Research Question and

Research Methodology
Scientific Writing 1
Seyyed Kamran Hosseini
7/9/2024
Introduction
• In scientific writing, formulating a clear and compelling research
question and selecting an appropriate methodology are crucial steps
in the research process.
• Part 1: Research Questions
• Part 2: Research Methodology
Part 1: Research Questions
Introduction
• A research question is a clear, focused, and concise question that a
research project seeks to answer.
• It guides the direction of your study and determines the methodology
you will use.
• A well-defined research question helps to set boundaries for your
research and keeps it focused and manageable.
Characteristics of a Good Research Question
• Clarity and Specificity: The question should be clear and specific
enough to guide your research.
• Feasibility: It should be realistic and achievable within the scope of
your resources and time.
• Significance: The question should address a gap in the existing
literature or solve a specific problem.
• Novelty: It should offer new insights or perspectives on a topic.
Types of Research Questions
• The research questions is divided into 3 types:
• Descriptive : Describe the characteristics of a phenomenon
• Comparative : Compare two or more groups or conditions
• Causal : Determine cause-and-effect relationships
• Examples:
• Descriptive: What are the common symptoms of COVID-19 among different
age groups?
• Comparative: How do the academic performances of online and traditional
classroom students differ?
• Causal: Does increased screen time cause attention problems in children?
Formulating Research Questions
• Identifying the problem or gap in the literature
• Using the PICO(T) model (Population, Intervention,
Comparison, Outcome, Time)
• Population: Who is the study about?
• Intervention: What is being studied?
• Comparison: What is the intervention being compared to?
• Outcome: What are the expected results?
• Time: What is the duration of the study?
• Example:
• In adults with hypertension, does a low-sodium diet compared to
a regular diet reduce blood pressure over six months?
Research Questions in proposal writing
• Main Research Questions
• 1 question and it is the research title in questions
• Sub- Research Questions
• N Questions and they are the sub objectives in question.
Part 2: Research Methodology
Introduction
• Research methodology refers to the strategies, techniques, and tools
used to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• It ensures the reliability and validity of your findings and helps to
answer your research question systematically.
Types of Research Methodologies
• Quantitative Methods
• Surveys
• Experiments
• Statistical analysis
• Qualitative Methods
• Interviews
• Focus groups
• Content analysis
• Mixed Methods
Quantitative Methods
• Surveys: Collect data from a large number of respondents using
questionnaires.
• Experiments: Manipulate one variable to observe its effect on
another variable.
• Statistical Analysis: Use statistical tools to analyze numerical data.
Qualitative Methods
• Interviews: Gather detailed information through one-on-one or group
conversations.
• Focus Groups: Conduct discussions with a small group to explore
their perceptions and opinions.
• Content Analysis: Analyze text, media, or documents to identify
patterns and themes.
Mixed Methods
• Combine both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the research problem.
Selecting a Research Methodology
• Choose a methodology that best addresses your research question.
• Consider factors such as the nature of the research question,
available resources, time constraints, expertise, and ethical
considerations.
Designing the Study
• Sampling Techniques: Decide how you will select participants for your
study (e.g., random sampling, convenience sampling).
• Data Collection Methods: Determine how you will gather data (e.g.,
surveys, interviews, observations).
• Data Analysis Plan: Plan how you will analyze the collected data (e.g.,
statistical tests, thematic analysis).
Ethical Considerations
• Ensure that your research adheres to ethical standards:
• Informed Consent: Participants should be fully informed about the study and
voluntarily agree to participate.
• Confidentiality: Protect the privacy of participants and their data.
• Ethical Approval: Obtain approval from an ethics committee or institutional
review board before starting your research.
Reference Books
• "Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches" by John W.
Creswell and J. David Creswell
• "The Craft of Research" by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams
• "Practical Research: Planning and Design" by Paul D. Leedy and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod
• "Research Methods in Education" by Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion, and Keith Morrison
• "Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research" by John W. Creswell and Vicki L.
Plano Clark
• "Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches" by W. Lawrence
Neuman