What techniques can you use to brainstorm original research questions?

Critical Thinking is one of the best and significant techniques of brainstorming a research question, as it allows for thorough analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information. One thing I have found helpful is the application of Socratic questioning, which encourages probing and challenging assumptions to uncover deeper insights. Actually, I disagree with the notion that research questions should be solely based on intuition or personal bias, as this can lead to biased outcomes and flawed conclusions. An example I have seen is when researchers approached a problem with preconceived notions, only to overlook contradictory evidence and miss out on valuable insights.

Mind mapping is a great way to ensure your whole ideas are surrounded by the bigger picture of what you're trying to achieve. This will help you to never get burnt out

Mind Mapping is a powerful visual technique used to organize information, ideas, and concepts in a structured and creative way. It involves creating a diagram that represents a central topic or idea, with related subtopics branching out from it in a hierarchical manner. Mind Maps typically use keywords, images, colors, and connections to help individuals brainstorm, plan, analyze, and generate new insights. It is wonderful for brainstorming sessions, project planning, problem-solving, note-taking, organizing thoughts, and enhancing creativity. By visually mapping out relationships between different pieces of information, Mind Mapping can help improve memory retention, boost productivity, foster innovation, and facilitate clearer thinking.

Mind Mapping: Start with a central concept and branch out with related ideas. This visual technique encourages free-flow thinking, uncovering both obvious and less apparent questions. It's ideal for visual thinkers and aids in organizing complex information effectively.

Mind mapping is a visual tool that can help stimulate critical thinking individually or in a group. It provides a clear and visual way to present ideas to others. Visually mapping plans and strategies also facilitate group discussions and collaborative projects. As a whole, it enhances creativity and idea generation.

Personally, I like this step the best. Start by thinking about the objective and then working backwards. One additional step I take is thinking forward backwards, and then backwards forward. This allows me to examine and think through my steps and thought process to evaluate if there are any issues/speedbumps that I might miss out. One advice is, be sure to take notes of what discovery you stumble upon so that you do not forget/miss out any good ideas/perspective.

An example of Reverse Thinking applied to the biotech industry:When developing a new biotech product, rather than following conventional approaches, you start by envisioning the desired outcome of creating a groundbreaking solution. By working backward, you identify innovative technologies, research methods, and partnerships needed to achieve this goal, leading to a cutting-edge and impactful biotech innovation.

Reverse Thinking: Begin with the desired outcome and work backwards to determine the steps necessary to achieve it. This approach generates research questions focused on the processes and changes needed to attain the goal. It uncovers innovative paths and often overlooked aspects, offering a fresh perspective on your research.

Clearly define the problem you want to solve or the goal you wish to achieve. Ask opposite questions. For example, instead of asking, "How can we improve sales?" Ask, "How can we lose accounts and sales?" Brainstorm ideas and solutions from this reversed perspective. Review the list and look for patterns, insights, and issues that may have yet to be apparent. Reverse the ideas again. If one reversed idea is "make customers wait longer to receive their quote?" The positive idea would be to "Reduce waiting times for quotes." Take your positive ideas, create a plan and execute the solutions, monitor their effectiveness, and adjust as needed.

Question Storming (my favorite technique! ) is a collaborative brainstorming technique where participants generate a wide range of questions to explore a topic from different perspectives. By focusing on asking questions rather than providing answers, this method encourages critical thinking, challenges assumptions, and stimulates creative problem-solving. It helps uncover insights, identify roadblocks, and spark new ideas by reframing problems as questions, fostering innovation and collaboration in group discussions.

Question Storming: Generate numerous questions without worrying about quality or feasibility initially. Encourage free thinking to capture every idea. Later, refine these questions for relevance and significance. Prioritize quantity to unearth unexpected and original research queries.

Gap Analysis: Identify disparities between current knowledge and desired understanding in your field. Formulate research questions to bridge these gaps, ensuring relevance and value addition within your domain. This method targets specific areas for exploration, fostering original and impactful research.

Role Play: Assume various perspectives like a customer or competitor to explore research questions. This shift uncovers fresh angles and insights not apparent from your usual viewpoint. It fosters empathy with stakeholders, leading to more comprehensive research.

Role-playing is a great way to interact with your team. Put on your customers' or competitors' shoes and look at your business from a new vantage point. The new perspective will provide more insightful research.