Refining Research Questions

Refining Research Questions: Techniques for Sharpening Research Questions and Hypotheses

Level of Education: Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies

Purpose

To provide doctoral students with strategies and techniques for refining and sharpening their research questions and hypotheses to ensure clarity, focus, and feasibility in their dissertation research.

Objectives

1. Understand the characteristics of well-formulated research questions and hypotheses.
2. Learn techniques for refining and sharpening research questions and hypotheses.
3. Apply these techniques to develop clear, focused, and researchable questions and hypotheses.

Key Concepts, Terms, and Keywords

• Research Question: The central question that guides the research study, determining the direction and scope of the research.
• Hypothesis: A tentative answer to a research question, based on existing knowledge, which can be tested through research.
• Clarity: The quality of being easily understood, free from ambiguity.
• Focus: Concentration on a specific area of interest within a broader topic.
• Feasibility: The practicality and achievability of the research within the given constraints.

Lesson Content

1. Characteristics of Well-Formulated Research Questions and Hypotheses

• Clarity: Clear and precise language that avoids ambiguity.
  • Example: Instead of “How does church growth happen?”, use “What are the key factors contributing to the growth of urban churches in the United States from 2000 to 2020?”
• Focus: Concentrated on a specific aspect of a broader topic.
  • Example: Focusing on “urban churches” rather than “churches.”
• Researchability: Capable of being answered through empirical research or theoretical analysis.
  • Example: “What are the social impacts of church-run community programs in urban areas?” can be researched through surveys and interviews.

2. Techniques for Refining Research Questions

• Narrowing Down the Scope: Limit the geographical area, time frame, or specific population.
  • Example: “What are the factors influencing church attendance in rural areas in the Midwest during the COVID-19 pandemic?”
• Using Specific Terms: Replace vague terms with specific ones to increase clarity.
  • Example: Instead of “better,” use “higher attendance rates.”
• Ensuring Feasibility: Consider the availability of data and resources needed to answer the question.
  • Example: “How has social media use influenced church membership among young adults in the last decade?”

3. Techniques for Sharpening Hypotheses

• Making Hypotheses Testable: Ensure that the hypothesis can be tested through data collection and analysis.
  • Example: Hypothesis: “Churches that offer online services have seen a 20% increase in attendance compared to those that do not.”
• Using Clear Variables: Define independent and dependent variables clearly.
  • Example: Independent variable: “Offering online services,” Dependent variable: “Increase in attendance.”
• Linking Hypotheses to Research Questions: Ensure that hypotheses directly address the research questions.
  • Example: Research Question: “How does the use of social media by church leaders affect church engagement?” Hypothesis: “Churches whose leaders actively use social media for outreach will have higher engagement rates.”

4. Practical Steps for Refining Research Questions and Hypotheses

• Brainstorming and Mind Mapping: Generate a broad range of ideas and visually organize them to identify the most promising areas of focus.
  • Example: Create a mind map around “church growth” to explore various factors like location, leadership, programs, etc.
• Consulting Literature: Review existing studies to identify gaps and refine your questions and hypotheses.
  • Example: Examine recent research on church growth to find underexplored areas.
• Seeking Feedback: Discuss your questions and hypotheses with advisors, peers, or experts to gain insights and suggestions for improvement.
  • Example: Present your research question at a seminar or workshop for feedback.

5. Scriptural Examples and Guidance

• Proverbs 2:3-6: Seek wisdom and understanding in your research process.
  • Explanation: Just as seeking wisdom from God brings clarity, diligently refining your research questions will enhance the quality of your research.
• James 1:5: Ask God for wisdom to develop clear and effective research questions.
  • Explanation: Praying for guidance can provide inspiration and insight into formulating your research.

King Jesus’ Model/Example

• Jesus’ Teaching Methods: Jesus often used clear and focused parables to convey complex truths (Matthew 13).
  • Explanation: Emulating Jesus’ method of clarity and focus in teaching can inspire how you frame your research questions and hypotheses.
• Prayer and Guidance: Jesus frequently sought divine guidance in His decisions and actions (Luke 6:12).
  • Explanation: Relying on prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance can lead to more refined and insightful research questions.

Practical Applications (Bible-Based)

1. Prayerful Reflection: Regularly pray for clarity and guidance in refining your research questions and hypotheses (James 1:5).
2. Scriptural Alignment: Ensure your research questions and hypotheses align with biblical principles and values (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. Community Engagement: Discuss and refine your research ideas within your faith community to gain diverse perspectives (Proverbs 15:22).

Exam Questions and Answers

1. Question: What are the three main characteristics of well-formulated research questions? Answer: The three main characteristics are clarity, focus, and researchability.
2. Question: How can narrowing down the scope of a research question improve its focus? Answer: Narrowing down the scope, such as specifying a geographical area or time frame, makes the research question more manageable and focused, allowing for more precise and in-depth investigation.
3. Question: Why is it important to use specific terms in research questions? Answer: Using specific terms increases clarity, reduces ambiguity, and makes it easier to understand and address the research question.
4. Question: What makes a hypothesis testable? Answer: A hypothesis is testable if it can be evaluated through data collection and analysis, with clearly defined variables and measurable outcomes.
5. Question: Provide an example of linking a hypothesis to a research question. Answer: Research Question: “How does church leadership style affect congregation growth?” Hypothesis: “Churches with participative leadership styles will experience higher congregation growth rates compared to those with authoritarian styles.”
6. Question: How can consulting existing literature help refine research questions? Answer: Consulting existing literature helps identify gaps in current research, ensuring that your question addresses an unexplored or underexplored area.
7. Question: Explain the role of feedback in refining research questions and hypotheses. Answer: Seeking feedback from advisors, peers, or experts can provide new insights, highlight potential issues, and suggest improvements, leading to more refined and effective research questions and hypotheses.
8. Question: How does making a hypothesis testable improve the research process? Answer: Making a hypothesis testable ensures that it can be empirically evaluated, providing a clear direction for data collection and analysis, and increasing the reliability of the research findings.
9. Question: Why is it important to define variables clearly in a hypothesis? Answer: Clear definitions of variables ensure that the research can be systematically conducted and that the results are valid and replicable.
10. Question: How can prayer and scriptural reflection aid in refining research questions? Answer: Prayer and scriptural reflection can provide divine guidance, wisdom, and clarity, helping to align research questions with God’s will and biblical principles.

Research Citations (MLA Format)

1. Creswell, John W., and J. David Creswell. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 5th ed., SAGE Publications, 2018. Available in eBook format.
2. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016. Available in eBook format.
3. Flick, Uwe. An Introduction to Qualitative Research. 6th ed., SAGE Publications, 2018. Available in eBook format.
4. Punch, Keith F. Developing Effective Research Proposals. 3rd ed., SAGE Publications, 2016. Available in eBook format.
5. Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. 6th ed., SAGE Publications, 2017. Available in eBook format.

This lesson aims to equip doctoral students with the tools and techniques needed to refine their research questions and hypotheses, ensuring clarity, focus, and feasibility in their dissertation research. Through practical applications, scriptural guidance, and academic resources, students will be well-prepared to develop effective and impactful research questions.