Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Research Scholar Roles – 2021

Preparing for a research scholar job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your academic expertise, critical thinking skills, and experience in conducting research. Whether you’re applying for a role in scientific research, social sciences, or humanities, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your research background and experience.
  As a research scholar, I have completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in [Field of Study]. I have also worked as a research assistant for [Number of Years] years and have been involved in various research projects, including [Project Names]. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in [Current Field of Study] and have published [Number of Publications] papers in reputable journals.
• 2. Why did you choose to pursue a career in research?
  I have always been curious and passionate about exploring new ideas and finding solutions to complex problems. Pursuing a career in research allows me to continuously learn and contribute to the development of new knowledge in my field of interest.
• 3. What do you think are the most important skills for a research scholar to possess?
  In my experience, the most important skills for a research scholar include strong critical thinking abilities, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Patience, perseverance, and adaptability are also crucial in the research process.
• 4. Can you give an example of a research project you have completed and its impact?
  In my previous role as a research assistant, I worked on a project investigating the effects of a new drug on cancer cells. Through our research, we were able to identify potential targeted therapy options and contribute to the development of a new treatment for cancer patients.
• 5. How do you stay updated on current research and industry developments?
  I regularly attend conferences and seminars in my field of study and also read relevant journals and publications. I also make an effort to network with other researchers and professionals to exchange ideas and stay informed about current developments and trends.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you encountered a challenging research problem and how you solved it.
  During my Master's thesis, I encountered a roadblock in my data collection process. I had to come up with a creative solution to collect the necessary data within a limited timeframe. I consulted with my supervisor, analyzed alternative methods, and successfully adapted my research design to address the challenge.
• 7. How do you handle conflicts or different opinions within a research team?
  Communication and mutual respect are key in resolving conflicts within a team. I believe in approaching conflicts objectively and actively listening to different perspectives. I then work together with my team to find a compromise and move forward with our research goals.
• 8. Can you give an example of a successful collaboration with colleagues from different disciplines?
  During my postgraduate studies, I worked on a project with colleagues from different fields of study. While we had different approaches, we were able to bring together our diverse perspectives and combine our expertise to produce a well-rounded research paper.
• 9. How do you handle tight deadlines and manage your time effectively?
  I am well-versed in managing multiple tasks and prioritizing my workload effectively. I believe in setting realistic goals and staying organized through to-do lists and timelines. In case of tight deadlines, I am not afraid to seek help and delegate tasks to ensure timely completion.
• 10. How do you handle failure or setbacks in your research?
  Failure and setbacks are a natural part of the research process, and it is important to learn from them. I believe in taking a step back, reassessing the situation, and finding alternative approaches to overcome the challenge. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek guidance from supervisors or colleagues to move forward.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle conflicting opinions between your research findings and your supervisor's expectations?
  I would communicate openly with my supervisor and present my research findings objectively. I would also be open to feedback and constructive criticism. If necessary, I would provide explanations and evidence to support my findings and work towards finding a compromise that aligns with both my research goals and my supervisor's expectations.
• 12. How would you design a research study to investigate a new topic?
  In designing a research study, I would start by conducting a thorough literature review to understand the existing knowledge and research methods in the chosen topic. I would then formulate a research question and design a study to collect relevant data through a combination of surveys, experiments, or interviews. I would also consider ethical implications and seek approvals from the necessary authorities.
• 13. How would you handle unexpected changes or challenges within your research project?
  I would assess the situation and identify the root cause of the problem. I would then work with my team and adapt our research methods or timeline to address the challenge. If necessary, I would also consult with other researchers or supervisors for their insights and expertise.
• 14. How would you ensure the accuracy and validity of your research data?
  I would conduct thorough data checks and validations throughout the research process. This includes cross-referencing data, ensuring data integrity, and addressing any inconsistencies or errors. I would also use statistical methods to verify the validity of my findings and provide evidence to support them.
• 15. How would you handle a research project that requires collaboration with external partners or organizations?
  Communication and proper planning are key in collaborating with external partners or organizations. I would establish clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities from the beginning and regularly communicate with all parties involved. I would also ensure ethical and legal considerations are addressed and all necessary approvals are obtained.

Technical Questions

• 16. What research methods do you have experience with?
  I have experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including surveys, experiments, interviews, and data analysis techniques such as content analysis, regression analysis, and thematic analysis.
• 17. How do you ensure the ethical conduct of research?
  To ensure ethical conduct of research, I adhere to established professional principles and guidelines. I obtain informed consent from participants, maintain confidentiality, and ensure their safety and well-being. I also declare any conflicts of interest and obtain necessary approvals from ethical review boards.
• 18. How do you plan and conduct data analysis?
  After collecting data, I organize and clean the data to ensure accuracy. I then use appropriate statistical software to perform data analysis and interpret the results. I also make sure to account for potential bias and limitations in the data and provide relevant justifications for my findings.
• 19. How do you ensure the reliability and validity of your research findings?
  I ensure reliability and validity by using standardized research methods, adhering to ethical conduct, and minimizing bias in data collection and analysis. I also use established measures and triangulation methods to compare and validate my findings.
• 20. How do you keep up with the latest advancements and trends in your research field?
  I regularly attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to my research interests. I also subscribe to relevant professional journals and participate in research groups and discussion forums to stay updated on current advancements and debates in my field.