Research Question, Methodology, and Paradigm

Research Question, Methodology, and Paradigm

Q1: Why do we conduct a research?

A: to understand and to increase our knowledge in science

Q2: Why do we need a research question?

A: Because research comes to understand something (such as problem, phenomenon)

Q3: How many research questions should we have in the research?

A: It should be one or two questions at maximum. More than two questions makes your research as more than one research and it will not be easy to integrate between them. Your research will not be consistent enough.

It is very risky to have more than research questions in one thesis (master or PhD theses). Many major corrections come because of the existence of more than two unrelated research questions.

Q4: But I want to structure my theses to publish more than one paper, what should I do?

A: You can have a general research question and derive from it sub research questions, maximum 5 sub research questions. each sub-question could be utilized as a paper later.

Q5: What is the difference between Research Question, Research Aim, and Research Objectives?

A: the answer is based on research strategy; some research is research question lead, others lead by research aim.

Research Question Lead à Positive and Interpretive Research (You want to know/understand something unknown)

Research Aim Lead à Design Science Research (example, the research aim is to provide a maturity model, assessment tools, or to provide a software solution to a company).

Q6: What is research Objectives?

A: the answer is why do you conduct your research? To what? Always research objectives start by “to  …..” e.g. “to understand , to solve the problem, to develop a model, to develop a methodology”

Q7: What are different research questions ?

A: What, Why , and Why?

Q8: Do you think there is a relationship between research questions and research paradigms and methodology?

A: Although there is no right and wrong in research, since everything is based on logic, there is a tendency that

-          What à Positive Research (Testing Hypotheses research either through quantitative research through survey research or through qualitative research through Case Study methodology.

-          Why à Interpretive research using case study research or grounded theory research

-          How à Interpretive research using case study, grounded theory, and /or action research.

Note: If there is a possibility that your research could be done using positive research, it is better to do it positive not interpretive. You have to be able to defend why you use interpretive research.  

Q9: Draw the relationship between research question, methodology, and paradigm