How to Formulate a Dissertation Research Question

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How to Formulate a Dissertation Research Question

Formulating a strong dissertation research question is one of the most important steps in the dissertation process. A well-crafted question not only guides your research but also ensures your dissertation remains focused and aligned with your objectives. Here’s how to formulate a research question:

1. Start with a Broad Topic

  • Begin by identifying a broad topic of interest within your field of study. This could be a subject you’re passionate about or a problem you’ve observed in the field that needs further investigation.

    • Example: Climate change, educational disparities, digital marketing.

2. Narrow Down the Focus

  • Once you’ve chosen a broad topic, narrow it down to a specific area. Consider current trends, gaps in the literature, or unresolved issues. This will help focus your research and make it more manageable.

    • Example: Instead of focusing on “climate change,” narrow it down to “the impact of climate change on coastal cities” or “climate change policies in small island nations.”

3. Identify the Problem or Issue

  • Define the specific problem or issue you want to explore. What is the gap in knowledge that your research will address? This problem should stem from the literature review and existing studies.

    • Example: Lack of sustainable urban development in coastal areas or The effects of climate change policies on local economies.

4. Use the PICO(T) Framework (for Health, Social Science, or Behavioral Research)

  • If your research is related to health, social sciences, or behavioral studies, you can use the PICO(T) framework to formulate your research question:

    • P: Population or participants

    • I: Intervention or independent variable

    • C: Comparison group or baseline

    • O: Outcome you want to measure

    • T: Time (optional)

    • Example: In coastal city residents (P), how do climate change adaptation policies (I) compare to the effects of public awareness campaigns (C) in reducing environmental damage (O) over the next 10 years (T)?

5. Make the Question Specific and Researchable

  • Your question should be clear, specific, and researchable. Avoid overly broad or vague questions, as they can lead to an unmanageable scope. A strong research question should be specific enough to allow you to collect meaningful data.

    • Example: Instead of “How does climate change affect coastal cities?” ask “What are the economic impacts of rising sea levels on urban infrastructure in coastal cities?”

6. Ensure Feasibility

  • Consider whether your question is feasible in terms of data availability, time, and resources. Can you gather the necessary data to answer your question? Is your question too broad to answer within the timeframe of your dissertation?

7. Be Original and Valuable

  • Aim for a research question that offers new insights or contributes to existing knowledge. Your question should add value to the field and address an area that has not been explored or fully understood.

    • Example: The role of emerging technologies in urban climate change mitigation rather than simply examining existing climate change models.

8. Refine and Revise

  • After you have formulated your initial research question, refine it by discussing it with your advisor or colleagues. Feedback from others can help you identify areas for improvement, and ensure that the question is clear, focused, and feasible.

Published by oriaku