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
