Developing research questions

Brearley, Sarah G. (2020) Developing research questions. In: Handbook of Theory and Methods in Applied Health Research. Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd., Cheltenham, pp. 38-63. ISBN 9781785363207

Abstract

The process of conceptualizing research is explored in this chapter and is distilled into a series of steps which illuminate how to develop precise research questions every time. Following these steps creates a clear route map for researchers, which takes them from the initial idea, through defining the research focus (using evidence synthesis), developing a rudimentary conceptual framework and defining the research aim, to the final development of the research question. Different types of research questions and their purpose in answering different research problems are also considered.