10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project
The research question is one of the most important parts of your research paper, thesis or dissertation. It’s important to spend some time assessing and refining your question before you get started.
The exact form of your question will depend on a few things, such as the length of your project, the type of research you’re conducting, the topic, and the research problem. However, all research questions should be focused, specific, and relevant to a timely social or scholarly issue.
Once you’ve read our guide on how to write a research question, you can use these examples to craft your own.
| Research question | Explanation |
|---|---|
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The first question is not specific enough. The second question is more researchable, using qualitative and quantitative data collection. |
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Starting with “why” often means that your question is not focused enough: there are too many possible answers. By targeting just one specific aspect of the problem, the second question offers a clear path for research. |
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The first question is too broad and subjective: there’s no clear criteria for what counts as “better.” The second question is much more researchable. It uses clearly defined terms and narrows its focus to a specific population. |
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It is generally not feasible for academic research to answer broad normative questions. The second question is more specific, aiming to gain an understanding of possible solutions in order to make informed recommendations. |
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The first question is too simple: it can be answered with a simple yes or no. The second question is more complex, requiring in-depth investigation and the development of an original argument. |
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The first question is too broad and not very original. The second question identifies an underexplored aspect of the topic that requires investigation of various primary and secondary sources to answer. |
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The first question is not focused enough: it tries to address two different practical problems (the quality of sexual health services and LGBT support services). Even though the two issues are related, it’s not clear how the research will bring them together. The second integrates the two problems into one focused, specific question. |
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The first question is too simple, asking for a straightforward fact that can be easily found online. The second is a more complex question that requires data collection and detailed discussion to answer. |
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The first question is not original or relevant — it would be very difficult to contribute anything new. The second question takes a specific angle to make an original argument, and has more relevance to current social concerns and debates. |
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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. |
Note that the design of your research question can depend on what method you are pursuing. Here are a few options for qualitative, quantitative, and statistical research questions.
| Type of research | Example question |
|---|---|
| Qualitative research question |
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| Quantitative research question |
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| Statistical research question |
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McCombes, S. (2023, October 19). 10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project. Scribbr. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-question-examples/
