Which Statement Best Describes A Feasible Question

Which Statement Best Describes a Feasible Question? A Deep Dive into Research Design

Choosing the right research question is paramount to a successful research project. A feasible question is not just any question; it's a question that can be realistically answered given the available resources, time constraints, and methodological approaches. This article delves into the characteristics of a feasible question, exploring what makes a question answerable and highlighting factors to consider during the formulation process. We'll examine various examples, contrasting feasible questions with those that are unfeasible, and provide a framework for ensuring your research question sets you up for success.

Understanding Feasibility: More Than Just "Possible"

The word "feasible" implies more than simply "possible." A possible question might be intriguing, but its execution might prove insurmountable. Feasibility involves a careful assessment of multiple factors that determine the practical and logistical aspects of conducting research. A feasible question is one that:

• Can be answered within the given timeframe: Ambitious research projects require careful planning to ensure completion within a reasonable timeframe. Overly broad questions often lead to unmanageable scopes.

• Can be answered within the available resources: This includes financial resources, access to participants or data, necessary equipment, and technical expertise. Cost-benefit analysis is a crucial element of feasibility assessment.

• Can be answered using appropriate methodologies: The chosen methodology should be compatible with the question and data collection methods. For instance, attempting to use a quantitative approach for a qualitative research question would be unfeasible.

Key Characteristics of a Feasible Research Question

A truly feasible question possesses several key characteristics. It should be:

Specific and Focused:

A clearly defined research question leaves little room for ambiguity. Avoid vague language and broad topics. Instead, focus on a specific aspect within a larger theme.

Example of an unfeasible question: What is the impact of social media on society? (Too broad)

Example of a feasible question: How does exposure to online political polarization on Twitter influence the voting behavior of 18-25 year olds in the United States? (Specific and focused)

Measurable and Observable:

The question should be phrased in a way that allows for the collection of measurable data or observable phenomena. Questions focusing on abstract concepts without clear indicators are difficult to assess.

Example of an unfeasible question: What is the meaning of life? (Unmeasurable and unobservable)

Example of a feasible question: What is the correlation between hours spent meditating daily and reported levels of stress and anxiety, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale? (Measurable and observable)

Relevant and Significant:

The research question should contribute to existing knowledge or address a significant problem within a particular field. It should be more than a simple curiosity; it needs to have a purpose and potential impact.

Example of an unfeasible question: What is my favorite color? (Irrelevant and insignificant in a research context)

Example of a feasible question: How effective are different types of online interventions in reducing symptoms of depression among college students? (Relevant and significant)

Ethical and Responsible:

The research process must adhere to ethical guidelines and ensure the well-being of participants. Questions that involve potential harm or exploitation are unfeasible.

Example of an unfeasible question: Can we intentionally induce anxiety in participants to study its effects on cognitive performance? (Unethical)

Example of a feasible question: What are the coping mechanisms employed by individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder to manage their symptoms, and what is the effectiveness of these mechanisms? (Ethical)

Achievable within Constraints:

This encompasses all previously discussed aspects. Time, resources, and methodological limitations must be carefully considered. Overly ambitious questions that exceed these constraints are simply unfeasible.

Example of an unfeasible question: Conduct a global survey of every individual’s opinion on climate change within six months. (Unrealistic given time and resource constraints)

Example of a feasible question: What are the attitudes towards climate change among undergraduate students at a specific university, and how do these attitudes correlate with their environmental behaviors? (Achievable within constraints)

Assessing Feasibility: A Step-by-Step Approach

Formulating a feasible question requires a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Brainstorming and Topic Selection: Begin by identifying a broad area of interest. Explore relevant literature to identify knowledge gaps and potential research questions.

2. Refining the Question: Narrow down your initial ideas, focusing on a specific aspect of your broader topic. Ensure the question is clearly defined and avoids ambiguity.

3. Identifying Resources and Limitations: Assess the resources available to you: funding, time, access to data or participants, equipment, and expertise. Acknowledge any limitations.

4. Methodology Selection: Choose a research methodology that aligns with your question and available resources. Consider qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches.

5. Feasibility Assessment: Critically evaluate your question based on the characteristics discussed above: specificity, measurability, relevance, ethics, and achievability within constraints.

6. Refinement and Iteration: Based on your feasibility assessment, refine your question or adjust your approach as needed. This iterative process ensures the question remains both focused and attainable.

Examples: Contrasting Feasible and Unfeasible Questions

Let's examine more examples to solidify the concept:

Topic: The Impact of Online Learning

Unfeasible Question: How has online learning changed education worldwide? (Too broad, lacks specificity)

Feasible Question: What is the impact of synchronous online learning on student engagement and academic performance in introductory college-level mathematics courses compared to traditional in-person instruction? (Specific, measurable, focused on a specific context)

Topic: Consumer Behavior

Unfeasible Question: What motivates people to buy things? (Too general, lacks specific context)

Feasible Question: What factors influence the purchasing decisions of millennial consumers regarding sustainable fashion brands, and how do these factors differ from those influencing older generations? (Specific target group, measurable factors, focused comparison)

Topic: Public Health

Unfeasible Question: How can we eliminate all diseases? (Unrealistic, overly ambitious)

Feasible Question: What is the effectiveness of a community-based intervention program in reducing smoking rates among young adults in a specific urban area, and what are the key factors contributing to its success or failure? (Specific intervention, measurable outcome, defined population)

Conclusion: The Cornerstone of Successful Research

Choosing a feasible research question is the cornerstone of a successful research project. It is a crucial step that sets the stage for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. By carefully considering the characteristics outlined in this article and employing a structured approach to feasibility assessment, researchers can significantly increase their chances of completing a meaningful and impactful study. Remember, a feasible question is not just about what’s possible, but what's realistically achievable given the available resources, time, and ethical considerations. It's about setting yourself up for success from the outset, ensuring your research makes a valuable contribution to your field.