Evaluating Research Questions and Designs

My Analysis of the Research Questions Based on Criteria from Developing Strong Research Questions.

I believe this article's research questions are strong as they meet two of McCombes (2019) criteria for a strong research question. The two specifications they achieve are being focused and researchable and complex and arguable. While there are three research questions involved, they are concentrated on a single topic, perfectionism. Furthermore, these questions can be answered using both primary and secondary data. Rice et al., (2006) can use primary data through psychological tests and secondary data from past studies to answer his question. Additionally, the research questions meet the criteria of being complex and arguable. They can not be quickly answered through a search on google and require a thorough analysis of data before making conclusions. Furthermore, the findings to his questions leave room for debate and discussion. All these factors make these research questions strong.

These three research questions are feasible and specific and relevant and original, which are two criteria of McCombs (2019) for a strong research question. Cross et al., (2018) uses three psychological tests that are relatively short and provide instant results once scored. While the definition of "personality traits" is a bit vague in their research question, in the article it is explained they will be only be identifying the Big Five personality traits. Focusing only on these aspects of personality narrows down the research question. The only personality traits they will examine are neuroticism, openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. Furthermore, the questions are relatively novel, addressing topics that few have studied before. Thus, they lay a foundation for other researchers to build upon in studies of personality in honors students. I believe Cross et al., created many strong research questions in this study.

I believe my own research question is strong as it meets many of McCombs criteria for a strong research question. I think my question is feasible and specific and complex and arguable. My question can be addressed in a timely manner. I plan on using a couple of psychological tests that provide results quickly. Additionally, I have direct access to many of my participants as they are in the same class as me. I believe my research question is focused as I'm narrowing in on honors students and mental health specifically. My research question is also intricate in nature in my opinion. The answer to my research question cannot be addressed with a simple “yes” or “no” and cannot be found through a single search on Google. Additionally, my research question leaves room for debate and further explorations. Due to meeting these criteria, I believe my research question is strong.