Kinmond, K. (2012). Coming up with a research question. In Sullivan, C., Gibson, S., & Riley, S. (Eds) (2012) Doing Your Qualitative Psychology Project. (pp. 23 – 36). London: Sage
Summary
This article provides guidance on developing effective research questions for qualitative studies. It emphasizes the importance of clear, focused questions that guide the research process. The chapter explains how to select a research area, narrow it down to a specific topic, and craft a question that aligns with qualitative methods. It also highlights common challenges students face when creating research questions and offers practical strategies to overcome them. The text stresses the cyclical nature of qualitative research, allowing questions to evolve as the study progresses.
Evaluation
This article is a valuable resource for students and researchers new to qualitative research. It clearly explains how to transition from broad interests to specific, researchable questions, and its examples make the concepts easy to understand. The inclusion of potential pitfalls, such as overly broad or narrow questions, is especially helpful. The flowchart summarizing the process is a practical tool for organizing ideas. However, the chapter could benefit from more discipline-specific examples and a deeper discussion of how to balance flexibility with a focus on research questions. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for qualitative research planning.
Reflection
This article reinforces the importance of starting with a clear and meaningful research question to guide the entire process. The step-by-step approach and practical tips mirror how I often help students refine their research ideas. I found the emphasis on refining questions throughout the research process particularly relevant, as this reflects the iterative nature of learning and discovery. Moving forward, I plan to incorporate some of the studies’s strategies, such as the flowchart and question-evaluation activities, into my research to better support students in developing their research skills.