Formulate Research Questions Based on the Aim and Objectives

Formulating well-structured research questions is crucial for designing a meaningful study. These questions serve as the foundation for your methodology, data collection, and analysis. Research questions should stem directly from your research aim and objectives, offering a clear direction and measurable path for investigation.

1

Revisit Your Research Aim and Objectives

2

Translate Each Objective into a Specific Question

3

Choose the Right Type of Research Question

4

Apply the SMART and FINER Criteria

5

Limit the Number and Prioritize Key Questions

Example:

Research Aim: To explore the impact of social media usage on academic performance among university students.

Objectives:

  1. To assess the amount of time students spend on social media.
  2. To evaluate the relationship between social media use and academic grades.
  3. To explore students’ perceptions of how social media affects their study habits

Pro Tip:

Write your aim and objectives on a separate sheet. Draw arrows from each objective to a possible research question. This visual mapping helps ensure alignment.

Step 1: Revisit Your Research Aim and Objectives

Before writing your research questions, it’s essential to carefully review your aim and objectives.

The aim provides the broad purpose of your study, while objectives are the specific steps you plan to take to achieve that aim.

Research questions should directly reflect and align with these components.

Step 2: Translate Each Objective into a Specific Question

Once you’ve listed your objectives, the next step is to reword each one as a question.

This transformation is straightforward: each objective, written as an action, becomes a query seeking an answer.

Example:

  • Objective 1 → Research Question 1: How much time do university students spend on social media per day?
  • Objective 2 → Research Question 2: What is the relationship between social media usage and academic performance?
  • Objective 3 → Research Question 3: How do students perceive the impact of social media on their study habits?

Each question must be clear, focused, and researchable.

Pro Tip:

Keep your questions open-ended if you aim to explore phenomena (qualitative) or closed-ended if you plan to measure variables (quantitative). This distinction ensures your questions are methodologically appropriate.

Example:

If your research aims to describe patterns or behaviors, your question may look like: "What are the most commonly used time management strategies among postgraduate students?" If your goal is to compare groups or variables, a question such as: "How does academic performance differ between students who use digital note-taking apps and those who use paper-based methods?" would be appropriate. For causal research, you might ask: "Does increased screen time negatively impact memory retention in students?" And for exploratory studies, your question may be: "How do first-generation college students perceive their academic challenges?"

Pro Tip:

Always match your research question type with your research design. For quantitative studies, go for measurable, objective questions. For qualitative studies, lean towards open-ended questions that explore experiences, perceptions, or meanings.

Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Research Question

Not all research questions serve the same purpose, and selecting the appropriate type is essential to ensure that your study is aligned with your overall research strategy.

Broadly, research questions fall into several categories such as descriptive, comparative, causal, and exploratory.

Understanding which type fits your study will help you design your methodology more effectively.

Step 4: Apply the SMART and FINER Criteria

To refine your research questions, evaluate them using SMART and FINER frameworks.

SMART Criteria:

  • Specific – Focused and clearly defined
  • Measurable – Can be quantified or qualified
  • Achievable – Realistic within scope and resources
  • Relevant – Related to your field and aim
  • Time-bound – Feasible within your research timeline

FINER Criteria:

  • Feasible – Can you complete it with available tools and time?
  • Interesting – Does it add value or provoke curiosity?
  • Novel – Is it contributing something new?
  • Ethical – Can it be conducted responsibly?
  • Relevant – Is it aligned with academic or societal needs?

Example:

Too broad:

What are the effects of technology on education?

Refined:

How does the use of mobile learning apps influence academic engagement among high school students in urban schools?

Pro Tip:

Ask a colleague or mentor to review your questions using these criteria. A second opinion often catches blind spots you might miss.

Example:

Let’s say your study has five objectives—pick the top three as primary questions, and the other two as supporting or sub-questions.

Pro Tip:

Structure your thesis around the top 3 questions. Use others to guide analysis or discussion but avoid overloading your research scope.

Step 5: Limit the Number and Prioritize Key Questions

It’s tempting to cover every angle, but having too many research questions can make your study unfocused and unmanageable. Stick to 3 to 5 main questions that directly address your objectives.

Rank your questions by importance:

  1. Which question addresses the core aim of the study?
  2. Which ones are essential to achieving the objectives?
  3. Which ones can be secondary or exploratory?

This helps you structure your methodology and literature review more effectively.

Research questions aren’t just formalities—they are the blueprint for your entire study. When crafted carefully, they ensure your research is focused, relevant, and impactful.

Remember, a well-structured research question is not only academically sound but also tells your reader exactly what you’re trying to find out and how.

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