In the Activity “The Significance of Research Questions,” what does the reading mention that a research question helps you to avoid? Have you experienced this in your own writing? Why or why not? Now, write one research question with a bias (the incorrect way) on a topic you know well, and then rewrite the the same research question without bias (the correct way). Explain why the original question contained a bias, and how the rewritten version is now without bias. How will the direction given on writing research questions in this Activity affect you in your writing in the future? Please explain.
Note: for this course, I encourage you to practice APA citation style in your milestones so you can get ready for the final. I encourage you to find the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University and review the guide for the APA 7th Edition. Read a sample student paper and review the sections labeled “in-text basics” and “references basics” to get a feel for the general structure of APA formatting style. You will need this to succeed on the final, so you might as well begin practicing now.
WHY ARE RESEARCH QUESTIONS IMPORTANT?
The Significance of Research Questions
A research question guides you through the research process; it directs a line of argument and inquiry. It will keep you focused on your topic and prevent you from wasting time with sources you cannot use. Read this section to learn more about the importance of research questions.
In particular, a research question helps you avoid producing papers that are too broad and thus unfocused. They force you to avoid a narrow focus that may hinder the research process. Instead, a research question helps provide focus for a topic and determine which sources are appropriate for answering the questions.
Ideally, a research question leads to logical research methodology and objective investigation. A successful research question is worded so it avoids bias and predetermined assumptions about the topic. For example, the following question reflects some bias: What are some reasons factory workers on the overnight shift make more errors than those workers who work the day shift? The way the question is written suggests the researcher has already made assumptions about the factory workers who work the overnight shift. The research question suggests that factory workers on the overnight shift are not as accurate, but it disregards the possibility that more errors are made during the morning and afternoon shifts. If the researcher pursued this question as it is, he or she may only focus on research pertaining to overnight workers, instead of statistics and observational studies, which might reveal the significant rate of mistakes on the part of day shift workers. Therefore, the design of the original research question could lead to flaws in collection and evaluation of sources. A better way to write the research question with the bias removed would be: During which shifts do factory workers make the most errors? Once you have established which shift makes the most errors, you can then ask, “Why?” The revised research question seeks to understand the aspects of working conditions that negatively impact performance, and it also directs the researcher to use more appropriate sources that will present equal information on the three different shifts and their error rates.
A research question also reflects the value of the topic for you as well as others. To assess the value of your research question in terms of how others might perceive it, think about the potential contribution of your project to the discipline or field of study. Is your research question addressing a timely need, or is it targeting a topic that is becoming obsolete? Did you use current social or theoretical concerns to inform the design of your research question? Will your question stimulate the interest of others? Did you present an existing problem to research in a refreshing new way?
The point of research is to gather and use information for a distinct purpose. Some research questions have practical value for many since they can potentially improve a process or condition. As Badke points out, “Information is not an end in itself, but a means to help solve a problem.” Research is not simply finding information; its power is in the evaluation and application of the information.
Review these sample research questions that are related to different conditions or topics.
Science, Energy, Alternative Energy, Solar Power
Is there a way to augment solar panels to enable them to be a more visible energy source?
Medicine and Healthcare
How will the Affordable Care Act change the delivery of healthcare in the United States?
Will the Affordable Care Act in the United States change how employers provide healthcare to their employees?
Business and Finance
What would be the effect on the American economy if the largest banks were allowed to fail?
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