Use of questions in qualitative research: How questions guided our study

Questions form a basis of any research project, underscoring the significance of teaching students how to use questions in various parts of research. Our involvement in supervising students conducting research projects and undertaking our own, have shown the need to use questions as a guide. This prompted us to share our experience on the use of questions to direct ‘the conduct’ and ‘writing’ of a research report using qualitative research tradition of inquiry. Questions were used to determine the topic for the study, select relevant literature to review and research design. We employed a qualitative study, comprising questions that demanded complex answers. Robust questions were used to clarify the focus of the study. Research questions are instrumental in writing a research report; they help in ensuring that findings reflect the data sought; confirm discussions; direct conclusions drawn; and are indicative of what the study is all about.