Discussion: What Makes a Good Research Question?

A good research question sets the stage for how the methods and procedures of the study unfold.

Before you delve into the development of your own research question, watch the following video to discover some tips.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2017). What makes a good research question? [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.

Credit: Provided courtesy of the Laureate International Network of Universities.

In this Discussion, you will identify criteria for a good qualitative research question.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the video, “Introduction to SAGE Research Methods Online,” which can be found in this week’s Learning Resources.

As you draft your initial Discussion post, consider the following:

• What defines a good qualitative research question?
• What do you look for in content, in terminology, and in alignment with the research problem?

Find and briefly summarize (1–2 paragraphs)
a qualitative research article to use as an example of how the
researcher presented either a good qualitative research question or a
poorly formed research question.

By Day 3

Post a 2-part response to the following prompts:

• Share a definition, in your own words, of a good qualitative research question. Cite sources to support what you have developed.
• Present the summary of the qualitative research article you found,
  and justify why it meets or does not meet your criteria for a good
  research question.