The research question in qualitative studies

Abstract

Research questions in qualitative studies condense theoretical, thematic, methodological and empirical aspects, and constitute the transverse axis of the inquiry process. This process considers four major moments: 1) the construction of the research objective, 2) research design, 3) the production of information, and 4) the analysis of the data obtained.

The article focuses on the first category, since the formulation of the research question(s) occurs at this stage. The construction of the research objective considers the choice of a theme, the specification of a problem, the (theoretical, thematic and empirical) literature search, the elaboration of a system of conceptual relations, as well as the theorizing and orientation of the research, each of which is explained in the text.

The selection of methods and strategies for the information gathering is usually compatible with the objective, and there are multiple epistemological and theoretical paradigms to support it, such as cultural anthropology, ethnomethodology, phenomenology, descriptive ecological studies, symbolic and interpretive interactionism, analysis of narratives, historiography, and literary criticism, among others. In this article, there are also brief mentions of the most common techniques used in qualitative research, as well as a discussion of the ethical considerations in formulating the research questions.

Finally, an example that illustrates the construction of the research objective is included. When the construction of the research objective is solid and the research question is well formulated, it is most likely that the findings will be relevant and innovative, but that also depends on the methodological rigour throughout the study, the feasibility of the work field, and the criticism and creativity in the analysis.