A research question in experimental-type research has which of the following characteristics?
It broadly reflects mulitple problem statements.
It is posted a priori or before entering the field.
It can be changed midstream in the study.
It may be both descriptive and predictive.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: It is posted a priori or before entering the field.
In experimental-type research, the research question is typically formulated before the research begins. This is because experimental research follows a structured, systematic approach where variables are manipulated and outcomes are measured based on the initial hypothesis or research question. The research question guides the entire experimental design, helping to define the variables, establish the control conditions, and determine the methods of data collection.
Posting the research question a priori means that the researcher defines the problem and sets clear expectations regarding what will be studied and how it will be studied, before any data is collected. This approach allows for the experimental design to be focused and precise, ensuring that the research findings are valid and reliable.
Although the research question is developed beforehand, it is possible to refine the scope or direction of the study if new insights emerge during the research process. However, such adjustments are typically made within the boundaries of the original research question and hypothesis, rather than radically changing the question itself.
The other options presented have less relevance to experimental-type research:
- It broadly reflects multiple problem statements: This is typically more aligned with exploratory or qualitative research, where multiple issues may be addressed.
- It can be changed midstream in the study: While flexibility exists, altering the research question mid-study is uncommon in experimental research, as it may compromise the validity of the experimental setup.
- It may be both descriptive and predictive: Experimental research is primarily designed to test cause-effect relationships, which may not always fit the descriptive or predictive models. Descriptive and predictive questions are more characteristic of correlational or observational studies.
Thus, the characteristic that best aligns with experimental research is the formulation of the research question before data collection begins.