How to develop a research question (Free canvas)

Lovely. January is almost over. How has your start into 2024 been? Mine has been productive. I’ve had some more excellent chats in the AI Academics X Space the last Mondays, exploring all the recent AI developments with Vugar.

We’ve settled on a date for our AI Research Tools webinar: 29th of February (10 AM ET). And a price ($39.90 USD). I’m currently working on the landing page and will send you the link as soon as it’s ready. I am also thinking of rebranding this newsletter as Write Insight, more about that soon. Thanks to everyone, who has already responded to the survey that is helping me restructure this.

I’ve also recently developed this method for finding your research questions (reply to this email if you’d love to get a training webinar from me on this):

The Research Question Canvas

Every journey needs a map. In academia, that map often takes the form of a well-defined research question. But how do you move from a vague curiosity to a question that’s not only insightful but also workable and impactful? That’s what I’ve developed this Research Canvas exercise for. It’s goal is to help you through prompts to come up with one or more useful research questions. It’s a dynamic framework with ten key quadrants. Each of these guides you through a crucial step in crafting your research question.

1. Problem Identification

Here, you plant the seed — define the specific problem or issue you’ll tackle. Ask yourself: “What burning issue am I addressing? Why is it important to understand?” This sets the stage for your entire investigation. You want to target a relevant and worthy area of concern.

2. Literature Gap

Before venturing into uncharted territory, always check your map. This quadrant is about identifying unexplored areas or limitations in existing research. Ask: “What do we not yet understand about this problem? What have previous studies overlooked?” Your research should fill a critical gap and shouldn’t retread old ground.

3. Research Feasibility

Time to assess your resources! This quadrant is about ensuring your research is practical and achievable. Ask: “Do I have access to the necessary data or sources? Is this study workable within my timeframe and constraints?” Don’t let logistical hurdles derail your investigation. Plan your strategy from the outset.

4. Specificity and Scope

Broad ambitions are admirable, but research demands focus. This quadrant is about narrowing down your focus to a manageable scope. Ask: “What specific aspects of the problem will I address? How can I limit the scope to make it more in-depth and impactful?” A laser-sharp question often yields more profound insights than a scattershot approach.

5. Complexity and Depth

Don’t settle for surface-level scratching! This quadrant encourages you to think harder. Ask: “What are the different layers or dimensions of this problem? How can I explore these in depth to uncover hidden nuances?” Embrace the complexity of the issues. Your research will be richer and more valuable if you can figure this out early.

6. Relevance and Impact

Why should anyone care about your research? This quadrant is about evaluating its significance in the field and beyond. Ask: “Why is this research important? What potential impact could it have on theory, practice, or society?” Connect your inquiry to a broader purpose. It must resonate not only within academia but also in the real world.

7. Empirical Testability

Research thrives on evidence, not speculation. This quadrant is about securing you can answer your question through empirical methods. Ask: “Can this question be investigated through data collection and analysis? What methods might be appropriate?” Choose a question that leads to observable and measurable results. This will put your research on a foundation of solid evidence.

8. Research Design Compatibility

Every question needs the right approach. This quadrant helps you match your question to a suitable research method. Ask: “What research design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) fits this question best?” Choosing the right approach facilitates a smooth and effective investigation. It guarantees your question and method work in harmony.

9. Innovation and Originality

Don’t echo existing voices. Find the sound of your own voice. This quadrant encourages you to bring new insights or challenge established notions. Ask: “How does my question challenge or add to current understanding? What new perspective am I offering?” Strive for originality. Your unique angle will make your research stand out.

10. Hypothesis Formation

Every good question deserves a bold prediction. This quadrant is where you form a testable hypothesis based on your research question. Ask: “What do I expect to find? What hypothesis or statement can I draw from this question?” Craft a clear and specific hypothesis. This guides your investigation and sets the stage for exciting discoveries.

The Research Canvas is not a rigid checklist; it’s a flexible tool for exploration. Use it as a springboard for brainstorming, refining, and crafting a research question. The question you find should ignite your passion and make a meaningful contribution to your field.

That’s it for today. If you enjoyed reading this newsletter, please forward this email to a friend or a person who would benefit from these tips. I appreciate your support. I love hearing from you. 🫶