Qualitative research questions typically begin with which words?

• A. What or How
• B. Why or When
• C. When and Why
• D. What and Why

Answer: (A)

Qualitative questions aim to describe, understand, and interpret experiences, meanings, and processes from participants’ perspectives. To gather rich, nuanced information, they are open-ended and invite description or examination of how things occur. Starting with What or How achieves that by asking what is happening or how a process unfolds, which leads to detailed, descriptive responses. In contrast, Why tends to seek causes or justifications, which can steer the interview toward explanations rather than open description, and When or combinations like When and Why narrow the focus in ways that are less typical for initial qualitative inquiry. Therefore, What or How is the best way to begin a qualitative research question.