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June 9, 2023The journey of writing a dissertation begins with a compelling research question. This fundamental aspect sets the tone for the researcher's entire study, guiding their research methodology and providing a clear direction for investigation. So, choosing the dissertation topic is the first step, crafting it with expert guidelines is the second one. Also, we will provide the necessary resources to ensure researchers' success.
Guide for How to Write Research Question
Complete Guide to Write a Unique Dissertation Title
In this article, we will explore various examples of dissertation questions to inspire and guide aspiring researchers in formulating their own research queries.
What is Dissertation Research?
A dissertation question is a fundamental inquiry that serves as the central focus of a research study. It represents the core issue or problem that the researcher aims to investigate and address through their dissertation. This question sets the direction for the entire research process and guides the selection of research methodology, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. A well-crafted dissertation question is typically specific, concise, and relevant to the chosen field of study. It should reflect the researcher's research interests, contribute to the existing body of knowledge, and provide a foundation for meaningful research findings and conclusions.
Dissertation Research Question Examples
Dissertations can be challenging to write, but beginning with a strong research question can make the process easier. Quality research writing always attracts the reader's attention.
Here are a few examples of good dissertation research questions:
- Descriptive Question
It describes a phenomenon or situation.
For example, "What are the characteristics of gifted children?" or "How has the use of social media changed in the past decade?"
- Explanatory Question
Seek to explain why something happens.
For example, "What factors contribute to gifted children being successful in school?" or "How has the use of social media affected the way people communicate?"
- Framing Question
Pose a problem or issue that needs to be addressed.
For example, "What can be done to improve the education of gifted children?" or "How can we use social media to promote positive social change?"
- Quantitative Research Question
Gaining a thorough grasp of participants' viewpoints, experiences, and beliefs is the goal of collecting rich, descriptive data.
For example, “How do parents perceive the impact of technology on their children's social interactions?”
- Qualitative Research Question
Finding patterns, correlations, and statistical significance, entails gathering and analyzing numerical data.
An example of the research question is, “What is the relationship between academic achievement and parental involvement among high school students?”
- Statistical Research Question
By using statistical testing, data are collected from a group-based experiment and analyzed to evaluate the results.
Example of the research question;
“Is there a significant difference in customer satisfaction scores between two different service delivery methods?”
Tips for Do’s and Don’ts in Dissertation Research Question
When formulating dissertation questions, there are some important do's and don'ts to consider. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Do's
- Be clear and concise: Ensure that your research question is clear, specific, and to the point. Avoid ambiguity or overly broad statements.
- Align with your research objectives: Ensure that your research question directly relates to your research objectives and addresses the purpose of your study.
- Use appropriate language: Frame your research question using language that is appropriate for your field of study and target audience.
- Be feasible and realistic: Ensure that your research question is realistic in terms of time, resources, and data availability.
- Reflect on existing knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the existing literature in your field and consider how your research question contributes to the current knowledge gap or extends previous research.
Don'ts
- Avoid leading or biased questions: Ensure that your research question is neutral and unbiased, allowing for objective investigation and analysis.
- Don't ask yes/any questions: Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Instead, aim for questions that encourage critical thinking and exploration.
- Avoid assumptions: Refrain from making assumptions in your research question. Instead, approach the topic with an open mind and let the research findings guide your conclusions.
- Don't be too broad or too narrow: Strike a balance between a research question that is broad enough to provide meaningful insights and narrow enough to be manageable within the scope of your study.
- Avoid overgeneralizing: Be cautious about making broad generalizations or sweeping claims based on a single research question. Research is an ongoing process, and one question alone may not provide all the answers.
By following these do's and don'ts, you can ensure that your research question is well-constructed, relevant, and aligned with the objectives of your study. It will set the foundation for a successful research journey and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field.
Final Thought
The development of a dissertation question is a crucial stage in carrying out a purposeful and significant final project. The examples given in this article give readers a taste of the wide range of research questions that are available across different fields. Remember that a well-written inquiry should be precise, pertinent, doable, and interpretable. It ought to be a reflection of your areas of interest and add to the corpus of knowledge. You can develop a strong dissertation question that will direct your research and enhance your field of study by carefully considering these examples and adapting them to your own area of study.
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