This document discusses research questions, their definition, importance, and characteristics of good research questions. It states that research problems are often posed as questions to focus the investigation. A good research question helps define and narrow the scope of the investigation. It should be researchable, significant, and ethical while considering the researcher's skills and resources. Good research questions are feasible, clear, significant, and ethical.

1. Basharat Rasheed Mirza.

2.  Definition
 Importance of Research Questions
 Selection of a Research Problem/Question
 Characteristics of Good Research
Questions
 Examples
 Conclusion

3.  Research problems are frequently stated as
Research Questions.
 A Research Question is the statement of the
problem, to be researched, in inquisitive
form.
 A Research Question is usually the research
problem posed as a question which serves as
the focus of the researcher’s investigation.
 Research Question is the process of
operationalizing the research.

4. A good research question:
 Helps to find the direction
 Helps to narrow the scope
 Defines the investigation
 Sets boundaries

5. The research problem:
 Should be “researchable” i.e. it can be
investigated through the collection and
analysis of data
 Should have theoretical or practical
significance

6. A research problem should be
relevant to your:
 Academic interest
 Current level of research skills
 Available resources
 Time and other restrictions

7. Good research questions possess
four essential characteristics:
 The question is Feasible, i.e., it can be
investigated without an undue amount of
time, effort, or money.
 The question is Clear, i.e., most people
would agree as to what the key words in the
question mean.

8.  The question is Significant, i.e., it is worth
investigating because it will contribute
important knowledge about the human
condition.
 The question is Ethical, i.e., it will not
involve physical or psychological harm or
damage to human beings, or to the natural or
social environment of which they are a part.
 The questions often(not always) suggest a
relationship to be investigated.

9. NO
Non researchable
YES
Researchable
 Should I put my
youngster in
preschool?
 What is the best way
to learn to read?
 Are some people born
bad?
 Do children enrolled in
preschool develop
better social skills than
children not enrolled?
 At which age is it better
to introduce phonics to
children-age 5, age 6,
or age 7?
 Who commits more
crimes-poor people or
rich people?

10.  Many research problems are stated as questions.
 A research problem in question form is a
Research Question.
 A research problem should be
researchable, should have theoretical and
practical significance, and should be relevant to
academic interest, level of research
skills, available resources, time & other
restrictions.
 Good research questions have four essential
characteristics: they are
feasible, clear, significant, and ethical.

11. Thank you