The Art of Asking Good Questions: Why Is It Important in Research?

Inquiry - the art of asking questions - is a catalyst for progress, be it in science, education, or life in general. It is the act of questioning, exploring, and seeking answers that improve our understanding of a chosen topic and advance society. In the context of scientific research, inquiry is at the heart of discovery. In this article, we'll dig deep into the art of asking good questions and its importance to scientific research. We will tackle how this essential skill is transferable from scientific research to matters of personal growth and development.

1. Observation. The journey begins with keen observation of the world around us. Scientists keenly watch, listen, and observe patterns, what looks weird or missing, or phenomena that arouse their curiosity. Observation is the first step that leads scientists and innovators to understanding and finding solutions to these phenomena and problems. Progress arise from observations.

2. Questioning. Observations give rise to questions. Questions are our way to seek explanation for phenomena we observe, patterns we see around us and how systems work. Questions we formulate set the inquiry process in motion. They are the driving force behind scientific research.

3. Hypothesis. Once questions are framed, scientists formulate hypotheses — testable explanations for the observed phenomena… for their questions. Hypotheses are the basis for how scientists investigate and generate data-driven conclusions.

4. Experimentation. Scientists design experiments or investigations - systematic approaches to gather evidence that either prove or disprove their hypotheses.

5. Analysis. The data collected from experimentation are thoroughly analyzed, enabling scientists to draw meaningful conclusions based on data.

6. Conclusion and Communication. The final step involves forming evidence-based conclusions, and communicating findings to the scientific community and the public. Effective communication ensures that knowledge is shared and built upon.

1. Critical Thinking. Scientific inquiry requires individuals to think critically, analyze information, and evaluate evidence objectively. This skill extends beyond research into everyday decision-making or problem-solving situations.

2. Problem Solving. Inquiry equips individuals with problem-solving abilities. In scientific inquiry, we don’t only formulate questions – we devise a systematic approach to answer them. It provides opportunities to learn how complex issues can be broken down into manageable components.

3. Creativity. The process of inquiry fosters creativity by encouraging individuals to explore unconventional solutions and think outside the box.

Despite the significance of inquiry, many individuals hesitate to ask questions. Among the common reasons for this reluctance include fear of judgment, lack of confidence, or the misconception that questions are a sign of ignorance. Hesitance to asking questions may also be culturally driven. For example, asking questions to superiors or establishments could come with negative consequences such as a reprimand or exclusion. This reticence can hinder the development of crucial research skills.

Asking questions is a skill that the education system and households should foster. Teachers and parents should make classrooms and their homes a safe space for students to question things and find answers.

How Do We Foster the Ability to Ask Good Questions?

We can nurture our ability to ask good questions with various strategies:

1. Create a Safe Environment. Foster a classroom or an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions without fear of ridicule, reprimand or punishment.

2. Encourage Curiosity. Appreciate curiosity and reward thoughtful questions. Encourage students to explore topics of interest. As teachers or mentors, we have to be cognizant of the reality that as students seek answers to questions, they will not always get the answers they are looking for in their first attempt. They will also not always get things right the first time. This is an important facet of inquiry. It is an itirative process.

3. Teach Questioning Techniques. There are techniques on how to formulate open-ended, thought-provoking questions that we can teach our students. Provide students with opportunities to practice generating questions to develop this skill.

Finally, to practice asking questions, it is very important to know what makes a (research) question a "good" one? Good research questions share several characteristics such as:

1. Specificity. Good (research) questions are focused and clearly defined, addressing a particular aspect of the problem. 

2. Relevance. We don’t ask questions just for the heck of asking questions. Questions should be pertinent to the subject matter and build on the existing body of knowledge.

3. Testability. Good research questions are formulated in a way that allows for empirical testing and investigation. Questions with specificity are more actionable - it is much easier to design an approach to find the answers if it is clear what is being asked.