Research Question and Thesis Statement PDF

RESEARCH QUESTION What makes a good qualitative research question? Qualitative research questions are most effective for those looking to carry out one-to-one or focus group-style interviews to understand how your target demographic thinks and feels; and why they make certain choices. The k...

RESEARCH QUESTION What makes a good qualitative research question? Qualitative research questions are most effective for those looking to carry out one-to-one or focus group-style interviews to understand how your target demographic thinks and feels; and why they make certain choices. The key qualities of a good qualitative research question are:  being able to discover problems and opportunities from respondents;  open-ended in nature; and  easy to understand and digest with no need for clarification.  Examples of effective qualitative research questions Poor Example Good Example What is the childhood obesity rate in How does the amount of time elementary Kensington? pupils play computer games each day affect childhood obesity rates in Kensington? Reason: Not only is this too factual to form the basis of a valid argument, it’s Reason: This question is much more also too easy to answer with a single refined; the results of which could also be statistic. As a rule of thumb, qualitative used to form a more credible argument. research questions should never be able to be answered ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  Examples of effective qualitative research questions Poor Example Good Example How much time do Arts and Design Why do Arts and Design students prefer students listen to rock music a week? listening to rock music more than other music genres? Reason: This would be a much more suitable quantitative research question, Reason: This is a considerably more as it enables you to collect data en- subjective question; the results of which masse. However, from a qualitative could potentially lead to you forming the viewpoint, the data could not be used to basis of a more credible argument. create a judgment or perception as the data is just factual information.  Examples of effective qualitative research questions Poor Example Good Example What is the meaning of life? How do students with additional needs describe the most important factors in their life? Reason: This type of question is far too broad and lacking in focus to be used as Reason: Again, this is question is much the basis of any type of research study. more subjective, giving the respondent the opportunity to provide a more reasoned, personal response that can form the basis of a credible argument.  Sample research problem General Problem: The study aims to explore the teaching strategies employed by English language teachers in Dumaguete City High School and how it influences students’ motivation in the classroom. Specific Problems: 1. What are the teaching strategies employed by English language teachers? 2. What is the level of motivation of junior high school students in Dumaguete City High School? 3. How do English language teachers' teaching strategies affect junior high school students’ motivation inside the classroom?  Thesis statement What makes an effective argumentative thesis statement?  [argumentative] Thesis statement It is a main point of the paper; in other words, it is the controlling idea that tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. topic + the point you make about your topic = THESIS  [argumentative] Thesis statement  Should commit to only a single line of argument  Should not be worded in figurative language  Should be precise  Should not be a question  Should be concise  [argumentative] Thesis statement  Claim of Fact or Definition What some people refer to as global warming is actually nothing more than normal, long-term cycles of climate change.  Claim of Cause and Effect The dramatic increase of fastfoods in Dumaguete has contributed to the growing number of childhood obesity in the city.  Claim about Value The fastfood industry in Dumaguete is the biggest contributor to the city’s economic progress  Claim about Solutions or Policies Silliman University should ban the selling of junk foods in kiosks in order to promote healthy eating habits to its students.