Sample Research Questions | A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Strong Research Questions for Your Research Projects

Understanding Sample Research Questions

What is a Research Question?

• A research question is the central question that guides your study. It defines what you intend to explore and provides a focus for your research paper or thesis.
• Sample research questions are examples of questions you might develop based on your research problem. They help you form a clear direction for both quantitative and qualitative research questions.
• A good research question is essential for any study, as it helps define the research process. It is crucial for shaping the methodology and determining the appropriate data collection methods.

Importance of a Strong Research Question in Academic Writing

• A strong research question provides clarity and direction, which is essential for both quantitative research and qualitative research. Without a well-defined question, your study can lose focus.
• Sample research questions are valuable because they can help guide researchers in formulating a question that is both specific and manageable, ensuring the research problem is effectively addressed.
• It is important to create a question that can lead to a hypothesis in the case of quantitative research, or an in-depth understanding and exploration in qualitative research.
• A well-crafted research question forms the foundation of your dissertation, thesis, or research paper, determining the scope of your study and methodology. The question must be aligned with the type of research you are conducting.

How to Write a Research Question for Your Research Project

• To write a research question for your project, start by identifying the research problem. Your question must reflect the core of this problem, helping you define your methodology.
• For quantitative research questions, your question should focus on measurable variables and lend itself to data collection and analysis. For example, “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• For qualitative research questions, aim to explore experiences, perceptions, or behaviors. A qualitative research question may ask, “How do individuals experience X?”
• Consider your type of research—whether exploratory, explanatory, or descriptive—and adapt your question accordingly. A good research question should be feasible and directly linked to the core topic of your dissertation or research project.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to develop clear, focused, and insightful sample research questions for your academic work.

Get Quick Access to Other Key Research Question Frameworks Below

• Learn how to craft effective and achievable goals by reading the article on how to Write SMART Objectives | Best 5 Tips in Writing SMART Goals.
• Discover how the PCC framework can help structure clear and effective research questions for your scoping review by reading the article about PCC Framework | Best for Scoping Review Research Questions.
• Learn how the SPIDER framework can guide you in formulating well-defined qualitative research questions by reading the article about SPIDER Framework | Formulate Qualitative Research Question.
• Understand how to use the PIO framework to create focused clinical research questions for your practice by reading the article about PIO Framework for Formulating Clinical Research Questions.
• Dive into the PEO framework to effectively formulate qualitative research questions that drive meaningful insights by reading the article about PEO Framework for Formulating Qualitative Research Questions.
• Find out how the PICO framework can enhance your ability to create evidence-based research questions for clinical research by reading the article about PICO Framework for Evidence-Based Research Question.
• Uncover the power of the SPICE framework in crafting systematic review research questions that yield comprehensive findings by reading the article about SPICE Framework for Systematic Review Research Questions.
• Explore a 5-step guide to formulating PICOT questions for nursing research, optimizing clinical evidence-based practice by reading the article about PICOT Framework | 5 Steps Guide in Nursing PICOT Questions.

Formulating Research Questions with the PICOT Framework

What is the PICOT Framework?

• The PICOT framework is a structured approach used to develop focused research questions, especially in academic research related to healthcare and social sciences.
• PICOT stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. It helps researchers create specific research questions that guide the research design and ensure clarity and focus.
• The framework helps in identifying the key components of a study’s objectives and framing the specific research question in a way that is measurable and focused.

How to Create a Research Question Using PICOT

• Population: Identify the group or population you are studying (e.g., adults with hypertension).
• Intervention: Specify the intervention or exposure being tested (e.g., exercise program).
• Comparison: If applicable, define what the intervention is being compared to (e.g., no intervention).
• Outcome: What is the expected outcome of the intervention (e.g., reduced blood pressure)?
• Time: Define the duration of the study (e.g., six months).
• Using the PICOT framework ensures you formulate a specific research question that clearly addresses the study’s objectives and is applicable to quantitative questions.

Sample Research Questions Using the PICOT Framework

Research Question	PICOT Components
Does an exercise program reduce blood pressure in adults with hypertension over six months compared to no exercise?	Population: Adults with hypertension, Intervention: Exercise program, Comparison: No exercise, Outcome: Blood pressure reduction, Time: Six months
What is the effect of a dietary supplement on weight loss in obese adults within three months compared to a placebo?	Population: Obese adults, Intervention: Dietary supplement, Comparison: Placebo, Outcome: Weight loss, Time: Three months
How does a mindfulness program impact anxiety levels in college students compared to no intervention over a semester?	Population: College students, Intervention: Mindfulness program, Comparison: No intervention, Outcome: Anxiety levels, Time: One semester
Is there an association between smoking cessation and lung function improvement in middle-aged smokers over one year?	Population: Middle-aged smokers, Intervention: Smoking cessation, Comparison: No smoking cessation, Outcome: Lung function improvement, Time: One year
How does regular physical activity affect depression in elderly individuals compared to those who do not engage in physical activity?	Population: Elderly individuals, Intervention: Regular physical activity, Comparison: No physical activity, Outcome: Depression levels, Time: One year

• These examples of research questions provide a clear structure to guide your research and ensure that your research remains focused and relevant. By using the PICOT framework, you can avoid research bias and create specific questions that address your preliminary research effectively.

SPICE Framework as a Tool for Formulating Research Questions

What is the SPICE Framework?

• The SPICE framework is a useful tool for structuring research questions. It stands for Setting, Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Evaluation.
• It is often used in qualitative and quantitative research to refine the focus of a study and align it with the research question and the research design.
• The SPICE framework is beneficial in creating specific research questions that directly address the purpose of your study, ensuring that your research is clear, focused, and relevant to your specific area of study.

How to Create a Research Question Using SPICE

• Setting: Identify where the research is taking place or the context of the study.
• Population: Define the population to be studied, focusing on specific groups, such as age, gender, or condition.
• Intervention: Specify the intervention or phenomenon being investigated.
• Comparison: Include a comparison group or reference point, if applicable, to measure the effect of the intervention.
• Evaluation: Define what will be evaluated or measured, such as outcomes or responses.
• By following the SPICE framework, you can ensure that your research question is specific, measurable, and relevant, which enhances the quality of your thesis or dissertation.

Sample Research Questions Using the SPICE Framework

Research Question	SPICE Components
Does mindfulness meditation improve stress levels in high school students compared to those who do not practice it?	Setting: High school, Population: Students, Intervention: Mindfulness meditation, Comparison: No practice, Evaluation: Stress levels
What is the impact of social media use on academic performance in university students compared to those who do not use social media?	Setting: University, Population: Students, Intervention: Social media use, Comparison: No use, Evaluation: Academic performance
How does exercise affect the mental health of elderly individuals compared to those who do not engage in physical activity?	Setting: Elderly community, Population: Elderly individuals, Intervention: Exercise, Comparison: No exercise, Evaluation: Mental health
Does online learning improve academic performance compared to traditional classroom learning in high school students?	Setting: High school, Population: Students, Intervention: Online learning, Comparison: Traditional learning, Evaluation: Academic performance
What is the association between diet and diabetes management in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to those without dietary changes?	Setting: Clinical setting, Population: Patients with type 2 diabetes, Intervention: Diet changes, Comparison: No dietary changes, Evaluation: Diabetes management

• The sample research questions above showcase how the SPICE framework is applied to quantitative and qualitative studies, providing clear examples of well-structured questions that lead to effective research.
• These questions not only focus on the independent and dependent variables but also ensure the research is complex enough while avoiding questions that are too broad or poorly constructed. Using frameworks like SPICE helps in enhancing your research, making it more targeted and meaningful.

Formulating Research Questions with the PEO Framework

What is the PEO Framework?

• The PEO framework is a useful tool for structuring research questions, particularly in qualitative research.
• PEO stands for Population, Exposure, and Outcome. It helps researchers develop questions that focus on the relationship between these three components.
• The PEO framework is valuable for ensuring that research questions are specific and focused on exploring independent variables (exposure) and their effects on dependent variables (outcomes).
• Using PEO can also help avoid poorly constructed questions that are either too broad or lack clarity, leading to good research.

How to Create a Research Question Using PEO

• Population: Define the group you are studying (e.g., children, elderly, students).
• Exposure: Specify the intervention or factor being explored (e.g., exercise, diet, social media use).
• Outcome: Identify the outcome or result being measured (e.g., health improvement, academic performance).
• By following the PEO framework, you ensure that your research question is focused and aligns with the study’s purpose.

Sample Research Questions Using the PEO Framework

Research Question	PEO Components
What is the association between exercise and mental health improvement in elderly individuals?	Population: Elderly individuals, Exposure: Exercise, Outcome: Mental health improvement
How does social media use affect academic performance in high school students?	Population: High school students, Exposure: Social media use, Outcome: Academic performance
What impact does sleep deprivation have on cognitive function in college students?	Population: College students, Exposure: Sleep deprivation, Outcome: Cognitive function
Does a vegetarian diet improve cardiovascular health in middle-aged adults?	Population: Middle-aged adults, Exposure: Vegetarian diet, Outcome: Cardiovascular health
How does parental involvement in education affect the academic success of elementary school children?	Population: Elementary school children, Exposure: Parental involvement, Outcome: Academic success

• These sample research questions illustrate how the PEO framework helps in crafting clear and specific research questions that focus on the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
• By following this framework, researchers can develop a single research question or multiple questions that explore various aspects of the study’s objectives.
• The PEO framework helps ensure that research questions are focused and grounded in a preliminary review of related literature, avoiding overlooked areas of study.

Formulating Research Questions with the PICO Framework

What is the PICO Framework?

• The PICO framework is a widely-used tool for formulating research questions, especially in healthcare and clinical research.
• PICO stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome, and is used to structure clear, focused research questions.
• By using PICO, researchers can develop questions that are specific and measurable, ensuring that their research aligns with their thesis statement or study’s objectives.
• The framework helps in creating quantitative research questions by clearly defining the key components of the study, such as dependent and independent variables.

How to Create a Research Question Using PICO

• Population: Identify the population you are studying (e.g., children, adults, patients with a certain condition).
• Intervention: Specify the intervention or treatment being investigated (e.g., a drug, therapy, or diet).
• Comparison: Determine the comparison group or alternative (e.g., placebo, no treatment).
• Outcome: Define the expected outcome (e.g., improved health, reduced symptoms).
• By following the PICO framework, you can ensure your research question is focused, clear, and relevant to your research and writing.

Sample Research Questions Using the PICO Framework

Research Question	PICO Components
What is the association between regular exercise and blood pressure reduction in adults with hypertension compared to no exercise?	Population: Adults with hypertension, Intervention: Regular exercise, Comparison: No exercise, Outcome: Blood pressure reduction
How does cognitive behavioral therapy impact anxiety levels in college students compared to no therapy?	Population: College students, Intervention: Cognitive behavioral therapy, Comparison: No therapy, Outcome: Anxiety levels
What effect does a plant-based diet have on cholesterol levels in middle-aged adults compared to a standard diet?	Population: Middle-aged adults, Intervention: Plant-based diet, Comparison: Standard diet, Outcome: Cholesterol levels
Does mindfulness meditation reduce stress in healthcare workers compared to no mindfulness practice?	Population: Healthcare workers, Intervention: Mindfulness meditation, Comparison: No mindfulness practice, Outcome: Stress reduction
How does early intervention with antibiotics affect recovery time in patients with pneumonia compared to delayed treatment?	Population: Patients with pneumonia, Intervention: Early antibiotic treatment, Comparison: Delayed treatment, Outcome: Recovery time

• These sample research questions clearly demonstrate how the PICO framework is used to develop specific research questions that focus on independent and dependent variables.
• By following PICO, researchers can avoid questions that are too broad or lack focus, ensuring that the research question aligns with the study’s objectives and provides meaningful insights.

PIO Framework for Formulating Research Questions

What is the PIO Framework?

• The PIO framework is a tool for formulating focused research questions, commonly used in qualitative and quantitative research.
• PIO stands for Population, Intervention, and Outcome, providing a simple and clear structure for specific research questions.
• By using the PIO framework, researchers can ensure that their research question addresses a specific problem and focuses on measurable outcomes.
• This framework is particularly useful for framing questions where the comparison aspect is less critical, unlike frameworks like PICO.

How to Create a Research Question Using PIO

• Population: Define the group or individuals being studied (e.g., children, elderly, or patients).
• Intervention: Identify the treatment, activity, or condition being explored (e.g., exercise, dietary changes).
• Outcome: State the result or effect being measured (e.g., improved health, reduced symptoms).
• Using the PIO framework helps to create focused research questions that provide clear guidance for research and enhance the overall quality research.

Sample Research Questions Using the PIO Framework

Research Question	PIO Components
What is the association between physical activity and weight loss in obese adults?	Population: Obese adults, Intervention: Physical activity, Outcome: Weight loss
How does mindfulness meditation impact stress levels in college students?	Population: College students, Intervention: Mindfulness meditation, Outcome: Stress levels
What effect does a plant-based diet have on cholesterol levels in adults with hypertension?	Population: Adults with hypertension, Intervention: Plant-based diet, Outcome: Cholesterol levels
How does parental involvement in education influence academic achievement in elementary school children?	Population: Elementary school children, Intervention: Parental involvement, Outcome: Academic achievement
What impact does sleep quality have on cognitive performance in elderly individuals?	Population: Elderly individuals, Intervention: Sleep quality, Outcome: Cognitive performance

• These sample research questions demonstrate how the PIO framework can be used to create effective research questions that are specific, measurable, and focused.
• By ensuring that your research question clearly defines the population, intervention, and outcome, you can avoid creating questions that are too broad or lack focus, which are criteria for a good research.

Formulating Research Questions with the SPIDER Framework

What is the SPIDER Framework?

• The SPIDER framework is a tool used to develop research questions, particularly for qualitative research.
• SPIDER stands for Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and Research Type.
• It helps researchers create specific research questions by focusing on key components of the study.
• This framework is particularly useful when the research question does not rely on comparing variables, unlike other frameworks such as PICO.

How to Create a Research Question Using SPIDER

• Sample: Identify the group of individuals or population being studied (e.g., adolescents, teachers, patients).
• Phenomenon of Interest: Specify the phenomenon or behavior being explored (e.g., stress, academic performance, coping mechanisms).
• Design: Define the type of study design (e.g., case study, ethnography, phenomenology).
• Evaluation: Determine what will be measured or observed in the study (e.g., perceptions, experiences, attitudes).
• Research Type: Identify whether the research is qualitative or quantitative.
• The SPIDER framework ensures that research questions are focused and specific, providing a clear structure for effective research.

Research Question Examples Using the SPIDER Framework

Research Question	SPIDER Components
How do high school students experience academic stress during exam periods?	Sample: High school students, Phenomenon: Academic stress, Design: Case study, Evaluation: Student experiences, Research Type: Qualitative
What are the coping mechanisms used by parents of children with autism?	Sample: Parents of children with autism, Phenomenon: Coping mechanisms, Design: Ethnography, Evaluation: Coping strategies, Research Type: Qualitative
How does workplace culture influence employee satisfaction in tech companies?	Sample: Employees in tech companies, Phenomenon: Workplace culture, Design: Phenomenology, Evaluation: Employee satisfaction, Research Type: Qualitative
What is the impact of peer influence on adolescent decision-making regarding substance use?	Sample: Adolescents, Phenomenon: Peer influence, Design: Grounded theory, Evaluation: Decision-making behaviors, Research Type: Qualitative
How do healthcare providers perceive the effectiveness of telemedicine in patient care?	Sample: Healthcare providers, Phenomenon: Telemedicine, Design: Case study, Evaluation: Perceptions of effectiveness, Research Type: Qualitative

• These sample research questions show how the SPIDER framework can be used to develop research questions that focus on specific phenomena and evaluation.
• By following the SPIDER framework, you can ensure that your research question is focused and aligned with the purpose of your study, avoiding questions that are too broad or unfocused. This approach is essential for creating good research.

PCC Framework for Developing Research Questions

What is the PCC Framework?

• The PCC framework is a method used to develop focused research questions for qualitative studies.
• PCC stands for Population, Concept, and Context. It helps researchers clearly define the core components of their study.
• By using this framework, researchers can create specific research questions that focus on the population being studied, the concept or phenomenon of interest, and the context in which the research is taking place.
• The PCC framework is helpful for creating research questions that are precise and relevant to the study’s main question.

How to Create a Research Question Using PCC

• Population: Define the group being studied (e.g., adolescents, patients, employees).
• Concept: Specify the concept or issue being explored (e.g., behavior, experiences, attitudes).
• Context: Identify the setting or environment in which the research occurs (e.g., healthcare, schools, workplaces).
• The PCC framework helps researchers avoid questions that are too broad and ensures the research question is focused on a specific problem, increasing the likelihood of good research outcomes.

Sample Research Questions Based on the PCC Framework

Research Question	PCC Components
What is the association between stress and academic performance in high school students?	Population: High school students, Concept: Stress, Context: Academic performance
How do employees perceive leadership styles in remote work environments?	Population: Employees, Concept: Leadership styles, Context: Remote work
What is the impact of social media on body image in young adults?	Population: Young adults, Concept: Body image, Context: Social media use
How does parental involvement affect the emotional well-being of children in low-income families?	Population: Children in low-income families, Concept: Emotional well-being, Context: Parental involvement
What role does nutrition play in the mental health of teenagers during adolescence?	Population: Teenagers, Concept: Mental health, Context: Nutrition during adolescence

• These sample research questions demonstrate how the PCC framework can be applied to create clear, specific research questions that focus on one or more variables in a defined context.
• Using the PCC framework ensures that the research question is focused and addresses the core components of the study, helping to prevent poorly constructed questions and promoting quality research.