Research Question
A focused, clear, and arguable question that the research project is designed to answer.
What is Research Question?
The research question translates the broad research problem into a specific inquiry. It must be answerable through the collection and analysis of empirical data. Good research questions define the scope of the study, identify key variables or concepts, and dictate the appropriate methodological approach (e.g., descriptive, explanatory, or exploratory).
Why Research Question Matters
The research question is the anchor of the methodology. Every decision—from sampling to data analysis techniques—must be justified by its ability to answer this specific question.
Example
How does the implementation of a four-day workweek affect self-reported employee burnout levels in medium-sized tech companies over a six-month period?
Common Mistakes
- Asking 'yes/no' questions that lead to shallow descriptive findings rather than deeper analytical insights.
- Formulating questions that are normative (asking what 'should' be done) rather than empirical (asking what 'is' or 'why').