Developing a Research Question: A Comprehensive Guide for MBBS Students

Question 1

In the process of formulating a research question, which step should be undertaken first?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the problem or issue of interest

Answer

Conducting a literature review

Answer

Designing a research methodology

Answer

Collecting data

Question 2

Which of the following is not a valid source for generating research questions?

Accepted Answer

Random guessing

Answer

Clinical observations

Answer

Personal experiences

Answer

Published literature

Question 3

How does a research question differ from a research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A research question is broader and more exploratory, while a hypothesis is specific and testable.

Answer

A research question focuses on understanding relationships, while a hypothesis predicts outcomes.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between a research question and a research hypothesis.

Answer

A research hypothesis is always supported by data, while a research question is not.

Question 4

Which type of research question aims to establish a cause-and-effect relationship?

Accepted Answer

Causal

Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Analytical

Answer

Evaluative

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a primary ethical consideration for researchers when formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Methodological rigor and accuracy of research findings

Answer

Potential for physical or psychological harm to participants

Answer

Respect for participant autonomy and informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality and privacy of research data

Question 6

Which type of research question aims to explore and describe a particular phenomenon or situation?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Analytical

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Evaluative

Question 7

Why is operationalizing research concepts essential for creating a testable research question?

Accepted Answer

It allows abstract concepts to be measured and tested.

Answer

It makes the research question more specific and clear.

Answer

It ensures the research question can be investigated with available resources.

Answer

It minimizes the impact of researcher bias on the results.

Question 8

In developing a research design, which factor is most crucial in guiding the selection of an appropriate approach?

Accepted Answer

Specific research question being investigated

Answer

Availability of funding

Answer

Researcher's personal preferences

Answer

Type of data analysis software available

Question 9

Research question development is an iterative process. How do research questions evolve as knowledge and insights are gained during the research?

Accepted Answer

Research questions undergo refinement and adaptation as the research progresses.

Answer

Research questions remain unchanged throughout the research process.

Answer

Research questions change arbitrarily without any logical reasoning.

Answer

Research questions are static and do not change during the research process.

Question 10

How does the context of a research question, including social, cultural, and environmental factors, affect its development and potential impact?

Accepted Answer

Context helps define the boundaries and scope of the research question.

Answer

Context has no influence on the development of the research question.

Answer

Context only affects the potential impact of the research findings.

Answer

Context should be ignored when developing a research question.

Question 11

Which of the following is a fundamental component of a well-structured research question?

Accepted Answer

Topic

Answer

Hypothesis

Answer

Method

Answer

Conclusion

Question 12

What is the primary purpose of refining a research topic?

Accepted Answer

To narrow down the focus of the study

Answer

To eliminate irrelevant variables

Answer

To identify potential research methods

Answer

To justify the significance of the research

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

Is there an association between smoking and the incidence of lung cancer?

Answer

What are the potential causes of lung cancer?

Answer

How can lung cancer be prevented?

Answer

Lung cancer is a serious disease.

Question 14

Why is it essential to align the research question with the research objectives?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the study is focused and relevant

Answer

To make the research process more manageable

Answer

To obtain funding for the research

Answer

To impress the research supervisor

Question 15

What is the role of literature review in developing a research question?

Accepted Answer

To identify existing knowledge and research gaps

Answer

To generate new ideas for research

Answer

To support the research hypothesis

Answer

To justify the methodology of the research

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a key component of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

Duration of the study

Answer

Intervention or treatment

Answer

Population of interest

Answer

Outcome of interest

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of refining and narrowing down a research topic?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the question is specific and manageable.

Answer

To reduce the influence of researcher biases.

Answer

To align the question with personal interests.

Answer

To expand the scope of the research.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

It is testable and falsifiable.

Answer

It contains subjective terms.

Answer

It is overly general.

Answer

It is not aligned with the research objectives.

Question 19

When developing a research question for a quantitative study, which of the following should be considered?

Accepted Answer

The availability of numerical data.

Answer

The ethical implications of the study.

Answer

The preferences of the participants.

Answer

The personal perspectives of the researcher.

Question 20

Which of the following is an effective strategy for generating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Conducting a comprehensive literature review.

Answer

Using data from a previous study without appropriate referencing.

Answer

Asking random people for their opinions.

Answer

Relying solely on personal experience.

Question 21

Why is it important to align a research question with the research objectives?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the study remains focused and relevant.

Answer

It allows researchers to make generalizations beyond the immediate study.

Answer

It eliminates any potential bias in the research findings.

Answer

It increases the chances of the research being accepted for publication.

Question 22

Which of the following is a potential consequence of a poorly formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in obtaining meaningful data.

Answer

Increased funding for the research project.

Answer

Enhanced scientific reputation of the researcher.

Answer

Accelerated publication of the research findings.

Question 23

What is the initial step in the process of developing a research question?

Accepted Answer

Identifying a broad area of interest.

Answer

Formulating a testable hypothesis.

Answer

Conducting a statistical analysis.

Answer

Writing the research proposal.

Question 24

Which of the following is an advantage of using the PICO(T) framework to develop a research question?

Accepted Answer

It helps to clarify the key elements of the research question.

Answer

It guarantees the research question will be unique.

Answer

It eliminates the need for a thorough literature review.

Answer

It minimizes the potential for bias in the research design.

Question 25

What is the significance of a research question in a research study?

Accepted Answer

It guides the entire research process.

Answer

It summarizes the findings of the study.

Answer

It outlines the ethical considerations of the study.

Answer

It determines the budget for the study.