Some Final Thoughts on Formulating your Research Question
The refinement of a topic for research typically involves a series of steps in which an initial, often vaguely formulated, set of ideas is refined into a researchable question. Some scholars begin with a particular phenomenon - say, for example, courtship, division of labor, conflict, love, impression formation, or satisfaction - and ask why individuals or couples differ with regard to the phenomenon chosen. A researcher with an interest in division of labor, for example, might speculate as to why some couples adopt a rather traditional, gender-differentiated pattern of work around the house while others show less gender-based differentiation.
Other scholars start with a theoretical framework - such as social learning theory, a theory of compatibility, role theory, or exchange theory - and use it to generate propositions about why relationships function in particular ways. Exchange theorists, for example, would argue that the "resources" a husband possesses compared to those of his wife will determine the extent to which each spouses' gender-role attitudes influence division of labor. Exchange theorists have used socioemotional background, physical attractiveness, and occupation status as markers for resources.
We hope this overview is helpful in your formulation of a research question. Good luck!
