subfrågor

Subfrågor are subordinate questions that arise from a main research question or problem. They are designed to break a broad topic into smaller, more manageable parts, enabling structured data collection and analysis. By addressing specific aspects or dimensions, subfrågor help ensure that the inquiry covers relevant areas and does not overlook important details.

The primary purposes of subfrågor are to guide study design, survey or interview instruments, and the analytical process. They help researchers determine what data to collect, what indicators to measure, and how findings will be interpreted. Subfrågor are typically phrased so that each can be answered with concrete data or evidence, and they are usually aligned with the overall aims of the project.

Formulation of effective subfrågor should be clear, specific, and feasible. They are often crafted to be answerable within the chosen method (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) and may be descriptive, explanatory, comparative, or evaluative. A common guideline is to maintain a limited number of subfrågor, focusing on distinct facets without overlap.

Examples include a main question like "How does program X affect user satisfaction?" with subfrågor such as "What aspects of experience influence satisfaction?" and "Does satisfaction vary by user group?" Subfrågor can also guide instrument design, for instance by separating questions about usability, reliability, and support.

In relation to hypotheses, subfrågor can function as navigational aids or as sources for specific hypotheses, depending on the research design. See also research question, hypothesis, and survey design.