questions to ask for research project

90 Questions to Ask a Researcher

Embarking on a journey to unravel the mysteries of research can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you’re a budding scholar, a curious journalist, or simply an individual with a thirst for knowledge, probing the minds of those at the forefront of discovery can provide invaluable insights.

This article offers an array of thought-provoking questions meticulously crafted to delve deep into the essence of research.

Table of Contents

Understanding Research Objectives

• What inspired the research question you’re exploring?
• Can you briefly describe the main goal of your research?
• How does your research fit within the broader field of study?
• Who are the intended beneficiaries of your research findings?
• Did the initial objectives evolve as the research progressed?
• How do you ensure your research objectives are achievable?
• What is the scope of your research?
• How did you narrow down your research questions?
• What significant problem does your research seek to address?
• What are the anticipated outcomes of your research?
• How do you prioritize different research objectives?
• What hypotheses are you testing in your research?
• Can you clarify any terms specific to your research objectives?
• How do your research objectives align with current trends in the field?
• What challenges did you face in defining your research objectives?

Exploring Methodology and Design

• What research methodology did you choose, and why?
• How did you ensure the reliability and validity of your methods?
• Can you explain the process of data collection in your research?
• Did you encounter any obstacles in your research design?
• How did your methodology affect the interpretation of results?
• What tools or technologies did you use in your research?
• How did you address potential biases in your research design?
• What criteria did you use for selecting your study sample?
• How do you manage the ethical considerations in your research?
• What measures did you take to ensure data security and privacy?
• How is your approach different from existing methodologies?
• Did you require any special approvals for your research methods?
• How do you keep your methodology transparent and replicable?
• Have you piloted your research design, and what were the results?
• Can you walk me through the timeline of the research process?

Discussing Findings and Interpretations

• What are the key findings of your research?
• Were there any surprising results you encountered?
• How do your findings contribute to the field?
• What do you believe is the reason behind these outcomes?
• How do your results compare to those of similar studies?
• What limitations should we consider when interpreting your findings?
• Can you discuss any patterns or trends revealed in your research?
• How might your findings influence future research?
• How robust are your findings to different analytical methods?
• Were any of your hypotheses not supported by the data?
• How do you plan to share and publish your findings?
• What is the potential for real-world application of your research?
• How do you validate the interpretations of your data?
• In what ways have you engaged with other researchers about your findings?
• What follow-up studies would you suggest based on your results?

Assessing Impact and Relevance

• How does your research address societal or environmental needs?
• In what ways could your research potentially affect industry practices?
• What long-term changes do you hope your research will inspire?
• How relevant is your research in today’s context?
• What is the envisioned impact on policy or public discourse?
• How do you gauge the success of your research’s impact?
• Who are the stakeholders most interested in your research?
• How do you disseminate your research to maximize impact?
• Can your research findings be generalized across different contexts?
• What collaborations did you form to enhance the impact of your research?
• How do you measure the social return on investment for your research?
• What has been the feedback from the community affected by your research?
• How has your research contributed to advancements in technology or science?
• What part of your research do you think will have the greatest impact?
• Are there any unintended consequences that may arise from your research?

Evaluating Credibility and Ethics

• How do you ensure the credibility of your research findings?
• What kind of peer review or scrutiny has your research undergone?
• Have you published in open-access journals or other accessible platforms?
• Can you explain the ethical considerations relevant to your research?
• How would you address any conflicts of interest in your work?
• How do you ensure that your research benefits are shared fairly?
• What steps do you take to maintain transparency in your research?
• How have you dealt with any ethical dilemmas during your study?
• In what ways do you work to maintain participant confidentiality?
• Can you discuss the ethical governance of your research project?
• What safeguards are in place for the ethical use of data?
• How does your research comply with legal and regulatory standards?
• Are there any socio-cultural sensitivities you had to consider in your research?
• How might your research confront or challenge ethical norms?
• What is your approach to obtaining informed consent?

Personal Insights and Journey in Research

• What inspired you to become a researcher in your field?
• Can you share a pivotal moment in your research career?
• How do you stay motivated when facing research challenges?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of conducting research?
• How do you balance personal biases and professional objectivity?
• What lessons have you learned from your time in research?
• How do you approach collaborative research projects?
• What are your top strategies for overcoming research obstacles?
• Can you describe a significant breakthrough you had in your research?
• How do you keep up-to-date with advancements in your field?
• What advice would you give to aspiring researchers?
• Can you share a mistake you made and how you addressed it?
• What has been the most unexpected turn in your research journey?
• How do you handle skepticism or criticism of your research?
• What personal qualities do you think are essential for a successful researcher?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to ask about a researcher’s personal insights.

Learning about a researcher’s personal insights provides context that enriches your understanding of their work. It can reveal the human element behind the research, including motivation, challenges, and the passion driving their inquiries.

How can I probe into the relevance and real-world application of research?

Ask direct questions about how the research tackles contemporary issues, its societal benefits, and its potential for practical application. Discussing envisioned impacts on policy or technology can also highlight the research’s real-world significance.

Final Thoughts

Beyond the data and analysis, these conversations are a portal into the multifaceted world of research – a blend of empirical rigor, ethical considerations, and personal dedication.

May these engaging inquiries lead you to profound discoveries and a deeper appreciation for the painstaking yet rewarding odyssey that researchers embark upon to advance human knowledge.

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Home » Research Questions – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Questions – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Questions

Definition:

Research questions are the specific questions that guide a research study or inquiry. These questions help to define the scope of the research and provide a clear focus for the study. Research questions are usually developed at the beginning of a research project and are designed to address a particular research problem or objective.

Types of Research Questions

Types of Research Questions are as follows:

Descriptive Research Questions

These aim to describe a particular phenomenon, group, or situation. For example:

• What are the characteristics of the target population?
• What is the prevalence of a particular disease in a specific region?

Exploratory Research Questions

These aim to explore a new area of research or generate new ideas or hypotheses. For example:

• What are the potential causes of a particular phenomenon?
• What are the possible outcomes of a specific intervention?

Explanatory Research Questions

These aim to understand the relationship between two or more variables or to explain why a particular phenomenon occurs. For example:

• What is the effect of a specific drug on the symptoms of a particular disease?
• What are the factors that contribute to employee turnover in a particular industry?

Predictive Research Questions

These aim to predict a future outcome or trend based on existing data or trends. For example :

• What will be the future demand for a particular product or service?
• What will be the future prevalence of a particular disease?

Evaluative Research Questions

These aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a particular intervention or program. For example:

• What is the impact of a specific educational program on student learning outcomes?
• What is the effectiveness of a particular policy or program in achieving its intended goals?

How to Choose Research Questions

Choosing research questions is an essential part of the research process and involves careful consideration of the research problem, objectives, and design. Here are some steps to consider when choosing research questions:

• Identify the research problem: Start by identifying the problem or issue that you want to study. This could be a gap in the literature, a social or economic issue, or a practical problem that needs to be addressed.
• Conduct a literature review: Conducting a literature review can help you identify existing research in your area of interest and can help you formulate research questions that address gaps or limitations in the existing literature.
• Define the research objectives : Clearly define the objectives of your research. What do you want to achieve with your study? What specific questions do you want to answer?
• Consider the research design : Consider the research design that you plan to use. This will help you determine the appropriate types of research questions to ask. For example, if you plan to use a qualitative approach, you may want to focus on exploratory or descriptive research questions.
• Ensure that the research questions are clear and answerable: Your research questions should be clear and specific, and should be answerable with the data that you plan to collect. Avoid asking questions that are too broad or vague.
• Get feedback : Get feedback from your supervisor, colleagues, or peers to ensure that your research questions are relevant, feasible, and meaningful.

How to Write Research Questions

Guide for Writing Research Questions:

• Start with a clear statement of the research problem: Begin by stating the problem or issue that your research aims to address. This will help you to formulate focused research questions.
• Use clear language : Write your research questions in clear and concise language that is easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to your readers.
• Be specific: Your research questions should be specific and focused. Avoid broad questions that are difficult to answer. For example, instead of asking “What is the impact of climate change on the environment?” ask “What are the effects of rising sea levels on coastal ecosystems?”
• Use appropriate question types: Choose the appropriate question types based on the research design and objectives. For example, if you are conducting a qualitative study, you may want to use open-ended questions that allow participants to provide detailed responses.
• Consider the feasibility of your questions : Ensure that your research questions are feasible and can be answered with the resources available. Consider the data sources and methods of data collection when writing your questions.
• Seek feedback: Get feedback from your supervisor, colleagues, or peers to ensure that your research questions are relevant, appropriate, and meaningful.

Examples of Research Questions

Some Examples of Research Questions with Research Titles:

Research Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

• Research Question : What is the relationship between social media use and mental health, and how does this impact individuals’ well-being?

Research Title: Factors Influencing Academic Success in High School

• Research Question: What are the primary factors that influence academic success in high school, and how do they contribute to student achievement?

Research Title: The Effects of Exercise on Physical and Mental Health

• Research Question: What is the relationship between exercise and physical and mental health, and how can exercise be used as a tool to improve overall well-being?

Research Title: Understanding the Factors that Influence Consumer Purchasing Decisions

• Research Question : What are the key factors that influence consumer purchasing decisions, and how do these factors vary across different demographics and products?

Research Title: The Impact of Technology on Communication

• Research Question : How has technology impacted communication patterns, and what are the effects of these changes on interpersonal relationships and society as a whole?

Research Title: Investigating the Relationship between Parenting Styles and Child Development

• Research Question: What is the relationship between different parenting styles and child development outcomes, and how do these outcomes vary across different ages and developmental stages?

Research Title: The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Treating Anxiety Disorders

• Research Question: How effective is cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders, and what factors contribute to its success or failure in different patients?

Research Title: The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity

• Research Question : How is climate change affecting global biodiversity, and what can be done to mitigate the negative effects on natural ecosystems?

Research Title: Exploring the Relationship between Cultural Diversity and Workplace Productivity

• Research Question : How does cultural diversity impact workplace productivity, and what strategies can be employed to maximize the benefits of a diverse workforce?

Research Title: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

• Research Question: How can artificial intelligence be leveraged to improve healthcare outcomes, and what are the potential risks and ethical concerns associated with its use?

Applications of Research Questions

Here are some of the key applications of research questions:

• Defining the scope of the study : Research questions help researchers to narrow down the scope of their study and identify the specific issues they want to investigate.
• Developing hypotheses: Research questions often lead to the development of hypotheses, which are testable predictions about the relationship between variables. Hypotheses provide a clear and focused direction for the study.
• Designing the study : Research questions guide the design of the study, including the selection of participants, the collection of data, and the analysis of results.
• Collecting data : Research questions inform the selection of appropriate methods for collecting data, such as surveys, interviews, or experiments.
• Analyzing data : Research questions guide the analysis of data, including the selection of appropriate statistical tests and the interpretation of results.
• Communicating results : Research questions help researchers to communicate the results of their study in a clear and concise manner. The research questions provide a framework for discussing the findings and drawing conclusions.

Characteristics of Research Questions

Characteristics of Research Questions are as follows:

• Clear and Specific : A good research question should be clear and specific. It should clearly state what the research is trying to investigate and what kind of data is required.
• Relevant : The research question should be relevant to the study and should address a current issue or problem in the field of research.
• Testable : The research question should be testable through empirical evidence. It should be possible to collect data to answer the research question.
• Concise : The research question should be concise and focused. It should not be too broad or too narrow.
• Feasible : The research question should be feasible to answer within the constraints of the research design, time frame, and available resources.
• Original : The research question should be original and should contribute to the existing knowledge in the field of research.
• Significant : The research question should have significance and importance to the field of research. It should have the potential to provide new insights and knowledge to the field.
• Ethical : The research question should be ethical and should not cause harm to any individuals or groups involved in the study.

Purpose of Research Questions

Research questions are the foundation of any research study as they guide the research process and provide a clear direction to the researcher. The purpose of research questions is to identify the scope and boundaries of the study, and to establish the goals and objectives of the research.

The main purpose of research questions is to help the researcher to focus on the specific area or problem that needs to be investigated. They enable the researcher to develop a research design, select the appropriate methods and tools for data collection and analysis, and to organize the results in a meaningful way.

Research questions also help to establish the relevance and significance of the study. They define the research problem, and determine the research methodology that will be used to address the problem. Research questions also help to determine the type of data that will be collected, and how it will be analyzed and interpreted.

Finally, research questions provide a framework for evaluating the results of the research. They help to establish the validity and reliability of the data, and provide a basis for drawing conclusions and making recommendations based on the findings of the study.

Advantages of Research Questions

There are several advantages of research questions in the research process, including:

• Focus : Research questions help to focus the research by providing a clear direction for the study. They define the specific area of investigation and provide a framework for the research design.
• Clarity : Research questions help to clarify the purpose and objectives of the study, which can make it easier for the researcher to communicate the research aims to others.
• Relevance : Research questions help to ensure that the study is relevant and meaningful. By asking relevant and important questions, the researcher can ensure that the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge and address important issues.
• Consistency : Research questions help to ensure consistency in the research process by providing a framework for the development of the research design, data collection, and analysis.
• Measurability : Research questions help to ensure that the study is measurable by defining the specific variables and outcomes that will be measured.
• Replication : Research questions help to ensure that the study can be replicated by providing a clear and detailed description of the research aims, methods, and outcomes. This makes it easier for other researchers to replicate the study and verify the results.

Limitations of Research Questions

Limitations of Research Questions are as follows:

• Subjectivity : Research questions are often subjective and can be influenced by personal biases and perspectives of the researcher. This can lead to a limited understanding of the research problem and may affect the validity and reliability of the study.
• Inadequate scope : Research questions that are too narrow in scope may limit the breadth of the study, while questions that are too broad may make it difficult to focus on specific research objectives.
• Unanswerable questions : Some research questions may not be answerable due to the lack of available data or limitations in research methods. In such cases, the research question may need to be rephrased or modified to make it more answerable.
• Lack of clarity : Research questions that are poorly worded or ambiguous can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. This can result in incomplete or inaccurate data, which may compromise the validity of the study.
• Difficulty in measuring variables : Some research questions may involve variables that are difficult to measure or quantify, making it challenging to draw meaningful conclusions from the data.
• Lack of generalizability: Research questions that are too specific or limited in scope may not be generalizable to other contexts or populations. This can limit the applicability of the study’s findings and restrict its broader implications.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to Write a Research Question: Types and Examples 

The first step in any research project is framing the research question. It can be considered the core of any systematic investigation as the research outcomes are tied to asking the right questions. Thus, this primary interrogation point sets the pace for your research as it helps collect relevant and insightful information that ultimately influences your work.   

Typically, the research question guides the stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting. Depending on the use of quantifiable or quantitative data, research questions are broadly categorized into quantitative or qualitative research questions. Both types of research questions can be used independently or together, considering the overall focus and objectives of your research.  

What is a research question?

A research question is a clear, focused, concise, and arguable question on which your research and writing are centered. 1 It states various aspects of the study, including the population and variables to be studied and the problem the study addresses. These questions also set the boundaries of the study, ensuring cohesion. 

Designing the research question is a dynamic process where the researcher can change or refine the research question as they review related literature and develop a framework for the study. Depending on the scale of your research, the study can include single or multiple research questions. 

A good research question has the following features: 

• It is relevant to the chosen field of study. 
• The question posed is arguable and open for debate, requiring synthesizing and analysis of ideas. 
• It is focused and concisely framed. 
• A feasible solution is possible within the given practical constraint and timeframe. 

A poorly formulated research question poses several risks. 1   

• Researchers can adopt an erroneous design. 
• It can create confusion and hinder the thought process, including developing a clear protocol.  
• It can jeopardize publication efforts.  
• It causes difficulty in determining the relevance of the study findings.  
• It causes difficulty in whether the study fulfils the inclusion criteria for systematic review and meta-analysis. This creates challenges in determining whether additional studies or data collection is needed to answer the question.  
• Readers may fail to understand the objective of the study. This reduces the likelihood of the study being cited by others. 

Now that you know “What is a research question?”, let’s look at the different types of research questions. 

Types of research questions

Depending on the type of research to be done, research questions can be classified broadly into quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies. Knowing the type of research helps determine the best type of research question that reflects the direction and epistemological underpinnings of your research. 

The structure and wording of quantitative 2 and qualitative research 3 questions differ significantly. The quantitative study looks at causal relationships, whereas the qualitative study aims at exploring a phenomenon. 

• Quantitative research questions:  
• Seeks to investigate social, familial, or educational experiences or processes in a particular context and/or location.  
• Answers ‘how,’ ‘what,’ or ‘why’ questions. 
• Investigates connections, relations, or comparisons between independent and dependent variables. 

Quantitative research questions can be further categorized into descriptive, comparative, and relationship, as explained in the Table below. 

• Qualitative research questions  

Qualitative research questions are adaptable, non-directional, and more flexible. It concerns broad areas of research or more specific areas of study to discover, explain, or explore a phenomenon. These are further classified as follows: 

• Mixed-methods studies  

Mixed-methods studies use both quantitative and qualitative research questions to answer your research question. Mixed methods provide a complete picture than standalone quantitative or qualitative research, as it integrates the benefits of both methods. Mixed methods research is often used in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research, especially in the behavioral, health, and social science fields. 

What makes a good research question

A good research question should be clear and focused to guide your research. It should synthesize multiple sources to present your unique argument, and should ideally be something that you are interested in. But avoid questions that can be answered in a few factual statements. The following are the main attributes of a good research question. 

• Specific: The research question should not be a fishing expedition performed in the hopes that some new information will be found that will benefit the researcher. The central research question should work with your research problem to keep your work focused. If using multiple questions, they should all tie back to the central aim. 
• Measurable: The research question must be answerable using quantitative and/or qualitative data or from scholarly sources to develop your research question. If such data is impossible to access, it is better to rethink your question. 
• Attainable: Ensure you have enough time and resources to do all research required to answer your question. If it seems you will not be able to gain access to the data you need, consider narrowing down your question to be more specific. 
• You have the expertise 
• You have the equipment and resources 
• Realistic: Developing your research question should be based on initial reading about your topic. It should focus on addressing a problem or gap in the existing knowledge in your field or discipline. 
• Based on some sort of rational physics 
• Can be done in a reasonable time frame 
• Timely: The research question should contribute to an existing and current debate in your field or in society at large. It should produce knowledge that future researchers or practitioners can later build on. 
• Novel 
• Based on current technologies. 
• Important to answer current problems or concerns. 
• Lead to new directions. 
• Important: Your question should have some aspect of originality. Incremental research is as important as exploring disruptive technologies. For example, you can focus on a specific location or explore a new angle. 
• Meaningful whether the answer is “Yes” or “No.” Closed-ended, yes/no questions are too simple to work as good research questions. Such questions do not provide enough scope for robust investigation and discussion. A good research question requires original data, synthesis of multiple sources, and original interpretation and argumentation before providing an answer. 

Steps for developing a good research question

The importance of research questions cannot be understated. When drafting a research question, use the following frameworks to guide the components of your question to ease the process. 4  

• Determine the requirements: Before constructing a good research question, set your research requirements. What is the purpose? Is it descriptive, comparative, or explorative research? Determining the research aim will help you choose the most appropriate topic and word your question appropriately. 
• Select a broad research topic: Identify a broader subject area of interest that requires investigation. Techniques such as brainstorming or concept mapping can help identify relevant connections and themes within a broad research topic. For example, how to learn and help students learn. 
• Perform preliminary investigation: Preliminary research is needed to obtain up-to-date and relevant knowledge on your topic. It also helps identify issues currently being discussed from which information gaps can be identified. 
• Narrow your focus: Narrow the scope and focus of your research to a specific niche. This involves focusing on gaps in existing knowledge or recent literature or extending or complementing the findings of existing literature. Another approach involves constructing strong research questions that challenge your views or knowledge of the area of study (Example: Is learning consistent with the existing learning theory and research). 
• Identify the research problem: Once the research question has been framed, one should evaluate it. This is to realize the importance of the research questions and if there is a need for more revising (Example: How do your beliefs on learning theory and research impact your instructional practices). 

How to write a research question

Those struggling to understand how to write a research question, these simple steps can help you simplify the process of writing a research question. 

Sample Research Questions

The following are some bad and good research question examples 

• Example 1 
• Example 2 

References:  

• Thabane, L., Thomas, T., Ye, C., & Paul, J. (2009). Posing the research question: not so simple.  Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d’anesthésie ,  56 (1), 71-79. 
• Rutberg, S., & Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research.  Nephrology Nursing Journal ,  45 (2), 209-213. 
• Kyngäs, H. (2020). Qualitative research and content analysis.  The application of content analysis in nursing science research , 3-11. 
• Mattick, K., Johnston, J., & de la Croix, A. (2018). How to… write a good research question.  The clinical teacher ,  15 (2), 104-108. 
• Fandino, W. (2019). Formulating a good research question: Pearls and pitfalls.  Indian Journal of Anaesthesia ,  63 (8), 611. 
• Richardson, W. S., Wilson, M. C., Nishikawa, J., & Hayward, R. S. (1995). The well-built clinical question: a key to evidence-based decisions.  ACP journal club ,  123 (3), A12-A13 

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• 8 Most Effective Ways to Increase Motivation for Thesis Writing 
• 6 Tips for Post-Doc Researchers to Take Their Career to the Next Level

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in the World of Research

Language and grammar rules for academic writing, you may also like, measuring academic success: definition & strategies for excellence, phd qualifying exam: tips for success , quillbot review: features, pricing, and free alternatives, what is an academic paper types and elements , 9 steps to publish a research paper, what are the different types of research papers, how to make translating academic papers less challenging, 6 tips for post-doc researchers to take their..., presenting research data effectively through tables and figures, ethics in science: importance, principles & guidelines .

Research Question 101 📖

Everything you need to know to write a high-quality research question

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2023

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably asking yourself, “ What is a research question? ”. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll explain what a research question is , how it’s differen t from a research aim, and how to craft a high-quality research question that sets you up for success.

Research Question 101

What is a research question.

• Research questions vs research aims
• The 4 types of research questions
• How to write a research question
• Frequently asked questions
• Examples of research questions

As the name suggests, the research question is the core question (or set of questions) that your study will (attempt to) answer .

In many ways, a research question is akin to a target in archery . Without a clear target, you won’t know where to concentrate your efforts and focus. Essentially, your research question acts as the guiding light throughout your project and informs every choice you make along the way.

Let’s look at some examples:

What impact does social media usage have on the mental health of teenagers in New York?

How does the introduction of a minimum wage affect employment levels in small businesses in outer London?

How does the portrayal of women in 19th-century American literature reflect the societal attitudes of the time?

What are the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on heart health in adults?

As you can see in these examples, research questions are clear, specific questions that can be feasibly answered within a study. These are important attributes and we’ll discuss each of them in more detail a little later . If you’d like to see more examples of research questions, you can find our RQ mega-list here .

Research Questions vs Research Aims

At this point, you might be asking yourself, “ How is a research question different from a research aim? ”. Within any given study, the research aim and research question (or questions) are tightly intertwined , but they are separate things . Let’s unpack that a little.

A research aim is typically broader in nature and outlines what you hope to achieve with your research. It doesn’t ask a specific question but rather gives a summary of what you intend to explore.

The research question, on the other hand, is much more focused . It’s the specific query you’re setting out to answer. It narrows down the research aim into a detailed, researchable question that will guide your study’s methods and analysis.

Let’s look at an example:

Research Aim: To explore the effects of climate change on marine life in Southern Africa.

Research Question: How does ocean acidification caused by climate change affect the reproduction rates of coral reefs?

As you can see, the research aim gives you a general focus , while the research question details exactly what you want to find out.

Need a helping hand?

Types of research questions

Now that we’ve defined what a research question is, let’s look at the different types of research questions that you might come across. Broadly speaking, there are (at least) four different types of research questions – descriptive , comparative , relational , and explanatory . 

Descriptive questions ask what is happening. In other words, they seek to describe a phenomena or situation . An example of a descriptive research question could be something like “What types of exercise do high-performing UK executives engage in?”. This would likely be a bit too basic to form an interesting study, but as you can see, the research question is just focused on the what – in other words, it just describes the situation.

Comparative research questions , on the other hand, look to understand the way in which two or more things differ , or how they’re similar. An example of a comparative research question might be something like “How do exercise preferences vary between middle-aged men across three American cities?”. As you can see, this question seeks to compare the differences (or similarities) in behaviour between different groups.

Next up, we’ve got exploratory research questions , which ask why or how is something happening. While the other types of questions we looked at focused on the what, exploratory research questions are interested in the why and how . As an example, an exploratory research question might ask something like “Why have bee populations declined in Germany over the last 5 years?”. As you can, this question is aimed squarely at the why, rather than the what.

Last but not least, we have relational research questions . As the name suggests, these types of research questions seek to explore the relationships between variables . Here, an example could be something like “What is the relationship between X and Y” or “Does A have an impact on B”. As you can see, these types of research questions are interested in understanding how constructs or variables are connected , and perhaps, whether one thing causes another.

Of course, depending on how fine-grained you want to get, you can argue that there are many more types of research questions , but these four categories give you a broad idea of the different flavours that exist out there. It’s also worth pointing out that a research question doesn’t need to fit perfectly into one category – in many cases, a research question might overlap into more than just one category and that’s okay.

The key takeaway here is that research questions can take many different forms , and it’s useful to understand the nature of your research question so that you can align your research methodology accordingly.

How To Write A Research Question

As we alluded earlier, a well-crafted research question needs to possess very specific attributes, including focus , clarity and feasibility . But that’s not all – a rock-solid research question also needs to be rooted and aligned . Let’s look at each of these.

A strong research question typically has a single focus. So, don’t try to cram multiple questions into one research question; rather split them up into separate questions (or even subquestions), each with their own specific focus. As a rule of thumb, narrow beats broad when it comes to research questions.

Clear and specific

A good research question is clear and specific, not vague and broad. State clearly exactly what you want to find out so that any reader can quickly understand what you’re looking to achieve with your study. Along the same vein, try to avoid using bulky language and jargon – aim for clarity.

Unfortunately, even a super tantalising and thought-provoking research question has little value if you cannot feasibly answer it. So, think about the methodological implications of your research question while you’re crafting it. Most importantly, make sure that you know exactly what data you’ll need (primary or secondary) and how you’ll analyse that data.

A good research question (and a research topic, more broadly) should be rooted in a clear research gap and research problem . Without a well-defined research gap, you risk wasting your effort pursuing a question that’s already been adequately answered (and agreed upon) by the research community. A well-argued research gap lays at the heart of a valuable study, so make sure you have your gap clearly articulated and that your research question directly links to it.

As we mentioned earlier, your research aim and research question are (or at least, should be) tightly linked. So, make sure that your research question (or set of questions) aligns with your research aim . If not, you’ll need to revise one of the two to achieve this.

FAQ: Research Questions

Research question faqs, how many research questions should i have, what should i avoid when writing a research question, can a research question be a statement.

Typically, a research question is phrased as a question, not a statement. A question clearly indicates what you’re setting out to discover.

Can a research question be too broad or too narrow?

Yes. A question that’s too broad makes your research unfocused, while a question that’s too narrow limits the scope of your study.

Here’s an example of a research question that’s too broad:

“Why is mental health important?”

Conversely, here’s an example of a research question that’s likely too narrow:

“What is the impact of sleep deprivation on the exam scores of 19-year-old males in London studying maths at The Open University?”

Can I change my research question during the research process?

How do i know if my research question is good.

A good research question is focused, specific, practical, rooted in a research gap, and aligned with the research aim. If your question meets these criteria, it’s likely a strong question.

Is a research question similar to a hypothesis?

Not quite. A hypothesis is a testable statement that predicts an outcome, while a research question is a query that you’re trying to answer through your study. Naturally, there can be linkages between a study’s research questions and hypothesis, but they serve different functions.

How are research questions and research objectives related?

The research question is a focused and specific query that your study aims to answer. It’s the central issue you’re investigating. The research objective, on the other hand, outlines the steps you’ll take to answer your research question. Research objectives are often more action-oriented and can be broken down into smaller tasks that guide your research process. In a sense, they’re something of a roadmap that helps you answer your research question.

Need some inspiration?

If you’d like to see more examples of research questions, check out our research question mega list here .  Alternatively, if you’d like 1-on-1 help developing a high-quality research question, consider our private coaching service .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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Capstone and PICO Project Toolkit

• Starting a Project: Overview
• Developing a Research Question
• Selecting Databases
• Expanding a Search
• Refining/Narrowing a Search
• Saving Searches
• Critical Appraisal & Levels of Evidence
• Citing & Managing References
• Database Tutorials
• Types of Literature Reviews
• Finding Full Text
• Term Glossary

Defining the Question: Foreground & Background Questions

In order to most appropriately choose an information resource and craft a search strategy, it is necessary to consider what  kind  of question you are asking: a specific, narrow "foreground" question, or a broader background question that will help give context to your research?

Foreground Questions

A "foreground" question in health research is one that is relatively specific, and is usually best addressed by locating primary research evidence. 

Using a structured question framework can help you clearly define the concepts or variables that make up the specific research question. 

 Across most frameworks, you’ll often be considering:

• a who (who was studied - a population or sample)
• a what (what was done or examined - an intervention, an exposure, a policy, a program, a phenomenon)
• a how ([how] did the [what] affect the [who] - an outcome, an effect). 

PICO is the most common framework for developing a clinical research question, but multiple question frameworks exist.

PICO (Problem/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)

Appropriate for : clinical questions, often addressing the effect of an intervention/therapy/treatment

Example : For adolescents with type II diabetes (P) does the use of telehealth consultations (I) compared to in-person consultations  (C) improve blood sugar control  (O)?

Framing Different Types of Clinical Questions with PICO

Different types of clinical questions are suited to different syntaxes and phrasings, but all will clearly define the PICO elements.  The definitions and frames below may be helpful for organizing your question:

Intervention/Therapy

Questions addressing how a clinical issue, illness, or disability is treated.

"In__________________(P), how does__________________(I) compared to_________________(C) affect______________(O)?"

Questions that address the causes or origin of disease, the factors which produce or predispose toward a certain disease or disorder.

"Are_________________(P), who have_________________(I) compared with those without_________________(C) at_________________risk for/of_________________(O) over_________________(T)?" 

Questions addressing the act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation.

In_________________(P) are/is_________________(I) compared with_________________(C) more accurate in diagnosing_________________(O)?

Prognosis/Prediction:

Questions addressing the prediction of the course of a disease.

In_________________(P), how does_________________(I) compared to_________________ (C) influence_________________(O)?

Questions addressing how one experiences a phenomenon or why we need to approach practice differently.

"How do_________________(P) with_________________(I) perceive_________________(O)?" 

Adapted from: Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Beyond PICO: Other Types of Question Frameworks

PICO is a useful framework for clinical research questions, but may not be appropriate for all kinds of reviews.  Also consider:

PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome)

Appropriate for : describing association between particular exposures/risk factors and outcomes

Example : How do  preparation programs (E) influence the development of teaching competence  (O) among novice nurse educators  (P)?

SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type)

Appropriate for : questions of experience or perspectives (questions that may be addressed by qualitative or mixed methods research)

Example : What are the experiences and perspectives (E) of  undergraduate nursing students  (S)  in clinical placements within prison healthcare settings (PI)?

SPICE (Setting, Perspective, Intervention/phenomenon of Interest, Comparison, Evaluation)

Appropriate for : evaluating the outcomes of a service, project, or intervention

Example : What are the impacts and best practices for workplace (S) transition support programs (I) for the retention (E) of newly-hired, new graduate nurses (P)?

PCC (Problem/population, Concept, Context)

Appropriate for : broader (scoping) questions

Example : How do nursing schools  (Context) teach, measure, and maintain nursing students ' (P)  technological literacy  (Concept))throughout their educational programs?

Background Questions

To craft a strong and reasonable foreground research question, it is important to have a firm understanding of the concepts of interest.  As such, it is often necessary to ask background questions, which ask for more general, foundational knowledge about a disorder, disease, patient population, policy issue, etc. 

For example, consider the PICO question outlined above:

"For adolescents with type II diabetes does the use of telehealth consultations compared to in-person consultations  improve blood sugar control ?

To best make sense of the literature that might address this PICO question, you would also need a deep understanding of background questions like:

• What are the unique barriers or challenges related to blood sugar management in adolescents with TII diabetes?
• What are the measures of effective blood sugar control?
• What kinds of interventions would fall under the umbrella of 'telehealth'?
• What are the qualitative differences in patient experience in telehealth versus in-person interactions with healthcare providers?
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• Next: Selecting Databases >>
• Last Updated: Apr 18, 2024 3:22 PM
• URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/pico

80 fascinating psychology research questions for your next project

Last updated

15 February 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Psychology research is essential for furthering our understanding of human behavior and improving the diagnosis and treatment of psychological conditions.

When psychologists know more about how different social and cultural factors influence how humans act, think, and feel, they can recommend improvements to practices in areas such as education, sport, healthcare, and law enforcement.

Below, you will find 80 research question examples across 16 branches of psychology. First, though, let’s look at some tips to help you select a suitable research topic.

• How to choose a good psychology research topic

Psychology has many branches that break down further into topics. Choosing a topic for your psychology research paper can be daunting because there are so many to choose from. It’s an important choice, as the topic you select will open up a range of questions to explore.

The tips below can help you find a psychology research topic that suits your skills and interests.

Tip #1: Select a topic that interests you

Passion and interest should fuel every research project. A topic that fascinates you will most likely interest others as well. Think about the questions you and others might have and decide on the issues that matter most. Draw on your own interests, but also keep your research topical and relevant to others.

Don’t limit yourself to a topic that you already know about. Instead, choose one that will make you want to know more and dig deeper. This will keep you motivated and excited about your research.

Tip #2: Choose a topic with a manageable scope

If your topic is too broad, you can get overwhelmed by the amount of information available and have trouble maintaining focus. On the other hand, you may find it difficult to find enough information if you choose a topic that is too narrow.

To determine if the topic is too broad or too narrow, start researching as early as possible. If you find there’s an overwhelming amount of research material, you’ll probably need to narrow the topic down. For example, instead of researching the general population, it might be easier to focus on a specific age group. Ask yourself what area of the general topic interests you most and focus on that.

If your scope is too narrow, try to generalize or focus on a larger related topic. Expand your search criteria or select additional databases for information. Consider if the topic is too new to have much information published on it as well.

Tip #3: Select a topic that will produce useful and relevant insights

Doing some preliminary research will reveal any existing research on the topic. If there is existing research, will you be able to produce new insights? You might need to focus on a different area or see if the existing research has limitations that you can overcome.

Bear in mind that finding new information from which to draw fresh insights may be impossible if your topic has been over-researched.

You’ll also need to consider whether your topic is relevant to current trends and needs. For example, researching psychology topics related to social media use may be highly relevant today.

• 80 psychology research topics and questions

Psychology is a broad subject with many branches and potential areas of study. Here are some of them:

Developmental

Personality

Experimental

Organizational

Educational

Neuropsychology

Controversial topics

Below we offer some suggestions on research topics and questions that can get you started. Keep in mind that these are not all-inclusive but should be personalized to fit the theme of your paper.

Social psychology research topics and questions

Social psychology has roots as far back as the 18th century. In simple terms, it’s the study of how behavior is influenced by the presence and behavior of others. It is the science of finding out who we are, who we think we are, and how our perceptions affect ourselves and others. It looks at personalities, relationships, and group behavior.

Here are some potential research questions and paper titles for this topic:

How does social media use impact perceptions of body image in male adolescents?

2. Is childhood bullying a risk factor for social anxiety in adults?

Is homophobia in individuals caused by genetic or environmental factors?

What is the most important psychological predictor of a person’s willingness to donate to charity?

Does a person’s height impact how other people perceive them? If so, how?

Cognitive psychology research questions

Cognitive psychology is the branch that focuses on the interactions of thinking, emotion, creativity, and problem-solving. It also explores the reasons humans think the way they do.

This topic involves exploring how people think by measuring intelligence, thoughts, and cognition. 

Here are some research question ideas:

6. Is there a link between chronic stress and memory function?

7. Can certain kinds of music trigger memories in people with memory loss?

8. Do remote meetings impact the efficacy of team decision-making?

9. Do word games and puzzles slow cognitive decline in adults over the age of 80?

10. Does watching television impact a child’s reading ability?

Developmental psychology research questions

Developmental psychology is the study of how humans grow and change over their lifespan. It usually focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of babies and children, though it can apply to people of all ages. Developmental psychology is important for understanding how we learn, mature, and adapt to changes.

Here are some questions that might inspire your research:

11. Does grief accelerate the aging process?

12. How do parent–child attachment patterns influence the development of emotion regulation in teenagers?

13. Does bilingualism affect cognitive decline in adults over the age of 70?

14. How does the transition to adulthood impact decision-making abilities

15. How does early exposure to music impact mental health and well-being in school-aged children?

Personality psychology research questions

Personality psychology studies personalities, how they develop, their structures, and the processes that define them. It looks at intelligence, disposition, moral beliefs, thoughts, and reactions.

The goal of this branch of psychology is to scientifically interpret the way personality patterns manifest into an individual’s behaviors. Here are some example research questions:

16. Nature vs. nurture: Which impacts personality development the most?

17. The role of genetics on personality: Does an adopted child take on their biological parents’ personality traits?

18. How do personality traits influence leadership styles and effectiveness in organizational settings?

19. Is there a relationship between an individual’s personality and mental health?

20. Can a chronic illness affect your personality?

Abnormal psychology research questions

As the name suggests, abnormal psychology is a branch that focuses on abnormal behavior and psychopathology (the scientific study of mental illness or disorders).

Abnormal behavior can be challenging to define. Who decides what is “normal”? As such, psychologists in this area focus on the level of distress that certain behaviors may cause, although this typically involves studying mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias.

Here are some questions to consider:

21. How does technology impact the development of social anxiety disorder?

22. What are the factors behind the rising incidence of eating disorders in adolescents?

23. Are mindfulness-based interventions effective in the treatment of PTSD?

24. Is there a connection between depression and gambling addiction?

25. Can physical trauma cause psychopathy?

Clinical psychology research questions

Clinical psychology deals with assessing and treating mental illness or abnormal or psychiatric behaviors. It differs from abnormal psychology in that it focuses more on treatments and clinical aspects, while abnormal psychology is more behavioral focused.

This is a specialty area that provides care and treatment for complex mental health conditions. This can include treatment, not only for individuals but for couples, families, and other groups. Clinical psychology also supports communities, conducts research, and offers training to promote mental health. This category is very broad, so there are lots of topics to explore.

Below are some example research questions to consider:

26. Do criminals require more specific therapies or interventions?

27. How effective are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating mental health disorders?

28. Are there any disadvantages to humanistic therapy?

29. Can group therapy be more beneficial than one-on-one therapy sessions?

30. What are the factors to consider when selecting the right treatment plan for patients with anxiety?

Experimental psychology research questions

Experimental psychology deals with studies that can prove or disprove a hypothesis. Psychologists in this field use scientific methods to collect data on basic psychological processes such as memory, cognition, and learning. They use this data to test the whys and hows of behavior and how outside factors influence its creation.

Areas of interest in this branch relate to perception, memory, emotion, and sensation. The below are example questions that could inspire your own research:

31. Do male or female parents/carers have a more calming influence on children?

32. Will your preference for a genre of music increase the more you listen to it?

33. What are the psychological effects of posting on social media vs. not posting?

34. How is productivity affected by social connection?

35. Is cheating contagious?

Organizational psychology research questions

Organizational psychology studies human behavior in the workplace. It is most frequently used to evaluate an employee, group, or a company’s organizational dynamics. Researchers aim to isolate issues and identify solutions.

This area of study can be beneficial to both employees and employers since the goal is to improve the overall work environment and experience. Researchers apply psychological principles and findings to recommend improvements in performance, communication, job satisfaction, and safety. 

Some potential research questions include the following:

36. How do different leadership styles affect employee morale?

37. Do longer lunch breaks boost employee productivity?

38. Is gender an antecedent to workplace stress?

39. What is the most effective way to promote work–life balance among employees?

40. How do different organizational structures impact the effectiveness of communication, decision-making, and productivity?

Forensic psychology research questions

Some questions to consider exploring in this branch of psychology are:

41. How does incarceration affect mental health?

42. Is childhood trauma a driver for criminal behavior during adulthood?

43. Are people with mental health conditions more likely to be victims of crimes?

44. What are the drivers of false memories, and how do they impact the justice system?

45. Is the media responsible for copycat crimes?

Educational psychology research questions

Educational psychology studies children in an educational setting. It covers topics like teaching methods, aptitude assessment, self-motivation, technology, and parental involvement.

Research in this field of psychology is vital for understanding and optimizing learning processes. It informs educators about cognitive development, learning styles, and effective teaching strategies.

Here are some example research questions:

46. Are different teaching styles more beneficial for children at different times of the day?

47. Can listening to classical music regularly increase a student’s test scores?

48. Is there a connection between sugar consumption and knowledge retention in students?

49. Does sleep duration and quality impact academic performance?

50. Does daily meditation at school influence students’ academic performance and mental health?

Sports psychology research question examples

Sport psychology aims to optimize physical performance and well-being in athletes by using cognitive and behavioral practices and interventions. Some methods include counseling, training, and clinical interventions.

Research in this area is important because it can improve team and individual performance, resilience, motivation, confidence, and overall well-being

Here are some research question ideas for you to consider:

51. How can a famous coach affect a team’s performance?

52. How can athletes control negative emotions in violent or high-contact sports?

53. How does using social media impact an athlete’s performance and well-being?

54. Can psychological interventions help with injury rehabilitation?

55. How can mindfulness practices boost sports performance?

Cultural psychology research question examples

The premise of this branch of psychology is that mind and culture are inseparable. In other words, people are shaped by their cultures, and their cultures are shaped by them. This can be a complex interaction.

Cultural psychology is vital as it explores how cultural context shapes individuals’ thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions. It provides insights into diverse perspectives, promoting cross-cultural understanding and reducing biases.

Here are some ideas that you might consider researching:

56. Are there cultural differences in how people perceive and deal with pain?

57. Are different cultures at increased risk of developing mental health conditions?

58. Are there cultural differences in coping strategies for stress?

59. Do our different cultures shape our personalities?

60. How does multi-generational culture influence family values and structure?

Health psychology research question examples

Health psychology is a crucial field of study. Understanding how psychological factors influence health behaviors, adherence to medical treatments, and overall wellness enables health experts to develop effective interventions and preventive measures, ultimately improving health outcomes.

Health psychology also aids in managing stress, promoting healthy behaviors, and optimizing mental health, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.

Here are five ideas to inspire research in this field:

61. How can health psychology interventions improve lifestyle behaviors to prevent cardiovascular diseases?

62. What role do social norms play in vaping among adolescents?

63. What role do personality traits play in the development and management of chronic pain conditions?

64. How do cultural beliefs and attitudes influence health-seeking behaviors in diverse populations?

65. What are the psychological factors influencing the adherence to preventive health behaviors, such as vaccination and regular screenings?

Neuropsychology research paper question examples

Neuropsychology research explores how a person’s cognition and behavior are related to their brain and nervous system. Researchers aim to advance the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and cognitive effects of neurological disorders.

Researchers may work with children facing learning or developmental challenges, or with adults with declining cognitive abilities. They may also focus on injuries or illnesses of the brain, such as traumatic brain injuries, to determine the effect on cognitive and behavioral functions.

Neuropsychology informs diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and psychiatric disorders. Understanding the neural basis of behavior enhances our ability to optimize cognitive functioning, rehabilitate people with brain injuries, and improve patient care.

Here are some example research questions to consider:

66. How do neurotransmitter imbalances in specific brain regions contribute to mood disorders such as depression?

67. How can a traumatic brain injury affect memory?

68. What neural processes underlie attention deficits in people with ADHD?

69. Do medications affect the brain differently after a traumatic brain injury?

70. What are the behavioral effects of prolonged brain swelling?

Psychology of religion research question examples

The psychology of religion is a field that studies the interplay between belief systems, spirituality, and mental well-being. It explores the application of the psychological methods and interpretive frameworks of religious traditions and how they relate to both religious and non-religious people.

Psychology of religion research contributes to a holistic understanding of human experiences. It fosters cultural competence and guides therapeutic approaches that respect diverse spiritual beliefs.

Here are some example research questions in this field:

71. What impact does a religious upbringing have on a child’s self-esteem?

72. How do religious beliefs shape decision-making and perceptions of morality?

73. What is the impact of religious indoctrination?

74. Is there correlation between religious and mindfulness practices?

75. How does religious affiliation impact attitudes towards mental health treatment and help-seeking behaviors?

Controversial topics in psychology research question examples

Some psychology topics don’t fit into any of the subcategories above, but they may still be worthwhile topics to consider. These topics are the ones that spark interest, conversation, debate, and disagreement. They are often inspired by current issues and assess the validity of older research.

Consider some of these research question examples:

76. How does the rise in on-screen violence impact behavior in adolescents.

77. Should access to social media platforms be restricted in children under the age of 12 to improve mental health?

78. Are prescription mental health medications over-prescribed in older adults? If so, what are the effects of this?

79. Cognitive biases in AI: what are the implications for decision-making?

80. What are the psychological and ethical implications of using virtual reality in exposure therapy for treating trauma-related conditions?

• Inspiration for your next psychology research project

You can choose from a diverse range of research questions that intersect and overlap across various specialties.

From cognitive psychology to clinical studies, each inquiry contributes to a deeper understanding of the human mind and behavior. Importantly, the relevance of these questions transcends individual disciplines, as many findings offer insights applicable across multiple areas of study.

As health trends evolve and societal needs shift, new topics emerge, fueling continual exploration and discovery. Diving into this ever-changing and expanding area of study enables you to navigate the complexities of the human experience and pave the way for innovative solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.

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• Graduate School

Hardest Research Proposal Questions and Best Sample Answers

Featured Expert: Dr. Michela Insenga, PhD

Practicing with sample research proposal questions and answers can have great benefits for any major research project such as a dissertation or thesis. This is often the final step before you finally get your doctorate degree. However, before all of that, you must first craft a research proposal. This is a detailed outline that will transform into the thesis that you will eventually have to defend in front of a panel of distinguished academics. It is always important to be aware of what thesis defense questions you will be asked when it is all said and done, but you may have to start justifying your research a little earlier on with the completion of a research proposal.

In this article, we include sample questions and answers you could be faced with when submitting your research proposal, some tips for preparing your responses, as well as the benefits of seeking professional help from a grad school advisor .

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 13 min read

What to expect for your research proposal.

Early on in your PhD process, you may have to submit a research proposal that details the scope of your research and what you plan to for an eventual thesis or dissertation project. You have already learned how to find a PhD topic , so now it is time to put your passion for your field into practice and start to manifest the ideas swimming in your head.

This document should include the specific topic you would like to research, what angle you will be taking for your research, as well as your justification for choosing this subject. Regardless of whether or not your goals are the same as when you wrote your research interest statement sample , you must still provide an update about what your project is going to examine.

Should you go to grad school? Watch this video:

The purpose of the research proposal is to convince your supervisor that you are on the right direction. You are essentially providing a roadmap for your supervisor through your motives in undertaking this project and how you plan to complete it. Your supervisor will have to evaluate whether or not your project is relevant to the degree you are completing and manageable within the time constraints or other limitations you have.

As a result, you may have to undergo a research proposal defense or your supervisor will ask guiding questions about the state of your project. While this is still very early in the process, it is a great way for getting to know how to prepare for a thesis defense , as the questions you will be have a similar intent. Receiving guidance on your research before spending a lot of time on it can be more beneficial to you as you complete coursework or any other responsibilities as a graduate student. Questions from your supervisor can make your think critically about the end result of your result, and will hopefully lead to a better result.

Be Very Familiar With Your Proposal

This sounds like an obvious tip, but PhD research proposals can be 1500-2000 words long and can be a lot of information to remember at once. Once it is complete, try and have as great of a grasp of the material as you can. Before going into any meeting where you will discuss your work, make sure to become reacquainted with the information you have found and the goals you are hoping to achieve. Re-read your proposal several times to both proofread it for typos or other errors, but also to become comfortable with its contents. You want to make sure that your answers line up with the document you are officially submitting as your proposal.

Ask for Advice

If you are having trouble creating your proposal, you can always consult thesis writing services to help you plan out and put your thoughts into words. Professionals can also help with your speaking ability when responding and help you strategize so that you deliver efficient responses that sum up your research faithfully. Either together with an advisor or on your own, you can predict the obvious questions that are coming and prepare yourself to answer them. If your supervisor will be overseeing your proposal, try to anticipate what concerns they will have. Come up with a list of questions yourself, so you can workshop how you answer them.

Use Strategies to Answer Questions

Just like preparing for graduate school interview questions , you can develop strategies for how to answer questions about your research proposal. Keep your answers direct. You can also pose questions about areas you are unsure about. Do not be afraid to not have all the answers. At this point of your research, you are not expected to know everything point. The purpose of your proposal is to see where you are at right now and what you need to adjust on to make the best final product possible. Your supervisor or other academics that will pose questions about your proposal are not out to get you. They have years of experiences with similar projects, and are likely are qualified to give helpful feedback on your work in progress.

1. What is your research project about?

This answer should be a short summary about your research project. This question may seem like this simplest of them all, but you need to have a solid direction on where you want your thesis to go in order for it be effective. It does not need to be as complete as if you were to be summarizing your final product, since your project is still in its development stages. For instance, a sociological study regarding gendered tendencies towards deviant behaviors on the internet might be formatted in this manner:

For this research project, I plan to examine the rise of online deviant sociological behaviour on social media platforms during recent global shutdowns such as the COVID-19 pandemic and how gender identity and sexual orientation amplify these concerns. These acts of deviance can include instances of catfishing, deception, pornography, obscenity, cyber bullying, flaming, among others. I will also relate these findings to psychological impacts of both the perpetrators and victims or other relevant criminal behaviors that do not take place online, pointing out the differences between common trends for men vs. women in these altercations.

2. Why did you select this particular topic?

This question is meant to assess your motivation for choosing the subject of your research proposal. It is possible that you have previously touched on this kind of question during your graduate school interview when answering “Why do you want to do a PhD?” . This answer is one that could get a little more into your personal inclination towards the research you pursue. Focus on your particular interests and shape it to the goals of the project. For example, if you conducted a study called, “Forgotten Minds: Book History and Women’s Lost Contributions in 18th and 19th-century England” then you can frame your answer in this way:

As a scholar of the marriage industrial complex that permeated British society in past centuries, I am interested in the ways that a patriarchal structure can silence the marginalized voices of others, as matrimony often did for women. This is all the more evident in the interdisciplinary field of book history, where women’s contributions to the publishing were often ignored, erased, or overshadowed by their husbands. I wanted to indicate any trends that can be discovered by examining the roles of women in 18th and 19th-century printing houses and potentially unearth the forgotten stories of women who worked in these instances.

3. Does your project have a working title?

Titles are very important for academic articles or formal dissertation projects. If you have already learned how to publish as a graduate student , you will know that the title is how other academics or students will find your work when searching through journals and databases. You need to make sure your title is accurate to the research provided. At this point, your title will likely not be final, but it always important to be thinking about.

Sample Answer: My tentative title is “Take a Chill Pill: Natural and Traditional Methods for College Student Anxiety Levels”. I chose this title because it represents both the holistic self-care methods such as meditation and exercise as well as prescription medication. It also points out the focus group immediately, since the study will examine current college students between the ages of 18-24 and indicate any patterns for how they manage stress among unprecedented times.

4. What scope do you think your project will have?

Your proposal will likely touch on several points related to your topic, but it is not really plausible to have a project that considers every single aspect imaginable. You may need to narrow this down as you further develop your research. Start thinking of the boundaries you may have to set as you progress through your work.

Sample Answer: This study will examine consumption trends related to the snack food industry. To start with, I have chosen over 25 products from different companies will be able to be listed and reviewed in the final thesis submission.

5. What makes your project original?

Being a publishing academic is all about filling the gaps in scholarship. Make sure to point out what makes your project stand out from others in the field.

Sample Answer: The project focuses on how remote working and telemedicine shifts the delivery of family medicine procedures in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It does engage with similar studies on the topic of telemedicine, but will add a new perspective by discussing family doctors practicing in the greater Montreal area, specifically, which is a subset I have not yet found within existing scholarship.

6. How is your research in conversation with existing scholarship?

While your research must add something to the field, it also should be in a dialogue with other published works. Explain your process surrounding the other studies you have used to guide your own thesis.

Sample Answer: As my project is related to how autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis present themselves in young adults, I have included fundamental studies on the topic from Dr. Arthur Golden and Dr. Melina Rizzo, as well as other more current examples of scholarship. My study will utilize their concepts in relation to a focus group that is below the age of 30.

7. What kind of research methodology will you be using?

How you will be accessing this research is just as important as the research itself. Try to have a clear path about the measures you will take to complete your study.

Sample Answer: I aim to use detailed and meticulously written surveys about women’s birth experiences at hospitals or affiliated birthing centers. These results will act as the main foundation for my study on maternity health care and treatment.

8. Have you found there to be any interesting developments so far?

Was there any part of the part of the process that you did not expect? For this response, detail any new directions your research has taken as of writing your proposal.

Sample Answer: While looking for evidence that suggests that gender socialization of children affects their behaviour, I was surprised to find out that there is a discrepancy between the emotional responses in animated characters based on gender. Female or feminine-presenting characters are shown smiling on screen much more than their male counterparts, and the masculine-presenting characters were generally more likely to be shown as upset or even violent. That is a development in my research that I did not initially think of or foresee.

9. What do you think your biggest limitations for this research will be?

Look into the work you will have to do for your eventual full-length research project. What do you see being the most difficult part?

Sample Answer: I am looking into the nutritional benefits of drug store chewable gummy multivitamins. However, based on an individual’s prior health conditions or genetic makeup, the results may vary or be distorted. I am presuming that this will be a major limitation as I write my thesis.

10. What will be the dependent and independent variables of this project?

When researching, there are different variables that can potentially affect your results. An independent variable is not affected by other variables in your study, while dependent variables also change if other variables do.

Sample Answer: My study will investigate the impact of guidance counselling for junior and senior high school students. The independent variable is the type of help they require, such as college applications, social development skills, or academic performance. The dependent variable would be the actual outcomes of said counselling.

11. What is your provisional research timeline?

Even if it is not 100% stuck to, try to have a detailed timeline in mind about when research will be completed and how you will fulfill all of your obligations prior to the respective deadlines.

Sample Answer: The provisional research timeline for my proposal is designed to ensure systematic progress and timely completion of all research objectives. My timeline is divided into five phases:

Preparation Phase (4 weeks): In this initial stage, I will conduct a thorough literature review to familiarize myself with existing research and identify potential gaps. Simultaneously, I will finalize the research questions and establish the overall framework for my study.

Data Collection and Analysis (8 weeks): During this phase, I will gather primary data through surveys and interviews, ensuring data collection aligns with ethical guidelines. Once collected, I will proceed with data analysis, utilizing appropriate statistical methods to extract meaningful insights.

Literature Integration (4 weeks): Building upon the analyzed data, I will integrate my findings with existing literature to provide a comprehensive context for my research.

Drafting and Revision (6 weeks): I will dedicate this phase to writing the research proposal. The initial draft will be critically reviewed and refined through multiple iterations to enhance clarity and coherence.

Finalization and Submission (1 week): In the final phase, I will incorporate feedback from peers and advisors and polish the research paper to its final form. The completed research paper will be submitted by the designated deadline.

This provisional timeline, spanning 23 weeks, allows for flexibility and contingency plans to accommodate unforeseen challenges. Regular progress assessments and adjustments will be made to ensure timely completion and adherence to all obligations.

12. Who are the demographics who will be most interested in your research?

An important aspect of your research to think about will be who will be the most interested in reading it, as well as who it impacts the most.

Sample Answer: The demographics most interested in my research are likely to be professionals and policymakers within the healthcare industry. Given the focus of my research on implementing technology-driven solutions to enhance patient care and improve healthcare outcomes, healthcare practitioners, administrators, and researchers would find the findings particularly relevant.

Additionally, technology enthusiasts, innovators, and entrepreneurs interested in the intersection of healthcare and technology are also expected to show interest in the research. This group may be keen to explore potential commercial applications of the proposed solutions or seek opportunities for collaboration.

Moreover, the research would significantly impact patients and healthcare consumers. As technology increasingly plays a vital role in healthcare delivery, patients would be interested in understanding how these advancements can positively influence their healthcare experiences and overall well-being.

To ensure the research's reach and impact, I will disseminate the findings through academic publications, conferences, and workshops. Additionally, I will aim to engage with relevant professional organizations, healthcare institutions, and technology forums to stimulate interest and foster practical applications of the research outcomes.

By targeting these demographics, the research can make a meaningful contribution to the field of healthcare technology and help drive advancements that benefit both healthcare providers and patients alike.

13. What do you hope to be the significance of your research?

This is the “So what?” of your research. Will your research have lasting impacts? Evaluate which current issues your research could resolve.

Sample Answer:

The significance of my research lies in its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery through technology-driven solutions. By addressing current issues such as inefficiencies in healthcare systems, lack of patient engagement, and suboptimal outcomes, my research aims to foster lasting impacts. Implementing technology to improve patient care, streamline processes, and enhance healthcare accessibility could lead to better health outcomes, reduced costs, and an overall improvement in the quality of healthcare services.

14. Are there any ethical issues or debates surrounding your research project?

Some projects are directly tied to ethics and moral issues that are currently being debated. It would be important to mention any ties to these issues and how your research is part of a larger conversation.

Sample Answer: While my research primarily focuses on technology-driven solutions to enhance healthcare, there are potential ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and security. As the research involves collecting and analyzing patient data, ensuring the confidentiality and informed consent of participants is paramount. Additionally, discussions about the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and potential biases in algorithms are relevant to the larger conversation on the ethical implications of technology in healthcare. Addressing these issues will be crucial to maintaining the integrity and societal benefit of the research.

15. Do you have any personal predictions for the outcome of your research?

If you haven’t yet conducted surveys or a thorough literature review, relay what you think will happen and any other concerns to your supervisor.

Sample Answer: As of now, without conducting surveys or an extensive literature review, I anticipate that the research will demonstrate the potential of technology in positively impacting healthcare outcomes and patient experiences. However, I am also aware that challenges related to data security, technology adoption, and ethical considerations may arise during the research. I will keep my supervisor informed about any unexpected findings and concerns throughout the study to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the research outcomes.

Now that you have seen some sample answers, here are some additional questions you can take on:

• What sample groups are you using and why?
• What secondary sources do you plan to use?
• What do you believe is the strongest point in your research?
• Are there any biases that could exist in your research or your secondary sources?
• What are some ways your findings will be put into practice?
• What was the approach you took when starting your project?
• What phenomenon are you trying to understand with this research?
• How has your research project changed from when you started this degree?
• Do you see any foreseeable weaknesses or blind spots in your study?
• What measurement instrument did you use for this research?
• What theoretical framework is your research based on?
• Is the literature you chose up to date?
• What pertinent information have you found so far?
• Does your research have any use for policy makers?
• What do you plan to do with this research project once you have graduated?

When you are wondering, “should you pursue a master’s or a PhD?” , you truly need to consider the importance of research within the discipline you choose. Part of being an academic is the ability to contribute to the field and, by extension, society as a whole. The research proposal and the subsequent dissertation may be the last step to complete your degree, but it is also can be the first real step of your professional career.

Any meeting with your supervisor or instant where you have to defend your work is simply part of the process of being a working academic. This can have lasting implications for the future of your career, as knowing how to conduct and present research effectively is key to learning how to find a job in academia . That being said, the first step is putting yourself in the best position to succeed. Using PhD consultants can make all the difference for your project. If you are currently applying to graduate school, these trained experts can help you get into the school of your dreams or assist with finding programs that suit your skillset. They can also provide pointers on your research, as many of them have been in your shoes before.

A research proposal is a concise and structured document that outlines the key objectives, methodology, and significance of a proposed research project, aiming to convince others about the value and feasibility of the study.

A typical research proposal for a doctoral thesis is usually between 10 to 20 pages, depending on the specific requirements of the academic institution and the complexity of the research project.

To find the right research topic for a doctoral thesis, consider your interests, expertise, and the significance of the topic in your field. Engage with relevant literature, consult with advisors and experts, and identify gaps or unresolved issues to narrow down your focus.

Yes, you can and you should include your research on your grad school CV . 

Most graduate programs will ask you to defend your research proposal. However, if it’s a smaller project, a review of the proposal may be sufficient. 

To prepare for a research proposal or thesis defense, thoroughly review your research work, anticipate potential questions, and practice presenting your findings in a clear and concise manner to effectively communicate your research objectives, methodology, and results.

Some mistakes to avoid when writing a research proposal include: lack of clarity in research objectives, insufficient literature review, neglecting to address potential limitations, and failing to align the proposal with the funding agency's guidelines or the university's requirements.

Yes, you can always reach out to thesis writing services for some guidance. 

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

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Page revision date: 23-Mar-2009

25 Qualitative market research questions (and how to write your own)

25 examples of qualitative research questions, how to write your own insightful qualitative market research questions, ask the right qualitative market research questions to the correct audience.

There’s something very satisfying about being asked a great question that really gets you thinking. And in qualitative market research, it’s especially valuable.

If you ask the right person the right question, you’ll be able to uncover next steps — both small ones and big leaps — that will lead you to a better brand.

If you approach qualitative research right, you can get rich and valuable insights into your customers’ behaviors, and how to play into them.

You’ll learn about how customers interact, their motivations, and how to be there when they need you. And, you’ll uncover things about your brand that are difficult to find out from the inside.

We’re about to show you 25 qualitative research questions across six categories, that will allow you to take a deep dive into your target customers’ brain. These research questions are perfect to use in focus groups or with Attest’s Video Responses feature .

Qualitative research questions come in all shapes and sizes. We’ve split them up in several categories to inspire you to mix it up in your next survey or interview and make them work for your choice of qualitative research question types and methods.

Descriptive qualitative research questions

Descriptive questions are effective qualitative research questions that allow participants to describe experiences, opinions and more.

• Describe how this product/service has changed the way you approach [specific task/activity]. This question digs into the tangible impacts of your product on daily life, revealing how it reshapes routines or approaches to tasks.It’s a great way to highlight the practical value and possibly discover unexpected benefits that your product brings to the table.
• If you were to introduce this product/service to a friend, what would you say? Asking this encourages users to put their experience into their words, almost like a personal pitch. It’s a fun and low barrier approach to find out what stands out to them and what they value most about your offering.
• What three words would you use to describe this product/service after your first use? If you’re looking for immediate, instinctive reactions, qualitative research questions like these work best.They allow the user to give a quick snapshot and not have to think long and hard about an answer. Encourage them to respond with the first thing that comes to mind — no wrong answers.
• What aspect of this product/service do you think is underrated? This seeks to uncover hidden gems within your product that may not be getting the spotlight they deserve — even internally.It’s a clever way to find out about features or benefits that might be flying under the radar but have the potential to be major selling points.

Understand the nuance from in your audience’s behaviors

Getting that nuance through qual research will help you explain thy why to your quant ‘whats’, and give you much-needed inspiration during ideation

Comparative qualitative research questions

Using comparative qualitative research questions you can invite respondents to talk about your brand, product or services in comparison to others. It can help you understand the differences between you and your competitors, from your consumers’ perspective.

These qualitative research questions are a great addition to numbers, scores and other numerical data derived from quantitative research questions in a quantitative study.

• What differences do you notice between this brand and its competitors in terms of value provided? This question invites customers to think critically about the unique advantages or shortcomings of your product compared to the competition.It’s insightful because it can highlight what customers value most about your brand and whether you are doubling down on the right USPs according to them.
• In what situation would you prefer this competitors’ product/service over ours? Asking this might seem a bit daring, but it’s a golden opportunity to gain honest feedback on where your product may fall short for certain users or use cases.Research questions like this can uncover specific features, price points, or scenarios where competitors have an edge, offering you clear directions for strategic improvements or innovations.
• How does the ease of use of this product/service compare to others you have used in the past? This question zeros in on usability, a crucial aspect of customer satisfaction. It offers direct feedback on how user-friendly your product is compared to others, highlighting areas where you excel or need improvement.
• When choosing between this product/service and others, what factor weighs most heavily on your decision? Understanding the key factors that influence choice can help you fine-tune your offerings and marketing messages to better meet customer needs and preferences.If you look at the answers and compare the marketing efforts of your own brand and main competitors, you’ll be able to spot where you could make improvements.
• Can you identify a feature in a competing product/service that you wish ours had? Sometimes asking what feature they’d love is tricky: it might be hard to dream up. But if you give users the opportunity to shop from your competitors’ features, it might be easier.Qualitative research questions like these are therefore a smart and straightforward way to identify gaps in your product from a user perspective.

Exploratory qualitative research questions

Exploratory qualitative research questions are used in qualitative methods to tap into potential opportunities, and uncover insights that haven’t been previously considered. Add these research questions to your qualitative research studies if you’re on the hunt for new ideas.

• What challenges are you currently facing that this product/service does not address? This question is a gem in qualitative studies because it shines a light on the gaps between what your product offers and what your users actually need.By understanding these challenges, you’re not just guessing; you’re directly addressing the needs that matter most to your users, making every feature more aligned with their real-world problems.
• If you could add any premium features to this product/service, big or small, while the price remains the same, what would it be? Research questions like these open up a playground for users’ imaginations, allowing you to peek into their deepest wishes.It’s a creative way to use qualitative research to uncover independent variables (new features) that could make your product indispensable.
• What would make you stop using this product/service tomorrow? This one might sound a bit scary, but it’s crucial. It helps you pinpoint the deal breakers that could push your users away.Think of it as a preventive measure; by understanding these thresholds, you can steer clear of them in your future updates or service improvements. This question is a cornerstone in crafting a research design that seeks to minimize risks and maximize satisfaction.
• What’s a feature you never knew you needed until you started using this product/service? These insights are gold for marketing and product development, revealing the unexpected delights that can turn casual users into loyal fans.Plus, it’s a great way to highlight the qualitative words or phrases that resonate most with your audience, giving you a direct line to what makes your product stand out.
• If this product/service no longer existed, what would be the biggest gap in your routine or activities? This qualitative question helps to understand the role your product plays in users’ lives, emphasizing its importance and potential areas for highlighting in marketing efforts.Knowing what would replace you also tells you a great deal about the value your product offers.

Experience-based qualitative research questions

These qualitative research questions focus on the personal experiences of your users, and try to understand their journey and interactions with the product or service deeply.

• Describe a situation where this product/service met or exceeded your expectations. The feedback from this research question can reveal the “wow” factors that differentiate your offering in the market. It’s a great way to identify the elements of your product or service that surprise and delight customers.These qualitative questions will also highlight the specific words they use for this will also be great to fine-tune your communications and choice of words. You might be describing the right benefits already, but maybe not in the words they relate to most.
• What’s missing from your experience with this product/service? This research question is a direct line to understanding your customers’ unmet needs and desires. It encourages them to share their thoughts on how your product or service could be more useful, enjoyable, or relevant to their lives.
• What was your initial impression of this product/service, and how has it evolved? A classic, but nonetheless a valuable qualitative research question. If peoples’ experiences with your product change their impression of it over time, it’s crucial you dig into what those experiences are, to better match your marketing to the real world.Especially if impressions tend to take a more negative turn after some experiences, but also when it’s the other way around — don’t undersell your product!

Behavioral qualitative research questions

Behavioral qualitative research questions seek to understand the actions and behaviors of consumers, particularly in relation to your product or service. Adding these to your qualitative study will make it more relevant to daily life applications.

• Have you been using products/services like ours in ways that you didn’t think you would initially? This is a good qualitative research question to learn about unconventional or alternative use cases of your product. Of course, it doesn’t mean you immediately need to pivot, but it can help you map out uncharted or ignored territory and find fans in niche parts of your market.
• Has this product/service replaced something else you used to rely on? If so, what? We’re going there: ask about the ”ex”. Knowing who or what came before you and why things didn’t work out will help you be better in many ways. So, make sure to follow up this question with another one digging into the reasons for the break-up.
• What activity or task do you most frequently pair with this product/service? This might not seem immediately relevant, but it can tell you a great deal about your customer’s behavior. Knowing what place you have in their routine or what products they combine yours with can help you uncover big possibilities for innovations or even partnerships.
• How has this product/service influenced your daily habits or routines? This question doesn’t just focus on the functional benefits of your product, but also how those manifest in someone’s daily life. Do people highlight time they won back, or pleasure gained? Have they made any other changes that are relevant to you? There’s a lot to learn from small habit changes!

Emotional qualitative research questions

These qualitative questions explore the emotional connections and reactions participants have towards a particular topic, product, service, or brand. The qualitative questions examples below specifically bring a human side to quantitative research.

• How does this product/service fit into the moments that matter most to you? This might not be interesting for every product or brand, but if your brand is aiming to significantly impact people’s lives and important moments, this is a must-ask. Are they taking your products along to big moments in their lives? Does it provide them with comfort, confidence or something else when they need it? Research questions like this go way beyond functionality and tap into emotional significance — which is great for brands who really want to integrate with people’s lives.
• How does using this product/service make you feel compared to not using it at all? Are people frustrated when they run out of your product? Sad? Do they miss it at all? This question can reveal some powerful feelings around your product.
• How does this product/service affect your mood? This is a fun question to ask and can give you a great insight into what emotions your product evokes in general. Maybe some people don’t think about how they feel with your product, but others might get a confidence boost out of it, or chuckle every time they read your product copy. This question can reveal teeny tiny details that could matter a lot.

How this team aced their pitch with qual insights

Qual research helped Barrows understand glasses wearers’ pain points and wow a prospective client.

Got a burning question? Here’s how to make it part of a successful qualitative research project.

1. Set clear objectives

Knowing why you’re asking something is what helps you ask it the right way. Ask yourself what your general research objective is and how each of your qualitative research questions helps you get to the main answer.

For every qualitative research question you ask, find out IF it leads you closer to your goals, and make sure you can explain HOW it does so.

2. Ask open-ended questions the right way

There’s an art in asking great open-ended questions. Here’s an example of both seemingly similar open-ended, qualitative research questions, but one’s good, and one’s not:

“Why do you think people say this new smartwatch is better than others on the market?”

“What feedback are you hearing about this smartwatch in comparison to other smartwatches you know?”

The first one already works with the assumption and bias that your product is great. You’re practically putting words into your respondent’s mouth/answer box. The next one lets them come up with their own, unbiased response.

Good qualitative research questions should be:

• Unbiased: avoid qualitative research questions that are leading or show any form of bias whatsoever.
• Clear: only ask one thing at a time, and make it clear what that actually is.
• Relevant: make sure your question makes sense. Not just in the whole qualitative research, but also in the place it has in your survey or interview.
• Truly open: some quantitative research questions are sometimes disguised as qualitative research questions. Make sure yours is truly open and qualitative.

If you tick these boxes, your respondents will feel encouraged to express their opinions and motivations freely, which in turn will add depth and context to your research findings.

3. Balance between structured questions and flexibility

Let’s talk about flow. Imagine the panic that would set in if your first question in a job interview would be ”and how do you tackle problems with coworkers?”

Timing matters. Mixing up the question matters. This will create a great flow and keep respondents engaged and enthusiastic, and will avoid confusion.

Make sure to give respondents space to add comments or feedback where needed, but do so in a structured way, so your data remains easy to analyze.

4. Take measures to avoid survey bias

We’re circling back to bias for a second, but just because there’s more to be said and done. Avoiding bias in your surveys and qualitative research questions isn’t just about avoiding certain words or biased language, it also helps to choose a well-mixed and representative audience. On top of that, make sure your survey churns out high-quality data, not just high-volume. Read more about how we work on keeping your data in great shape.

5. Conduct pilot testing before launching large surveys

Do a mic-check before you send your qualitative research survey out to thousands of people. With pilot testing, you make sure your survey’s research questions are as-to-the-point as you hoped it to be. Send it to a small slice of your total audience, but make sure that the pilot group is just as representative as the total one will be.

When you hit that sweet spot of the right qualitative research questions and a perfectly represented audience , the feedback you receive from qualitative research isn’t just data—it’s a roadmap to deeper understanding and connection with your audience. For those looking to dive into the rich world of conducting qualitative research, Attest offers the market research tools and audience reach you need to make every question count. Check out how Attest can help bring your qualitative research to life.

VP Customer Success 

Sam joined Attest in 2019 and leads the Customer Research Team. Sam and her team support brands through their market research journey, helping them carry out effective research and uncover insights to unlock new areas for growth.

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Seize your undergrad research interview: ask the questions that matter.

—from the PI's desk

Ask relevant questions for a successful interview

Each semester, when you select your classes, you apply a methodical approach. You no doubt consider several factors such as: what will satisfy major requirements, help you prepare for the MCAT or GRE, add weight to your transcript, and, of course, what sounds the most interesting. Essentially, you don’t play “registration roulette” and find yourself in advanced string theory when you really need a cell biology course.

Yet, when it comes to an undergrad research interview, most students don’t know that they need a solid strategy for asking questions that will allow them to evaluate the position. Instead, many approach interviews with a single goal in mind: get an offer to join the lab. Although this is a good goal keep in mind, it should not be an your sole objective in a research interview.

To make the most of your interview for an undergrad research position, you need to ask the right questions to determine if the project, training opportunities, and lab is right for you. That might sound easy (and obvious), but if you haven’t held a research position how do you know what questions will give you the most meaningful information? Many interviews are short and therefore do not provide the luxury of time for a student to ask everything that comes to mind, so you want to avoid asking low-value questions.

Want a list of high-impact questions to take into the interview with you? Wondering what a professor might ask you at the interview? What should you do if you don't want the research position after it's offered to you? We've covered that and so much more in Getting In The Insider’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Undergraduate Research Experience

Avoid low value questions

Take for example commonly asked questions such as, “What equipment does your lab have?” or “How many graduate students are in the lab?” Answers to those questions will definitely give specific information about the laboratory, but—and here is the key—what will you do with that information? How will you use it to evaluate the position, or to decide between two research positions?

First consider the question about lab equipment. If the interviewer rattles off a list, chances are you won’t know what most of the equipment is, or what is needed for the available research project. In this case, asking the question wouldn’t be helpful. However, if you have an independent research project in mind, and you know you’ll need specific equipment, then asking would be essential.

As for personnel, it’s nice to learn how many people are in the lab, and in what positions, but it’s only information—not a meaningful metric to evaluate an undergrad research position. For example, if an interviewer says, “Zero undergrads, three postdocs and two grad students,” or “Two professional researchers, two undergrads, and four grad students,” how will you compare the two labs? How will you evaluate which is the better choice for you? Is it better to be in a lab with several postdocs and be the only undergrad student? Would you receive extra mentoring, or would the postdocs devalue your contributions because you’re “only” an undergrad?

Or is it better to be in a lab with several grad students and but no professional researchers? Does that indicate a professor who places a higher value on mentoring students over training professional researchers? What about labs that are all-undergrad? What if the PI mentors only a few students at a time or has more than ten? How do use you that to determine if the PI embraces mentoring or using undergrads as "free labor."

And finally, what if a professor is just establishing her lab and you would be the first member? Would you have the opportunity to help set up a lab and receive significant personal instruction, or would it prevent you from getting much research done because you’ll be busy putting items in cabinets and on shelves?

By asking about personnel in an interview, you’ll learn who is in the lab and in what positions and that is indeed good information to have. However, without actually working in the lab you can’t know how the other lab members work together, and how that will affect your research experience. Any opinion you receive from someone about how to evaluate a lab based solely on its personnel will be influenced by their research experiences and their personal research baggage, and won’t necessarily reflect the realities of the lab you interview with.

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't ask about who else in in the lab--but simply keep in mind that it will only be some of the information you need to evaluate if it's the right lab for you.

Ask questions that will give meaningful answers

There are far better questions that will give you insight on the position and the research mentor’s expectations. The answers of which you can use to carefully consider the opportunity.

Your pre-interview strategy is this: imagine the first thing the interviewer will say to you is, “What questions do you have for me?” before she has explained anything about with the project, or mentioned her expectations. This will help you determine what you need to ask at every interview, and prepare a list of questions ahead of time. Not only will you have a more professional interview (students who come with a list of relevant questions appear to be more invested in a research opportunity than those who don’t), but you’ll also have more confidence at the start.

Start with the essential questions

You might already know the “interview 101” questions, but sometimes we need to be reminded of the best pieces of advice. If not already covered by the interviewer, ask about the required time commitment in hours per week and semesters. This answer will help you decide if you have enough time each week to fulfill the commitment, and if you want to continue with research for the expected duration.

Next, ask specifics about the lab schedule —will you set it or will it be determined by your research mentor? The answer will be the key to how much flexibility you will have when incorporating research hours into your schedule.

Then ask for details about the project —what techniques are involved, what question the project addresses, and how it supports the research focus of the lab. Those answers will help you decide if you are still interested in the science the lab does and the available research project, or if you should continue your search elsewhere.

Finally, if it’s important to you, ask questions about registering for research credit, and whether or not a research proposal or end-of-semester report or poster will be required.

Confirm that your goals are achievable

After you’ve covered the basics, you’ll want to ask questions to determine if the research experience will help you accomplish your long-term goals. For example, if pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D. or graduate school is in your future, you might want to ask if you’ll have the opportunity to work on an independent research project after you have been in the lab for a while. Likewise, if you will want your research mentor to write a recommendation letter that covers your ability to interact well with others, confirm that the majority of your work will be done in the primary lab not a room down the hall or in another building.

If you ask meaningful questions at a research interview, you’ll be able to evaluate the position to determine if the time commitment will work for you, and if the project sounds like a good fit. Both are important for your success and happiness in the lab, and for earning a letter of recommendation from your research professor that will strongly support your future applications.

Further Reading Want a list of questions to take into the interview with you? Wondering what a professor might ask you? What should you do if you don't want the research position after it's offered to you? We've covered that and so much more in Getting In The Insider’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Undergraduate Research Experience

A version of this post was published on the Student Doctor Network.net

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• Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 12 December 2023.

A research question pinpoints exactly what you want to find out in your work. A good research question is essential to guide your research paper , dissertation , or thesis .

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

Table of contents

How to write a research question, what makes a strong research question, research questions quiz, frequently asked questions.

You can follow these steps to develop a strong research question:

• Choose your topic
• Do some preliminary reading about the current state of the field
• Narrow your focus to a specific niche
• Identify the research problem that you will address

The way you frame your question depends on what your research aims to achieve. The table below shows some examples of how you might formulate questions for different purposes.

Using your research problem to develop your research question

Note that while most research questions can be answered with various types of research , the way you frame your question should help determine your choices.

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Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them. The criteria below can help you evaluate the strength of your research question.

Focused and researchable

Feasible and specific, complex and arguable, relevant and original.

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis – a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

As you cannot possibly read every source related to your topic, it’s important to evaluate sources to assess their relevance. Use preliminary evaluation to determine whether a source is worth examining in more depth.

This involves:

• Reading abstracts , prefaces, introductions , and conclusions
• Looking at the table of contents to determine the scope of the work
• Consulting the index for key terms or the names of important scholars

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarised in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

A research hypothesis is your proposed answer to your research question. The research hypothesis usually includes an explanation (‘ x affects y because …’).

A statistical hypothesis, on the other hand, is a mathematical statement about a population parameter. Statistical hypotheses always come in pairs: the null and alternative hypotheses. In a well-designed study , the statistical hypotheses correspond logically to the research hypothesis.

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Sep 1, 2022

The best user research questions and how to ask them

To get the right insights, you need to ask the right questions. Here’s the best user research questions to start gathering feedback right away.

Lorelei Bowman

Content Editor at Maze

Knowing the right user research questions to ask is vital to the success of your UX research. Research is an invaluable source of input for product development, but before you can get started, you need to make sure the questions lined up will get the insights you need, without influencing the data.

Think of this article as your guide to all-things user research questions: what to ask, how to ask it, and how to create your own questions. Let’s get started.

What kind of user research questions are there?

The kind of questions you ask will depend on your research goals—are you looking to gather user feedback, or find out if a particular feature is (or would be) useful? Are you trying to discover what problems bother your user, or whether they’d prefer one solution over another?

Before planning your questions and diving head-first into research, look at your overarching research plan and objectives. Consider this on a project-by-project basis, as your end questions will be drastically different depending on where you are in the product development process . For instance, if you’re in early product discovery , you may want to discover user intent and pain points. Or, if you’re working on a high-fidelity prototype, you might want to see how users interact with the prototype, and how easy it is to use. Asking questions at different stages of your process is a big part of continuous product discovery and ensuring your product remains the best it can be.

💡 If you’re looking to understand the types of question format used in surveys or user questionnaires, take a look at our guide on how to write survey questions .

User research questions can be categorized in many ways—by objective, research scenario, or point in the product journey, to name a few. Since different questions may apply in multiple situations, we’re going to consider questions organized by their research focus.

Questions for user research can typically be categorized three ways:

• Questions about the problem e.g., what are users’ pain points, what task are they trying to complete, what solution do they want
• Questions about the people e.g., who they are, how they use products, what they want to accomplish, how likely are they to use the product
• Questions about the product e.g., how users’ feel about content or design, can they navigate the product, how usable is it, what features do they like or dislike

Now we know what kinds of questions there are, let’s delve into the value of pre-made questions, and some examples of each question type.

Using pre-made user research questions

To elevate your research, you can opt to use pre-existing questions from a question bank. As with all research tools , there are many benefits to this, including saving time and effort, and having many questions to choose from. Using a question bank also ensures questions are always carefully considered, easily understandable for users, and unbiased.

Meet the Maze question bank

An open-source question repository for product teams, our question bank is aimed at helping you ask the best user research questions to gather insight that will help build truly user-centered products.

A good question bank will be multifunctional, with questions you can use when running moderated to unmoderated testing, conducting generative or evaluative research, or gathering quantitative or qualitative data. So you can have one place to go for all your user research question needs.

🚀 Boost your research with Maze templates

If you’re a Maze user, you can also use the question bank as a handy companion to fuel your team’s research with Maze—check out the templates column and question block suggestions for maximum efficiency when building mazes.

Ultimately, a pre-made question bank can help save you a lot of time, and allow you to focus on conducting the research and processing analysis.

If you’d like to create your own questions, let’s get into the different user research question types, what questions they include, and how to ask them.

Click on the image to head straight to the question bank 👆

Questions about the problem

To support product and design decisions behind any solution, you need to be familiar with the problem you (and your users) are trying to solve. Whether you’re starting product discovery and want to understand user pain points, or you’re testing new features and want to gauge which will be most popular— you can’t begin working on a solution until you’ve honed in on what the problem is.

What’s bothering your users? How can you make their lives easier? What’s their key challenge, and what are they trying to achieve that’s being blocked by that problem?

Only once you’ve narrowed down a key problem statement can you translate solutions into the user experience, and identify opportunities for product development .

Questions focusing on the problem you’re trying to solve are key in product discovery stages and concept validation . The reason for using a particular product or feature may vary between users—consider Instagram’s Explore tab: it could be used to find friends, connect with like-minded people, or find inspiration.

Questions that can help hone into the problem at hand include:

• What problems do you face when you do [task]?
• Please complete this sentence: "The most frustrating part of trying to complete [task] is…”
• What is your main goal when trying to complete [task]?
• What is your personal measure of success when it comes to [goal]?
• How are you currently solving [problem]?
• Describe your ideal solution to [problem]

Questions about the people

Understanding the problem you’re trying to solve goes hand in hand with the people who are facing this problem—who they are and how they think, how they adopt and use products, their wants, needs and dislikes.

Put simply, there’s no point building a product if it solves the problem your user is having—but not in the way they wanted it to.

To really understand how your users think, and the way they approach a product, you need to understand their mental models. Broadly speaking, a mental model determines how someone forms their thinking process—it might impact the way they approach a problem, the kind of solution they’d like, and how they expect certain features to work.

UX research methods like card sorting are a good way to understand people’s mental models, but you can also gather this insight through thoughtful user interviews or research questions.

User-focused questions also cover understanding attitudes towards product adoption, use habits and circumstances, pricing models, and demographics.

Some example questions you could ask to learn more about your target users include:

• Are there any products that you prefer to use to do [task]?
• What does your job look like in your company?
• How do you prefer to be trained on new products?
• How much would you pay for [product]?
• Please describe who you might collaborate with when [task]?
• How often do you do [task]?

Questions about the product

Once you understand the problem your product will solve, and the people who’ll be using it, it’s time to circle back to the product itself. Questions about the product may be about its usability, what features you’re including, how users feel about content or design, and whether it does what they need it to.

Just like all research, it’s a good idea to ask product-related questions multiple time during the research phase, as both questions and answer will vary depending on what development stage you’re at—from prioritizing which feature to focus on developing first, to assessing how navigable a certain product section is, or reviewing the appeal of specific design aspects.

To gain a well-rounded understanding of how users find using your product or feature, usability testing is imperative. And, if you’re trying to nail down product navigation and identify any bumps in the user journey, tree testing is the research method of choice.

Whatever your focus, questions relating to the product are useful in both evaluative and generative research , and critical for creating a user-centered, solution-focused product.

Sample questions you can use to learn more about the product and features could include:

• How did you find the language (including but not limited to copy, phrasing, tone) used on the website?
• What’s the single most important thing we could do to make [product] better?
• On a scale of 1-10, how was your experience when [task]?
• Was the product navigation as expected?
• If you could change one thing about the design what would it be and why?
• Thinking about what [product] offers, which of the following best describes your feelings about it?

🤔 To dive into the questions you should be asking during usability testing, check out how to ask effective usability testing questions .

Regardless of what questions you ask, it’s worth bearing in mind that this information should be considered a guide, not a rule—as sometimes what people think they’ll do is not what they always do in practice . This is why it’s so important to continue research and testing in all stages of product development, so you can always be working off the most reliable and up-to-date insight.

Guidelines for crafting the right user research questions

Research questions set the standard of the data you’ll gather with them, so it’s crucial to properly craft each question to maximize insight and ensure accurate results.

Using a pre-made question bank is one way to keep questions effective, but if you’re writing your own questions, bear in mind that everything from the language you use to the structure or format of questions can influence the user’s answer.

The best questions for user interviews and research are clear , precise , and unbiased . Let’s go over some ultimate tips for crafting questions that fulfill this.

Stay neutral: avoid leading questions

One of the most important points when it comes to any research is being a neutral party, which means removing cognitive bias from your work. Research isn’t helpful if it’s biased, so ensure your questions are as impartial as possible—after all, just because you like Concept A over Concept B, doesn’t mean everyone will.

The key to staying neutral is avoiding leading questions where you subconsciously favor one thing over another, or plant an opinion or idea in the user’s mind, such as “How would you use concept A?”—this assumes they preferred concept A, which they may not have. Instead, try asking which concept they would use, followed by how they would use it.

Take it one question at a time

The majority of us think best when our minds are clear and able to focus on one thing, so avoid bombarding research participants with multiple questions phrased together.

Rather than asking a question like “What did you think about the design, copy and layout of the page?”, ask individually about the design, copy, and layout. Otherwise, you risk users merging their thoughts into one answer, when in fact they may feel very differently about each element.

Of course some questions lend themselves to being combined (e.g., “Which concept did you prefer and why?”), but it’s best to keep things separate when possible, and ask “Why?” in follow up questions, to allow users space to think and form individual answers for each question.

Ask open-ended questions

Similar to ensuring questions are unbiased, it’s also a good idea to ask open-ended questions—that is, to avoid questions which result in simply a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

The benefit of open-ended questions is that they give participants an opportunity to expand on their answer, work through their experience, and share details with you that may otherwise be missed. Consider that, while asking “Did you like the product?” may answer whether a user liked it, you’ll be left wondering what it is they like about it. Instead, try framing questions in a way that provides space for additional information, e.g. “What did you think about the product?”.

Pro tip ✨ If you do ask closed-ended questions, always keep follow up questions aside to dig deeper gather and extra insight from your participants.

Help users find their own voice

The language we use is incredibly powerful. Used well, words can move us, sway our opinions, educate us, and more.

By helping your research participants to find their own voice, you can unlock powerful statements and user insights which will truly impact your product. Formatting questions with the user at the center—using ‘you’ and asking emotive questions—builds empathy with the user and encourages them to find and share their own opinions through honest answers.

Ask questions you think you know the answer to

Our final question-crafting tip is to use research questions to test and validate your own assumptions and opinions. Ask questions you think you know the answer to—if you believe all users will prefer one new feature over the other, see if you’re right. If you think a certain design element works better on a different page, ask research participants to determine where they prefer it.

As with any research, while you may be user-adjacent, you are not your users. You are the expert in your product; they are the expert in using your product. Trust their opinions, and use their knowledge and experience to confirm your suspicions, or disprove them. Either way, you gain valuable insights.

User research is as effective as the questions you ask

Whether you’re investigating user preferences or conducting usability testing, research is only as effective as the questions you ask—and how you ask them.

Focus on questions that fit your research objectives, phrase your questions in the best way possible, and work to build empathy with your user; you’ll be able to gather valuable insights in no time.

Frequently asked questions and user research questions

What makes a good user research question?

A good research question is open-ended , unbiased , clear , and precise . It helps research participants share their thoughts, feedback, and opinions with researchers, without influencing or limiting their responses.

What type of user research questions are there?

User research questions can broadly be broken down into three categories:

How do you create a user research question?

There are several ways to create a user research question: you can either write your own question, or select premade questions from an existing research question bank.

If you choose to write your own research questions, it’s important to keep them clear and precise above all else—focus on asking questions that encourage users to open up, share additional information, and speak honestly.

Continue Reading

How to avoid leading questions in UX research (+ examples)

UX research best practices: Building and researching products with ethics in mind

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30 Academic Researcher Interview Questions and Answers

Common Academic Researcher interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach.

Embarking on a career as an academic researcher requires more than just a passion for knowledge. It demands critical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to showcase not only your research skills but also your commitment to contributing valuable insights to your chosen field.

In this article, we will delve into some of the commonly asked questions in an academic researcher interview. We’ll provide tips on how best to answer these questions and help you articulate your unique approach to conducting rigorous, impactful research.

1. Can you describe a research project you’ve led and the impact it had on your field of study?

This question is probing your ability to manage complex tasks, complete them, and see the bigger picture of your work. As an academic researcher, your goal is not just to finish projects, but to contribute meaningfully to your field. Therefore, hiring committees want to see that you have a track record of doing just that. They’re also interested in your ability to convey complex ideas to a broader audience— a key skill when you’re trying to secure funding or present your findings.

Example: “One of my most impactful research projects was developing a novel algorithm to predict disease progression in patients with Parkinson’s.

I led a team that collected and analyzed data from over 5000 patients worldwide, which we used to train our machine learning model. Our algorithm outperformed existing models by 15% in terms of accuracy.

This project not only advanced our understanding of Parkinson’s but also provided doctors with a more accurate tool for predicting disease progression. This can significantly improve patient care by allowing for earlier intervention and more personalized treatment plans.”

2. What methods do you typically use to keep your research organized and how have these methods evolved over time?

As an academic researcher, it’s paramount that you manage your data, references, and findings meticulously. Interviewers want to understand your approach to staying organized throughout the research process. They’re interested in not just your current methods, but also how you’ve adapted and improved them over time, as this gives insight into your ability to learn, grow, and handle the complex, evolving demands of research.

Example: “I utilize digital tools like reference management software, such as EndNote and Zotero, to keep track of sources. I also use project management platforms like Trello for task organization. Over time, I’ve found cloud-based solutions like Google Drive invaluable for real-time collaboration and easy access to data anywhere.

In terms of evolution, I initially relied heavily on physical note-taking but transitioned to digital methods for efficiency. The ability to quickly search and categorize information digitally has significantly improved my research process.”

3. Can you discuss a time when your research findings did not align with your initial hypothesis? How did you handle this?

Research is not about proving what you think is right—it’s about finding the truth. Sometimes, that means disproving your own ideas. Your ability to adapt to unexpected results, draw new conclusions from them, and pivot your research efforts accordingly is a critical skill in academia. This is why hiring panels often ask this question—to gauge your flexibility, objectivity, and resilience in the face of unexpected research outcomes.

Example: “During my PhD, I hypothesized that a specific gene mutation would lead to increased cancer susceptibility. However, the data showed no significant correlation.

I initially double-checked my methodology and data analysis to ensure there were no errors. Once confirmed, I embraced these unexpected results as they challenged pre-existing assumptions in the field.

This led me to explore other potential factors influencing cancer risk. My findings eventually contributed to a more nuanced understanding of genetic influences on disease. It was a valuable lesson in scientific humility and adaptability.”

4. How do you approach the process of writing and submitting a research grant proposal?

This question is designed to assess your strategic thinking and planning skills in relation to securing funding for research. As an academic researcher, a significant part of your role is to secure the financial resources necessary to conduct your studies. Your ability to write a compelling, thorough, and successful grant proposal is key to your success and the success of your research.

Example: “Writing a research grant proposal requires strategic planning and clear communication. I start by thoroughly understanding the funding agency’s goals, aligning my project with their objectives. Then, I develop a compelling narrative that outlines the problem, its significance, and how my research will address it.

In crafting the proposal, I focus on clarity and conciseness, ensuring each section directly supports the overall aim. I also include a detailed budget and timeline to demonstrate feasibility.

Before submitting, I seek feedback from colleagues to refine the proposal. Finally, I ensure all guidelines are strictly adhered to for successful submission.”

5. What steps do you take to ensure your research is ethical and follows the guidelines set by the institution?

Ethics forms the backbone of academic research. It’s the cornerstone of credibility, validity, and respect for any contributions made in the field. As such, hiring committees want to ensure that potential researchers are not only aware of the ethical guidelines and principles in their field but also have a proven track record of adhering to them. This question helps ascertain that you’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in your research.

Example: “To ensure my research is ethical and adheres to institutional guidelines, I start by familiarizing myself with the institution’s ethics policy. This includes understanding the principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and non-maleficence.

Then, I design my study in a way that respects these principles. For instance, I make sure participants are fully informed about the purpose of the research and their rights before they participate.

I also seek approval from the relevant ethics committee before commencing any research. They provide an external review to confirm my research meets all ethical standards.

Lastly, throughout the research process, I maintain transparency and honesty in data collection, analysis and reporting. This ensures integrity and credibility in my work.”

6. Describe your most challenging research project. What made it difficult and how did you overcome those challenges?

This question is designed to probe your problem-solving skills and perseverance in the face of adversity. Conducting academic research is often a long, arduous process, filled with unforeseen challenges and complications. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to understand your approach to overcoming obstacles and how you adapt when unexpected difficulties arise. They are also interested in learning about your analytical skills, and how you apply them to solve complex problems.

Example: “One of the most challenging research projects I undertook was a comparative analysis of climate change policies across different countries. The difficulty lay in gathering accurate and up-to-date data from various sources, given the language barriers and differences in reporting standards.

To overcome this, I collaborated with international researchers for data verification and translation. Additionally, I developed a standardised template to ensure consistency while comparing diverse policy frameworks. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration and adaptability in overcoming research challenges.”

7. How have you handled disagreements or conflicts with collaborators during a research project?

Conflict is a natural part of any job that involves working with others, and academic research is no exception. Whether it’s a disagreement over the direction of the research, the interpretation of data, or the division of labor, it’s not a question of if you’ll face conflict, but when. By asking this question, hiring managers are looking for evidence that you can handle conflicts professionally and constructively, while still contributing effectively to the team’s goals.

Example: “In my experience, disagreements are often due to miscommunication or differing perspectives. When conflicts arise during a research project, I believe in addressing them promptly and openly.

I usually start by listening to the other party’s viewpoint to understand their perspective. This not only helps me gain insight into their thought process but also demonstrates respect for their opinions.

Once I have understood their stance, I share mine as well. The goal is not to prove who is right or wrong, but rather to find common ground where we both can agree.

If we cannot reach an agreement independently, I am open to involving a third-party mediator or our supervisor. Their neutral perspective often helps resolve the conflict effectively.

This approach has always helped me maintain positive relationships with collaborators while ensuring the success of our projects.”

8. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to alter your research methodology due to unforeseen circumstances?

Research is seldom a straight path. Unexpected roadblocks, sudden changes in conditions, or surprising results can necessitate a shift in methodology. Interviewers want to know if you are flexible, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of these unexpected challenges. Your ability to alter your research methodology while maintaining the integrity of your work is a key skill in the ever-evolving world of academic research.

Example: “During my PhD, I was working on a project that involved analyzing large sets of genetic data. Initially, we planned to use traditional statistical methods for analysis. However, as the dataset grew larger and more complex, it became clear that this approach would not be sufficient.

We had to shift our strategy and incorporate machine learning techniques to handle the complexity and volume of the data. This required me to quickly learn new skills and adapt to using different software tools.

Despite the challenge, this change in methodology led to more accurate results and contributed significantly to the success of the research project. It underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability in research.”

9. How do you prioritize your research projects and manage your time effectively?

As an academic researcher, you’ll often find yourself juggling multiple projects, each with their own set of deadlines and demands. Hence, your potential employer wants to be assured that you have the ability to organize your workload, prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively. Your response to this question will provide insight into your project management skills and your ability to maintain productivity even under pressure.

Example: “Prioritizing research projects depends on their urgency, impact, and alignment with my areas of expertise. I often use project management tools to track progress and deadlines. For time management, I divide my day into blocks dedicated to specific tasks such as data analysis or writing. This approach helps me stay focused and productive.

Moreover, I believe in regular communication with team members and stakeholders. It ensures everyone is aligned and aware of any changes or challenges that may affect the timeline or outcome of the project.

Finally, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between work and personal life. Taking breaks and ensuring adequate rest can significantly improve productivity and creativity.”

10. How do you approach the peer review process, both as a reviewer and as a researcher receiving feedback?

Peer reviews are a cornerstone in maintaining the credibility and quality of academic research. When hiring for an academic researcher, it’s critical to understand a candidate’s approach to both giving and receiving feedback. The way you handle critiques of your own work, as well as your ability to provide constructive feedback to others, speaks volumes about your professionalism, integrity, and commitment to advancing knowledge in your field.

Example: “As a reviewer, I approach the process with an open mind and focus on providing constructive criticism. My aim is to help improve the quality of research rather than finding faults.

When receiving feedback, I view it as an opportunity for growth. It’s about understanding different perspectives that can enhance my work. I welcome all comments and take time to reflect upon them before making revisions.

In both roles, respect, professionalism, and communication are key elements in ensuring a productive peer review process.”

11. In what ways have you used technology or software tools to assist in your research?

The academic landscape is brimming with an array of technologies and software tools designed to streamline and enhance research activities. When hiring an academic researcher, your potential employer wants to know that you are comfortable and proficient in using these tools. This not only ensures you can keep pace with the dynamic academic environment, but it also indicates your ability to leverage technology to yield more accurate, efficient, and comprehensive research results.

Example: “I have utilized various technology tools to streamline and enhance my research. For instance, I used software like NVivo for qualitative data analysis, which helped in organizing and interpreting complex datasets.

For literature reviews, EndNote was instrumental in managing citations and bibliographies. Moreover, Google Scholar and databases like JSTOR were essential for sourcing relevant academic articles.

Moreover, I employed project management tools such as Trello to track progress and ensure timely completion of tasks. These digital tools not only increased efficiency but also improved the accuracy of my work.”

12. Can you discuss a time when you had to explain complex research findings to a non-technical audience?

This question is critical as it helps the interviewer understand your ability to communicate complicated ideas with clarity and simplicity. In the world of academia, it’s not enough to just produce significant research. You also need to be able to translate your findings in a way that people without technical expertise can understand. This skill is particularly important when presenting research to stakeholders, funders, or the general public.

Example: “During my PhD, I conducted research on genetic algorithms which was quite complex. However, I had to present these findings at a university open day to prospective students and their parents. To make it comprehensible, I used the analogy of evolution – survival of the fittest. I explained that just as nature selects the best traits for survival, genetic algorithms select the best solutions to a problem. This simplified explanation helped them understand the concept without delving into technical jargon or intricate details. The feedback was positive, indicating they found the talk engaging and informative.”

13. How do you handle the pressure and stress associated with meeting research deadlines?

Research work is often driven by strict timelines and high expectations, whether it’s a funding cycle, a conference submission deadline, or the pace of a competitive field. Potential employers want to be confident in your ability to manage stress, prioritize tasks, and maintain quality work under pressure. Your response will give them insight into your time management skills, resilience, and overall suitability for the rigorous world of academic research.

Example: “I believe in proactive planning and organization to manage research deadlines. I start by breaking down the project into manageable tasks, setting realistic goals for each task, and prioritizing them based on their importance and urgency.

To handle stress, I ensure a balanced work-life routine with regular exercise and relaxation activities. This helps me maintain focus and productivity during work hours.

Moreover, I use mindfulness techniques to stay calm under pressure. It enables me to make rational decisions even when facing tight deadlines.

In case of unexpected obstacles, I am flexible enough to adapt my plan quickly without compromising the quality of work.”

14. What strategies do you use to stay updated with the latest developments in your field of research?

The field of academic research is constantly evolving, with new discoveries, methods, and theories emerging all the time. It’s important for a researcher to stay at the forefront of these developments to ensure their work is as accurate, relevant, and innovative as possible. Therefore, hiring committees are keen to know how you plan to stay informed and adapt to the shifting landscape of your research area.

Example: “Staying updated in my research field is crucial. I regularly read academic journals and attend webinars or conferences related to my area of study. This not only provides me with new insights but also allows me to network with other researchers.

I also subscribe to relevant newsletters and follow influential figures on social media platforms for real-time updates. Furthermore, participating in online forums and discussions helps me understand different perspectives on emerging trends.

Lastly, I engage in continuous learning through courses and workshops which enhance my knowledge base and skills. These strategies ensure that I am always at the forefront of developments in my research field.”

15. How do you ensure the quality and accuracy of your data collection and analysis?

Accuracy and integrity are the backbone of academic research. Therefore, potential employers want to ensure that you have robust strategies in place for collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. They are interested in learning about your attention to detail, your understanding of statistical methods, and your ability to minimize bias and error to produce reliable and valid results.

Example: “To ensure the quality and accuracy of data collection, I use a systematic approach. This involves clearly defining research objectives, using reliable sources, and implementing rigorous data validation techniques.

For analysis, I employ statistical software to minimize human error. Cross-validation methods are used to check for consistency in results.

Regular audits help identify any discrepancies early on, allowing for timely corrections.

Lastly, peer reviews provide an additional layer of scrutiny, ensuring objectivity and validity in my work.”

16. Discuss an instance where your research significantly contributed to your field?

As an academic researcher, your value is often measured in terms of your contributions to your field. The interviewer wants to understand the depth of your experience and how your research has made a difference. This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, your ability to find innovative solutions, and your impact on knowledge advancement within your area of research.

Example: “One significant contribution I made was during my PhD research on climate change impacts on agriculture. My team and I developed a predictive model that could forecast crop yields under various climate scenarios.

This breakthrough allowed farmers to make informed decisions about their farming strategies, potentially saving them from financial losses due to unpredictable weather patterns. Our findings were published in a top-tier journal, which led to further research in this area. This work also influenced policy discussions around agricultural adaptation to climate change.”

17. How have you incorporated interdisciplinary perspectives into your research?

The academic world is increasingly recognizing the value of interdisciplinary perspectives in research. This approach often results in innovative solutions and fresh insights into complex problems. Hence, hiring committees want to know if you can think beyond the confines of your own discipline, collaborate with researchers from different fields and integrate diverse methodologies and theories into your work.

Example: “Incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives into my research has been crucial in broadening the scope and enhancing the depth of my findings. For instance, while researching climate change impacts, I integrated insights from environmental science, economics, and sociology. This allowed me to analyze not only the ecological effects but also the economic implications and societal responses.

By engaging with different disciplines, I ensure a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. It also fosters creativity and innovation, as it encourages the cross-pollination of ideas between fields. This approach has significantly enriched my research outcomes and its relevance for diverse stakeholders.”

18. What is your experience with securing funding for your research projects?

Securing funding is a critical part of academic research, and it’s a task that often falls to the researcher themselves. A potential employer would want to know that you have the skills and experience to successfully seek out, apply for, and secure the funding necessary to carry out your proposed projects. This question probes your ability to navigate this complex and often competitive process.

Example: “I have a solid track record in securing funding for research projects. I’ve successfully obtained grants from various sources including government bodies, private organizations and academic institutions. My approach involves identifying suitable funders, tailoring proposals to their specific interests, and demonstrating the potential impact of the research.

My expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives that highlight the significance of the project. This includes showcasing its originality, feasibility, and relevance to current societal or academic challenges.

Moreover, I maintain strong relationships with past funders which often leads to repeat funding. These connections also serve as valuable networks for collaborative research opportunities.”

19. How do you approach the process of publishing your research findings?

The process of getting research findings published is a critical part of an academic researcher’s job. It’s not just about doing the research, but also communicating your findings effectively to the wider scientific community. This question aims to understand your experience and approach in this area, ensuring you have the skills and perseverance to navigate the often complex and lengthy process of academic publishing.

Example: “Publishing research findings begins with selecting the most appropriate journal. I consider factors such as the relevance of my topic to the journal’s focus, its impact factor, and audience.

After selection, I prepare my manuscript in line with the specific guidelines provided by that journal. This includes structuring it into sections like abstract, introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion.

Once the draft is ready, I seek feedback from colleagues or mentors before submitting. Upon receiving reviewers’ comments, I revise accordingly ensuring all concerns are adequately addressed.

The process requires patience and resilience due to possible rejections or requests for revisions. It’s a continuous cycle of learning and improving.”

20. Can you provide an example of a research project where you encountered ethical dilemmas? How did you address them?

Ethics are the backbone of credible, responsible research. As an academic researcher, you’ll often be dealing with sensitive data, groundbreaking discoveries, or contentious topics. The interviewer wants to assess your understanding of research ethics, your ability to navigate ethical dilemmas, and your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in your work.

Example: “In a previous research project, we were studying the effects of certain medications on mental health. One ethical dilemma was whether to continue the study despite negative side-effects experienced by some participants.

We addressed this by conducting an interim analysis and consulting with our ethics committee. We decided to modify the dosage for those experiencing adverse effects while ensuring they were fully informed about potential risks. This balanced the need for valuable data with respect for participant welfare.”

21. What experience do you have with teaching or mentoring students in a research context?

A large part of being an academic researcher is often about passing on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of scholars. Whether you’re guiding PhD students through their dissertations or helping undergraduates get their first taste of research, your ability to mentor and teach is key. This question allows interviewers to assess your suitability for this crucial aspect of the role.

Example: “I have had the opportunity to mentor several undergraduate and graduate students during my PhD. I guided them in developing their research proposals, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and writing reports. This involved regular meetings to discuss progress, troubleshoot issues, and provide feedback.

In addition, I’ve also supervised interns on specific research projects. My focus was not just on imparting knowledge but also nurturing critical thinking skills to enable them to conduct independent research.

Overall, these experiences have honed my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and foster a productive learning environment.”

22. How do you approach collaborations with researchers from different fields or institutions?

Collaboration is the lifeblood of academic research. Not only does it allow for the exchange of ideas, but it also often leads to breakthroughs that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. As such, hiring committees want to know that you have the ability to work well with others, even if they come from different disciplines or institutions. Your ability to navigate these relationships can greatly impact the success of your research.

Example: “Collaborating with researchers from different fields or institutions requires a blend of open-mindedness, effective communication, and respect for diversity. I approach such collaborations by first understanding their expertise and research methodologies. This helps in identifying common grounds and potential areas of synergy.

I believe in maintaining clear and regular communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding objectives, roles, and timelines. Using collaborative tools can facilitate this process.

Respecting diverse perspectives is crucial as it often leads to innovative solutions. Therefore, I always value inputs from all team members, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.

In essence, my approach is centered around mutual respect, proactive communication, and leveraging collective intelligence to achieve our shared goals.”

23. Can you discuss a time when your research findings had practical implications or real-world applications?

Researchers are not just confined to the world of theory, they play an essential role in shaping our society, economy, and environment. Practical implications and real-world applications of research findings are often what drive societal advancements. Interviewers ask this question to gauge whether you understand the importance of research translation, and to assess your ability to create meaningful impact through your work.

Example: “During my PhD, I was part of a team researching the impact of climate change on agricultural yield. Our findings highlighted specific regions that would be most affected by changing weather patterns.

These results were not only published in academic journals, but also caught the attention of policy makers and NGOs working towards food security. They used our research to prioritize their efforts and resources in those vulnerable areas.

This experience showed me how academic research can directly influence real-world decisions and policies. It reinforced my belief in the importance of practical applications for research outcomes.”

24. How do you ensure your research is accessible and comprehensible to the broader academic community?

The art of research isn’t just about generating new knowledge—it’s also about making that knowledge accessible and comprehensible. Your ability to communicate your findings in a clear, plain language that can be understood by a variety of audiences is key. It ensures that your work has the potential to influence other researchers, policy-makers, and even the public. This question is asked to understand your skills and strategies in presenting your research in an accessible and comprehensible manner.

Example: “To ensure my research is accessible and comprehensible, I use clear language and avoid unnecessary jargon. I also provide a concise abstract that summarizes the key points of my work.

I believe in the power of visual aids like graphs, charts, and diagrams to present complex data in an easily digestible format.

Moreover, I make it a point to publish in open-access journals whenever possible, ensuring maximum reach.

Lastly, I engage with the academic community through seminars, webinars, and conferences to explain my work and receive feedback. This two-way communication helps me understand if my research is being understood correctly and what improvements can be made.”

25. What strategies do you employ to handle the challenges of conducting fieldwork, if applicable?

The essence of a researcher’s job is to navigate the uncharted territories of knowledge, and fieldwork can pose a myriad of challenges, from logistical issues to unexpected findings. Therefore, it’s critical to know that you have strategic problem-solving skills and can adapt on the fly, ensuring the validity and reliability of your research work while managing resources efficiently.

Example: “Conducting fieldwork can indeed present unique challenges. I prioritize meticulous planning, which involves understanding the environment and potential obstacles, then developing contingency plans.

Equally important is building relationships with local communities or stakeholders as they often provide valuable insights that enhance the research quality.

I also employ technological tools for data collection and analysis to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Lastly, maintaining ethical standards throughout the process is non-negotiable to uphold the integrity of the research.”

26. Discuss a time when you had to defend your research findings against criticism.

As an academic researcher, you’re often required to present your findings to a range of audiences, including peers, who may not always agree with your conclusions. Therefore, your ability to defend your research and handle criticism is a significant part of your role. Interviewers want to assess your problem-solving skills, your ability to handle conflict, and your commitment to the integrity and quality of your research.

Example: “During my PhD, I conducted research on the impact of climate change on crop yield. My findings suggested a significant negative effect, which was criticized by some peers who believed the impact was negligible.

I defended my findings by systematically presenting the robustness of my methodology and data sources. I also highlighted previous literature that supported my conclusions. Furthermore, I welcomed their critique as an opportunity to further refine my study, resulting in a more comprehensive paper.

This experience taught me the importance of open dialogue and constructive criticism in academic research.”

27. How do you approach the process of developing a new research question or project?

The heart of an academic researcher’s job is to create and explore new research questions or projects. A prospective employer needs to understand how you approach this task, as it will provide insight into your critical thinking abilities, creativity, and command of the research process. Your answer will help them determine if your research style aligns with the institution’s goals and values.

Example: “Developing a new research question or project begins with identifying gaps in the current body of knowledge. I dive into existing literature, noting areas that lack clarity or require further exploration.

Once an area of interest is identified, I formulate a preliminary research question. This question must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).

The next step involves designing a methodology suitable for investigating this question. The method should align with the nature of the question and could involve quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approaches.

Throughout this process, it’s crucial to maintain flexibility as initial plans may need adjustment based on findings or unforeseen challenges. Rigorous review and refinement ensure the final research question is robust and valuable.”

28. What is your experience with interdisciplinary research and how has it influenced your work?

This query is designed to gauge your collaborative abilities and your versatility as a researcher. Interdisciplinary research is increasingly important in academia as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. It also testifies to your ability to adapt and learn new methodologies or theories outside your primary research area, thus indicating intellectual flexibility and curiosity.

Example: “I have actively participated in interdisciplinary research throughout my academic career, collaborating with experts from fields such as psychology, sociology, and computer science. This approach has enriched my perspective, allowing me to tackle complex problems using diverse methodologies.

The influence of this experience is evident in my work’s depth and breadth. It encourages innovative thinking and fosters a holistic understanding of the research topic. I believe that integrating knowledge across disciplines leads to more robust findings and impactful solutions.”

29. Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt your research methods due to resource constraints?

The path to knowledge discovery is rarely straightforward. As a researcher, you’re constantly required to improvise and adapt to unforeseen challenges, whether it’s a sudden budget cut, unexpected results, or difficulties in data collection. This question is designed to gauge your problem-solving skills and your ability to think on your feet, both of which are critical for success in academic research.

Example: “During my PhD, I was studying the impact of climate change on certain species. However, due to budget constraints, we couldn’t afford extensive fieldwork.

I adapted by leveraging online databases and remote sensing data for preliminary analysis, thus reducing the need for physical site visits. This not only saved costs but also allowed us to cover a larger geographical area in our research.

It was challenging to ensure the accuracy of secondary data, but it taught me how to be resourceful and adaptable in conducting rigorous academic research.”

30. How do you handle situations where research findings might be controversial or unpopular?

Scientific integrity is paramount in any research role, and sometimes, the truth that research uncovers isn’t what people want to hear. Hiring managers ask this question to gauge whether you can stand by your work, even in the face of adversity or resistance. They want to know if you have the courage and conviction to present your findings honestly, regardless of public opinion or external pressures.

Example: “In research, it’s crucial to uphold integrity and transparency, regardless of the potential controversy or unpopularity of findings. My approach involves presenting data objectively and ensuring that my methodology is robust and replicable.

I believe in fostering open dialogue around controversial topics. This includes acknowledging different perspectives while maintaining a firm commitment to scientific rigor.

If faced with backlash, I would engage critics constructively, addressing their concerns directly and professionally. After all, science thrives on discourse and scrutiny. It’s about discovering truth, not winning popularity contests.”

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17 Research Project Coordinator Interview Questions and Answers

Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from a research project coordinator, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them.

The coordinator of a research project is the glue that holds everything together. From planning and organizing the research project to ensuring that all the research is completed on time and within budget, the coordinator is responsible for the success of the project. This position also often requires good communication and interpersonal skills to manage the team of researchers working on the project.

If you’re interviewing for a research project coordinator position, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience and skills. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered some of the most common interview questions for research project coordinators and provided sample answers to help you get started.

Are you familiar with the process of double-blind studies?

What are some of the most important qualities for a research project coordinator to have, how would you handle a situation where a study participant was not following the protocol, what is your process for organizing and prioritizing your work, provide an example of a time when you had to manage a difficult client or customer., if you had the opportunity to start over as a research project coordinator, what would you do differently, what would you do if you noticed a mistake in one of your study’s reports, how well do you handle stress, do you have any questions for us about the role of a research project coordinator, when was the last time you updated your research skills, we want to improve our research project coordinator training. what types of training would you like to receive, describe your process for ensuring that all of the necessary paperwork is completed and submitted on time., what makes you stand out from other candidates for this role, which computer programs and databases are you most familiar with using, what do you think is the most important aspect of communication for a research project coordinator to focus on, how often do you update your to-do lists, there is a wide range of personalities in the people who participate in our studies. how do you adjust your communication style to suit each individual.

Double-blind studies are a common research method that requires the researcher to be impartial and not influence the results. This question is asking you if you have experience with this process, which can help determine your ability to work as part of a team in an organization. Use examples from past projects where you’ve worked on double-blind studies to show the interviewer how you would apply these skills to their company.

Example: “I am familiar with the process of double-blind studies, although I haven’t had much experience working on them myself. In my last position, we were conducting a study on the effectiveness of different types of advertising for our client. We used double-blind studies because it was important that the researchers didn’t know who the client was so they could remain impartial. The lead researcher assigned each member of the team one type of ad to analyze, but we all knew what the other ads were.”

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities to be successful in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest qualities that relate to the job description.

Example: “I believe some of the most important qualities for a research project coordinator are organization, attention to detail and communication skills. These skills allow me to keep track of all aspects of my projects, including who is working on what tasks, when they are due and how much progress has been made. I am also very good at communicating with team members about any questions or concerns they may have.”

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to handle challenging situations. In your answer, you can describe how you would respond to a participant who was not following the protocol and how you would ensure they were compliant with the study.

Example: “If a participant wasn’t following the protocol, I would first speak with them about their reasons for noncompliance. If it was an issue that could be resolved, such as if they forgot to take their medication or missed an appointment, I would help them resolve the situation. However, if there was no way to change the situation, I would report my findings to my supervisor so we could discuss what options we had.”

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and determine whether or not your process aligns with their organization’s. Your answer should include a specific example of how you organized and prioritized a project in the past, along with an explanation of why that method was effective for you.

Example: “In my previous role as a research coordinator, I used a calendar to keep track of all deadlines and due dates for each stage of the research project. This helped me stay on top of when deliverables were due and allowed me to communicate any changes to team members before they became issues. It also helped me prioritize tasks based on their importance and ensure we met our deadlines.”

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation with their clients or customers and whether you have the ability to resolve conflict. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

Example: “In my previous role as a research project coordinator, I had a client who was very demanding. He wanted all of his questions answered immediately and he often called me at night to make sure we were still working on his project. This made it difficult for me to balance my work and personal life. However, I remained professional in all of our interactions and tried to explain that I needed time to complete the project. Eventually, he understood and stopped calling so frequently.”

This question is a great way to determine how much you’ve learned from your past experiences. It also shows the interviewer that you’re willing to learn and grow as an employee. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about your previous job that you would change or something you wish you had done differently.

Example: “If I could start over again as a research project coordinator, I would definitely spend more time learning about my company’s data collection software. In my last position, I was responsible for collecting data using Excel spreadsheets, but I didn’t know how to use many of its features. As a result, I spent too much time entering data into the spreadsheet instead of analyzing it. Now, I’m very comfortable with most data collection software.”

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle errors and challenges in the workplace. Your answer should show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, learn from mistakes and make corrections when needed.

Example: “If I noticed a mistake in one of my study’s reports, I would first try to find out what caused it. If I made an error, I would immediately correct it and notify my supervisor so they could inform the client. If someone else made the mistake, I would ask them to fix it and let our supervisor know as well. In either case, I would ensure that we have procedures in place to prevent similar mistakes from happening again.”

Research projects can be stressful, especially if you’re working with a tight deadline. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to handle stress and still complete your work on time. In your answer, explain how you manage stress in your life. Share one or two strategies that help you stay calm when things get hectic.

Example: “I’m naturally organized, so I find it easy to keep track of all my tasks. This helps me stay calm during stressful situations because I know exactly what I need to do next. When I first started as a research project coordinator, I was thrown into a situation where I had to organize someone else’s notes. It was quite overwhelming at first, but I took deep breaths and focused on one task at a time. After an hour, I had everything sorted out.”

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have any questions about the role and how it fits into their company. This is also an opportunity for you to show your interest in the position by asking thoughtful, relevant questions. Before your interview, think of a few questions that will help you learn more about the job and its responsibilities.

Example: “I am very interested in this role because I love working with numbers and data. However, I do not have much experience managing projects or teams. In my last role as a research analyst, I worked independently on most tasks. If I were hired for this role, I would like to know what resources are available to me to help me develop these skills.”

Employers ask this question to make sure you are committed to your career and want to continue learning. They also want to know that you will be able to keep up with the latest research methods and technology. When answering, think of a time when you took an online course or attended a seminar related to your field.

Example: “I recently completed a two-week online course on how to use data analysis software. I found it very helpful because I was able to learn new ways to organize my projects and find patterns in the data. It’s important for me to stay current with these types of courses because they help me do my job better.”

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your expectations for training and how you would like to see the company improve its training programs. When answering, consider what types of training you have received in previous roles that helped you succeed. Consider also what you wish you had learned or experienced during your time as a research project coordinator.

Example: “I think it’s important to receive regular feedback from my manager on my performance. I’ve found that having weekly check-ins with my manager helps me stay accountable for my work and provides an opportunity for me to ask questions when needed. Another thing I wish I had done differently was attend more professional development workshops. I find these trainings help me feel more confident in my role and provide new ideas and strategies for completing projects.”

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your attention to detail and organizational skills. Use examples from past projects where you organized paperwork, submitted it on time and ensured that all of the necessary information was included.

Example: “I use a calendar app to keep track of important dates and deadlines for submitting research reports and other documents. I also create a checklist of everything that needs to be completed before each deadline so that I can make sure I’ve included everything in my submission. This helps me ensure that I haven’t missed any important details or overlooked anything.”

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of three things that make you unique from other candidates. These could be skills or experiences that relate to the job description. Share these with your interviewer so they know what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

Example: “I have experience working in a fast-paced environment, which is something I see as important for this role. In my previous position, I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once while meeting deadlines. This helped me develop excellent time management skills and organizational abilities. Another thing that makes me stand out is my attention to detail. I am always sure to double-check all of my work before submitting it.”

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with computer programs and databases. You can list several programs or databases you’re familiar with, but it’s also important to mention which ones you enjoy using most.

Example: “I’m most comfortable working with Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I’ve also worked extensively with Google Drive and Dropbox for file storage and sharing purposes. In my last role as a research project coordinator, I was responsible for managing all aspects of our company’s database program, including creating new reports and tables.”

Communication is a vital skill for research project coordinators to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of communication in this role. In your answer, explain that effective communication is important because it allows everyone involved with the project to stay informed and on track. You can also mention how good communication skills help you resolve conflicts quickly.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of communication for a research project coordinator is making sure all team members are up-to-date on any changes or developments. This helps ensure that everyone stays focused on their tasks and makes sure they’re prepared for what’s coming next. I’m always proactive about communicating with my team, so I would make sure everyone knows what’s going on at least once a day. If there are any changes, I’ll communicate those right away.”

This question can help interviewers understand how you prioritize your tasks and manage your time. Your answer should show that you are organized, detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines.

Example: “I use a daily to-do list to keep track of my most important tasks for the day. I also have a weekly to-do list where I write down all my assignments for the week. Finally, I make sure to review my monthly to-do list at least once a month so I don’t forget any important dates or events. This system has helped me stay on top of my work while still being flexible enough to accommodate changes.”

This question can help the interviewer understand how you adapt to different personalities and work styles. It can also show them that you are aware of the importance of communication in a research project team.

Example: “I find it important to be respectful of everyone’s unique personality, especially when working with people who may have varying opinions on a topic. I try to make sure that my communication style is clear and concise so that each person understands what they need to do for their part of the study. This helps me avoid misunderstandings and ensures that we all stay on track.”

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Writing Survey Questions

Perhaps the most important part of the survey process is the creation of questions that accurately measure the opinions, experiences and behaviors of the public. Accurate random sampling will be wasted if the information gathered is built on a shaky foundation of ambiguous or biased questions. Creating good measures involves both writing good questions and organizing them to form the questionnaire.

Questionnaire design is a multistage process that requires attention to many details at once. Designing the questionnaire is complicated because surveys can ask about topics in varying degrees of detail, questions can be asked in different ways, and questions asked earlier in a survey may influence how people respond to later questions. Researchers are also often interested in measuring change over time and therefore must be attentive to how opinions or behaviors have been measured in prior surveys.

Surveyors may conduct pilot tests or focus groups in the early stages of questionnaire development in order to better understand how people think about an issue or comprehend a question. Pretesting a survey is an essential step in the questionnaire design process to evaluate how people respond to the overall questionnaire and specific questions, especially when questions are being introduced for the first time.

For many years, surveyors approached questionnaire design as an art, but substantial research over the past forty years has demonstrated that there is a lot of science involved in crafting a good survey questionnaire. Here, we discuss the pitfalls and best practices of designing questionnaires.

Question development

There are several steps involved in developing a survey questionnaire. The first is identifying what topics will be covered in the survey. For Pew Research Center surveys, this involves thinking about what is happening in our nation and the world and what will be relevant to the public, policymakers and the media. We also track opinion on a variety of issues over time so we often ensure that we update these trends on a regular basis to better understand whether people’s opinions are changing.

At Pew Research Center, questionnaire development is a collaborative and iterative process where staff meet to discuss drafts of the questionnaire several times over the course of its development. We frequently test new survey questions ahead of time through qualitative research methods such as  focus groups , cognitive interviews, pretesting (often using an  online, opt-in sample ), or a combination of these approaches. Researchers use insights from this testing to refine questions before they are asked in a production survey, such as on the ATP.

Measuring change over time

Many surveyors want to track changes over time in people’s attitudes, opinions and behaviors. To measure change, questions are asked at two or more points in time. A cross-sectional design surveys different people in the same population at multiple points in time. A panel, such as the ATP, surveys the same people over time. However, it is common for the set of people in survey panels to change over time as new panelists are added and some prior panelists drop out. Many of the questions in Pew Research Center surveys have been asked in prior polls. Asking the same questions at different points in time allows us to report on changes in the overall views of the general public (or a subset of the public, such as registered voters, men or Black Americans), or what we call “trending the data”.

When measuring change over time, it is important to use the same question wording and to be sensitive to where the question is asked in the questionnaire to maintain a similar context as when the question was asked previously (see  question wording  and  question order  for further information). All of our survey reports include a topline questionnaire that provides the exact question wording and sequencing, along with results from the current survey and previous surveys in which we asked the question.

The Center’s transition from conducting U.S. surveys by live telephone interviewing to an online panel (around 2014 to 2020) complicated some opinion trends, but not others. Opinion trends that ask about sensitive topics (e.g., personal finances or attending religious services ) or that elicited volunteered answers (e.g., “neither” or “don’t know”) over the phone tended to show larger differences than other trends when shifting from phone polls to the online ATP. The Center adopted several strategies for coping with changes to data trends that may be related to this change in methodology. If there is evidence suggesting that a change in a trend stems from switching from phone to online measurement, Center reports flag that possibility for readers to try to head off confusion or erroneous conclusions.

Open- and closed-ended questions

One of the most significant decisions that can affect how people answer questions is whether the question is posed as an open-ended question, where respondents provide a response in their own words, or a closed-ended question, where they are asked to choose from a list of answer choices.

For example, in a poll conducted after the 2008 presidential election, people responded very differently to two versions of the question: “What one issue mattered most to you in deciding how you voted for president?” One was closed-ended and the other open-ended. In the closed-ended version, respondents were provided five options and could volunteer an option not on the list.

When explicitly offered the economy as a response, more than half of respondents (58%) chose this answer; only 35% of those who responded to the open-ended version volunteered the economy. Moreover, among those asked the closed-ended version, fewer than one-in-ten (8%) provided a response other than the five they were read. By contrast, fully 43% of those asked the open-ended version provided a response not listed in the closed-ended version of the question. All of the other issues were chosen at least slightly more often when explicitly offered in the closed-ended version than in the open-ended version. (Also see  “High Marks for the Campaign, a High Bar for Obama”  for more information.)

Researchers will sometimes conduct a pilot study using open-ended questions to discover which answers are most common. They will then develop closed-ended questions based off that pilot study that include the most common responses as answer choices. In this way, the questions may better reflect what the public is thinking, how they view a particular issue, or bring certain issues to light that the researchers may not have been aware of.

When asking closed-ended questions, the choice of options provided, how each option is described, the number of response options offered, and the order in which options are read can all influence how people respond. One example of the impact of how categories are defined can be found in a Pew Research Center poll conducted in January 2002. When half of the sample was asked whether it was “more important for President Bush to focus on domestic policy or foreign policy,” 52% chose domestic policy while only 34% said foreign policy. When the category “foreign policy” was narrowed to a specific aspect – “the war on terrorism” – far more people chose it; only 33% chose domestic policy while 52% chose the war on terrorism.

In most circumstances, the number of answer choices should be kept to a relatively small number – just four or perhaps five at most – especially in telephone surveys. Psychological research indicates that people have a hard time keeping more than this number of choices in mind at one time. When the question is asking about an objective fact and/or demographics, such as the religious affiliation of the respondent, more categories can be used. In fact, they are encouraged to ensure inclusivity. For example, Pew Research Center’s standard religion questions include more than 12 different categories, beginning with the most common affiliations (Protestant and Catholic). Most respondents have no trouble with this question because they can expect to see their religious group within that list in a self-administered survey.

In addition to the number and choice of response options offered, the order of answer categories can influence how people respond to closed-ended questions. Research suggests that in telephone surveys respondents more frequently choose items heard later in a list (a “recency effect”), and in self-administered surveys, they tend to choose items at the top of the list (a “primacy” effect).

Because of concerns about the effects of category order on responses to closed-ended questions, many sets of response options in Pew Research Center’s surveys are programmed to be randomized to ensure that the options are not asked in the same order for each respondent. Rotating or randomizing means that questions or items in a list are not asked in the same order to each respondent. Answers to questions are sometimes affected by questions that precede them. By presenting questions in a different order to each respondent, we ensure that each question gets asked in the same context as every other question the same number of times (e.g., first, last or any position in between). This does not eliminate the potential impact of previous questions on the current question, but it does ensure that this bias is spread randomly across all of the questions or items in the list. For instance, in the example discussed above about what issue mattered most in people’s vote, the order of the five issues in the closed-ended version of the question was randomized so that no one issue appeared early or late in the list for all respondents. Randomization of response items does not eliminate order effects, but it does ensure that this type of bias is spread randomly.

Questions with ordinal response categories – those with an underlying order (e.g., excellent, good, only fair, poor OR very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, very unfavorable) – are generally not randomized because the order of the categories conveys important information to help respondents answer the question. Generally, these types of scales should be presented in order so respondents can easily place their responses along the continuum, but the order can be reversed for some respondents. For example, in one of Pew Research Center’s questions about abortion, half of the sample is asked whether abortion should be “legal in all cases, legal in most cases, illegal in most cases, illegal in all cases,” while the other half of the sample is asked the same question with the response categories read in reverse order, starting with “illegal in all cases.” Again, reversing the order does not eliminate the recency effect but distributes it randomly across the population.

Question wording

The choice of words and phrases in a question is critical in expressing the meaning and intent of the question to the respondent and ensuring that all respondents interpret the question the same way. Even small wording differences can substantially affect the answers people provide.

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An example of a wording difference that had a significant impact on responses comes from a January 2003 Pew Research Center survey. When people were asked whether they would “favor or oppose taking military action in Iraq to end Saddam Hussein’s rule,” 68% said they favored military action while 25% said they opposed military action. However, when asked whether they would “favor or oppose taking military action in Iraq to end Saddam Hussein’s rule  even if it meant that U.S. forces might suffer thousands of casualties, ” responses were dramatically different; only 43% said they favored military action, while 48% said they opposed it. The introduction of U.S. casualties altered the context of the question and influenced whether people favored or opposed military action in Iraq.

There has been a substantial amount of research to gauge the impact of different ways of asking questions and how to minimize differences in the way respondents interpret what is being asked. The issues related to question wording are more numerous than can be treated adequately in this short space, but below are a few of the important things to consider:

First, it is important to ask questions that are clear and specific and that each respondent will be able to answer. If a question is open-ended, it should be evident to respondents that they can answer in their own words and what type of response they should provide (an issue or problem, a month, number of days, etc.). Closed-ended questions should include all reasonable responses (i.e., the list of options is exhaustive) and the response categories should not overlap (i.e., response options should be mutually exclusive). Further, it is important to discern when it is best to use forced-choice close-ended questions (often denoted with a radio button in online surveys) versus “select-all-that-apply” lists (or check-all boxes). A 2019 Center study found that forced-choice questions tend to yield more accurate responses, especially for sensitive questions.  Based on that research, the Center generally avoids using select-all-that-apply questions.

It is also important to ask only one question at a time. Questions that ask respondents to evaluate more than one concept (known as double-barreled questions) – such as “How much confidence do you have in President Obama to handle domestic and foreign policy?” – are difficult for respondents to answer and often lead to responses that are difficult to interpret. In this example, it would be more effective to ask two separate questions, one about domestic policy and another about foreign policy.

In general, questions that use simple and concrete language are more easily understood by respondents. It is especially important to consider the education level of the survey population when thinking about how easy it will be for respondents to interpret and answer a question. Double negatives (e.g., do you favor or oppose  not  allowing gays and lesbians to legally marry) or unfamiliar abbreviations or jargon (e.g., ANWR instead of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) can result in respondent confusion and should be avoided.

Similarly, it is important to consider whether certain words may be viewed as biased or potentially offensive to some respondents, as well as the emotional reaction that some words may provoke. For example, in a 2005 Pew Research Center survey, 51% of respondents said they favored “making it legal for doctors to give terminally ill patients the means to end their lives,” but only 44% said they favored “making it legal for doctors to assist terminally ill patients in committing suicide.” Although both versions of the question are asking about the same thing, the reaction of respondents was different. In another example, respondents have reacted differently to questions using the word “welfare” as opposed to the more generic “assistance to the poor.” Several experiments have shown that there is much greater public support for expanding “assistance to the poor” than for expanding “welfare.”

We often write two versions of a question and ask half of the survey sample one version of the question and the other half the second version. Thus, we say we have two  forms  of the questionnaire. Respondents are assigned randomly to receive either form, so we can assume that the two groups of respondents are essentially identical. On questions where two versions are used, significant differences in the answers between the two forms tell us that the difference is a result of the way we worded the two versions.

One of the most common formats used in survey questions is the “agree-disagree” format. In this type of question, respondents are asked whether they agree or disagree with a particular statement. Research has shown that, compared with the better educated and better informed, less educated and less informed respondents have a greater tendency to agree with such statements. This is sometimes called an “acquiescence bias” (since some kinds of respondents are more likely to acquiesce to the assertion than are others). This behavior is even more pronounced when there’s an interviewer present, rather than when the survey is self-administered. A better practice is to offer respondents a choice between alternative statements. A Pew Research Center experiment with one of its routinely asked values questions illustrates the difference that question format can make. Not only does the forced choice format yield a very different result overall from the agree-disagree format, but the pattern of answers between respondents with more or less formal education also tends to be very different.

One other challenge in developing questionnaires is what is called “social desirability bias.” People have a natural tendency to want to be accepted and liked, and this may lead people to provide inaccurate answers to questions that deal with sensitive subjects. Research has shown that respondents understate alcohol and drug use, tax evasion and racial bias. They also may overstate church attendance, charitable contributions and the likelihood that they will vote in an election. Researchers attempt to account for this potential bias in crafting questions about these topics. For instance, when Pew Research Center surveys ask about past voting behavior, it is important to note that circumstances may have prevented the respondent from voting: “In the 2012 presidential election between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, did things come up that kept you from voting, or did you happen to vote?” The choice of response options can also make it easier for people to be honest. For example, a question about church attendance might include three of six response options that indicate infrequent attendance. Research has also shown that social desirability bias can be greater when an interviewer is present (e.g., telephone and face-to-face surveys) than when respondents complete the survey themselves (e.g., paper and web surveys).

Lastly, because slight modifications in question wording can affect responses, identical question wording should be used when the intention is to compare results to those from earlier surveys. Similarly, because question wording and responses can vary based on the mode used to survey respondents, researchers should carefully evaluate the likely effects on trend measurements if a different survey mode will be used to assess change in opinion over time.

Question order

Once the survey questions are developed, particular attention should be paid to how they are ordered in the questionnaire. Surveyors must be attentive to how questions early in a questionnaire may have unintended effects on how respondents answer subsequent questions. Researchers have demonstrated that the order in which questions are asked can influence how people respond; earlier questions can unintentionally provide context for the questions that follow (these effects are called “order effects”).

One kind of order effect can be seen in responses to open-ended questions. Pew Research Center surveys generally ask open-ended questions about national problems, opinions about leaders and similar topics near the beginning of the questionnaire. If closed-ended questions that relate to the topic are placed before the open-ended question, respondents are much more likely to mention concepts or considerations raised in those earlier questions when responding to the open-ended question.

For closed-ended opinion questions, there are two main types of order effects: contrast effects ( where the order results in greater differences in responses), and assimilation effects (where responses are more similar as a result of their order).

An example of a contrast effect can be seen in a Pew Research Center poll conducted in October 2003, a dozen years before same-sex marriage was legalized in the U.S. That poll found that people were more likely to favor allowing gays and lesbians to enter into legal agreements that give them the same rights as married couples when this question was asked after one about whether they favored or opposed allowing gays and lesbians to marry (45% favored legal agreements when asked after the marriage question, but 37% favored legal agreements without the immediate preceding context of a question about same-sex marriage). Responses to the question about same-sex marriage, meanwhile, were not significantly affected by its placement before or after the legal agreements question.

Another experiment embedded in a December 2008 Pew Research Center poll also resulted in a contrast effect. When people were asked “All in all, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in this country today?” immediately after having been asked “Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?”; 88% said they were dissatisfied, compared with only 78% without the context of the prior question.

Responses to presidential approval remained relatively unchanged whether national satisfaction was asked before or after it. A similar finding occurred in December 2004 when both satisfaction and presidential approval were much higher (57% were dissatisfied when Bush approval was asked first vs. 51% when general satisfaction was asked first).

Several studies also have shown that asking a more specific question before a more general question (e.g., asking about happiness with one’s marriage before asking about one’s overall happiness) can result in a contrast effect. Although some exceptions have been found, people tend to avoid redundancy by excluding the more specific question from the general rating.

Assimilation effects occur when responses to two questions are more consistent or closer together because of their placement in the questionnaire. We found an example of an assimilation effect in a Pew Research Center poll conducted in November 2008 when we asked whether Republican leaders should work with Obama or stand up to him on important issues and whether Democratic leaders should work with Republican leaders or stand up to them on important issues. People were more likely to say that Republican leaders should work with Obama when the question was preceded by the one asking what Democratic leaders should do in working with Republican leaders (81% vs. 66%). However, when people were first asked about Republican leaders working with Obama, fewer said that Democratic leaders should work with Republican leaders (71% vs. 82%).

The order questions are asked is of particular importance when tracking trends over time. As a result, care should be taken to ensure that the context is similar each time a question is asked. Modifying the context of the question could call into question any observed changes over time (see  measuring change over time  for more information).

A questionnaire, like a conversation, should be grouped by topic and unfold in a logical order. It is often helpful to begin the survey with simple questions that respondents will find interesting and engaging. Throughout the survey, an effort should be made to keep the survey interesting and not overburden respondents with several difficult questions right after one another. Demographic questions such as income, education or age should not be asked near the beginning of a survey unless they are needed to determine eligibility for the survey or for routing respondents through particular sections of the questionnaire. Even then, it is best to precede such items with more interesting and engaging questions. One virtue of survey panels like the ATP is that demographic questions usually only need to be asked once a year, not in each survey.

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Ask Smarter Strategic Questions

With organizations facing increased urgency and unpredictability, being able to ask smart questions has become a key leadership skill—especially when setting strategy. Here are five types of questions to ask that can boost strategic decision-making. Investigative: What’s Known? When facing a problem or opportunity, the best decision-makers start by clarifying their purpose, asking themselves what […]

With organizations facing increased urgency and unpredictability, being able to ask smart questions has become a key leadership skill—especially when setting strategy. Here are five types of questions to ask that can boost strategic decision-making.

Source: This tip is adapted from “The Art of Asking Smarter Questions,” by Arnaud Chevallier et al.

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More From Forbes

6 astute intake questions to ask potential clients.

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New York native and nomad by choice—Emily is a marketing & PR pro, now the founder of the award-winning R Public Relations , New York.

As an agency owner, one of my most significant challenges has been onboarding clients who are a great culture fit for my business. I’ve gone through so much trial and error in my search for amazing clients who love and appreciate our work as much as we love and appreciate them.

I’ve noticed that intake calls provide an excellent opportunity to test the viability of client partnerships. I’ve honed my questions over the years, and now I only ask a handful, but I believe the answers hold the key to whether or not the relationship will work.

Asking The Right Questions

Like in a traditional job interview, anyone can answer generic questions with finesse. It’s critical to ask questions that probe below the surface to determine whether a potential client is a good fit for your firm. Skip the softball questions and spend your valuable time asking only the ones that matter.

The right questions—those that force the client to think about their answers, what they want from the relationship and how they’ll treat your team if things don’t go according to plan—can save you pain in the long run. Ask questions that reveal the potential client’s authentic company culture, approach toward employee relations and ability to successfully collaborate with an external team.

Amazon Prime Video s Best New Show Arrives With A Perfect 100 Critic Score

Apple s iphone 16 pro design revealed in new leak, charlotte shooting 4 officers killed while serving warrant, spotting client/agency misalignment.

As a business owner, you’ve probably spent ample time refining your brand’s mission, vision and values. That’s all well and good, but if your clients don’t align with your brand values, you won’t be able to live them out successfully. Your employees and your customers will feel the disconnect.

Look for “friction” in your existing or past client relationships. Which relationships feel more demanding than they should? Which ones do you have to spin your wheels on to get just an inch of traction? Those might indicate that you are not the best agency fit for your client, and vice versa. Try to notice patterns.

6 Great Intake Questions To Ask Potential Clients

In preparation for your next client intro session, plan to ask the following questions. Pay close attention to your potential client’s answers. Asking the right questions can ensure alignment up front, leading to longer-lasting, more fruitful relationships.

1. How do you define success in your industry? How would you define success when evaluating the functions we’d perform on your behalf?

A client-agency relationship can only work with clear goals, expectations and success indicators. This question is effective in two ways: It forces the client to consider what they want to glean from the relationship and exposes whether or not the client has defined these expectations internally. This question may also reveal impossible expectations that your agency cannot achieve, giving you a chance to leave the project before it begins.

2. What has worked well when you've collaborated with agencies in the past, and what hasn’t?

Understanding why the potential client’s past agency relationships expired is essential. Perhaps the old agency wasn’t delivering the expected results or the culture fit wasn’t quite right. Knowing what went wrong in the past can prevent specific issues in the future. However, this question may also expose the potential client’s inability to communicate effectively, trouble meeting deadlines or another problem that switching agencies cannot resolve.

3. Which of our core values does your business align with the most?

Client-agency relationships are a two-way street. Both parties need to be committed to the same goals and be willing to put in the work. Clear, quick communication, goal alignment and mutual respect are necessary. That’s why it’s just as important that the client does their research on your agency as it is that you do your research on their company. The client must demonstrate that they are serious about the partnership and that how they’ll treat your team aligns with your agency’s values.

If your potential client can’t answer this question, consider following up with them about it in a week. If they still don’t have an answer, I suggest walking away. The ability to follow up on action items is an integral part of a successful agency-client relationship.

4. What is your team currently doing to stand out from your competitors?

No matter what your agency specializes in, you need to understand your clients' value propositions as they see them to grow their business successfully. It’s vital that your clients feel confident outlining their business’s differentiators. If they don’t have any, ask what projects are in the works that may launch in the next six months.

5. Why are you hiring an agency instead of internal employees?

Many great reasons exist for selecting an agency relationship over an in-house hire. From competitive pricing to specialized expertise, agencies are adept at getting the job done well and fast. However, this question is still worth asking, especially if the potential client is new to agency relationships. Clients who do not have a solid grasp on working with agencies may need some education regarding scopes of work, billing and scheduling norms to ensure seamless collaboration without compromising your team’s boundaries.

6. What does failure mean to you?

No campaign goes precisely according to plan, so every client should expect some iteration. This question requires your potential client to consider what they can take away from failure. Even without the desired outcome, are they comfortable using failed campaigns as learning opportunities or jumping-off points for future ideas? Or does failure signal the loss of a job or budget? It’s essential to get clear on this in advance.

Armed with these six questions, you’ll likely onboard more aligned, committed and enthusiastic clients than ever before. Remember: don’t be afraid to walk away if the answers don’t feel right. When we started sifting out bad client relationships upfront, I found that my team’s happiness, work-life balance and quality of deliverables noticeably improved. Our client relationships now last longer and are more lucrative than before. Agency ownership isn’t easy, but onboarding the right clients is an excellent place to start.

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32 Questions to Ask on a College Visit

Students should feel free to ask questions during an information session or on tour.

Questions to Ask on a College Visit

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Prospective students should conduct at least basic research to facilitate questions to ask during the information session or on tour, experts say.

Key Takeaways

• Before a campus visit, students should do basic research on the school.
• Students and their families have various opportunities to ask questions.
• No question is dumb.

College visits, whether in person or virtual, can help give prospective students a better feel of campus life.

Contrary to popular belief, however, students don’t need to have that “a-ha” moment when they eventually find the campus where they belong, says Thyra Briggs, vice president for admission and financial aid at Harvey Mudd College in California.

“I just don't think that happens for most students,” she says. “I don't want students to walk away from a visit where that didn't happen thinking, ‘Oh, this is not the place for me.’ This is a long-term relationship. It's not necessarily love at first sight. … In this age of instant gratification, I think it's an important thing to give a school a chance to affect you in a different way.”

For an in-person visit, families should prepare ahead of time by checking the weather and dressing comfortably as tours are mostly held outside.

"Leave plenty of time at an individual campus and allow yourself to enjoy the experience, be present in the moment and (don't) feel rushed because that could also skew your perception of things," says Bryan Gross, vice president for enrollment management at Hartwick College in New York.

It’s also important, experts say, to conduct at least basic research on the institution – even if it’s just looking at their social media accounts – to help facilitate questions to ask during the information session or on tour.

"We know that for some of you, this may be the first time you are going through this," Briggs says. "For others, it's a different student (going through the process) than the student you had who's older. So there’s no bad questions. ... I would hope that any college would welcome any question a student would ask.”

Here are 32 example questions, collected from college admissions and enrollment professions, that students don't always think to ask on college visits. These questions – edited for length or clarity – were provided by Briggs, Gross and Brian Lindeman, assistant vice president of admissions and financial aid at Macalester College  in Minnesota.

Questions About Admissions

• Does this school consider demonstrated interest?
• Is there an opportunity for prospective students to sit in on a class to experience a real lecture?
• Are there options to receive a lunch or dinner pass at the dining hall to try the food?

Questions About Academics

• Where do students typically study?
• How does advising work?
• What are the academic strengths of this school?
• What opportunities are there for study abroad and exchange programs?
• If available, are these global programs directly run by this school – where faculty members travel with students – or are these study abroad programs outsourced to a third-party company?
• Are these study abroad experiences built into the tuition or are there additional fees to participate?

Questions About Financial Aid

• What is this school's average financial aid package?
• What is the average net cost when students enroll?
• What is the current level of funding with endowed scholarships – how much are donors contributing to scholarships?
• Do you offer merit aid ? If so, what are you looking for in a candidate?

Questions About Campus Housing and Community

• What are the housing options?
• What are the fee structures for these different options?
• Are students required to live on campus ?
• How does your campus define diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging?

Questions to Ask Your Tour Guide to Gauge Campus Life

• What surprised you about this school? What's something you didn't expect?
• What keeps you coming back to this school each year?
• Have we seen your favorite place on campus?
• What event on campus gets the biggest turnout every year?
• If you were struggling with an issue, would you know who to turn to? Who would that be?

Questions About Work and Research Opportunities

• What are the opportunities for undergraduate research on campus?
• How do those research opportunities give students valuable hands-on experiences that enhance their resumes?
• What are some specific ways this school helps students gain hands-on experience through internships ?

Questions About Student and Career Outcomes

• What is the retention rate from freshman to sophomore year?
• What is the five-year graduation rate?
• What is the job-attainment rate of graduates within six months of graduating?
• What percent of students are going on to graduate school ?
• What percent of students are intentionally taking time off post-graduation compared to those who are not able to find jobs?
• What size is the alumni network?
• How are alumni actively engaging with recent graduates to help connect them specifically to opportunities in their fields?

Searching for a college? Get our  complete rankings  of Best Colleges.

Unique College Campus Visits

Tags: colleges , education , campus life , college applications , students

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