Need to learn how to write research questions? Use this quick strategy with templates and examples
Degree Doctor
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Hey, PhD students! Welcome to Degree Doctor! I’m Dr Elizabeth Yardley, here to help you finish your qualitative research thesis. Drawing on my 20 years' experience as a social science professor, I'll help you smash your imposter syndrome and push through procrastination as well as supporting you in writing the individual chapters of your dissertation. You CAN complete your doctorate, and my videos will help you do a great job of it. I'm cheering you on all the way, from your literature review to your discussion and conclusions, I've got you covered! Make sure you grab a copy of my Research Proposal Starter Kit, it works wonders for writer's block! It's available in my channel links, go check them out!
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Writing research questions is a great way to ensure your research remains focused and on track, ensuring you don't veer off course! If you’re in the middle of your PhD (or any research project) and struggling with those all-important research questions, you’re in the right place! In this video, I’m going to help you craft research questions that are not only realistic and focused but will also make your life so much easier when it comes to data collection and analysis. Think of research questions as your compass in the research jungle – without them, you’ll be wandering aimlessly. We’ll start by exploring why research questions matter so much and how they connect to your aims and objectives. Then, I’ll walk you through what makes a good research question: Is it specific? Is it researchable? Is it manageable within the scope of your PhD? I’ve got some great tips to share, including handy sentence prompts to get you started (yes, I’m talking actual fill-in-the-blank templates!). We’ll also look at examples like early career lawyers balancing work and family life - what questions would you ask about that? And, of course, I’ll highlight the common mistakes you’ll want to avoid, like being too vague or asking unanswerable questions. If you’re ready to get unstuck and take control of your research, grab your notebook and coffee, and let’s go! Make sure to drop your draft research questions in the comments so we can refine them together! Chapters 0:00 - 0:41 Introduction to research questions 0:42 - 1:20 Why research questions matter 1:21 - 1:38 How many research questions do you need? 1:39 - 2:28 What makes a good research question? 2:29 - 3:50 How should you develop and shape your research questions? 3:51 - 4:42 Example study 4:43 - 5:05 Over to you! Your research questions - develop one now! 5:06 - 6:31 Types of research question 6:32 - 7:53 Common mistakes with research questions 7:54 - 8:27 Key takeaways about research questions // Other helpful videos // Aims and Objectives - how to write them https://youtu.be/msVvVajPsao Paradigms - what are they and why should I care?! https://youtu.be/rLK-Vnc5gjg Is your title too broad? Here's how to narrow it down https://youtu.be/m0Gp7hj-4ng Introduction chapter, how to write it https://youtu.be/yDBf2dPeNcg // See my videos BEFORE everyone else does! // For early access to my videos and whole load of other cool things, become a Degree Doctor channel member! https://www.youtube.com/@DegreeDoctor/join // FREE Research Proposal Guide + weekly reassurance that you’re COMPLETELY NORMAL // The PhD journey can be a tough one, and my weekly emails are written with that in mind! They’re full of practical advice and easy-to-implement tips, as well as, “It’s okay, the way you’re feeling is completely valid” type stuff. If that sounds good to you, sign up here and grab yourself a free Research Proposal Starter Guide too - https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/rpstarterkitsu // I sell lots of great stuff! Take a look at what you can buy! // Want to see some of the resources and courses you can buy to help you on your PhD journey? Here are my bestsellers! Need some quick wins? Try my Cheat Sheet Library https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/cheat-sheet-library Want me to walk you through each of your PhD chapters, step-by-step? Check out my PhD Survival Guides https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/phd-survival-guides Just want some cool new PDF planners? Take a look in my Planner Shop https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/dissertation-planner-shop
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