Types of Research Questions

Designing strong research questions is one of the most critical steps in a PhD. A well-defined research question determines the direction of your study, guides your methodology, and enhances the credibility of your findings. Without a clear research question, your study can lack focus, making it difficult to analyze data, establish connections, and contribute meaningfully to your field.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore the 7 fundamental types of research questions that help shape impactful research. Whether you’re working on literature reviews, comparative studies, exploratory research, or experimental analysis, choosing the right research question format will significantly improve your study’s quality and relevance.

1. Descriptive Research Questions

These questions focus on observing and summarizing facts, characteristics, or trends without exploring underlying reasons. They answer “what” is happening but do not address causes.

Example:

• What are the properties of graphene that make it useful in flexible electronics?
• How has the global temperature changed over the past 50 years?

2. Comparative Research Questions

These questions highlight differences and similarities between two or more variables, models, or approaches.

Example:

• How does the effectiveness of solar panels compare between monocrystalline and polycrystalline materials?
• What are the differences in leadership styles between small businesses and large corporations?

3. Correlational Research Questions

These questions explore relationships between two or more variables but do not establish causation. They help determine if variables are linked in some way.

Example:

• Is there a relationship between social media usage and academic performance among university students?
• How does physical activity correlate with mental health among office workers?

4. Exploratory Research Questions

Exploratory questions aim to identify new patterns, trends, or relationships in a research area. These questions are useful when a topic is under-researched or lacks sufficient existing literature.

Example:

• What factors influence startup success in developing countries?
• How do employees perceive the impact of artificial intelligence on workplace automation?

5. Explanatory Research Questions

Explanatory questions seek to understand causation and the relationships between variables by answering “why” something happens.

Example:

• Why do some students perform better in online learning environments than others?
• What are the causes of urban heat islands in metropolitan areas?

6. Evaluation Research Questions

Evaluation questions assess the impact, effectiveness, and outcomes of a policy, method, or intervention.

Example:

• How effective is remote work in increasing employee productivity?
• What are the benefits and challenges of using AI in medical diagnosis?

7. Action-Based Research Questions

These questions focus on implementing change, finding solutions, or optimizing processes based on research findings.

Example:

• What strategies can improve student engagement in online courses?
• How can businesses reduce carbon emissions in their supply chains?

How to Choose the Right Research Question?

Choosing the right research question depends on:

Your research objective – Are you describing, comparing, or explaining something?

Your methodology – Are you using quantitative or qualitative approaches?

The available data – Can you realistically answer your question with the available resources?

Final Thoughts

A well-structured research question is the foundation of a strong PhD study. By understanding these seven types, you can create clear, focused, and impactful questions that align with your study’s goals.

Which type of research question are you using for your PhD? Let me know in the comments!