3 Research Questions in Qualitative Inquiry
In this chapter, we will learn how to frame purpose and research questions in qualitative studies. Purpose statements and research questions are the main driving force behind any research endeavor, providing clarity and direction for the study. They serve as a foundation for selecting the appropriate methodology and shaping the data collection and analysis strategies. Crafting well-defined purpose statements and research questions ensures the research remains focused and aligned with its intended goals.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein
The North Star of Inquiry
Questions, you are the North Star,
Guiding the ship of research
Through seas both charted and wild,
Illuminating the way to understanding.
In one form, you are precise,
Closed-ended and sharp,
Like constellations fixed in the sky,
Measuring distances, testing truths,
Anchored in variables,
Mapping the predictable terrain of numbers.
“What is the relationship between A and B?”
“What impact does X have on Y?”
You ask,
Seeking clarity,
Causality,
The certainty of answers.
But in another form, you are open,
Expansive, unbound,
A shimmering aurora dancing across the unknown.
“What is the experience of being here?”
“How does this feel, unfold, become?”
You ask,
Exploring the nuanced
Contours of human life,
Illuminating complexity,
Stories,
And meanings that resist simple measure.
Questions, you are both map and mystery,
The pulse of inquiry,
The anchor of knowing,
Forever guiding the research ship
Toward deeper truths
And broader horizons.
As the North Star guides travelers across vast terrains, research questions anchor and illuminate the journey of inquiry, shaping the path researchers take toward discovery. Whether precise and measurable, or expansive and exploratory, these questions determine the methodologies, data collection strategies, and analytical approaches that will follow. In this chapter, we will delve deeper into the art of crafting research questions, contrasting the structured precision of quantitative inquiries with the boundless curiosity of qualitative exploration.
Research Question
Research is fundamentally a quest for knowledge, a journey embarked upon with the aim of uncovering new insights or validating existing theories. This journey is steered by the research question, a fundamental component that shapes the course of the entire research endeavor. It illuminates the path ahead and provides direction, influencing every aspect of the research process from methodology to data analysis.
Imagine an educational researcher exploring the impact of digital learning tools on student engagement in a high school setting. The research question could be, “How do digital learning tools influence student engagement and academic performance in high school science classes?” This question would steer the researcher towards specific data collection methods such as classroom observations, student surveys, and academic performance records. It also influences the analytical approach, potentially involving quantitative analysis of grades and qualitative assessment of student feedback.
Take another example. Consider an educator investigating the effects of social media on interpersonal communication. The research question might be, “In what ways has social media transformed interpersonal communication among teenagers?” This directs the research towards specific areas: the platforms used, the frequency and nature of interactions, and the perceived impact on face-to-face communication. A sociologist might employ surveys, interviews, and content analysis as part of the research methodology.
In the realm of quantitative research, the path is often clear from the onset. Here, researchers identify specific variables of interest and develop hypotheses around these variables. These hypotheses, rooted in pre-existing theories or observations, show the predictive nature of quantitative research. The researcher’s journey is akin to that of an explorer with a map, seeking to validate the accuracy of the map through empirical evidence. The hypotheses take two forms: the null, which suggests no effect or relationship, and its counterpart, alternative hypothesis, that predicts a specific outcome. Statistical tools are then employed to navigate through the data, testing these hypotheses and confirming or refuting the hypotheses.
The Essence of Qualitative Research
In contrast, qualitative research embarks on a voyage into largely uncharted waters. Here, the researcher often starts without a map – the variables of interest are not predefined but are discovered along the journey. This form of research is inherently exploratory, driven by a desire to understand the depth and complexity of a phenomenon rather than to quantify it. The qualitative researcher is more a wanderer than a navigator, more interested in exploring the terrain than in confirming pre-set coordinates.
This exploratory nature is reflected in the methods employed – in-depth interviews, participant observations, and other techniques that allow for a deep immersion into the subject matter. These methods are not just tools for data collection; they are windows into the lived experiences, perceptions, and realities of the subjects under study. Through these interactions, the researcher gathers rich, detailed data that is often subjective and context specific.
Writing a Purpose Statement in Qualitative Research
A purpose statement serves as the backbone of any qualitative study, offering clarity and direction for the research process. It succinctly communicates the study’s objectives and situates the research within a broader scholarly context. Despite its critical role, crafting a purpose statement can be challenging. This section delves into the key elements of a strong purpose statement in qualitative research, offering a clear framework to ensure it is both comprehensive and impactful. Key Elements of a Purpose Statement. A robust purpose statement in qualitative research should include four essential components (Creswell & Poth, 2018):
Research Design
- The purpose statement should specify the qualitative research design employed in the study. Common designs include phenomenology, grounded theory, narrative inquiry, ethnography, and case study. This detail informs readers about the methodological approach underpinning the study.
Research Participants
- Identifying the research participants is critical. The purpose statement should describe who the study focuses on and from whom the data will be collected. This could include specific groups or individuals whose experiences, perceptions, or attitudes are central to the research.
Phenomenon or Topic of Interest
- The statement should clearly articulate the phenomenon or topic being explored. It explains what the researcher aims to understand, whether it is an experience, perception, or a specific issue.
Setting
The context in which the study occurs provides essential background information. This includes the physical, social, or institutional environment relevant to the study, such as schools, workplaces, or communities.
Steps to Craft a Purpose Statement
To craft a clear and concise purpose statement, follow these steps:
- Begin with the Research Design
Start by stating the qualitative research design. For example:
“The purpose of this phenomenological study is to…”
- Describe the Research Participants
Include details about the participants, specifying relevant characteristics such as demographics or roles. For example:
“…explore the experiences of novice Black women faculty members…”
- Articulate the Phenomenon or Topic
Clearly specify what you aim to study. For example:
“…regarding their experiences with racism and sexism…”
- Specify the Setting
Conclude the statement by identifying the setting. For example:
“…in higher education institutions.”
Example of a Purpose Statement
Let’s consider an example step-by-step:
Topic: Exploring the experiences of novice Black women faculty related to racism and sexism in higher education institutions.
Research Design: Phenomenology
Research Participants: Novice Black women faculty
Setting: Higher education institutions
Purpose Statement:
“The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the experiences of novice Black women faculty regarding racism and sexism in higher education institutions.”
Framework for Writing a Purpose Statement
Use the following steps while frameing purpose statement for your qualitatve study.
- Start with a verb: Common verbs include explore, understand, and examine.
- Incorporate the research design: Mention the methodological approach (e.g., phenomenological, narrative, case study).
- Identify the participants: Include details such as demographics, roles, or other defining characteristics.
- Define the phenomenon: Clearly articulate the focus of the study.
- Specify the setting: Provide context for where the research takes place.
A well-crafted purpose statement is fundamental to the success of a qualitative study. By incorporating the research design, participants, phenomenon, and setting, researchers can create a clear and comprehensive foundation for their work. This framework ensures that the purpose statement is both methodologically sound and impactful, setting the stage for a meaningful exploration of human experiences.
Writing Research Questions in Qualitative Research
Research questions are the heart of any qualitative study, guiding the exploration of human experiences, perceptions, and attitudes. Unlike quantitative research questions, which are specific, closed-ended, and focused on measuring relationships or impacts, qualitative research questions are open-ended, exploratory, and centered on understanding phenomena. This section provides a comprehensive guide to crafting effective research questions in the qualitative tradition, emphasizing their unique characteristics and offering practical examples to illustrate key concepts.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Questions
To understand the unique characteristics of qualitative research questions, it is helpful to contrast them with their quantitative counterparts. In quantitative research, questions are typically:
- Closed-ended: These questions seek specific, measurable answers, often in the form of yes/no or numerical data.
- Focused on variables: Quantitative questions aim to explore the impact or relationship between defined variables.
- Specific: Variables are clearly delineated and measurable, allowing researchers to design experiments or surveys to test hypotheses.
For instance, a quantitative research question might be:
- What is the relationship between room temperature and sleep quality?
- What is the impact of room temperature on the quality of sleep?
These questions are precise, measurable, and focused on understanding relationships or causality.
In contrast, qualitative research questions are:
- Open-ended: They invite expansive, nuanced responses, rather than simple, definitive answers.
- Exploratory: These questions aim to understand phenomena, uncover experiences, and generate insights.
- Focused on experiences, perceptions, and attitudes: Rather than predefined variables, qualitative questions explore human experiences in their complexity.
Characteristics of Qualitative Research Questions
Qualitative research questions share several distinctive features:
Open-ended Nature: Qualitative questions avoid predefined answers, allowing participants to share their experiences and perspectives in their own words. For example:
- What are the experiences and perceptions of individuals regarding sleep quality?
This question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Instead, it seeks to uncover the depth and breadth of participants’ experiences.
Exploratory Focus: Unlike quantitative questions, qualitative inquiries do not start with fixed variables. Instead, they explore phenomena as they emerge during the study. For instance:
- How do individuals describe the factors affecting their sleep quality?
This approach allows researchers to identify variables and relationships organically, rather than imposing them a priori.
Phenomenon-Centered: Qualitative research questions focus on a central phenomenon of interest, such as a specific experience, attitude, or perception. In the above example, the phenomenon is “sleep quality.”
Participant-Centric: Qualitative questions prioritize the voices and experiences of participants. They are crafted to elicit rich, detailed narratives, rather than abstract or generalized data.
Crafting Qualitative Research Questions
When writing qualitative research questions, consider the following steps:
Identify the Phenomenon of Interest: Begin by defining the central phenomenon you wish to explore. This could be an experience, a process, or a social issue. For example:
- How do individuals experience transitions to remote work?
Use Open-Ended Language: Avoid words that imply closure or limitation. Instead, use terms like “how,” “what,” or “in what ways” to invite expansive responses. For example:
- What are the lived experiences of parents navigating online education for their children?
Focus on Depth and Context: Frame questions to encourage participants to share detailed, context-rich accounts. For instance:
- In what ways do cultural practices shape individuals’ perceptions of mental health?
Avoid Predetermined Variables: Unlike quantitative research, qualitative studies do not start with predefined variables. Allow the participants’ experiences to guide the identification of relevant factors. For example:
- What factors do individuals perceive as contributing to their sense of belonging in community spaces?
Examples of Qualitative Research Questions
To illustrate the principles discussed above, here are examples of qualitative research questions across various domains:
Education
- What are the experiences of first-generation college students in navigating academic challenges?
- How do teachers perceive the integration of technology in their classrooms?
Health
- How do patients describe their experiences with telemedicine?
- What are the perceptions of caregivers regarding end-of-life care for their loved ones?
Social Sciences
- What are the lived experiences of refugees adapting to a new cultural environment?
- In what ways do social media platforms influence individuals’ self-perception?
Workplace Studies
- How do remote workers experience the balance between personal and professional life?
- What are the attitudes of employees toward diversity initiatives in their organizations?
Writing research questions in qualitative research requires a shift in mindset from specificity and measurement to exploration and depth. By crafting open-ended, exploratory, and participant-focused questions, researchers can uncover rich, meaningful insights into human experiences. Whether exploring perceptions, attitudes, or lived realities, qualitative research questions serve as the foundation for a nuanced and empathetic understanding of the world.
Time for Practice & Reflection
To solidify your understanding of crafting qualitative research questions, practice writing purpose statement and research questions with the following case vignettes:
Case Vignette 1
Emily Grant is Assistant Professor at a mid-west public university. Being herself an immigrant from eastern Europe, she has a burning curiosity for exploring and understanding international students’ educational journey in American universities. She had always been passionate about the intersection of culture and education.
As Emily delved into the literature, she quickly realized that an international student’s educational journey in the US universities while having some common experiences also differs with a unique tapestry of cultural adaptation, academic and personal challenges, and personal growth. She wanted to explore and capture the stories that textbooks and statistics often failed to capture. It wasn’t just about collecting data but about understanding the heart and soul of each international student who had chosen to study in the United States.
To explore the academic journey of international students, Emily embarked on a mission to connect with these students on a personal level. She reached out to international student organizations, joined cultural exchange events, and attended lectures across the campus. Her warm smile and genuine interest made her a trusted confidant, allowing her to gather stories that transcended the mundane statistics. Emily interviewed students from different corners of the globe – from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene landscapes of Sweden. She listened to their anecdotes of homesickness, moments of triumph, and the unique challenges they faced in an unfamiliar academic landscape.
- Imagine yourself in Emily’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach.
Case Vignette 2
Amanda is a principal at public high school and recently graduated with an Ed.D. degree in educational leadership. Her school is a unique educational institution that blends high school and college experiences and is known as “Early College High School (ECHS). Total number of enrollments at her school is 1500 and students comes from diverse backgrounds including white, African American, Latino, and Asian. Amanda noticed that although the overall academic performance of all the students have consistently gone up over the years, African American students’ academic performance has slightly come down in the last couple of years. Further, as the school counselor pointed out to her, discipline related referrals have also gone up in the last two years in the school. Data clerk in the school also shared that majority of the discipline referrals are related to African American students, although they consist of only 30% of the total student population. Amanda wants to explore this phenomenon in understand in detail of this phenomenon.
- Imagine yourself in Amanda’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach.
Case Vignette 3
Dr. Kiran Harris, a former school counselor, is a counselor educator at a public university and teaches in school counseling program. While teaching internship to students, she came to know that some schools in the district utilize their school counselors more in non-counseling duties (e.g., data entry, lunch duties) rather than counseling related work responsibilities. As she delved more in literature, she found that this phenomenon is more prevalent in her state. As she further explored this phenomenon by talking to some of school principals in her district, she realizes that some principals do not know how to effectively utilize the services of the school counselor.
With a dedication to building a deeper understanding, Dr. Harris wanted to explore the nuanced ways in which school administrators conceptualized the school counselor role.
- Imagine yourself in Kiran’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach.
Case Vignette 4
Dr. Aman Morgan is a principal support staff at school district and provides support to school administration across the districts. Recently his school district has seen increased cases of bullying at various schools. As an educational leader, one of his research interests is peer victimization among children and adolescents. Dr. Morgan wanted to dig deeper and explore this phenomenon in detail through in-depth interviews of various stakeholders in the school. Dr. Morgan believed that understanding the varied viewpoints of children, parents, and educators would provide a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted phenomenon of peer victimization. Dr. Morgan envisioned that by gaining insights from all three perspectives—children, parents, and educators—there would be a more robust foundation for developing effective interventions and support systems to address and prevent bullying.
Driven by a sense of responsibility to contribute to the well-being of children in schools, Dr. Morgan is determined to disseminate the findings of this study to educational practitioners, policymakers, and parents alike. He hopes that the insights garnered from the research would inform evidence-based strategies to create safer and more supportive environments, fostering resilience and empowerment among children facing the challenges of peer victimization.
- Imagine yourself in Aman’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach
Case Vignette 5
Maya is a doctoral student in Women’s Studies Program at a public university. She is an inquisitive and compassionate researcher who want to explore women’s experiences in various domains of life. Maya herself is 40 years old and never married. Because of her single status, Maya experienced stigma that single women often face in society.
While contemporary perspectives have broadened the spectrum of individual life paths and diversified notions of success, the pervasive societal narrative often echoes the sentiment that the pursuit of a marital partnership and the embrace of family life contribute significantly to one’s sense of accomplishment and societal validation.
This enduring emphasis reflects the intricate interplay between tradition, cultural values, and the collective consciousness, shaping the collective understanding of what it means to lead a successful and fulfilled life.
With a keen interest in understanding the nuances of singlehood, Maya pondered the questions that she herself wondered but seldom explored: What is it truly like to be a single woman today?
- Imagine yourself in Maya’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach
Case Vignette 6
Harry is a doctoral candidate in the department of counselling and psychology. He has recently finished his doctoral coursework and is ready for his dissertation work. He has been reflecting on his research topic for his dissertation study. A year ago, his sister lost her unborn baby because of a miscarriage. While this incident was a traumatic experience for his sister, it affected the whole family. His sister sought mental health counseling to navigate that painful experience. Driven by empathy and a desire to shed light on the experience of losing an unborn child, Harry embarks on a qualitative study to explore the multifaceted dimensions of pregnancy loss for his dissertation.
To capture the authenticity of these experiences, Harry plans to conduct in-depth interviews with women who have faced pregnancy loss, offering them a platform to share their stories, emotions, and coping mechanisms. The study aims to transcend the medical discourse, providing a space for the participants to articulate the impact of their loss on their sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being. By employing a qualitative lens, he aims to illuminate the diverse ways in which women navigate grief, find resilience, and forge connections with others who share similar experiences.
- Imagine yourself in Harry’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach.
Case Vignette 7
Dr. Romi Saha comes from a business family and teaches entrepreneurship at a local community college in South East Florida. Although she devotes most of her time to teaching, she often wonders why there are few women entrepreneurs from minority backgrounds in the city where she lives.
Driven by a dedication to empower and amplify the voices of women from minority background in the business realm, Dr. Saha embarks on a qualitative study to delve into exploring barriers, challenges, triumphs of women entrepreneurs.
In this exploration, Dr. Saha seeks to unravel the unique narratives that shape the entrepreneurial journeys of minority women across diverse industries and backgrounds. The study is crafted to transcend the traditional business discourse, providing a platform for these women to share their stories, aspirations, and the intricacies of navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
- Imagine yourself in Romi’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach.
Case Vignette 8
Priyanka is a doctoral student in political science, originally from Sri Lanka, studying at a university in the United States. Having grown up in a society where politics was predominantly male-dominated, Priyanka has always been fascinated by the challenges and triumphs of women who venture into this field. Her interest was further piqued by the increasing number of women entering politics in Sri Lanka, despite the cultural and societal barriers they often face.
Priyanka’s research is particularly important considering the unique political landscape of Sri Lanka, a country that has undergone significant social and political changes over the past decades. This includes a long civil war that ended in 2009, followed by a period of rebuilding and reformation. Women’s participation in politics during and after the conflict has been a topic of interest for scholars, but there is still a lack of in-depth qualitative research focusing on the experiences of these women in the public sphere.
- Imagine yourself in Priyanka’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach.
Case Vignette 9
Bushra, a 34-year-old Muslim woman, recently joined the faculty of the Department of Urban Education and Leadership at a prominent university. Her academic journey and personal experiences have deeply influenced her research interests. Bushra, who wears a hijab, has always been keenly aware of the unique challenges and perceptions faced by Muslim women, particularly in educational settings.
In her new role, Bushra has observed the diverse student population on campus, with a notable number of Muslim women who wear the hijab. She recognizes that these students navigate a complex social and educational landscape, balancing their religious and cultural identities with the demands and expectations of university life. Bushra’s interest in this topic is not just academic; it’s personal and profound, stemming from her own experiences as a Muslim woman in academia.
- Imagine yourself in Bushra’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach.
Case Vignette 10
Rihana is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at a well-regarded university. Her research interest is deeply personal and shaped by her observations and experiences around the complexities of obesity among college students. Rihana has noticed that obesity is not just a physical health issue but also encompasses a range of psychological, social, and environmental factors. Her focus is particularly on understanding the mental health aspects, social experiences, and coping mechanisms of college students who are obese.
In her university, like many others, there is a diverse student body with varying health and lifestyle backgrounds. Rihana has observed that obese students often face unique challenges that are not always acknowledged or addressed by the college community. These challenges can range from dealing with stigma and body shaming to experiencing anxiety and depression. Rihana’s research is driven by a desire to provide a deeper understanding of these challenges and to explore how these students navigate their college environment.
- Imagine yourself in Rihana’s shoes and based on the above-mentioned case vignette, write a purpose statement and related research questions grounded in a qualitative research approach.
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