Research Questions

Creating the research questions is key to designing a study:  Research questions “must have both substance–for example, What is my study about?—and form—for example, Am I asking a ‘who, ‘what,’ ‘where,’ ‘why,’ or ‘how’ question? . . .  The form of the question can provide an important clue regarding the appropriate research method to be used” (Yin, 2014, p. 11). In this Discussion, you will create research questions and evaluate the extent to which they align with other components of your Prospectus, and, ultimately, Proposal.

To prepare for your Discussion, review the Dissertation resources in this week’s Learning Resources.

Pay particular attention to specific examples of problem statements. Also, go to the Walden Library webpage “Dissertations,” find at least two Walden Dissertations from SPPA completed in the past year, and read the problem statements, purpose, and research questions for each.

Post by Day 3 your Dissertation topic, problem statement, purpose, and at least two research questions. Explain what you learned from your required readings and Walden Dissertations, on problem and purpose statements and formulating research questions that flow logically from these. Summarize the ways all of these sections are aligned and why that is required for quality and rigorous dissertation research.

Respond by Day 6 to at least of at least two of your colleagues who have not yet had a reply, in any of the following ways:

• To what extent do the research questions align with the Dissertation topic, problem statement, and purpose? Explain.
• In what ways are your colleagues’ research questions focused and specific enough that they are measurable?
• Create at least one more research question for each colleague, justifying your reasons for adding the question(s).