What is a Research Question?

What is a Research Question?

A research question is a specific question the author asks at the start of a research paper.  It is the guiding question that the author will spend the entirety of the paper trying to answer.  It provides a clear path for your thesis, the outline, and the essay.  A strong research question is open-ended.  In a research report, it is best to use an impartial question as the point of writing is to impart knowledge, not argue a stance or defend a claim.  Open-ended questions typically begin with “How” or “why” but they can also start with “what”.  

  • An open-ended question: 

    • There is no “yes” or “No” answer to this question.  It is a question the author will need to explain the answer.  It is more than just a fact-based question. 

    • Examples: Open-ended questions - How do you deal with stress in the workplace? What is a typical school day like for you? 

    • Examples of closed-ended questions: Did you enjoy the concert? How likely are you to recommend this restaurant to your friend? 

  • The open-ended research question will focus on the given topic of the essay.  

    • For example: If the instructor asks you to generate an essay based on the concept of “freedom”, your research question may be “How has the concept of freedom in our world shifted throughout the last century?” 

  • Research Question: 

    • Example: How does listening to music while you work affect your overall performance? 

    • Example: How does daily exercise impact the stress level of college students in the United States? 


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