Identify
Explore
Discover
Discuss
Summarise
Describe
Last, format your objectives into a numbered list. This is because when you write your thesis or dissertation, you will at times need to make reference to a specific research objective; structuring your research objectives in a numbered list will provide a clear way of doing this.
To bring all this together, let’s compare the first research objective in the previous example with the above guidance:
Research Objective:
1. Develop finite element models using explicit dynamics to mimic mallet blows during cup/shell insertion, initially using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum.
Checking Against Recommended Approach:
Q: Is it specific? A: Yes, it is clear what the student intends to do (produce a finite element model), why they intend to do it (mimic cup/shell blows) and their parameters have been well-defined ( using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum ).
Q: Is it measurable? A: Yes, it is clear that the research objective will be achieved once the finite element model is complete.
Q: Is it achievable? A: Yes, provided the student has access to a computer lab, modelling software and laboratory data.
Q: Is it relevant? A: Yes, mimicking impacts to a cup/shell is fundamental to the overall aim of understanding how they deform when impacted upon.
Q: Is it timebound? A: Yes, it is possible to create a limited-scope finite element model in a relatively short time, especially if you already have experience in modelling.
Q: Does it start with a verb? A: Yes, it starts with ‘develop’, which makes the intent of the objective immediately clear.
Q: Is it a numbered list? A: Yes, it is the first research objective in a list of eight.
1. making your research aim too broad.
Having a research aim too broad becomes very difficult to achieve. Normally, this occurs when a student develops their research aim before they have a good understanding of what they want to research. Remember that at the end of your project and during your viva defence , you will have to prove that you have achieved your research aims; if they are too broad, this will be an almost impossible task. In the early stages of your research project, your priority should be to narrow your study to a specific area. A good way to do this is to take the time to study existing literature, question their current approaches, findings and limitations, and consider whether there are any recurring gaps that could be investigated .
Note: Achieving a set of aims does not necessarily mean proving or disproving a theory or hypothesis, even if your research aim was to, but having done enough work to provide a useful and original insight into the principles that underlie your research aim.
Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available. It is natural to want to set ambitious research objectives that require sophisticated data collection and analysis, but only completing this with six months before the end of your PhD registration period is not a worthwhile trade-off.
Each research objective should have its own purpose and distinct measurable outcome. To this effect, a common mistake is to form research objectives which have large amounts of overlap. This makes it difficult to determine when an objective is truly complete, and also presents challenges in estimating the duration of objectives when creating your project timeline. It also makes it difficult to structure your thesis into unique chapters, making it more challenging for you to write and for your audience to read.
Fortunately, this oversight can be easily avoided by using SMART objectives.
Hopefully, you now have a good idea of how to create an effective set of aims and objectives for your research project, whether it be a thesis, dissertation or research paper. While it may be tempting to dive directly into your research, spending time on getting your aims and objectives right will give your research clear direction. This won’t only reduce the likelihood of problems arising later down the line, but will also lead to a more thorough and coherent research project.
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Research question examples, types of qualitative research questions, writing a good research question, guiding your research through research questions.
The research question plays a critical role in the research process, as it guides the study design, data collection , analysis , and interpretation of the findings.
A research paper relies on a research question to inform readers of the research topic and the research problem being addressed. Without such a question, your audience may have trouble understanding the rationale for your research project.
People can take for granted the research question as an essential part of a research project. However, explicitly detailing why researchers need a research question can help lend clarity to the research project. Here are some of the key roles that the research question plays in the research process:
The research question helps to define the scope and focus of the study. It identifies the specific topic or issue that the researcher wants to investigate, and it sets the boundaries for the study. A research question can also help you determine if your study primarily contributes to theory or is more applied in nature. Clinical research and public health research, for example, may be more concerned with research questions that contribute to practice, while a research question focused on cognitive linguistics are aimed at developing theory.
The research question provides a rationale for the study by identifying a gap or problem in existing literature or practice that the researcher wants to address. It articulates the purpose and significance of the study, and it explains why the study is important and worth conducting.
The research question guides the study design by helping the researcher select appropriate research methods , sampling strategies, and data collection tools. It also helps to determine the types of data that need to be collected and the best ways to analyze and interpret the data because the principal aim of the study is to provide an answer to that research question.
The research question shapes the data analysis and interpretation by guiding the selection of appropriate analytical methods and by focusing the interpretation of the findings. It helps to identify which patterns and themes in the data are more relevant and worth digging into, and it guides the development of conclusions and recommendations based on the findings.
The research question is the starting point for generating new knowledge. By answering the research question, the researcher contributes to the body of knowledge in the field and helps to advance the understanding of the topic or issue under investigation.
Overall, the research question is a critical component of the research process, as it guides the study from start to finish and provides a foundation for generating new knowledge.
The thesis statement or main assertion in any research paper stems from the answers to the research question. As a result, you can think of a focused research question as a preview of what the study aims to present as a new contribution to existing knowledge.
Here area few examples of focused research questions that can help set the stage for explaining different types of research questions in qualitative research . These questions touch upon various fields and subjects, showcasing the versatility and depth of research.
These example research questions highlight the different kinds of inquiries common to qualitative research. They also demonstrate how qualitative research can address a wide range of topics, from understanding the experiences of specific populations to examining the impact of broader social and cultural phenomena.
Also, notice that these types of research questions tend to be geared towards inductive analyses that describe a concept in depth or develop new theory. As such, qualitative research questions tend to ask "what," "why," or "how" types of questions. This contrasts with quantitative research questions that typically aim to verify an existing theory. and tend to ask "when," "how much," and "why" types of questions to nail down causal mechanisms and generalizable findings.
Powerful tools to help turn your research question into meaningful analysis, starting with a free trial.
As you can see above, the research questions you ask play a critical role in shaping the direction and depth of your study. These questions are designed to explore, understand, and interpret social phenomena, rather than testing a hypothesis or quantifying data like in quantitative research. In this section, we will discuss the various types of research questions typically found in qualitative research, making it easier for you to craft appropriate questions for your study.
Descriptive research questions aim to provide a detailed account of the phenomenon being studied. These questions usually begin with "what" or "how" and seek to understand the nature, characteristics, or functions of a subject. For example, "What are the experiences of first-generation college students?" or "How do small business owners adapt to economic downturns?"
Comparative questions seek to examine the similarities and differences between two or more groups, cases, or phenomena. These questions often include the words "compare," "contrast," or "differences." For example, "How do parenting practices differ between single-parent and two-parent families?" or "What are the similarities and differences in leadership styles among successful female entrepreneurs?"
Exploratory research questions are open-ended and intended to investigate new or understudied areas. These questions aim to identify patterns, relationships, or themes that may warrant further investigation. For example, "How do teenagers use social media to construct their identities?" or "What factors influence the adoption of renewable energy technologies in rural communities?"
Explanatory research questions delve deeper into the reasons or explanations behind a particular phenomenon or behavior. They often start with "why" or "how" and aim to uncover underlying motivations, beliefs, or processes. For example, "Why do some employees resist organizational change?" or "How do cultural factors influence decision-making in international business negotiations?"
Evaluative questions assess the effectiveness, impact, or outcomes of a particular intervention, program, or policy. They seek to understand the value or significance of an initiative by examining its successes, challenges, or unintended consequences. For example, "How effective is the school's anti-bullying program in reducing incidents of bullying?" or "What are the long-term impacts of a community-based health promotion campaign on residents' well-being?"
Interpretive questions focus on understanding how individuals or groups make sense of their experiences, actions, or social contexts. These questions often involve the analysis of language, symbols, or narratives to uncover the meanings and perspectives that shape human behavior. For example, "How do cancer survivors make sense of their illness journey?" or "What meanings do members of a religious community attach to their rituals and practices?"
There are mainly two overarching ways to think about how to devise a research question. Many studies are built on existing research, but others can be founded on personal experiences or pilot research.
Within scholarly research, the research question is often built from your literature review . An analysis of the relevant literature reporting previous studies should allow you to identify contextual, theoretical, or methodological gaps that can be addressed in future research.
A compelling research question built on a robust literature review ultimately illustrates to your audience what is novel about your study's objectives.
Researchers may conduct preliminary research or pilot research when they are interested in a particular topic but don't yet have a basis for forming a research question on that topic. A pilot study is a small-scale, preliminary study that is conducted in order to test the feasibility of a research design, methods, and procedures. It can help identify unresolved puzzles that merit further investigation, and pilot studies can draw attention to potential issues or problems that may arise in the full study.
One potential benefit of conducting a pilot study in qualitative research is that it can help the researcher to refine their research question. By collecting and analyzing a small amount of data, the researcher can get a better sense of the phenomenon under investigation and can develop a more focused and refined research question for the full study. The pilot study can also help the researcher to identify key themes, concepts, or variables that should be included in the research question.
In addition to helping to refine the research question, a pilot study can also help the researcher to develop a more effective data collection and analysis plan. The researcher can test different methods for collecting and analyzing data, and can make adjustments based on the results of the pilot study. This can help to ensure that the full study is conducted in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
Overall, conducting a pilot study in qualitative research can be a valuable tool for refining the research question and developing a more effective research design, methods, and procedures. It can help to ensure that the full study is conducted in a rigorous and effective manner, and can increase the likelihood of generating meaningful and useful findings.
When you write a research question for your qualitative study, consider which type of question best aligns with your research objectives and the nature of the phenomenon you are investigating. Remember, qualitative research questions should be open-ended, allowing for a range of perspectives and insights to emerge. As you progress in your research, these questions may evolve or be refined based on the data you collect, helping to guide your analysis and deepen your understanding of the topic.
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Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 12 December 2023.
A research question pinpoints exactly what you want to find out in your work. A good research question is essential to guide your research paper , dissertation , or thesis .
All research questions should be:
How to write a research question, what makes a strong research question, research questions quiz, frequently asked questions.
You can follow these steps to develop a strong research question:
The way you frame your question depends on what your research aims to achieve. The table below shows some examples of how you might formulate questions for different purposes.
Research question formulations | |
---|---|
Describing and exploring | |
Explaining and testing | |
Evaluating and acting |
Example research problem | Example research question(s) |
---|---|
Teachers at the school do not have the skills to recognize or properly guide gifted children in the classroom. | What practical techniques can teachers use to better identify and guide gifted children? |
Young people increasingly engage in the ‘gig economy’, rather than traditional full-time employment. However, it is unclear why they choose to do so. | What are the main factors influencing young people’s decisions to engage in the gig economy? |
Note that while most research questions can be answered with various types of research , the way you frame your question should help determine your choices.
Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them. The criteria below can help you evaluate the strength of your research question.
Criteria | Explanation |
---|---|
Focused on a single topic | Your central research question should work together with your research problem to keep your work focused. If you have multiple questions, they should all clearly tie back to your central aim. |
Answerable using | Your question must be answerable using and/or , or by reading scholarly sources on the topic to develop your argument. If such data is impossible to access, you likely need to rethink your question. |
Not based on value judgements | Avoid subjective words like , , and . These do not give clear criteria for answering the question. |
Criteria | Explanation |
---|---|
Answerable within practical constraints | Make sure you have enough time and resources to do all research required to answer your question. If it seems you will not be able to gain access to the data you need, consider narrowing down your question to be more specific. |
Uses specific, well-defined concepts | All the terms you use in the research question should have clear meanings. Avoid vague language, jargon, and too-broad ideas. |
Does not demand a conclusive solution, policy, or course of action | Research is about informing, not instructing. Even if your project is focused on a practical problem, it should aim to improve understanding rather than demand a ready-made solution. |
Criteria | Explanation |
---|---|
Cannot be answered with or | Closed-ended, / questions are too simple to work as good research questions—they don’t provide enough scope for robust investigation and discussion. |
Cannot be answered with easily-found facts | If you can answer the question through a single Google search, book, or article, it is probably not complex enough. A good research question requires original data, synthesis of multiple sources, and original interpretation and argumentation prior to providing an answer. |
Criteria | Explanation |
---|---|
Addresses a relevant problem | Your research question should be developed based on initial reading around your . It should focus on addressing a problem or gap in the existing knowledge in your field or discipline. |
Contributes to a timely social or academic debate | The question should aim to contribute to an existing and current debate in your field or in society at large. It should produce knowledge that future researchers or practitioners can later build on. |
Has not already been answered | You don’t have to ask something that nobody has ever thought of before, but your question should have some aspect of originality. For example, you can focus on a specific location, or explore a new angle. |
The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .
A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis – a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.
As you cannot possibly read every source related to your topic, it’s important to evaluate sources to assess their relevance. Use preliminary evaluation to determine whether a source is worth examining in more depth.
This involves:
An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarised in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.
The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.
A research hypothesis is your proposed answer to your research question. The research hypothesis usually includes an explanation (‘ x affects y because …’).
A statistical hypothesis, on the other hand, is a mathematical statement about a population parameter. Statistical hypotheses always come in pairs: the null and alternative hypotheses. In a well-designed study , the statistical hypotheses correspond logically to the research hypothesis.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, December 12). Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 22 July 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-question/
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Research questions lie at the core of systematic investigation and this is because recording accurate research outcomes is tied to asking the right questions. Asking the right questions when conducting research can help you collect relevant and insightful information that ultimately influences your work, positively.
The right research questions are typically easy to understand, straight to the point, and engaging. In this article, we will share tips on how to create the right research questions and also show you how to create and administer an online questionnaire with Formplus .
A research question is a specific inquiry which the research seeks to provide a response to. It resides at the core of systematic investigation and it helps you to clearly define a path for the research process.
A research question is usually the first step in any research project. Basically, it is the primary interrogation point of your research and it sets the pace for your work.
Typically, a research question focuses on the research, determines the methodology and hypothesis, and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting. With the right research questions, you will be able to gather useful information for your investigation.
Research questions are broadly categorized into 2; that is, qualitative research questions and quantitative research questions. Qualitative and quantitative research questions can be used independently and co-dependently in line with the overall focus and objectives of your research.
If your research aims at collecting quantifiable data , you will need to make use of quantitative research questions. On the other hand, qualitative questions help you to gather qualitative data bothering on the perceptions and observations of your research subjects.
A qualitative research question is a type of systematic inquiry that aims at collecting qualitative data from research subjects. The aim of qualitative research questions is to gather non-statistical information pertaining to the experiences, observations, and perceptions of the research subjects in line with the objectives of the investigation.
As the name clearly suggests, ethnographic research questions are inquiries presented in ethnographic research. Ethnographic research is a qualitative research approach that involves observing variables in their natural environments or habitats in order to arrive at objective research outcomes.
These research questions help the researcher to gather insights into the habits, dispositions, perceptions, and behaviors of research subjects as they interact in specific environments.
Ethnographic research questions can be used in education, business, medicine, and other fields of study, and they are very useful in contexts aimed at collecting in-depth and specific information that are peculiar to research variables. For instance, asking educational ethnographic research questions can help you understand how pedagogy affects classroom relations and behaviors.
This type of research question can be administered physically through one-on-one interviews, naturalism (live and work), and participant observation methods. Alternatively, the researcher can ask ethnographic research questions via online surveys and questionnaires created with Formplus.
Examples of Ethnographic Research Questions
A case study is a qualitative research approach that involves carrying out a detailed investigation into a research subject(s) or variable(s). In the course of a case study, the researcher gathers a range of data from multiple sources of information via different data collection methods, and over a period of time.
The aim of a case study is to analyze specific issues within definite contexts and arrive at detailed research subject analyses by asking the right questions. This research method can be explanatory, descriptive , or exploratory depending on the focus of your systematic investigation or research.
An explanatory case study is one that seeks to gather information on the causes of real-life occurrences. This type of case study uses “how” and “why” questions in order to gather valid information about the causative factors of an event.
Descriptive case studies are typically used in business researches, and they aim at analyzing the impact of changing market dynamics on businesses. On the other hand, exploratory case studies aim at providing answers to “who” and “what” questions using data collection tools like interviews and questionnaires.
Some questions you can include in your case studies are:
An interview is a qualitative research method that involves asking respondents a series of questions in order to gather information about a research subject. Interview questions can be close-ended or open-ended , and they prompt participants to provide valid information that is useful to the research.
An interview may also be structured, semi-structured , or unstructured , and this further influences the types of questions they include. Structured interviews are made up of more close-ended questions because they aim at gathering quantitative data while unstructured interviews consist, primarily, of open-ended questions that allow the researcher to collect qualitative information from respondents.
You can conduct interview research by scheduling a physical meeting with respondents, through a telephone conversation, and via digital media and video conferencing platforms like Skype and Zoom. Alternatively, you can use Formplus surveys and questionnaires for your interview.
Examples of interview questions include:
Quantitative research questions are questions that are used to gather quantifiable data from research subjects. These types of research questions are usually more specific and direct because they aim at collecting information that can be measured; that is, statistical information.
Descriptive research questions are inquiries that researchers use to gather quantifiable data about the attributes and characteristics of research subjects. These types of questions primarily seek responses that reveal existing patterns in the nature of the research subjects.
It is important to note that descriptive research questions are not concerned with the causative factors of the discovered attributes and characteristics. Rather, they focus on the “what”; that is, describing the subject of the research without paying attention to the reasons for its occurrence.
Descriptive research questions are typically closed-ended because they aim at gathering definite and specific responses from research participants. Also, they can be used in customer experience surveys and market research to collect information about target markets and consumer behaviors.
Descriptive Research Question Examples
A comparative research question is a type of quantitative research question that is used to gather information about the differences between two or more research subjects across different variables. These types of questions help the researcher to identify distinct features that mark one research subject from the other while highlighting existing similarities.
Asking comparative research questions in market research surveys can provide insights on how your product or service matches its competitors. In addition, it can help you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your product for a better competitive advantage.
The 5 steps involved in the framing of comparative research questions are:
Comparative Research Question Samples
Just like the name suggests, a relationship-based research question is one that inquires into the nature of the association between two research subjects within the same demographic. These types of research questions help you to gather information pertaining to the nature of the association between two research variables.
Relationship-based research questions are also known as correlational research questions because they seek to clearly identify the link between 2 variables.
Read: Correlational Research Designs: Types, Examples & Methods
Examples of relationship-based research questions include:
Since research questions lie at the core of any systematic investigations, it is important to know how to frame a good research question. The right research questions will help you to gather the most objective responses that are useful to your systematic investigation.
A good research question is one that requires impartial responses and can be answered via existing sources of information. Also, a good research question seeks answers that actively contribute to a body of knowledge; hence, it is a question that is yet to be answered in your specific research context.
An open-ended question is a type of research question that does not restrict respondents to a set of premeditated answer options. In other words, it is a question that allows the respondent to freely express his or her perceptions and feelings towards the research subject.
Examples of Open-ended Questions
A close-ended question is a type of survey question that restricts respondents to a set of predetermined answers such as multiple-choice questions . Close-ended questions typically require yes or no answers and are commonly used in quantitative research to gather numerical data from research participants.
Examples of Close-ended Questions
A Likert scale question is a type of close-ended question that is structured as a 3-point, 5-point, or 7-point psychometric scale . This type of question is used to measure the survey respondent’s disposition towards multiple variables and it can be unipolar or bipolar in nature.
Example of Likert Scale Questions
A rating scale question is a type of close-ended question that seeks to associate a specific qualitative measure (rating) with the different variables in research. It is commonly used in customer experience surveys, market research surveys, employee reviews, and product evaluations.
Example of Rating Questions
Knowing what bad research questions are would help you avoid them in the course of your systematic investigation. These types of questions are usually unfocused and often result in research biases that can negatively impact the outcomes of your systematic investigation.
A loaded question is a question that subtly presupposes one or more unverified assumptions about the research subject or participant. This type of question typically boxes the respondent in a corner because it suggests implicit and explicit biases that prevent objective responses.
Example of Loaded Questions
A negative question is a type of question that is structured with an implicit or explicit negator. Negative questions can be misleading because they upturn the typical yes/no response order by requiring a negative answer for affirmation and an affirmative answer for negation.
Examples of Negative Questions
A l eading question is a type of survey question that nudges the respondent towards an already-determined answer. It is highly suggestive in nature and typically consists of biases and unverified assumptions that point toward its premeditated responses.
Examples of Leading Questions
Read More: Leading Questions: Definition, Types, and Examples
With Formplus, you can create and administer your online research questionnaire easily. In the form builder, you can add different form fields to your questionnaire and edit these fields to reflect specific research questions for your systematic investigation.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create an online research questionnaire with Formplus:
The success of your research starts with framing the right questions to help you collect the most valid and objective responses. Be sure to avoid bad research questions like loaded and negative questions that can be misleading and adversely affect your research data and outcomes.
Your research questions should clearly reflect the aims and objectives of your systematic investigation while laying emphasis on specific contexts. To help you seamlessly gather responses for your research questions, you can create an online research questionnaire on Formplus.
Connect to Formplus, Get Started Now - It's Free!
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Patricia farrugia.
* Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, the
† Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and the
‡ Departments of Surgery and
§ Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont
There is an increasing familiarity with the principles of evidence-based medicine in the surgical community. As surgeons become more aware of the hierarchy of evidence, grades of recommendations and the principles of critical appraisal, they develop an increasing familiarity with research design. Surgeons and clinicians are looking more and more to the literature and clinical trials to guide their practice; as such, it is becoming a responsibility of the clinical research community to attempt to answer questions that are not only well thought out but also clinically relevant. The development of the research question, including a supportive hypothesis and objectives, is a necessary key step in producing clinically relevant results to be used in evidence-based practice. A well-defined and specific research question is more likely to help guide us in making decisions about study design and population and subsequently what data will be collected and analyzed. 1
In this article, we discuss important considerations in the development of a research question and hypothesis and in defining objectives for research. By the end of this article, the reader will be able to appreciate the significance of constructing a good research question and developing hypotheses and research objectives for the successful design of a research study. The following article is divided into 3 sections: research question, research hypothesis and research objectives.
Interest in a particular topic usually begins the research process, but it is the familiarity with the subject that helps define an appropriate research question for a study. 1 Questions then arise out of a perceived knowledge deficit within a subject area or field of study. 2 Indeed, Haynes suggests that it is important to know “where the boundary between current knowledge and ignorance lies.” 1 The challenge in developing an appropriate research question is in determining which clinical uncertainties could or should be studied and also rationalizing the need for their investigation.
Increasing one’s knowledge about the subject of interest can be accomplished in many ways. Appropriate methods include systematically searching the literature, in-depth interviews and focus groups with patients (and proxies) and interviews with experts in the field. In addition, awareness of current trends and technological advances can assist with the development of research questions. 2 It is imperative to understand what has been studied about a topic to date in order to further the knowledge that has been previously gathered on a topic. Indeed, some granting institutions (e.g., Canadian Institute for Health Research) encourage applicants to conduct a systematic review of the available evidence if a recent review does not already exist and preferably a pilot or feasibility study before applying for a grant for a full trial.
In-depth knowledge about a subject may generate a number of questions. It then becomes necessary to ask whether these questions can be answered through one study or if more than one study needed. 1 Additional research questions can be developed, but several basic principles should be taken into consideration. 1 All questions, primary and secondary, should be developed at the beginning and planning stages of a study. Any additional questions should never compromise the primary question because it is the primary research question that forms the basis of the hypothesis and study objectives. It must be kept in mind that within the scope of one study, the presence of a number of research questions will affect and potentially increase the complexity of both the study design and subsequent statistical analyses, not to mention the actual feasibility of answering every question. 1 A sensible strategy is to establish a single primary research question around which to focus the study plan. 3 In a study, the primary research question should be clearly stated at the end of the introduction of the grant proposal, and it usually specifies the population to be studied, the intervention to be implemented and other circumstantial factors. 4
Hulley and colleagues 2 have suggested the use of the FINER criteria in the development of a good research question ( Box 1 ). The FINER criteria highlight useful points that may increase the chances of developing a successful research project. A good research question should specify the population of interest, be of interest to the scientific community and potentially to the public, have clinical relevance and further current knowledge in the field (and of course be compliant with the standards of ethical boards and national research standards).
Feasible | ||
Interesting | ||
Novel | ||
Ethical | ||
Relevant |
Adapted with permission from Wolters Kluwer Health. 2
Whereas the FINER criteria outline the important aspects of the question in general, a useful format to use in the development of a specific research question is the PICO format — consider the population (P) of interest, the intervention (I) being studied, the comparison (C) group (or to what is the intervention being compared) and the outcome of interest (O). 3 , 5 , 6 Often timing (T) is added to PICO ( Box 2 ) — that is, “Over what time frame will the study take place?” 1 The PICOT approach helps generate a question that aids in constructing the framework of the study and subsequently in protocol development by alluding to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and identifying the groups of patients to be included. Knowing the specific population of interest, intervention (and comparator) and outcome of interest may also help the researcher identify an appropriate outcome measurement tool. 7 The more defined the population of interest, and thus the more stringent the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the greater the effect on the interpretation and subsequent applicability and generalizability of the research findings. 1 , 2 A restricted study population (and exclusion criteria) may limit bias and increase the internal validity of the study; however, this approach will limit external validity of the study and, thus, the generalizability of the findings to the practical clinical setting. Conversely, a broadly defined study population and inclusion criteria may be representative of practical clinical practice but may increase bias and reduce the internal validity of the study.
Population (patients) | ||
Intervention (for intervention studies only) | ||
Comparison group | ||
Outcome of interest | ||
Time |
A poorly devised research question may affect the choice of study design, potentially lead to futile situations and, thus, hamper the chance of determining anything of clinical significance, which will then affect the potential for publication. Without devoting appropriate resources to developing the research question, the quality of the study and subsequent results may be compromised. During the initial stages of any research study, it is therefore imperative to formulate a research question that is both clinically relevant and answerable.
The primary research question should be driven by the hypothesis rather than the data. 1 , 2 That is, the research question and hypothesis should be developed before the start of the study. This sounds intuitive; however, if we take, for example, a database of information, it is potentially possible to perform multiple statistical comparisons of groups within the database to find a statistically significant association. This could then lead one to work backward from the data and develop the “question.” This is counterintuitive to the process because the question is asked specifically to then find the answer, thus collecting data along the way (i.e., in a prospective manner). Multiple statistical testing of associations from data previously collected could potentially lead to spuriously positive findings of association through chance alone. 2 Therefore, a good hypothesis must be based on a good research question at the start of a trial and, indeed, drive data collection for the study.
The research or clinical hypothesis is developed from the research question and then the main elements of the study — sampling strategy, intervention (if applicable), comparison and outcome variables — are summarized in a form that establishes the basis for testing, statistical and ultimately clinical significance. 3 For example, in a research study comparing computer-assisted acetabular component insertion versus freehand acetabular component placement in patients in need of total hip arthroplasty, the experimental group would be computer-assisted insertion and the control/conventional group would be free-hand placement. The investigative team would first state a research hypothesis. This could be expressed as a single outcome (e.g., computer-assisted acetabular component placement leads to improved functional outcome) or potentially as a complex/composite outcome; that is, more than one outcome (e.g., computer-assisted acetabular component placement leads to both improved radiographic cup placement and improved functional outcome).
However, when formally testing statistical significance, the hypothesis should be stated as a “null” hypothesis. 2 The purpose of hypothesis testing is to make an inference about the population of interest on the basis of a random sample taken from that population. The null hypothesis for the preceding research hypothesis then would be that there is no difference in mean functional outcome between the computer-assisted insertion and free-hand placement techniques. After forming the null hypothesis, the researchers would form an alternate hypothesis stating the nature of the difference, if it should appear. The alternate hypothesis would be that there is a difference in mean functional outcome between these techniques. At the end of the study, the null hypothesis is then tested statistically. If the findings of the study are not statistically significant (i.e., there is no difference in functional outcome between the groups in a statistical sense), we cannot reject the null hypothesis, whereas if the findings were significant, we can reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternate hypothesis (i.e., there is a difference in mean functional outcome between the study groups), errors in testing notwithstanding. In other words, hypothesis testing confirms or refutes the statement that the observed findings did not occur by chance alone but rather occurred because there was a true difference in outcomes between these surgical procedures. The concept of statistical hypothesis testing is complex, and the details are beyond the scope of this article.
Another important concept inherent in hypothesis testing is whether the hypotheses will be 1-sided or 2-sided. A 2-sided hypothesis states that there is a difference between the experimental group and the control group, but it does not specify in advance the expected direction of the difference. For example, we asked whether there is there an improvement in outcomes with computer-assisted surgery or whether the outcomes worse with computer-assisted surgery. We presented a 2-sided test in the above example because we did not specify the direction of the difference. A 1-sided hypothesis states a specific direction (e.g., there is an improvement in outcomes with computer-assisted surgery). A 2-sided hypothesis should be used unless there is a good justification for using a 1-sided hypothesis. As Bland and Atlman 8 stated, “One-sided hypothesis testing should never be used as a device to make a conventionally nonsignificant difference significant.”
The research hypothesis should be stated at the beginning of the study to guide the objectives for research. Whereas the investigators may state the hypothesis as being 1-sided (there is an improvement with treatment), the study and investigators must adhere to the concept of clinical equipoise. According to this principle, a clinical (or surgical) trial is ethical only if the expert community is uncertain about the relative therapeutic merits of the experimental and control groups being evaluated. 9 It means there must exist an honest and professional disagreement among expert clinicians about the preferred treatment. 9
Designing a research hypothesis is supported by a good research question and will influence the type of research design for the study. Acting on the principles of appropriate hypothesis development, the study can then confidently proceed to the development of the research objective.
The primary objective should be coupled with the hypothesis of the study. Study objectives define the specific aims of the study and should be clearly stated in the introduction of the research protocol. 7 From our previous example and using the investigative hypothesis that there is a difference in functional outcomes between computer-assisted acetabular component placement and free-hand placement, the primary objective can be stated as follows: this study will compare the functional outcomes of computer-assisted acetabular component insertion versus free-hand placement in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Note that the study objective is an active statement about how the study is going to answer the specific research question. Objectives can (and often do) state exactly which outcome measures are going to be used within their statements. They are important because they not only help guide the development of the protocol and design of study but also play a role in sample size calculations and determining the power of the study. 7 These concepts will be discussed in other articles in this series.
From the surgeon’s point of view, it is important for the study objectives to be focused on outcomes that are important to patients and clinically relevant. For example, the most methodologically sound randomized controlled trial comparing 2 techniques of distal radial fixation would have little or no clinical impact if the primary objective was to determine the effect of treatment A as compared to treatment B on intraoperative fluoroscopy time. However, if the objective was to determine the effect of treatment A as compared to treatment B on patient functional outcome at 1 year, this would have a much more significant impact on clinical decision-making. Second, more meaningful surgeon–patient discussions could ensue, incorporating patient values and preferences with the results from this study. 6 , 7 It is the precise objective and what the investigator is trying to measure that is of clinical relevance in the practical setting.
The following is an example from the literature about the relation between the research question, hypothesis and study objectives:
Study: Warden SJ, Metcalf BR, Kiss ZS, et al. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for chronic patellar tendinopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Rheumatology 2008;47:467–71.
Research question: How does low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) compare with a placebo device in managing the symptoms of skeletally mature patients with patellar tendinopathy?
Research hypothesis: Pain levels are reduced in patients who receive daily active-LIPUS (treatment) for 12 weeks compared with individuals who receive inactive-LIPUS (placebo).
Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of LIPUS in the management of patellar tendinopathy symptoms.
The development of the research question is the most important aspect of a research project. A research project can fail if the objectives and hypothesis are poorly focused and underdeveloped. Useful tips for surgical researchers are provided in Box 3 . Designing and developing an appropriate and relevant research question, hypothesis and objectives can be a difficult task. The critical appraisal of the research question used in a study is vital to the application of the findings to clinical practice. Focusing resources, time and dedication to these 3 very important tasks will help to guide a successful research project, influence interpretation of the results and affect future publication efforts.
FINER = feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant; PICOT = population (patients), intervention (for intervention studies only), comparison group, outcome of interest, time.
Competing interests: No funding was received in preparation of this paper. Dr. Bhandari was funded, in part, by a Canada Research Chair, McMaster University.
Research Tips
January 13, 2023
Research questions are broad statements that guide the overall direction of the research. They identify the main problem or area of inquiry that the research will address. For example, a research question might be, "What is the impact of social media on teenage mental health?" This question sets the stage for the research and helps to define the scope of the study.
On the other hand, research objectives are specific, measurable goals that the research aims to achieve. They are used to guide the research process and help to define the specific outcomes that the researcher is looking to achieve. For example, an objective for the above research question might be "To determine the correlation between social media usage and rates of depression in teenagers." This objective is more specific and measurable than the research question and helps define the specific outcomes that the researcher is looking to achieve.
It is important to note that research questions and objectives are not mutually exclusive; a study can have one or several questions and objectives. A well-defined research question should lead to specific objectives necessary to answer the question.
In summary, research questions and objectives are two distinct aspects of the research process. Research questions are broad statements that guide the overall direction of the research, while research objectives are specific, measurable goals that the research aims to achieve. Understanding these two terms' differences is essential for conducting effective and meaningful research.
Ai generator.
Navigating the intricacies of research begins with crafting well-defined research questions and hypothesis statements. These essential components guide the entire research process, shaping investigations and analyses. In this comprehensive guide, explore the art of formulating research questions and hypothesis statements. Learn how to create focused, inquiry-driven questions and construct research hypothesis statements that capture the essence of your study. Unveil examples and invaluable tips to enhance your research endeavors.
Research Question: How does regular exercise impact the mental well-being of college students?
Hypothesis Statement: College students who engage in regular exercise experience improved mental well-being compared to those who do not exercise regularly.
In this example, the research question focuses on the relationship between exercise and mental well-being among college students. The hypothesis statement predicts a specific outcome, stating that there will be a positive impact on mental well-being for those who exercise regularly. The hypothesis guides the research process and provides a clear expectation for the study’s results.
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Education | How does the integration of technology impact student engagement in elementary classrooms? | Elementary students exposed to technology-enhanced lessons exhibit higher levels of engagement. |
Health | What is the relationship between sleep quality and stress levels among working professionals? | Working professionals who experience higher sleep quality report lower levels of stress. |
Environment | How does exposure to urban green spaces influence residents’ mental well-being? | Residents with regular access to urban green spaces exhibit higher levels of mental well-being. |
Economics | What impact does minimum wage increase have on small business profitability? | Small businesses in regions with minimum wage increases experience decreased profitability. |
Social Media | How do social media influencers affect consumer purchasing decisions? | Consumers are more likely to make decisions based on recommendations from social media influencers. |
Gender Studies | What is the perception of gender roles among adolescents in a multicultural society? | Adolescents in multicultural societies have fluid perceptions of traditional gender roles. |
Nutrition | Is there a correlation between diet quality and academic performance among college students? | College students with healthier diets show better academic performance. |
Political Science | How does media framing influence public opinion on climate change policies? | Media framing significantly impacts public opinion on climate change policies. |
Criminal Justice | What factors contribute to recidivism rates among juvenile offenders? | Juvenile offenders with strong support systems are less likely to engage in recidivism. |
Cultural Studies | How does exposure to diverse cultural experiences impact cultural sensitivity among students? | Students engaging in diverse cultural experiences develop higher cultural sensitivity. |
Technology Adoption | What factors influence the adoption of e-commerce platforms among older adults? | Older adults with higher digital literacy levels are more likely to adopt e-commerce platforms. |
Language Acquisition | How does bilingualism impact cognitive development in children? | Bilingual children exhibit enhanced cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. |
Urban Planning | What are the effects of green infrastructure on urban heat island mitigation? | Urban areas with green infrastructure experience lower temperatures during heatwaves. |
Parenting Styles | What role does authoritative parenting play in adolescent self-esteem development? | Adolescents raised by authoritative parents tend to have higher self-esteem levels. |
Workplace Diversity | How does workplace diversity impact employee satisfaction and job performance? | Diverse workforces lead to higher employee satisfaction and improved job performance. |
Cultural Influence on Perception | How do cultural backgrounds affect individuals’ perception of facial expressions? | Cultural backgrounds influence how individuals interpret facial expressions. |
Music and Mood | Does listening to music of different genres have varying effects on mood regulation? | Different music genres evoke distinct emotional responses, influencing mood regulation. |
Advertising Effectiveness | What factors contribute to the effectiveness of online banner advertisements? | Personalized online banner ads with compelling visuals are more effective in user engagement. |
Relationship Satisfaction | How does communication style affect relationship satisfaction among couples? | Open and empathetic communication leads to higher relationship satisfaction among couples. |
Cultural Identity and Mental Health | How does the integration of cultural identity influence mental health outcomes among immigrants? | Immigrant adolescents who maintain cultural identity tend to exhibit better mental health. |
Education | How does the integration of technology impact student engagement in elementary classrooms? | Elementary students exposed to technology-enhanced lessons exhibit higher levels of engagement. |
Health | What is the relationship between sleep quality and stress levels among working professionals? | Working professionals who experience higher sleep quality report lower levels of stress. |
Environment | How does exposure to urban green spaces influence residents’ mental well-being? | Residents with regular access to urban green spaces exhibit higher levels of mental well-being. |
Economics | What impact does minimum wage increase have on small business profitability? | Small businesses in regions with minimum wage increases experience decreased profitability. |
Social Media | How do social media influencers affect consumer purchasing decisions? | Consumers are more likely to make decisions based on recommendations from social media influencers. |
Gender Studies | What is the perception of gender roles among adolescents in a multicultural society? | Adolescents in multicultural societies have fluid perceptions of traditional gender roles. |
Nutrition | Is there a correlation between diet quality and academic performance among college students? | College students with healthier diets show better academic performance. |
Political Science | How does media framing influence public opinion on climate change policies? | Media framing significantly impacts public opinion on climate change policies. |
Criminal Justice | What factors contribute to recidivism rates among juvenile offenders? | Juvenile offenders with strong support systems are less likely to engage in recidivism. |
Cultural Studies | How does exposure to diverse cultural experiences impact cultural sensitivity among students? | Students engaging in diverse cultural experiences develop higher cultural sensitivity. |
Technology Adoption | What factors influence the adoption of e-commerce platforms among older adults? | Older adults with higher digital literacy levels are more likely to adopt e-commerce platforms. |
Language Acquisition | How does bilingualism impact cognitive development in children? | Bilingual children exhibit enhanced cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. |
Urban Planning | What are the effects of green infrastructure on urban heat island mitigation? | Urban areas with green infrastructure experience lower temperatures during heatwaves. |
Parenting Styles | What role does authoritative parenting play in adolescent self-esteem development? | Adolescents raised by authoritative parents tend to have higher self-esteem levels. |
Workplace Diversity | How does workplace diversity impact employee satisfaction and job performance? | Diverse workforces lead to higher employee satisfaction and improved job performance. |
Cultural Influence on Perception | How do cultural backgrounds affect individuals’ perception of facial expressions? | Cultural backgrounds influence how individuals interpret facial expressions. |
Music and Mood | Does listening to music of different genres have varying effects on mood regulation? | Different music genres evoke distinct emotional responses, influencing mood regulation. |
Advertising Effectiveness | What factors contribute to the effectiveness of online banner advertisements? | Personalized online banner ads with compelling visuals are more effective in user engagement. |
Relationship Satisfaction | How does communication style affect relationship satisfaction among couples? | Open and empathetic communication leads to higher relationship satisfaction among couples. |
Cultural Identity and Mental Health | How does the integration of cultural identity influence mental health outcomes among immigrants? | Immigrant adolescents who maintain cultural identity tend to exhibit better mental health. |
Educational Psychology | How does feedback delivery method affect students’ motivation in online learning environments? | Students receiving personalized feedback in online courses show higher motivation levels. |
Healthcare Access | What factors influence individuals’ access to quality healthcare services in rural areas? | Rural residents with reliable transportation options have better access to quality healthcare. |
Environmental Impact | How does deforestation impact biodiversity in tropical rainforests? | Increased rates of deforestation lead to a decline in biodiversity within tropical rainforests. |
Consumer Behavior | What role do product reviews play in consumers’ purchasing decisions on e-commerce platforms? | Consumers are more likely to choose products with positive reviews when shopping online. |
Language Perception | How does language fluency affect individuals’ perception of different accents? | Individuals fluent in a language are more likely to accurately differentiate between accents. |
Food Preferences | What factors contribute to the preference for spicy foods among certain cultural groups? | Cultural background significantly influences the preference for spicy foods among individuals. |
Urban Mobility | How does the availability of public transportation impact car usage in urban areas? | Cities with efficient public transportation systems experience reduced car usage by residents. |
Political Engagement | What factors determine young adults’ engagement in political activities? | Young adults with higher levels of education tend to be more engaged in political activities. |
Artificial Intelligence in Finance | How does the integration of AI-based algorithms impact stock trading accuracy? | AI algorithms improve stock trading accuracy when integrated into financial trading systems. |
Body Image Perception | How does exposure to idealized body images in media influence individuals’ self-perception? | Individuals exposed to idealized body images in media tend to have lower self-esteem levels. |
Technology Adoption | How does user interface design impact the adoption rate of mobile applications? | Mobile applications with intuitive user interfaces are more likely to have higher adoption rates. |
Cultural Influence on Education | How does cultural background affect students’ learning preferences and styles? | Students from different cultural backgrounds have varied learning preferences and styles. |
Economic Development | What role does foreign direct investment play in the economic growth of developing countries? | Developing countries with higher foreign direct investment experience greater economic growth. |
Social Interaction in Virtual Reality | How does virtual reality impact social interaction and communication among users? | Users of virtual reality platforms tend to experience enhanced social interaction and communication. |
Body-Mind Connection | What is the relationship between physical exercise and cognitive functioning in elderly adults? | Elderly adults who engage in regular physical exercise exhibit better cognitive functioning. |
Political Polarization | How does exposure to partisan media influence individuals’ political views? | Exposure to partisan media significantly shapes and reinforces individuals’ political views. |
Work-Life Balance | What factors contribute to employees’ perception of work-life balance in corporate settings? | Employees with flexible work arrangements tend to perceive better work-life balance. |
Genetic Influence on Behavior | To what extent does genetic predisposition influence risk-taking behavior in individuals? | Individuals with a genetic predisposition to risk-taking behavior are more likely to exhibit such behavior. |
Media Representation of Gender | How are gender roles and stereotypes portrayed in children’s animated television shows? | Children’s animated television shows often perpetuate traditional gender roles and stereotypes. |
Economic Inequality | What is the relationship between income inequality and social mobility in urban areas? | Urban areas with higher income inequality tend to have lower social mobility rates. |
Nutrition and Cognitive Function | How does dietary intake influence cognitive function in school-aged children? | School-aged children with balanced diets tend to exhibit better cognitive function. |
Technology Addiction | How does excessive smartphone usage impact individuals’ overall well-being? | Excessive smartphone usage is negatively correlated with individuals’ overall well-being. |
Creativity and Age | How does age influence individuals’ creativity and innovation levels? | Creativity and innovation levels tend to decrease with advancing age. |
Online Learning Effectiveness | What factors determine the effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning? | Online learning is equally effective as traditional classroom learning in academic outcomes. |
Media Exposure and Body Image | How does exposure to digitally altered images in media impact body image dissatisfaction among adolescents? | Adolescents exposed to digitally altered images in media are more likely to experience body image dissatisfaction. |
Motivation in the Workplace | How does recognition and rewards affect employees’ motivation in the workplace? | Employees who receive regular recognition and rewards tend to exhibit higher levels of motivation. |
Social Media and Mental Health | What is the relationship between social media usage and mental health among adolescents? | Adolescents who spend excessive time on social media platforms tend to experience poorer mental health. |
Artistic Expression and Emotion | How does artistic expression influence emotional expression and regulation in individuals? | Individuals engaged in artistic activities tend to have enhanced emotional expression and regulation. |
Cultural Diversity in Education | How does a diverse teaching staff impact students’ cultural awareness and understanding? | Schools with a diverse teaching staff promote greater cultural awareness and understanding among students. |
Economic Impact of Tourism | What is the economic impact of tourism on local communities and businesses? | Tourism significantly contributes to the economic growth of local communities and businesses. |
Social Media and Self-Esteem | How does social media usage impact adolescents’ self-esteem and body image? | Adolescents who spend more time on social media platforms are more likely to experience lower self-esteem and body image issues. |
Gender Wage Gap | What factors contribute to the gender wage gap in the corporate sector? | Gender wage gaps in the corporate sector can be attributed to disparities in job roles, negotiation skills, and workplace biases. |
Influence of Parenting Styles | How do different parenting styles influence adolescents’ academic achievement? | Adolescents raised in authoritative parenting environments tend to achieve higher academic success compared to other styles. |
Peer Pressure and Risk Behavior | How does peer pressure influence risk behaviors among teenagers? | Teenagers who succumb to peer pressure are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and delinquency. |
Media Exposure and Violence | Is there a link between exposure to violent media and aggressive behavior in children? | Children exposed to violent media content are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors in real-life situations. |
Advertising Appeals | How do emotional appeals versus rational appeals influence consumer purchasing decisions? | Consumers are more likely to make emotional purchasing decisions when exposed to emotional advertising appeals. |
Work-Related Stress and Health | How does work-related stress impact employees’ physical and mental health? | Employees experiencing high levels of work-related stress are more prone to physical and mental health issues. |
Social Support and Mental Health | What role does social support play in promoting positive mental health outcomes? | Individuals with strong social support networks tend to exhibit better mental health outcomes and coping mechanisms. |
Impact of Music on Memory | Can listening to music improve memory recall in learning environments? | Background music with a moderate tempo and melody can enhance memory recall in learning environments. |
Urbanization and Air Quality | How does rapid urbanization affect air quality in metropolitan areas? | Rapid urbanization is associated with deteriorating air quality due to increased pollution levels in metropolitan areas. |
Impact of Social Media on Relationships | How does frequent social media use influence the quality of romantic relationships among young adults? | Young adults who spend more time on social media tend to have lower relationship satisfaction and communication. |
Cultural Diversity and Workplace | What is the impact of cultural diversity on workplace productivity and collaboration? | Workplaces that embrace cultural diversity experience increased productivity and better collaboration among employees. |
Technology and Academic Performance | How does the use of digital devices affect students’ academic performance in classrooms? | Students who use digital devices excessively during classes tend to have lower academic performance compared to those who limit usage. |
Influence of Family Structure | How does family structure influence adolescents’ emotional development and well-being? | Adolescents from single-parent households exhibit higher levels of emotional distress compared to those from two-parent households. |
Personality Traits and Leadership | What personality traits contribute to effective leadership in various organizational contexts? | Leaders with high levels of extroversion, emotional intelligence, and adaptability tend to be more effective in guiding teams and organizations. |
Exercise and Mental Health | Does regular exercise have a positive impact on individuals’ mental health and well-being? | Regular physical exercise is associated with improved mental health outcomes and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. |
Social Media and Political Engagement | How does social media usage influence individuals’ participation in political discussions and activities? | Individuals who engage in political discussions on social media are more likely to actively participate in offline political activities. |
Stress and Sleep Quality | How does chronic stress affect sleep quality and patterns in adults? | Adults experiencing chronic stress tend to have disrupted sleep patterns and lower sleep quality compared to those with lower stress levels. |
Role of Nutrition in Aging | What role does nutrition play in slowing down the aging process and promoting healthy aging? | Individuals who consume a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients tend to experience slower aging and better overall health in older age. |
Gender Stereotypes in STEM Fields | How do gender stereotypes influence individuals’ career choices in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)? | Gender stereotypes contribute to the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields by discouraging their pursuit of STEM careers. |
Social Media and Body Image | What is the relationship between social media usage and body dissatisfaction among adolescents? | Adolescents who spend more time on social media platforms are more likely to experience negative body image and dissatisfaction. |
Impact of Arts Education on Creativity | How does participation in arts education programs influence students’ creative thinking skills? | Students who engage in arts education programs tend to exhibit enhanced creative thinking skills compared to those who do not. |
Urban Green Spaces and Mental Health | How do urban green spaces impact individuals’ mental health and well-being? | Access to urban green spaces is positively correlated with improved mental health outcomes and reduced stress levels among urban residents. |
Technology Use and Academic Achievement | How does the amount of time spent on digital devices impact students’ academic achievement? | Students who excessively use digital devices for non-academic purposes tend to have lower academic achievement compared to those who limit usage. |
Impact of Social Support on Recovery | Does having a strong social support system aid in the recovery process after major surgeries? | Patients with robust social support networks tend to experience faster recovery and better postoperative outcomes following major surgeries. |
Impact of Parental Involvement in Education | How does parental involvement affect students’ academic performance and motivation? | Students with actively involved parents tend to have higher academic performance and greater motivation in school. |
Influence of Peer Feedback on Learning | Does receiving peer feedback enhance students’ learning outcomes in collaborative projects? | Students who receive constructive peer feedback during collaborative projects show improved learning outcomes. |
Music and Stress Reduction | Can listening to music help reduce stress levels in high-stress work environments? | Employees who listen to soothing music during work breaks experience reduced stress and increased relaxation. |
Effects of Sleep on Memory | How does sleep duration impact memory consolidation and recall in college students? | College students with sufficient sleep duration tend to exhibit better memory consolidation and recall abilities. |
Cultural Sensitivity in Healthcare | How does cultural sensitivity training impact healthcare providers’ patient communication? | Healthcare providers who undergo cultural sensitivity training exhibit improved patient communication and trust. |
Impact of Outdoor Play on Child Development | Does outdoor play contribute to better motor skills and cognitive development in young children? | Young children who engage in outdoor play activities demonstrate improved motor skills and cognitive development. |
Relationship Between Diet and Heart Health | What is the connection between dietary habits and the risk of cardiovascular diseases? | Individuals with a diet high in saturated fats and sodium have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. |
Impact of Classroom Design on Learning | How does classroom design influence students’ engagement and learning outcomes in schools? | Classroom designs with flexible seating and interactive elements foster increased student engagement and learning. |
Technology Use and Family Communication | How does technology use affect family communication patterns and relationships? | Families that excessively rely on technology for communication experience reduced quality in family relationships. |
Motivation and Employee Productivity | How does intrinsic motivation impact employee productivity in the workplace? | Employees who are intrinsically motivated tend to exhibit higher levels of productivity in their work tasks. |
Impact of Nutrition on Cognitive Function | Can a balanced diet improve cognitive function and concentration in older adults? | Older adults with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients tend to experience improved cognitive function. |
Factors Affecting Online Shopping Behavior | What factors influence consumers’ decision-making in online shopping? | Consumers’ online shopping behavior is influenced by factors such as price, reviews, convenience, and website design. |
Effectiveness of Online Learning Platforms | How effective are online learning platforms in enhancing students’ knowledge retention and engagement? | Students who use interactive online learning platforms show higher levels of knowledge retention and engagement. |
Media Exposure and Political Beliefs | Does media exposure shape individuals’ political beliefs and opinions? | Individuals exposed to polarized media content tend to develop more extreme political beliefs and opinions. |
Impact of Meditation on Stress Reduction | How does regular meditation practice contribute to stress reduction and mental well-being? | Regular meditation practice is associated with decreased stress levels and improved mental well-being in individuals. |
Social Media Influencer Marketing | What is the impact of social media influencer marketing on consumer purchasing decisions? | Consumers influenced by social media influencers are more likely to make purchasing decisions based on their recommendations. |
Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction | What factors contribute to employees’ job satisfaction in the workplace? | Employees’ job satisfaction is influenced by factors such as work-life balance, compensation, recognition, and job security. |
Impact of Early Childhood Education | How does early childhood education affect cognitive development and school readiness? | Children who receive quality early childhood education tend to demonstrate enhanced cognitive development and school readiness. |
Effects of Exercise on Mental Health | Can regular physical exercise improve mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression? | Individuals who engage in regular exercise experience improved mental health outcomes and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. |
Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem | Does excessive social media use contribute to lower self-esteem levels among adolescents? | Adolescents who spend more time on social media platforms tend to have lower self-esteem compared to those who limit usage. |
Effects of Video Games on Aggression | What is the relationship between violent video game exposure and aggressive behavior in adolescents? | Adolescents exposed to violent video games are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior compared to those who are not exposed. |
Impact of Gender Diversity on Team Performance | How does gender diversity influence team performance in corporate settings? | Teams with diverse gender compositions tend to achieve higher levels of performance compared to less diverse teams. |
Effect of Music Tempo on Consumer Behavior | Does music tempo influence consumers’ shopping behavior in retail stores? | Retail stores playing fast-tempo music tend to experience increased sales due to consumers’ faster shopping behavior. |
Influence of Parenting Style on Academic Success | How do different parenting styles impact students’ academic success and motivation? | Students raised in authoritative households tend to exhibit higher academic success and intrinsic motivation in school. |
Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Career Choices | How do gender stereotypes affect individuals’ career choices in traditionally male-dominated fields? | Individuals exposed to gender stereotypes are less likely to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. |
Effects of Climate Change on Ecosystems | What are the consequences of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity? | Ecosystems exposed to rising temperatures experience shifts in species distribution and increased threats to biodiversity. |
Influence of Peer Pressure on Risky Behavior | How does peer pressure influence adolescents’ engagement in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse? | Adolescents under peer pressure are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse compared to those who are not. |
Impact of Advertising on Consumer Preferences | Does advertising influence consumers’ preferences and purchasing decisions? | Consumers exposed to persuasive advertising tend to develop preferences for the advertised products and make purchasing decisions based on the ads. |
Effect of Teacher Feedback on Student Performance | How does the type of feedback provided by teachers affect students’ academic performance? | Students who receive specific and constructive feedback from teachers tend to demonstrate improved academic performance. |
In quantitative research, researchers aim to collect and analyze numerical data to answer specific research questions. A quantitative research question is designed to be measurable and testable, and it often involves examining the relationship between variables. The corresponding hypothesis statement predicts the expected outcome of the research based on previous knowledge or theories.
Effect of Exercise on Weight Loss | How does regular exercise impact weight loss in individuals? | Individuals who engage in regular exercise will experience greater weight loss. |
Relationship Between Sleep and Productivity | Is there a correlation between sleep duration and productivity levels? | Longer sleep durations are associated with higher levels of productivity. |
Impact of Smartphone Use on Academic Performance | How does smartphone use affect students’ academic performance? | Increased smartphone use leads to decreased academic performance in students. |
Influence of Social Support on Stress | How does social support mitigate stress levels in individuals? | Higher levels of social support result in lower stress levels among individuals. |
Effects of Advertising Frequency on Sales | Does the frequency of advertising exposure affect product sales? | Higher advertising frequency leads to increased product sales. |
Relationship Between Coffee Consumption and Alertness | Is there a relationship between coffee consumption and alertness levels? | Individuals who consume more coffee tend to experience higher levels of alertness. |
Impact of Study Time on Exam Scores | How does the amount of time spent studying affect exam scores? | Longer study hours are associated with improved exam scores. |
Effect of Age on Memory Recall | Does age have an impact on memory recall ability? | Older individuals exhibit lower memory recall compared to younger ones. |
Influence of Price on Consumer Preference | How does the price of a product influence consumers’ preferences? | Consumers are more likely to prefer products with lower prices. |
Relationship Between Screen Time and Sleep Quality | Is there a link between screen time and the quality of sleep? | Increased screen time before bed is linked to poorer sleep quality. |
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychology research questions delve into various aspects of human behavior, cognition, emotion, and more. These questions are designed to gain a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena. Hypothesis statements for psychology hypothesis research predict how certain factors or variables might influence human behavior or mental processes.
Impact of Mindfulness on Stress Reduction | How does practicing mindfulness meditation affect individuals’ stress levels? | Individuals who engage in mindfulness meditation experience reduced levels of stress. |
Relationship Between Parenting Style and Behavior | Is there a correlation between parenting styles and children’s behavior? | Authoritative parenting is associated with positive behavior outcomes in children compared to other styles. |
Effects of Music on Mood and Emotion | How does listening to different types of music influence individuals’ mood and emotional states? | Upbeat music genres are more likely to improve individuals’ mood and evoke positive emotions. |
Influence of Self-Efficacy on Achievement | How does individuals’ self-efficacy beliefs affect their academic and professional achievements? | Individuals with high self-efficacy tend to achieve greater success in both academic and professional domains. |
Impact of Color on Cognitive Performance | How does exposure to different colors affect cognitive performance and concentration? | Certain colors, like blue and green, enhance cognitive performance and attention compared to others. |
Relationship Between Personality and Leadership | Is there a link between personality traits and effective leadership skills? | Individuals with extroverted and conscientious personality traits tend to exhibit stronger leadership skills. |
Effects of Social Media on Body Image | How does frequent exposure to social media impact individuals’ body image perceptions? | Increased social media use contributes to negative body image perceptions and lowered self-esteem. |
Influence of Peer Pressure on Decision Making | How does peer pressure influence individuals’ decision-making processes? | Individuals under peer pressure are more likely to make decisions against their personal preferences. |
Impact of Childhood Trauma on Mental Health | Does childhood trauma have lasting effects on individuals’ mental health outcomes? | Individuals who experienced childhood trauma are more susceptible to long-term mental health issues. |
Relationship Between Empathy and Altruistic Behavior | Is there a connection between empathy levels and engaging in altruistic actions? | Individuals with higher empathy tend to engage in more frequent acts of altruism towards others. |
Testable research questions are formulated in a way that allows them to be tested through empirical observation or experimentation. These questions are often used in scientific and experimental research to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables. The corresponding hypothesis statements propose an expected outcome based on the variables being studied and the conditions of the experiment.
Effect of Vitamin C on Immune System | Can vitamin C supplementation enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off infections? | Individuals taking vitamin C supplements will experience fewer instances of infections. |
Relationship Between Study Methods and Grades | Is there a correlation between study methods and students’ academic grades? | Students who use active study methods will achieve higher grades compared to passive methods. |
Impact of Advertisement Placement on Sales | How does the placement of advertisements influence product sales in retail stores? | Advertisements placed near checkout counters lead to increased product sales. |
Influence of Sleep on Reaction Times | Does sleep duration affect individuals’ reaction times in cognitive tasks? | Individuals with adequate sleep will exhibit faster reaction times in cognitive tasks. |
Effects of Temperature on Productivity | How does room temperature impact employees’ productivity in an office environment? | Comfortable room temperatures enhance employees’ productivity compared to extreme temperatures. |
Relationship Between Exercise and Heart Health | Is there a link between regular exercise and improved heart health? | Individuals who engage in regular exercise have lower risks of heart-related health issues. |
Impact of Adjective Use on Persuasion | Can the use of positive adjectives enhance the persuasiveness of marketing messages? | Marketing messages incorporating positive adjectives lead to greater persuasion effects. |
Influence of Background Music on Creativity | How does background music affect individuals’ creativity levels during tasks? | Background music enhances individuals’ creativity during tasks requiring creative thinking. |
Relationship Between Diet and Blood Pressure | Is there a correlation between dietary habits and blood pressure levels? | Individuals following a low-sodium diet tend to have lower blood pressure readings. |
Effect of Leadership Style on Employee Morale | How does leadership style impact employee morale in a corporate setting? | Transformational leadership fosters higher employee morale compared to autocratic leadership. |
The hypothesis statement and research question statement are closely related but not the same. Both play crucial roles in research, but they serve distinct purposes.
Research question :.
Remember, both research questions and hypotheses play essential roles in guiding your research and framing the investigation’s purpose and expected outcomes.
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Jul 23, 2024 • 13 minutes read
Clear and effective UX research objectives are the starting point of successful studies. Here's what separates good from bad, plus 20 examples to learn from.
Armin Tanovic
Conducting a UX research study helps get feedback on your user’s pain points, expectations, and needs. The insights you collect inform your design decisions, ultimately helping you provide better user experiences.
But before it all begins, you need a solid UX research objective. These specific goals outline the direction for your entire research project; UX research objectives are the north star of any research study—guiding your project toward game-changing insights.
In this article, we’ll cover 20 examples of UX research objectives and explain how to write your own, to set your UX research project up for success.
Maze’s comprehensive suite of UX research methods help you test designs, analyze feedback, and uncover user insights to transform your entire product design process.
A UX research objective is an overarching goal you set to define the purpose of your UX research study. It determines the direction of your entire UX research project and enables you to choose the best UX research methods for collecting insights .
They also ultimately serve as guidelines and a benchmark for success, enabling you to track your progress and measure the impact of your UX research .
UX research objectives help you:
A good UX research objective guides your UX research efforts with a clear definition of what you want to achieve, why you want to achieve it, and what success looks like. Good research objectives should follow the SMART framework:
An example of a SMART UX research objective:
✅ “Evaluate onboarding usability and increase onboarding task completion to 70% over a period of three months.”
This is an objective you can work toward. It has a clear purpose, measurement criteria, and timeline. Bad UX research objectives, however, fail to set a direction for your UX research project. They’re broad, unspecific, and vague , such as:
❌ “Improve the onboarding process for users”
You see? With the first objective, you know exactly what you intend to accomplish through UX research. Perhaps you can already visualize which methods to use, like UX surveys or usability testing .
Option one is a strong UX research objective because it points you in a specific direction. Option two, on the other hand, fails to define boundaries for your UX research project. It doesn’t outline a specific direction or intent that enables you to evaluate the success of your study.
Let’s say you’re designing an e-commerce platform. Your UX objectives will look different depending on where you are in the design process .
To help you create effective objectives for your specific phase, we’ve distilled the design and product development process down into four clear phases, and provided five examples for each stage.
Just to say—these examples don’t always include specific metrics to track, or timelines for the research, as these elements of a SMART goal are very individual to each project.
The product design and development process
In the problem discovery phase, you’re looking to conduct generative research to uncover the pain points and problems users have when using your product. This could be anything from issues navigating the interface, to missing features that would help users achieve their specific goals.
Potential UX research objective examples are:
⚙️ Need a tool to help achieve your research objectives during problem discovery research sessions? Maze’s Interview Studies and Feedback Surveys are a great way to collect qualitative and quantitative data to identify user issues and pain points to inform your research objectives.
Once you know what issues users have with your product, you still need to understand the root causes, what users expect from solutions, and how you can introduce a solution that optimizes the experience.
Here, you need to propose specific design solutions that could potentially smooth out interactions and eliminate friction points throughout the user journey.
Going back to our e-commerce example, potential UX research objective examples are:
During this phase, you’re designing and developing the proposed solution you generated during the previous step. But before these solutions go live, you need to test if they adequately solve user problems as you anticipated.
This typically involves creating and testing a prototype . Some UX research objectives during the design and development phase include:
UX research is an iterative, continuous process. There’s no start or finish, it’s a cycle that continually repeats. Once you design, develop, and launch a new product, feature, or experience—you need to research its impact. Setting post-launch UX research objectives measures if your UX research process was a success. Five of these objectives could be:
⚙️ Looking for a tool to help hit your UX research objectives post-launch? Maze’s Live Website Testing and In-Product Prompt are purpose-built to help you gather real-time user insights.
Writing your own UX research objective can be daunting. After all, it serves as the foundation for your entire UX research project. A wrong objective is a missed opportunity to start your UX research strong and guide your research team, resources, and efforts in the direction of actionable insights. That’s why we’ve outlined steps and best practices to help you get it right.
Begin by assessing both user and stakeholder needs. Use reviews, user personas , results from past UX projects or your UX research repository to identify the most pressing concerns for your users. Then, balance them with your stakeholders’ wider business goals . Finally, write what you intend to uncover through your next project, based on user needs and stakeholder goals.
To ensure your UX research objectives are as effective as can be, follow these four best practices.
Having trouble defining your project’s objective? Start with a problem statement instead. These should clearly define the issues your users are having—they identify and call out pain points, enabling you to get a better idea of what your objectives should be.
This will not only help you think of objectives, but help you organize your team further and delegate tasks.
For example, a problem statement could be “Users are having trouble navigating their customer profile pages” From there, your objective may become “Uncover specific usability and navigation issues with design elements on the profile page.”
A problem statement helps inform your research objectives and research questions by highlighting the overall issue you’re looking to solve.
One thing that all strong UX research objectives share is their actionability. Your objective should be active, defining what you want to achieve from the very start of the sentence.
Doing so ties it to a tangible outcome, helping you clarify what you want while pointing your efforts in the right direction.
Here are some actionable ways to start your UX research objectives:
Starting your objective with a command helps structure your objective from the get-go.
Write too many objectives, and you risk being able to focus on none—ultimately putting your project’s success at risk.
While branching out your efforts is beneficial for more complex studies, having too many objectives can result in spreading your resources too thin.
One to three objectives per study is a good rule of thumb. This range ensures you maintain clarity and focus throughout your project—the whole reason you're writing UX research objectives in the first place.
Make sure that the objectives of your research project are connected in scope and theme, too. If you’re using more than one objective, each should allow you to hone in on a specific issue from multiple angles, not explore three different issues. With the above example, a group of three objectives might look like:
With your freshly-written UX research objectives, you’re probably excited to get started on your UX research. However, you still need to get feedback from stakeholders and team members. Doing so helps you identify:
You might need to refine your UX research objectives based on the feedback you receive. For example, stakeholders might raise concerns about your objective’s feasibility or question if it can help achieve wider business goals like reducing churn or increasing retention. Don’t be afraid to revisit and rework your objectives until everyone’s aligned. This will lead to a stronger result overall.
UX research objectives are the starting point for a fully-fledged UX research plan . From there, you can begin your project, test with real users, and get the insights you need for designing user-centered products .
Given you have the right tool, that is.
Maze is a leading user research platform that makes the process easy. Choose from a wide range of moderated and unmoderated UX research methods and get shareable insights with automated reporting features that make presenting your findings to stakeholders a breeze.
How do you write a user research plan in UX?
A UX research plan is a systematic roadmap for organizing your UX research efforts. To create one, you need to outline:
What is an example of a research goal in UX?
An example of a research goal in UX would be “identify navigation issues for the checkout process on our new e-commerce app.”
What is the purpose of UX research?
UX research aims to understand user behaviors, needs, and preferences to inform the product design process and improve user experience. Through user research methods, organizations can uncover insights that help them create more intuitive, relevant, and successful products.
What’s the difference between UX research objectives and UX research goals?
UX research objectives and UX research goals are generally interchangeable terms but often differ in the level of specificity and detail. UX research objectives are more specific, measurable, and actionable, often supporting broader goals. UX research goals, on the other hand, are broad, often general statements that state what UX research aims to achieve.
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Comparison of urban climate change adaptation plans in selected european cities from a legal and spatial perspective.
Issues Requiring Action by Sectors | Greece | Spain | Poland |
---|---|---|---|
Air quality | No | No | No |
Water resources | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Coast/littoral | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mountain areas | No | No | Yes |
Forestry | Yes | No | Yes |
Forest fires | No | Yes | No |
Biodiversity and ecosystems | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fishery and aquaculture | Yes | Yes | No |
Desertification | No | Yes | No |
Urban build (connection with climate adaptation) | Yes | No | Yes |
Spatial planning | No | No | Yes |
Health | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Agriculture | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tourism | Yes | Yes | No |
Infrastructure and transportation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mining | Yes | No | No |
Energy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Insurance | Yes | No | No |
Cultural heritage | Yes | Yes | No |
Social attitudes | No | No | Yes |
Innovation | No | No | Yes |
4.2. legal conditions for the adoption and content of municipal climate change adaptation plans in the countries studied.
City | Athens | Barcelona | Warsaw |
---|---|---|---|
Legal conditions | No obligation to adopt a plan at the municipal level. The provisions of the plan are not legally binding. Adopting climate change adaptation plans at the regional level is mandatory. | No obligation to adopt a plan at the municipal level. The plan’s provisions are not legally binding. In some regions, regional climate change laws were passed that require the preparation of local adaptation plans (Basque Country, Catalonia, Valencian Community). | No obligation to adopt a plan at the municipal level. The provisions of the plan are not legally binding. |
Key elements of the plan content | |||
Main recommendations included in the plan |
Greece | Spain | Poland |
---|---|---|
Local Urban Plans (LUPs) and Special Urban Plans (SUPs). The Local Urban Plans (L. 4258/2014, art. 2): The Special Urban Plans: situations due to lack or inadequacy of urban planning. | The state Climate Change Law (2021) includes the obligation to incorporate climate change in regional and urban planning and management, with the following principles: For its part, it is necessary to consider the principle of prevention of natural risks and severe accidents in the planning of land uses. Risks derived from climate change will also be included: | There is a lack of spatial planning instruments that can be directly linked to the response to climate challenges. There is a lack of clear ranking of spatial planning objectives in the context of climate challenges. It is only possible to indicate that some parts of the spatial planning instruments can be linked to climate challenges. This is framed chaotically and haphazardly (especially from the perspective of climate challenges). Examples include: |
City | Athens | Barcelona | Warsaw |
---|---|---|---|
Key spatial recommendations in climate change adaptation plans | Installation of photovoltaic systems in municipal buildings. Installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of Athens. Mapping of the street lighting network to replace all the lamps. Upgrading and widening sidewalks, light traffic roads, and walkways. Expansion of the bicycle paths network. Restorations and renovations of public areas. Pocket parks. Establishment and acquisition of green spaces. Building shell planting, green roofs, walls, and stops. Green roads, corridors, and routes. | Rehabilitation of homes for vulnerable people. Create new green areas: “Barcelona, city of shadow”. Create “climate shelters”. Regulate pavements and roofs to increase the albedo. Adapt current urban planning regulations to climate change. Use draining pavements. Creation of “superblocks” throughout the city, to reduce vehicle circulation and recover the streets for citizens. | Implementation of sustainable development. Protection of green spaces. Management of rainwater in the rainfall area. Considering the heat island in planning documents, including monitoring and causal factors. Considering potential flooding and flood risk analyses in planning documents. |
5. discussion, 5.1. key topics addressed in the article.
5.4. limitations of the study.
Institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.
Click here to enlarge figure
Greece | Spain | Poland |
---|---|---|
Improve the Municipality’s ability to address the increasing urban temperatures. Transform the built environment to establish neighborhoods that are more livable, appealing, and sustainable. Increase in RES share in electricity consumption. Sustainable and smart mobility. | Approval of urban plans for the creation of urban superblocks, which already has concrete examples in the L’Eixample área. Since 2019, creation of a network of 300 climate shelters in public buildings in the city. Approval of the expansion of the Prat de Llobregat desalination plant with the new floating desalination plant in the port of Barcelona, which will increase the desalination capacity of the first one by 14 hm /year (60 hm /year). This guarantees 40% of Barcelona’s urban supply in the event that a new drought could endanger the supply from the water transfer from the Ter River. In 2023, the construction of 31 new rainwater tanks has been approved to store rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding in the urban area. | No significant effects. The plans are a postulatory instrument without broader translation into concrete spatial effects. |
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Nowak, M.J.; Bera, M.; Lazoglou, M.; Olcina-Cantos, J.; Vagiona, D.G.; Monteiro, R.; Mitrea, A. Comparison of Urban Climate Change Adaptation Plans in Selected European Cities from a Legal and Spatial Perspective. Sustainability 2024 , 16 , 6327. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156327
Nowak MJ, Bera M, Lazoglou M, Olcina-Cantos J, Vagiona DG, Monteiro R, Mitrea A. Comparison of Urban Climate Change Adaptation Plans in Selected European Cities from a Legal and Spatial Perspective. Sustainability . 2024; 16(15):6327. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156327
Nowak, Maciej J., Milena Bera, Miltiades Lazoglou, Jorge Olcina-Cantos, Dimitra G. Vagiona, Renato Monteiro, and Andrei Mitrea. 2024. "Comparison of Urban Climate Change Adaptation Plans in Selected European Cities from a Legal and Spatial Perspective" Sustainability 16, no. 15: 6327. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156327
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The research aims, objectives and research questions (collectively called the "golden thread") are arguably the most important thing you need to get right when you're crafting a research proposal, dissertation or thesis.We receive questions almost every day about this "holy trinity" of research and there's certainly a lot of confusion out there, so we've crafted this post to help ...
The first question asks for a ready-made solution, and is not focused or researchable. The second question is a clearer comparative question, but note that it may not be practically feasible. For a smaller research project or thesis, it could be narrowed down further to focus on the effectiveness of drunk driving laws in just one or two countries.
Examples of Specific Research Objectives: 1. "To examine the effects of rising temperatures on the yield of rice crops during the upcoming growth season.". 2. "To assess changes in rainfall patterns in major agricultural regions over the first decade of the twenty-first century (2000-2010).". 3.
Formulating research objectives has the following five steps, which could help researchers develop a clear objective: 8. Identify the research problem. Review past studies on subjects similar to your problem statement, that is, studies that use similar methods, variables, etc.
Example: Research aim. To examine contributory factors to muscle retention in a group of elderly people. Example: Research objectives. To assess the relationship between sedentary habits and muscle atrophy among the participants. To determine the impact of dietary factors, particularly protein consumption, on the muscular health of the ...
A well-crafted research question (or set of questions) sets the stage for a robust study and meaningful insights. But, if you're new to research, it's not always clear what exactly constitutes a good research question. In this post, we'll provide you with clear examples of quality research questions across various disciplines, so that you can approach your research project with confidence!
A good research question is essential to guide your research paper, dissertation, or thesis. All research questions should be: Focused on a single problem or issue. Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources. Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints. Specific enough to answer thoroughly.
Definition: Research questions are the specific questions that guide a research study or inquiry. These questions help to define the scope of the research and provide a clear focus for the study. Research questions are usually developed at the beginning of a research project and are designed to address a particular research problem or objective.
As the name suggests, these types of research questions seek to explore the relationships between variables. Here, an example could be something like "What is the relationship between X and Y" or "Does A have an impact on B". As you can see, these types of research questions are interested in understanding how constructs or variables ...
A research question is a clear, focused, concise, and arguable question on which your research and writing are centered. 1 It states various aspects of the study, including the population and variables to be studied and the problem the study addresses. These questions also set the boundaries of the study, ensuring cohesion.
There are two types of research: Qualitative research and Quantitative research. There must be research questions for every type of research. Your research question will be based on the type of research you want to conduct and the type of data collection. The first step in designing research involves identifying a gap and creating a focused ...
Research Objectives. Research objectives refer to the specific goals or aims of a research study. They provide a clear and concise description of what the researcher hopes to achieve by conducting the research.The objectives are typically based on the research questions and hypotheses formulated at the beginning of the study and are used to guide the research process.
The examples of research questions provided in this guide have illustrated what good research questions look like. The key points outlined below should help researchers in the pursuit: The development of a research question is an iterative process that involves continuously updating one's knowledge on the topic and refining ideas at all ...
Here are some examples of research objectives in different fields: 1. Objective: To identify key characteristics and styles of Renaissance art. ... Additionally, research objectives and questions should be achievable within the given timeframe and resources of the research project. By clearly defining the objectives and questions, researchers ...
Assess your chosen research question using the FINER criteria that helps you evaluate whether the research is Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, and Relevant. 1. Formulate the final research question, while ensuring it is clear, well-written, and addresses all the key elements of a strong research question.
From a high-level perspective, research questions and research objectives make the same statements, but just in different formats. Taking the first three research objectives as an example, they can be restructured into research questions as follows: ... Checking Research Objective Example Against Recommended Approach. Research Objective: 1 ...
Specificity: Objectives should be specific and narrowly focused on the aspects of the research topic that the study intends to investigate. They should answer the question of "what" or "which" rather than "how" or "why.". Measurability: Research objectives should be formulated in a way that allows for measurement and evaluation.
The research question helps to define the scope and focus of the study. It identifies the specific topic or issue that the researcher wants to investigate, and it sets the boundaries for the study. A research question can also help you determine if your study primarily contributes to theory or is more applied in nature.
A good research question is essential to guide your research paper, dissertation, or thesis. All research questions should be: Focused on a single problem or issue. Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources. Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints. Specific enough to answer thoroughly.
A qualitative research question is a type of systematic inquiry that aims at collecting qualitative data from research subjects. The aim of qualitative research questions is to gather non-statistical information pertaining to the experiences, observations, and perceptions of the research subjects in line with the objectives of the investigation.
Research questions, hypotheses and objectives. There is an increasing familiarity with the principles of evidence-based medicine in the surgical community. As surgeons become more aware of the hierarchy of evidence, grades of recommendations and the principles of critical appraisal, they develop an increasing familiarity with research design.
For example, an objective for the above research question might be "To determine the correlation between social media usage and rates of depression in teenagers." This objective is more specific and measurable than the research question and helps define the specific outcomes that the researcher is looking to achieve. It is important to note ...
In every research, the terms 'research aim', 'research objectives', 'research questions' and 'research hypotheses' tend to have precise meaning, therefore defining the core objectives is the ...
In this example, the research question focuses on the relationship between exercise and mental well-being among college students. The hypothesis statement predicts a specific outcome, stating that there will be a positive impact on mental well-being for those who exercise regularly. The hypothesis guides the research process and provides a ...
Focus your research efforts: A specific objective helps you and your team focus on specific tasks and methods that collect relevant feedback from your users Align team members and stakeholders: Use your objective to ensure stakeholders and team members are all on the same page, setting the stage for seamless collaboration across multiple departments ...
These types of questions do exactly what they sound like they do - they serve as mirrors of self-awareness and introspection. When used correctly, reflective questions can be powerful tools for personal growth and self-discovery, and building meaningful connections with others. Examples of reflective questions
The research questions formulated and addressed are as follows: how do urban climate change adaptation plans in the selected countries define key climate challenges? ... Τhe example of Spain and Greece confirms that plans can combine general climate change adaptation objectives with specific (evasive) guidelines for urban policies, while the ...
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