Finding the right research question and defining it clearly is the first step to successful publication. Why?
A great research question makes a good initial impression on journal editors and peer reviewers.
A well-defined research question gives you greater clarity on developing the study protocol, designing the study, and analyzing the data. Occasionally, you may stumble upon potential research questions while reading literature in your field or during research on a related topic. At other times, you may find choosing a research question stressful because of the immense pressure to publish. Whichever situation you find yourself in, remember to consider the following six key factors when finalizing a research question.
1. Is your question novel?
The lack of novelty of findings is one of the most common reasons for rejection by journals. Your research question should not already have an obvious or undisputed answer.
2. Is your question relevant?
2. Is your question relevant?
Any research question should pass the “so what?” test. Will the findings that result from pursuing a question be important, interesting, and meaningful in your field of study? Once you have determined the possible outcomes of your research, always ask yourself “So what?”
3. Is your question interesting?
Is your research question of personal interest to you? Choosing a topic that is interesting, as opposed to just “easy” or “impressive,” will help you sustain your motivation throughout the project, which is essential for a career in research.
4. Is your question feasible?
Do you have the skill, access to technology, and any other support (say from senior researchers, advisers) that are required to answer your research question? If you have a great question but inadequate resources/skill to pursue it, you may eventually feel frustrated and compelled to choose another question. You wouldn’t want to spend so much time and energy on something that doesn’t get you the results you need.
5. Is your question too complex?
Although a single paper can address more than one research question, it is good practice to focus on one primary research question.
6. Which stage of your career are you at?
• If you are a graduate student or an early-career researcher, you should probably choose a problem that is easy to solve so that any success and positive feedback will boost your confidence.
A common mistake made by graduate students at the beginning of their career is choosing the first problem that comes to mind. Avoid this tendency the best you can, and invest time in assessing the strengths and limitations of your question!
• If you are a post-doc and work under time constraints or have difficulty in securing funds, you might prefer projects that are easy but would lead to a large gain in knowledge.
• If you are a principal investigator just beginning to head a lab, you will probably need a large and perhaps complex question that can be divided into many smaller projects.
Specific research-question frameworks have been developed to help researchers formulate questions step by step and factor by factor. Examples of such frameworks are PICOT, PESICO, and FINER. Using these templates can help you follow a structured method for finalizing your questions.
Read more about these best practices and research-question frameworks.
So the next time you think of a potential question and feel the urge to start work on it, put it through a rigorous test using this checklist! It will be well worth your time and effort.
3. Is your question interesting?
Is your research question of personal interest to you? Choosing a topic that is interesting, as opposed to just “easy” or “impressive,” will help you sustain your motivation throughout the project, which is essential for a career in research.
4. Is your question feasible?
Do you have the skill, access to technology, and any other support (say from senior researchers, advisers) that are required to answer your research question? If you have a great question but inadequate resources/skill to pursue it, you may eventually feel frustrated and compelled to choose another question. You wouldn’t want to spend so much time and energy on something that doesn’t get you the results you need.
5. Is your question too complex?
Although a single paper can address more than one research question, it is good practice to focus on one primary research question.
6. Which stage of your career are you at?
• If you are a graduate student or an early-career researcher, you should probably choose a problem that is easy to solve so that any success and positive feedback will boost your confidence.
A common mistake made by graduate students at the beginning of their career is choosing the first problem that comes to mind. Avoid this tendency the best you can, and invest time in assessing the strengths and limitations of your question!
• If you are a post-doc and work under time constraints or have difficulty in securing funds, you might prefer projects that are easy but would lead to a large gain in knowledge.
• If you are a principal investigator just beginning to head a lab, you will probably need a large and perhaps complex question that can be divided into many smaller projects.
Specific research-question frameworks have been developed to help researchers formulate questions step by step and factor by factor. Examples of such frameworks are PICOT, PESICO, and FINER. Using these templates can help you follow a structured method for finalizing your questions.
Read more about these best practices and research-question frameworks.
So the next time you think of a potential question and feel the urge to start work on it, put it through a rigorous test using this checklist! It will be well worth your time and effort.
