exploratory questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploratory questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to questions that are designed to investigate a topic or gather information in a preliminary way. Example: "In our research, we will begin with exploratory questions to better understand the participants' perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Subjects completed a retrospective questionnaire on self-reported distress, including a habituation profile and exploratory questions about helpful strategies.

European Neuropsychopharmacology

I happily offered the techniques I used in my life coaching practice: meditation, journaling, and exploratory questions.

The New York Times

To get an answer, a series of exploratory questions was posted to the Napkin Labs crowd members, asking them about their camping experiences and what frustrations they might have endured.

The New York Times

Ask specific "exploratory questions" that demonstrate this.

Forbes

Moreover, this initial instruction explicitly has hints or components, which can encourage exploratory questions among students.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

After collecting the questions, the teacher answers all the clarification (muddy point) questions and then addresses all the exploratory questions.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

An additional exploratory question examined the interaction between self-esteem and self versus other-referral on ease of referral for help.

Children and Youth Services Review

As a subsidiary and exploratory question, we also examined whether these well-being components are more strongly related to structured exercise participation scores compared to total levels of physical activity.

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

The provider has acknowledged her feelings and asks an exploratory question to further delve into her emotional state.

Cancer Management and Research

Data from the response of the co-twin as an exploratory question will also address this relationship.

BMC Pediatrics

An exploratory question to determine the impact of an ISLT on political engagement was included to provide baseline information for future research.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploratory questions", ensure they are open-ended to encourage detailed and insightful responses. This approach is particularly useful in research and investigative contexts.

Common error

Avoid framing "exploratory questions" in a way that suggests a desired answer. Leading questions can bias responses and undermine the integrity of the inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploratory questions" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "exploratory" modifies "questions." According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe inquiries intended to gather initial information or investigate a topic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exploratory questions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for initiating investigation and gathering insights across various domains. As shown by Ludwig, these questions are especially common in scientific research, news reporting, and formal business settings. When crafting your own "exploratory questions", aim for open-endedness and avoid leading language to ensure unbiased responses. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, you can effectively use it to unlock new knowledge and perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigative inquiries

Focuses on the investigative nature of the questions.

probing questions

Emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of the questions.

open-ended inquiries

Highlights the open nature of the questions, allowing for detailed responses.

initial inquiries

Stresses that these questions are used at the beginning of an investigation.

preliminary questions

Indicates that these questions are asked in the early stages.

discovery-oriented questions

Focuses on the aspect of uncovering new information.

inquisitive questions

Highlights the curiosity and desire to learn more.

fact-finding questions

Emphasizes the purpose of gathering factual information.

hypothesis-generating questions

Indicates that these questions aim to create new hypotheses.

data-gathering questions

Highlights the questions' role in collecting data.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "exploratory questions" in research?

Start with broad, open-ended questions to gather initial insights. Then, use more focused questions to delve deeper into specific areas of interest. This approach helps in uncovering unexpected findings and generating new hypotheses.

What are some alternatives to using "exploratory questions" in interviews?

You can use alternatives such as "probing questions", "open-ended inquiries", or "investigative inquiries" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "exploratory questions"?

"Exploratory questions" are particularly useful in initial research phases, problem-solving scenarios, and when seeking to understand complex issues from multiple perspectives. They are also valuable in fields like psychology, sociology, and market research.

What's the difference between "exploratory questions" and targeted questions?

"Exploratory questions" are broad and aim to gather a wide range of information, while targeted questions are specific and designed to confirm or deny a particular hypothesis. Targeted questions require a solid understanding of a specific topic, and are more direct than "exploratory questions".