RESEARCH QUESTION

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RESEARCH QUESTION
Presentation By Dr. Shaji Poulose, Managing
Director, Indian Homoeopathic Research Centre
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How is a good research question framed ?
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Idea of a research topic may be

• An area of interest to the investigator
• In response to a public health issue
• To verify data identified by surveillance
• To fulfill policy requirement

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Where the ideas come from

• Inquisitive minds
• Talking to experts
• Attending seminars
• As part of a job
• Critical reading
• Observing patients
• Doubt raised by a colleague

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Functions of research question

• Define the nature and scope of research project
• Determine the design of the project
• Identify the sample
• Guide data collection
• Framework of data collection

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It should specify

• What
• Measurable variables
• Who
• Subjects and controls
• Where
• Location
• How
• Method

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Type of research
Quantitative Qualitative
Quantitative
Theory
Research objective
verification
Relationship between variables

• What, where when

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For example

• Research topic - Physical activity Cardio
  Vascular disease
• Research problem is there any link between both
• Research question will 30 minutes of moderate
  activity reduce hyper tension in office workers
  in kerala
• Hypothesis 30 minutes of daily activity in
  sedentary office workers will reduce Systolic BP
  by 10 mm of Hg

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Qualitative method

• Research question is a central element
• How why
• Focus is on a smaller sample
• Gives better and deeper understanding

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Where to start

• Start formulating questions by following your own
  interests
• Do I know the field and the literature well
• Extensively study your topic
• Craft your probable question
• Challenge and modify your question repeatedly
  until a robust research question is achieved

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A good research question should be

• Make it timely
• Frame it as a paradox
• Take a distinctive approach

Evocative

• Fill in the missing piece
• Make connections

Relevant

• Be specific as possible
• Ground the questions
• Limit variables

Clear

• Consider your limitations

Researchable
Ethical
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Evaluate your own research question

• Does it spark my own opinion
• Is the question easily and fully researchable
• What type of information do I need to answer the
  research question
• What are the sources I need
• Can I access these sources

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Clinical research can be
Case study Natural history Morphology Survey
Population problem
Descriptive
Find relationships
Exploratory
Cohort / case control study
Controlled trials Meta analysis
Experimental
Cause effect
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Research designs
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Short-term goals

• Will my study have a significant impact on the
  field
• Will it lead to greater understanding
• Will it provoke new research works

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Long-term goals

• Why are you doing this research
• What are the long term implications
• What other avenues are open to explore
• What is ultimate application or use of research

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Thank You