the problem. ...
- Review the context of the information. ...
- Determine relationships between variables. ...
- Select and include important variables. ...
- Receive feedback and revise.
The first step in the process is to identify a problem or develop a research question. The research problem may be something the agency identifies as a problem, some knowledge or information that is needed by the agency, or the desire to identify a recreation trend nationally.
What is formulating research question? ›Formulation of research question (RQ) is an essentiality before starting any research. It aims to explore an existing uncertainty in an area of concern and points to a need for deliberate investigation. It is, therefore, pertinent to formulate a good RQ.
What is the first step in formulating a problem? ›The first step in formulating an linear programming problem is to understand the managerial problem being faced i.e., determine the quantities that are needed to solve the problem.
How to answer a research question? ›- Analyze the prompt - What is the question asking you to do?
- Research the topic - Look up information on your topic.
- Choose a side/argument - After analyzing the information you found, formulate your opinion or argument.
- Start with a broad topic. ...
- Do preliminary research to learn about topical issues. ...
- Narrow down your topic and determine potential research questions. ...
- Evaluate the soundness of your research question. ...
- Construct your research question properly.
Research is a dynamic process that can be organized into four stages: Exploring, Investigating, Processing, and Creating.
What is the best approach in formulating the title of the research? ›
Ensure that the title clearly indicates what your research is about. Keep it brief, informative, and attractive. Include relevant descriptive keywords that readers are most likely to search for. Avoid using jargon as it might make the title too complicated and difficult to understand.
What are the ways in formulating or asking questions? ›- Ask as many questions as you can.
- Do not stop to judge, discuss, or answer any questions.
- Write down every question as stated.
- Change any statement into a question.
Your research question should be very specific and focused on a single topic of investigation. It should be answerable, in-depth, and able to be put into context with existing literature on the subject. A good research question is realistic in time, scope, and budget.
What are the 12 steps in the research process? ›- Identify the project topic. ...
- Review any available literature. ...
- Submit process for review. ...
- Create an initial hypothesis. ...
- Design the research approach. ...
- Begin gathering data. ...
- Analyze the results. ...
- Create your report.
- Selecting the research area. ...
- Formulating research aim, objectives and research questions or developing hypotheses. ...
- Conducting the literature review. ...
- Selecting data collection methods. ...
- Collecting the primary data. ...
- Data analysis. ...
- Reaching conclusions. ...
- Completing the research.
- Step 1: Select a Topic. ...
- Step 2: Find Background Information. ...
- Step 3: Use the Online Catalog to Find Books. ...
- Step 4: Find Magazine Articles. ...
- Step 5: Find Newspaper Articles. ...
- Step 6: Find Internet Resources. ...
- Step 7: Evaluate What You Find. ...
- Step 8: Cite What You Find.
StartProblem Identification & Problem Formulation Stage III Questionnaire(Respondents)QuestionnaireData InputAnalysis ofProblem Data 1YesNoPhase II Questionnaire (Pilot Survey)Stage I Questionnaire (Expert) Analysis of Problem Data 2Data Processing and Discussion Recommended Preventiveand Corrective ActionRecommended ...
How many steps are formulating the research design? ›The research design involves the following steps:
Step 1: Conduct secondary data analysis. Step 2: Do qualitative research. Step 3: Determine methods of collecting quantitative data (survey, observation, and experimentation) Step 4: Determine the definition of the information needed.
- Step 1: Identify and Develop Your Topic. ...
- Step 2: Find Background Information. ...
- Step 3: Use Catalogs to Find Books and Media. ...
- Step 4: Use Databases to Find Journal Articles. ...
- Step 5: Find Internet Resources. ...
- Step 6: Evaluate What You Find. ...
- Step 7: Cite What You Find Using a Standard Format.
The research shows that asking more questions builds emotional intelligence, lending to better soft skills - key in leadership at work and interpersonal relationship building. Asking questions is an effective way to better communicate and connect with others. “Curiosity for me has helped me make sense of the world.
What is a formulation short answer? ›
A formulation is a mixture which has been designed as a useful product. Formulations are all around us, for example: fuels. cleaning products. paints.
Why do we formulate questions? ›We ask questions in order to learn more information about something, and we answer questions to provide more information. Asking and answering questions is not only a part of how we learn, but it is also a part of our social skills; we ask and answer questions to be polite and build and maintain relationships.
How do you write a formulation of a problem? ›- Contextualize the problem. What do we already know?
- Describe the exact issue your research will address. What do we still need to know?
- Show the relevance of the problem. Why do we need to know more about this?
- Set the objectives of the research.
The problem formulation consists of just one sentence and should make it clear to everyone what research problem, you aim to address and to whom and where it is relevant.
Which is the first step in the formulation of hypothesis? ›Step 1. Ask a question. Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to answer. The question should be focused, specific, and researchable within the constraints of your project.
What are some examples of a research question? ›- What effect does social media have on your mind?
- What effect does daily use of Twitter have on the attention span of 12-16 year-olds?
- Restate your hypothesis or research question.
- Restate your major findings.
- Tell the reader what contribution your study has made to the existing literature.
- Highlight any limitations of your study.
- State future directions for research/recommendations.
- The problem can be stated clearly and concisely.
- The problem generates research questions.
- It is grounded in theory.
- It relates to one or more academic fields of study.
- It has a base in the research literature.
- It has potential significance/importance.
- Method # 1. Observation Method:
- Method # 2. Experimental Method or Experimental Observation:
- Method # 3. Psychological Experiment:
- Method # 4. Variables – Independent – Dependent and Intervening:
- Method # 5. Control:
- Method # 6. The Case Method:
- Method # 7. Survey Method:
Accordingly, approach for the research can be divided into three categories: Deductive approach. Inductive approach. Abductive approach.
What are the main sources of research questions? ›
1. Research questions are developed by using sources that include curiosity, professors, textbooks, journals, databases, and the Internet. 2. Keywords based on your research topic are used to search the literature for information and prior research on the topic.
What are the 4 characteristics of a good research questions? ›The characteristics of a good research question, assessed in the context of the intended study design, are that it be feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant (which form the mnemonic FINER; Table 2.1).
What are the 3 approaches to research? ›The three common approaches to conducting research are quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The researcher anticipates the type of data needed to respond to the research question.
What are the first 5 steps in research? ›- Step 1 – Locating and Defining Issues or Problems. This step focuses on uncovering the nature and boundaries of a situation or question that needs to be answered or studied. ...
- Step 2 – Designing the Research Project. ...
- Step 3 – Collecting Data. ...
- Step 4 – Interpreting Research Data. ...
- Step 5 – Report Research Findings.
- The descriptive study. This approach attempts to identify the characteristics of a problem through description. ...
- The explanatory study. This approach attempts to find the answer to an enigmatic question. ...
- The remedial study. ...
- The methodological study. ...
- The historical study. ...
- A suggested essay format.