Research Question Builder
A comprehensive research question development tool designed to help researchers craft, evaluate, and refine well-structured research questions. Use FINER criteria (Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant) to systematically assess question quality, apply PICOT framework for clinical research, track multiple question versions with refinement notes, develop sub-questions, and organize by question type (descriptive, exploratory, explanatory, comparative, evaluative, predictive). Perfect for thesis proposals, grant applications, and research planning.
Key Features
- Comprehensive project information tracking
- Researcher and discipline documentation
- Research area specification
- Multiple research question management
- 6 question types: descriptive, exploratory, explanatory, comparative, evaluative, predictive
- 3 methodology options: quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods
- Question status tracking: draft, refined, approved, archived
- Population specification
- Key variables tracking
- Context and rationale documentation
- FINER criteria assessment framework
- Feasible rating (1-5 scale) with notes
- Interesting rating (1-5 scale) with notes
- Novel rating (1-5 scale) with notes
- Ethical rating (1-5 scale) with notes
- Relevant rating (1-5 scale) with notes
- Overall FINER score calculation
- PICOT framework for clinical research
- PICOT Population specification
- PICOT Intervention documentation
- PICOT Comparison details
- PICOT Outcome measures
- PICOT Timeframe specification
- Version history tracking
- Save multiple question iterations
- Version notes and timestamps
- Sub-questions management
- Tag system for organization
- Search across all question fields
- Filter by question type
- Filter by status
- Sort by last updated
- Question templates for each type
- Template examples and guidance
- Tips for writing research questions
- Detailed question view
- Visual FINER score display
- Progress bars for criteria ratings
- Export to formatted text
- Export to JSON for backup
- Import from JSON
- Browser localStorage persistence
- No login required
- Statistics dashboard
- Questions by type breakdown
- Questions by status summary
- Average FINER score tracking
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good research question?
Good research questions are evaluated using FINER criteria: Feasible (answerable with available resources and time), Interesting (engaging to you and your field), Novel (adds new knowledge or addresses gaps), Ethical (can be studied without harm), and Relevant (has theoretical or practical importance). A strong research question is also specific, clear, and focused - not too broad or too narrow. This tool systematically assesses all these criteria.
What is the difference between descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory research questions?
Descriptive questions ask "what is?" (e.g., "What are the characteristics of...?"), Exploratory questions ask "what is happening?" in understudied areas (e.g., "How do teachers experience...?"), and Explanatory questions ask "why?" or test relationships (e.g., "Does X cause Y?" or "What factors explain...?"). Descriptive questions document phenomena, exploratory questions investigate new areas, and explanatory questions test theories or causal relationships.
Should I have one research question or multiple questions?
Most research has one primary/overarching research question with 2-4 sub-questions that break down specific aspects. Dissertations typically have 3-5 total research questions. Too many questions (6+) suggest unfocused scope; too few (just 1 without sub-questions) may oversimplify complex phenomena. This tool helps you develop a primary question with supporting sub-questions that together address your research aims comprehensively.