Passion, Tensions and Quality in Research Questions

Abstract

Identifying questions is an essential step in a successful and rewarding research endeavor. Methodological pluralism will naturally emerge when researchers identify questions rooted in genuine curiosity and passion. However, as many experienced researchers know, identifying questions can be the most simple, or the most arduous, task in the research process. In this essay, I explore three areas of consideration that can support or hinder the task of identifying questions for research.Passion. Passion should be a driving force in research questions, and is often necessary to see a project through to completion. But passion can be deterred due to feelings of vulnerability or emotional or professional risks. Sometimes even the way research is shared can make passion opaque. Yet identifying a passion is an important component in identifying the best research questions. Demonstrating passion in research stories and discussion can help bring passion more to the surface for future and present researchers.Tensions. Once a passion is identified, there are several important decisions to be made about how to settle on the right research questions. These decisions could also be considered tensions that need to be resolved. For example, researchers must balance their passion for a topic with the practicality of completion. A passion might also lead to topics that may not be readily accepted for publication or at conferences. Many music education researchers navigate a unique space that is both theoretical and practical; they may want their research to impact music teaching, but their topic may be several steps away from a direct application. In addition, researchers may experience commitment anxiety when they realize that selecting their research questions may lead to a life-long relationship with the topic.Quality. Researchers may experience pressure to identify a question that is “good,” but as in music, there are many definitions of “good.” Quality questions can be considered those inspired by previous research, or not; those that are meaningful to the field, or not; those recommended by experts; or not. Good questions lead to good research, but researchers need to determine what – or whose – definition of quality matters most to them.Imagination and creativity are essential to determine interesting questions that can be explored in interesting ways. Researchers need to ask themselves about their motivations, sources, and products in the journey of determining questions that are worth pursuing. Ultimately, interesting questions rooted in passion will naturally elicit methodological pluralism.