What is a Research Question
A research question is a clear statement that outlines the topic or issue you want to explore. It guides what you aim to discover or understand in your project or study. A strong research question is:
- Clear: It is easy to understand and not confusing.
- Focused: It looks at a specific issue rather than a broad topic.
- Concise: It includes the key details in a brief way.
- Complex: It encourages deep thinking and exploration.
- Arguable: It invites discussion or debate, not just simple facts.
What is the expected outcome of a well-formed research question?
- It passes the ‘so what’ test by explaining what will be achieved; the impact and benefits of the research for the discipline and the context of future applications; and any potentially new solutions to the problem.
- It has the capacity to surprise.
Why is a research question essential to the research process?
- It drives the research design (data collection and analysis).
- It assists in coding the literature into themes.
- It helps writers focus their research by providing a path through the research and writing process.
- It helps researchers work towards supporting a specific, arguable thesis.