What is a research question?

A research question is a specific query that guides the direction and focus of a study. It identifies precisely what the researcher aims to investigate and serves as a foundation upon which the research is built. This question helps in narrowing down the scope of the study, ensuring that the research remains targeted and manageable.

Formulating a research question involves considering the existing literature, the context of the study, and the gaps in knowledge that the research seeks to address. It is distinct from a broad topic, which lacks the specificity needed to guide a research project. While hypotheses may emerge from research questions, they serve different purposes; the hypothesis is a testable statement that can be confirmed or refuted, whereas the research question remains open for exploration throughout the study. Finally, making assumptions prior to research is generally part of the process, but they do not characterize the essence of what a research question is. Thus, the definition of a research question is accurately captured by the notion that it is a specific query the research aims to answer.