research question

USAGE SUMMARY

"research question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a question that is posed for the purpose of initiating or guiding research. For example, "The purpose of this study is to answer the research question: How does a high-fat diet affect the health of teenagers?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Research question—Is the research question(s) or hypothesis clearly stated?

British Medical Journal

The research question should determine the data gathered.

The Guardian

research question.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

"That is a research question".

Science Magazine

Our research question is.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Clear, appropriate research question.

Progress in Orthodontics

No preliminary data equals no research question".

Science Magazine

Formulating a research question   36.2.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

In answering research question no.

Language Testing in Asia

Our research question is straightforward.

Journal of Economic Structures

4. Craft the research question.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define your "research question" before starting your research to ensure focus and relevance. A well-defined question guides your methodology and analysis.

Common error

Ensure your "research question" is specific and measurable. A vague question will lead to unfocused research and unreliable results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "research question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the specific query or problem that a research project seeks to address. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it guiding research design and analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "research question" is a cornerstone of academic and scientific inquiry, serving as the guiding force behind investigations across various fields. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. A well-formulated "research question" is crucial for focusing research efforts, ensuring that studies remain targeted and relevant. As analyzed, the phrase appears most frequently in scientific and academic contexts, reflecting its formal and structured nature. Alternatives like "study question" or "inquiry question" can offer slight variations in emphasis, but "research question" remains the standard term for defining the scope and purpose of an investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

study question

Replaces "research" with "study", emphasizing the context of academic study or investigation.

inquiry question

Substitutes "research" with "inquiry", highlighting the act of asking or investigating.

problem statement

Shifts the focus from a question to a statement that outlines the problem being addressed by the research.

central question

Emphasizes the core or most important question being investigated.

key question

Highlights the significance of the question in the research.

research objective

Replaces "question" with "objective", focusing on the goal of the research.

aim of the study

Focuses on the overall purpose or goal of the research, rather than a specific question.

hypothesis

Presents a testable statement or prediction that the research aims to support or refute.

purpose of the investigation

Emphasizes the intent behind the research or study.

point of inquiry

Highlights the specific aspect or issue being investigated.

FAQs

How do I formulate a good "research question"?

A good "research question" should be clear, focused, concise, complex, and arguable. It should also be relevant to your field and contribute new knowledge.

What is the difference between a "research question" and a hypothesis?

A "research question" is a question that your research aims to answer, while a hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction about the relationship between variables.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "research question"?

You can use alternatives such as "study question", "inquiry question", or "problem statement" depending on the context.

Why is it important to have a well-defined "research question"?

A well-defined "research question" provides focus and direction for your research. It helps you to identify relevant data, develop appropriate methodologies, and analyze your findings effectively.