3 Types of research questions
While developing a research question, it is also worth considering what it is that the research is trying to achieve. Depending on the goal of the research, you might design and frame your research question differently.
The following table gives a (non-exhaustive) list of types of research question that further specify the objective of the research.
Table 1 Types of research questions
| Research question type | Purpose | Example question |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive | To describe the features, dynamics, or processes of a phenomenon | What are the properties of A? |
| Comparative | To compare two or more cases to assess similarities and differences | What are the similarities and differences between case B and case C? |
| Exploratory | To gain a better understanding of a topic, often where existing research is limited | What factors might be important in understanding political problem D? |
| Explanatory | To understand the cause(s) or dynamics of a specific issue or relationship | What are the causes of political issue E? |
| Evaluative | To assess the effectiveness of an intervention or explanation | What is the impact of an international policy on political issue F? |
These formulations don’t neatly map onto the distinction between ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions outlined previously. Rather, they give texture and purpose to the research being conducted. Indeed, within each of these ‘types’, one could articulate both positivist and interpretivist questions. Take a ‘comparative’ question, for instance; one could adopt a positivist framework to compare causes of war using large datasets, but one could also compare the emergence of nationalist discourses within an interpretivist framework.
Activity 3 Types of research question
Look at the following research questions. Can you identify what type of research question they might be?
1. How do different states use soft power?
Answer
This is a ‘comparative’ question. It invites a comparison between one or more different states to assess the (likely) different ways in which they use soft power.
2. What is the role of ambassadors in advancing a state’s foreign policy?
Answer
This is an ‘exploratory’ question. It seeks to explore the role of ambassadors in foreign policy. In not giving specific variables or aspects to be assessed, the question is open to exploring the dynamics that might be important in this process.
3. What are the core responsibilities of the UN?
Answer
This is a ‘descriptive’ question. It looks to describe the responsibilities of the UN.
4. To what extent can neorealist theory account for the behaviour of states in international relations?
Answer
This is an ‘evaluative’ question. It looks to evaluate the utility of an IR theory – in this case, whether neorealism can theoretically account for state behaviour.
5. How do international norms influence state behaviour?
Answer
This is an ‘explanatory’ question. It seeks to identify and explain the specific ways in which one variable (international norms) influences a specific outcome (state behaviour).
OpenLearn - Developing a research question in International Relations
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