Which Statement Best Describes A Feasible Question

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

Formulating a strong research question is the cornerstone of any successful research project. A well-crafted question guides your investigation, ensuring your efforts are focused, efficient, and ultimately, fruitful. But what constitutes a feasible question? This isn't simply a question you can answer; it's a question you can answer effectively within the constraints of your resources, time, and expertise. This article will delve deep into the characteristics of a feasible research question, exploring various aspects and providing examples to illuminate the key considerations.

Understanding the Concept of Feasibility

Feasibility, in the context of research, encompasses several interconnected factors:

1. Scope and Scale:

A feasible question is appropriately scoped. It's neither too broad, risking superficiality, nor too narrow, limiting the potential for meaningful findings. A question about "the impact of social media on society" is far too broad. A question about "the effect of Instagram use on body image among teenage girls in a specific high school" is more manageable.

Example of an unfeasible question (too broad): What are the effects of climate change?

Example of a feasible question (well-scoped): How does rising sea levels affect coastal erosion rates in the Chesapeake Bay region over the next decade?

2. Resources and Accessibility:

A feasible question considers the resources at your disposal. This includes:

• Data Availability: Can you access the necessary data to answer the question? This might involve existing datasets, the ability to conduct surveys or experiments, or access to specific populations or archives.
• Time Constraints: Is there enough time to complete the research within a reasonable timeframe? Ambitious questions might require years of study, making them infeasible for a short-term project.
• Financial Resources: Are there sufficient funds to cover data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings? Some research projects require significant financial investments.
• Technological Resources: Do you have access to the necessary software, equipment, or technology to analyze the data and conduct the research?

Example of an unfeasible question (lack of data): What were the personal thoughts and feelings of Napoleon Bonaparte during his final days? (Accessing primary sources is extremely difficult)

Example of a feasible question (accessible data): How did Napoleon's military strategies evolve during the Napoleonic Wars, based on available campaign records and contemporary accounts?

3. Methodology and Expertise:

A feasible question aligns with your methodological capabilities and expertise. You need the skills and knowledge to design, conduct, and analyze the research appropriately. Attempting a complex statistical analysis without the necessary training will render your question infeasible.

Example of an unfeasible question (lack of expertise): Conduct a complex longitudinal study analyzing the genetic basis of Alzheimer's disease. (Requires advanced genetics knowledge and specialized equipment)

Example of a feasible question (matching expertise): Analyze existing epidemiological data to determine correlations between lifestyle factors and the incidence of Alzheimer's disease in a specific demographic group.

4. Ethical Considerations:

A feasible question takes ethical considerations into account. You need to ensure your research is conducted ethically and complies with relevant guidelines, such as informed consent, data privacy, and animal welfare.

Example of an unfeasible question (ethical concerns): Conduct an experiment that deliberately exposes participants to a harmful substance to study its effects. (Raises serious ethical concerns)

Example of a feasible question (ethical considerations addressed): Analyze existing data on the effects of a specific drug on patients with a specific disease, ensuring anonymization and compliance with patient privacy regulations.

Identifying and Refining Feasible Questions: A Practical Guide

Turning a broad research interest into a feasible research question requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Start with a Broad Topic: Begin by identifying a subject area that genuinely interests you.

2. Narrow Your Focus: Break down the broad topic into smaller, more specific subtopics. This helps you focus your efforts.

3. Brainstorm Potential Questions: Generate numerous potential research questions related to your subtopics.

4. Evaluate Feasibility: Critically assess each question against the four pillars of feasibility discussed above (scope, resources, methodology, and ethics).

5. Refine and Refocus: Based on your evaluation, modify or discard questions that prove infeasible.

6. Consult with Experts: Seek feedback from mentors, advisors, or colleagues with relevant expertise to refine your question and ensure its feasibility.

7. Develop a Research Plan: Outline the methods you will use, the data you will collect, and the timeline for completing the project.

Examples of Feasible vs. Infeasible Research Questions:

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Infeasible: How does social media affect the mental well-being of every person on Earth? (Too broad, impossible to collect data from the entire global population)

Feasible: How does the use of Instagram affect the self-esteem of young adult women aged 18-25 in urban areas? (Narrower scope, focused population, potentially accessible data)

Topic: The Effectiveness of Online Learning

Infeasible: Can online learning replace traditional classroom teaching entirely? (Too broad, subjective, lacks clear metrics for success)

Feasible: How does the use of interactive simulations in online physics courses affect student performance on standardized tests compared to traditional lecture-based courses? (Specific learning modality, measurable outcomes, potentially comparable data sets)

Topic: Climate Change and Agriculture

Infeasible: How will climate change affect all global agricultural practices forever? (Too broad, too long a timeframe, too many variables)

Feasible: How will predicted changes in rainfall patterns affect wheat yields in the Kansas wheat belt over the next 15 years? (Specific geographical location, quantifiable metric, time-bound)

Conclusion: The Key to Successful Research

Formulating a feasible research question is a critical initial step in any research endeavor. It ensures that your work is not only academically rigorous but also practically achievable within the given constraints. By carefully considering scope, resources, methodology, and ethical implications, you can craft a question that leads to meaningful results and contributes valuable knowledge to your field. Remember, the process is iterative – refining and adjusting your question as you progress is perfectly acceptable, and often necessary for effective research. A well-defined feasible research question is the key to unlocking successful and impactful research.