Developing Questions to Research (LC 2027) (Leaving Cert Business): Revision Notes
Devloping Questions to Research
What is research?
Research is the systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Think of it as a structured process of investigating something in a planned and methodical manner to discover new information or verify existing knowledge.
When you conduct research, you're essentially trying to answer questions about topics you're curious about or problems you want to solve. This process involves gathering information, analysing data, and drawing conclusions based on what you find.
Research is fundamentally about curiosity and discovery. Every great scientific breakthrough, technological innovation, or academic insight started with someone asking "What if?" or "How does this work?" The key is approaching these questions systematically rather than randomly.
The research question development process
Developing a strong research question is crucial for successful investigation. Rather than jumping straight into a specific question, you need to follow a systematic approach that gradually narrows your focus.
The process works like a funnel, moving from broad to specific:
- Start with a broad topic - Choose an area that interests you
- Build working knowledge - Conduct initial research to understand the topic better
- Develop working questions - Identify gaps and areas of particular interest
- Refine to final research question - Create a focused, specific question you can investigate
Avoid the common mistake of trying to skip steps in this process. Students often want to jump straight to a specific research question without building sufficient background knowledge. This approach usually leads to poorly focused questions that are either too broad to research effectively or too narrow to be meaningful.
Steps to follow when developing your research question
Worked Example: Research Question Development Process
Step 1: Identify a broad topic Choose an area you've studied or are currently learning about. This gives you a foundation to build upon.
Step 2: Ask yourself key questions:
- What do I already know about this topic?
- What do I want to know more about?
- How can I find out more about this topic?
Step 3: Research the topic broadly Look for general information while keeping an eye out for trends, patterns, or gaps in the research that other authors have identified.
Step 4: Narrow your focus Concentrate on a more specific area within your broader topic.
Step 5: Identify your specific question Ask yourself: Can I identify a question I have about this topic? Is there a problem I can identify that I want to address?
SMART criteria for research questions
Once you have potential research questions, you need to evaluate them using SMART criteria. A good research question should be:
S - Specific: The research question should be detailed and clear, not general or vague. It should focus on a particular aspect rather than being too broad.
M - Measurable: You should be able to set out a clear target that can be calculated and measured. Think about what data you can collect and how you'll analyse it.
A - Achievable: The objective must be possible. Consider how much time you have, what resources are available, and what type of data you can realistically access.
R - Relevant: The issue should be of interest and align with the overall theme or topic you're investigating. It should matter to your field of study.
T - Time-bound: The objective should have a specific time and date by which it should be achieved. Set yourself a clear deadline for completing your research.
The SMART criteria were originally developed for business goal-setting but have been adapted across many fields because they provide a practical framework for creating actionable objectives. In research, they help ensure your questions are both ambitious enough to be worthwhile and realistic enough to complete successfully.
Example of applying SMART criteria
Worked Example: Evaluating a Research Question with SMART Criteria
Let's examine this research question: "To learn more about organisational culture"
Analysis:
- S - It's a little vague (needs to be more specific about what aspect of organisational culture)
- M - It's hard to measure in terms of success (what does "learn more" actually mean?)
- A - It is achievable (organisational culture is a valid research topic)
- R - It is relevant (important business topic)
- T - It doesn't have a clear time line (when should this learning be completed?)
Improved version: "To identify two factors that impact on organisational culture in an organisation"
This revised question is much more specific, measurable (you can identify and count factors), achievable, relevant, and you can set a clear deadline for completion.
Brainstorming techniques
Brainstorming is a problem-solving technique where group members pool their ideas to find solutions to problems or generate new ideas. It's particularly useful when you're trying to develop research questions or explore different aspects of a topic.
The power of brainstorming lies in its ability to generate a large volume of ideas quickly, often leading to unexpected connections and creative solutions that might not emerge through individual thinking alone.
Rules for effective brainstorming
To get the most out of brainstorming sessions, follow these important guidelines:
Essential Brainstorming Guidelines
- Set a time limit: Keep sessions focused and energetic by working within specific timeframes
- Target a problem or goal: Have a clear focus for your brainstorming session
- No judgement or criticism: Accept all ideas without immediately evaluating them
- Encourage all ideas: Welcome every suggestion, even unusual ones
- Aim for quantity: Generate as many ideas as possible rather than focusing on quality initially
- Build on ideas: Use others' suggestions as springboards for new thoughts
- Stay visual: Use tools like whiteboards, sticky notes, or flip charts
- Allow one conversation at a time: Ensure everyone can contribute and be heard
Remember: The goal of brainstorming is divergent thinking - generating as many possibilities as possible. Save the evaluation and criticism for later stages. Many breakthrough ideas initially seem impractical or unusual, so premature judgement can kill potentially valuable insights.
Brain dumping
Brain dumping is an individual version of brainstorming where you write down all your ideas on paper or sticky notes. This should be done in silence over a set time period (typically 3-5 minutes). After the time is up, you can evaluate and discuss the ideas generated.
This technique is particularly effective because it allows everyone to contribute ideas simultaneously without being influenced by others' suggestions initially.
Mind mapping
Mind maps are graphical representations of information with a main topic placed at the centre. They were developed by Tony Buzan as a way to visually organise information and show connections between different concepts.
Mind maps work particularly well because they mirror the way our brains naturally process and store information - through associations and connections rather than linear lists.
How to create a mind map
Mind Map Creation Process
- Place your central topic in the middle of the page
- Add main branches extending from the centre for major themes
- Create smaller branches from the main ones for related details
- Use key words, pictures, and colours to make the map more engaging
- Show cross-links between themes where connections exist
Mind maps are particularly useful because they mirror how our brains naturally organise information, making them effective tools for both learning and generating ideas.
Concept mapping
Concept maps are another visual tool for representing information, but they differ from mind maps in important ways. While mind maps focus on a central topic with branches radiating outward, concept maps show the relationships between different themes and concepts.
Key features of concept maps
Concept Map Characteristics
- The central topic appears at the top rather than in the centre
- Linking words and arrows connect themes to show relationships
- They demonstrate hierarchical connections between ideas
- Cross-links show how concepts in different areas relate to each other
Concept maps are particularly effective for showing complex relationships and helping you understand how different aspects of your research topic connect to each other. They can help you identify gaps in your knowledge and potential areas for investigation.
Key Points to Remember:
- Research is a systematic process - Don't rush into specific questions without first understanding your broad topic area
- Use the funnel approach - Start broad and gradually narrow your focus through initial research and question development
- Apply SMART criteria - Ensure your research questions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
- Brainstorming works best with clear rules - Follow established guidelines to generate the most useful ideas for your research
- Visual tools help organise thinking - Use mind maps and concept maps to explore connections and identify research opportunities