AEE 3: Formulating research questions
- 1. What is a research question? • The main question which you will investigate in your research proposal • It will ‘…dictate the kind of data you need, and in turn, the methods of data collection and analysis that are most appropriate.’ (White 2009: 1) 14/01/2015Slide 1
- 2. According to O’Leary (2010: 60) a good research question needs to be… Right for you. Why? Right for the field. Why? Well articulated. Why? Doable. How and why? Approved. Why and by who? 14/01/2015Slide 2
- 3. Activity 1 What makes a good research question? Look at each research question in Activity 1 on the worksheet. In pairs, discuss: Is it okay or not? If not, what might be the problem with it? 14/01/2015Slide 3
- 4. So, a good research question should be • Limited in its scope • Use correct terminology from the subject you are studying • Doable in terms of research methodology and practical considerations • Avoid including hidden assumptions • Avoid a normative/ethical bias • Avoid tautology 14/01/2015Slide 4
- 5. Starting: sources of inspiration Personal insights Your own experiences Observation Contemporary issues in the media Exploring the literature Revisiting previous modules (from O’Leary 2010: 48) 14/01/2015Slide 5
- 6. Take a minute… …and a piece of paper. Let your mind relax and feel free. Jot down any ideas you have, don’t stop yourself from thinking anything, let your mind wander from one thought to another, draw or doodle if you need to... What really interests you in Sociology/Criminology? 14/01/2015Slide 6
- 7. Now divide into groups of three. A: ask the questions on the worksheet C: Take notes as shown on the worksheet. Be ready to report to class on B’s ideas! B: Answer the questions as best you can 14/01/2015Slide 7
- 8. C: ask the questions on the worksheet B: Take notes as shown on the worksheet. Be ready to report to class on A’s ideas! A: Answer the questions as best you can 14/01/2015Slide 8 Swap roles
- 9. Swap roles again! B: ask the questions on the worksheet A: Take notes as shown on the worksheet. Be ready to report to class on C’s ideas! C: Answer the questions as best you can 14/01/2015Slide 9
- 10. Reporting back • Report back your discussion on research questions. • Everyone: make suggestions about how to improve the questions! Think: What do you need to do next? 14/01/2015Slide 10