Research Questions

1. Research Questions = A problem that someone would like to research. Research question should be clearly defined before method is determined. Most of research questions can be answered by either exploratory or validating approach, as well as by either quantitative or qualitative method. A case one wishes better understanding of the problem Probably qualitative study to obtain variables that relates to the problem. A case one has a complete list of variables that might be related to the problem Survey research to find out which variables are most crucial.

In case one knows the crucial variables Correlational research, where the relationships between the variables are statistically investigated. In case one knows a possible causal relationship between variables Experimental research.

2. Characteristics of Good Research Questions a. The question is feasible It can be investigated with available resources. Time; Money; Equipments b. The question is clear One way to clarify an ambiguous research question is to identify conceptual and operational definitions of key terms in the research question. Conceptual definition - A dictionary-like definition. - It broadly defines a term. - It helps researchers to say more clearly what is meant. - Sometimes, not clear enough for a specific situation.

Operational definition - A situated definition that a researcher intends to look at. - It precisely defines a term to be measured or identified. (example) Research Question: Is a humanisticaly oriented classroom effective? Key words: humanistically oriented classroom effective Conceptual definitions: humanistically oriented classroom the needs and interests of students have the highest priority Students work on their own for a considerable amount of time in each class period The teacher acts as a guide and resource person rather than an informant.

effective Works hard Eager and enthusiastic Sustains attention to a task Operational definitions: humanistically oriented classroom Needs descriptions how to identify or judge a classroom as a humanistically oriented. effective Needs descriptions how to measure effectiveness of a classroom.

(another example) Research Question: What is the relationship between body-cathexis and selfesteem among college women? Key terms: a. Body-cathexis b. Self-esteem c. College women Conceptual definitions: a. Body-cathexis = extent of satisfaction with various parts or process of the body b. Self-esteem = the sum total of a person feeling of personal s worth and self-confidence c. College women = female students enrolled at public or private universities or colleges

Operational definitions: a. Body-cathexis = score on the Body-Cathexis Scale developed by Secourd and Jourard a 5 point Likert scale rating on each of ten body characteristics. b. Self-esteem = score on the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale Counseling Form. c. College women = officially enrolled in at least one college course according to self-report and/or college record.

c. The question is significant Why would it be important to answer this question? - Practically? Theoretically? How might answers to this question contribute to my field? - Connections to the previous research and research in future? d. The question is ethical - Any physical or psychological harm for anyone as a result of my research? - Institutional Review Board (IRB) - At FSU, Human Subject Committee - Any research that involves a human subject has to obtain an approval from IRB.

e. The question should be of your interest d. The question sometimes investigates relationships between more than one variable. - Not all research questions investigate a relationship. - However, when it does, and the relationship to be investigated is clearly stated, the research question is clearer.

3. Researchable vs. Non-Researchable Questions A researchable question should contain information that can be collected in attempt to answer the question. (examples) Should I put my youngster in pre-school? Not researchable Do children enrolled in pre-school develop better social skills than children not enrolled? What is the best way to learn to read Not researchable. At which age is it better to introduce phonics to children age 5, 6, or 7? Are some people born bad? Not researchable. Do people who have personality disorders commit more crimes than others?

Types of Variables
Dependent Variable Outcome of interest; Affected or predicted by the independent variable. Independent Variable Precedes, influences, or predicts the dependent variable. (Also ) Extraneous Variable Source of error affecting the dependent variable. Confounding Variable Varies systematically with the independent variable, as a result, the interpretation of the result.