Research Questions

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 to clearly define a path for the
research process, Rienecker, L & Jorgense PS. (2015). Research questions are 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.  

The primary importance of framing the research question is that it narrows down a broad
topic of interest into a specific area of study (Creswell, 2014). Research questions, along with
hypotheses, also serve as a guiding framework for research. These questions also specifically
reveal the boundaries of the study, setting its limits, and ensuring cohesion.

Moreover, the research question has a domino effect on the rest of the study. These questions
influence factors, such as the research methodology, sample size, data collection, and data
analysis (Lipowski, 2008).

Types of Research Questions 

Doody and Bailey (2016) suggest Qualitative and quantitative research questions as the most
common types of questions. 

Qualitative Research Questions 

Qualitative research questions may concern broad areas of research or more specific areas of
study. Unlike their quantitative questions, qualitative research questions are usually
adaptable, non-directional, and more flexible (Creswell, 2013). As a result, studies using
these questions generally aim to “discover,” “explain,” or “explore. 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. 

Types of Qualitative Research Questions 

 Case Studies
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 analyse 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. 

Some questions you can include in your case studies are: 

1. Why did you choose our services?

2. How has this policy affected your business output? 
3. What benefits have you recorded since you started using our product?

 Interviews

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. 

Interview research can be conducted through scheduling a physical meeting with respondents,
a telephone conversation, and via digital media and video conferencing platforms like Skype
and Zoom. Alternatively, form plus surveys and questionnaires can also be used. 

Examples of interview questions include: what challenges did you face while using our
product? what specific needs did our product meet? what would you like us to improve our
service delivery?

Quantitative Research Questions

Quantitative research questions are questions that are used to gather quantifiable data from
research subjects. These types of research questions are precise, typically include the
population to be studied, dependent and independent variables, and the research design to be
used. They are usually framed and finalized at the start of the study (Berger, 2015). Types of
Quantitative Research Questions

 Descriptive Research Questions

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 behaviours. Examples of descriptive research questions are, how often do you
make use of our fitness application? and how much would you be willing to pay for this
product?

 Comparative Research Questions

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.  

Comparative Research Question Samples 

1. What are the differences between a landline telephone and a smartphone?What are the
differences between work-from-home and on-site operations?
  Relationship-based Research Questions 

Just like the name suggests, a relationship-based research question is one that inquiries 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. 

Examples of relationship-based research questions include: 

1. What is the relationship between purchasing power and the business site?
2. What is the relationship between the work environment and workforce turnover?

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.

 Open-Ended Questions

 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, How do you deal with stress in the workplace? what is
a typical day at work like for you?

 Close-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. 

 Open-Ended Questions
 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, How do you deal with stress in the workplace? what is
a typical day at work like for you?

 Close-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.