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9 Types of Research Questions That Can Help You Land a Grant
Ali Hindi
January 17, 2025
Securing research grants requires more than just great ideas; it demands well-crafted questions that align with funding priorities. Certain types of research questions are particularly effective in boosting your chances of success.
In this article, we’ll explore nine types of research questions that can help you secure a grant.
1. Exploratory research questions
These questions set the stage for groundbreaking discoveries. They are designed to probe into uncharted territories or gather preliminary data.
Example: What are the underlying mechanisms of resistance to a new antibiotic in bacteria?
2. Descriptive research questions
Focused on documenting and detailing specific characteristics, these questions aim to analyze trends or populations.
Example: What are the demographic patterns and characteristics of patients with a rare genetic disorder in Europe?
3. Comparative research questions
When comparing different interventions, methods, or treatments, this type of research question determines what works best.
Example: How do the educational outcomes of students using digital learning platforms compare to those using traditional methods in the UK?
4. Causal research questions
These questions explore cause-and-effect relationships, helping researchers understand how one variable impacts another.
Example: What is the impact of air pollution on the incidence of asthma in urban areas?
5. Predictive research questions
Using data to forecast future outcomes or trends, predictive questions often leverage advanced analytics like machine learning.
Example: How can machine learning algorithms predict patient outcomes in intensive care units?
6. Intervention research questions
Essential for testing the efficacy of treatments or interventions, these questions drive evidence-based practices.
Example: What is the effectiveness of a new cognitive-behavioral therapy for treating depression compared to existing treatments?
7. Evaluation research questions
By assessing the impact of policies or programs, evaluation questions measure success and identify areas for improvement.
Example: What are the outcomes of implementing renewable energy policies in reducing carbon emissions in European cities?
8. Innovation & development research questions
Innovation questions are at the forefront of creating new technologies, materials, or solutions to pressing challenges.
Example: How can novel biodegradable materials be developed for packaging to reduce environmental impact?
9. Theoretical research questions
These fundamental questions dive into concepts and theories, often laying the groundwork for future practical applications.
Example: How can emerging theories of gut microbiome interactions inform our understanding of autoimmune diseases?
Check out my PDF below on 9 research questions that can help you land a grant:
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Take home message
Crafting effective research questions is an art that can shape the direction and impact of your study. By understanding and utilizing these nine types of research questions, you can align your work with the goals of potential funders and enhance your chances of securing grants. Whether your focus is on innovation, evaluation, or fundamental theories, there's a category that fits your research objectives.
Questions to think about
Which type of research question best aligns with your current project, and how can you refine it for clarity and impact?
How can exploring a new type of research question expand the scope or relevance of your work?
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