PHDRQ Model for Identifying Research Gaps and Formulating a Research Question During Ph.D. Program in India

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a holistic and comprehensive model for scholars to systematically and scholarly identify research gaps and then formulate a research question during their Ph.D. program.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Postmodernism philosophical paradigm; Inductive research approach; Observation data collection method; Longitudinal data collection time frame; Qualitative data analysis.

Findings/Result: As long as the Ph.D. scholars can understand all six steps of the PHDRQ model and make mindful choices in each step they will be able to convert a complicated Ph.D. journey into an intellectually challenging and interesting journey thereby generating original and significant research outputs. A research question well formulated is half answered and most importantly the moment scholars mindfully formulate their research question 50% of their Ph.D. journey is complete.

Originality/Value: Of course, we have not invented anything new in the PHDRQ model. But, for sure we have discovered a systematic way of arranging all the available steps of identifying research gaps and formulating a research question in a well-thought-through process flow that is appropriate and applicable for scholars admitted to Ph.D. programs across any discipline.

Paper Type: Conceptual model.