Research questions for qualitative research - how to develop them, with templates and examples
Creating focused research questions for qualitative research is essential for guiding your study and maintaining clarity throughout your PhD journey. Let's take a look at how you can craft realistic and impactful questions that will give your qualitative research the direction it needs.
Why research questions matter in qualitative research
Research questions are your guiding compass. They take your broad topic and narrow it down into manageable, specific inquiries that drive your study. In qualitative research, this is particularly important because of the complex, exploratory nature of the methods you’ll use.
Qualitative research questions often focus on understanding experiences, exploring perspectives, and uncovering the meanings people attribute to certain events or phenomena. These questions help ensure that your study remains focused and that your data collection aligns with your goals.
What makes a good qualitative research question?
A strong qualitative research question should be:
Specific: It targets a distinct aspect of your topic.
Open-ended: It allows for exploration rather than simple yes/no answers.
Researchable: You should be able to gather data to answer it through qualitative methods like interviews or observations.
Aligned with your aims: Your question should directly link back to your research aims and objectives.
Prompts to develop your qualitative research questions
If you’re struggling to get started, here are some prompts that work well for qualitative research questions. Customise these to fit your topic:
How do individuals experience [phenomenon] in [context]?
What are the key factors influencing [experience/event] among [specific group]?
In what ways does [phenomenon] shape [behavior/experience] for [specific group]?
How do [group] perceive [experience/event] within [context]?
What challenges do [group] face when experiencing [phenomenon]?
For instance, if you’re studying the experience of first-generation college students adapting to university life, you might ask:
How do first-generation college students experience the transition to university life?
What are the key factors that influence first-generation college students' sense of belonging at university?
Different types of qualitative research questions
When developing your questions, consider these common types:
Experience/Perception: Explore how people perceive or experience something. How do survivors of domestic abuse perceive the support they receive from community resources?
Process: Investigate the steps or stages involved in a particular experience. What is the process of adapting to a new cultural environment among immigrant students?
Impact: Examine the influence or effect of a factor on a specific group. What impact does social media use have on body image among teenagers?
Meaning: Uncover the meanings participants attribute to their experiences. What does career success mean to female entrepreneurs in tech?
Common mistakes to avoid
Being too broad
Keep your questions specific and focused.
Instead of: What challenges do students face?
Try: What challenges do international students face in adapting to academic life at UK universities?
Being too vague
Qualitative questions need clear terms.
Instead of: How does work affect people?
Try: How does shift work impact family relationships among healthcare professionals?
Suggesting a bias
Qualitative questions should allow for open exploration without assuming an outcome.
Instead of: Why is social media harmful to teenagers?
Try: What role does social media play in shaping teenagers' self-esteem?
With these principles in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to create questions that will illuminate the nuances of your topic and provide deep insights. Good luck crafting your research questions!
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Next stop, aims and objectives!
Check out my Aims and Objectives Cheat Sheet to start sharpening up the front end of your qualitative PhD.
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