What is the ultimate goal of establishing a research question?

The ultimate goal of establishing a research question is to provide a foundation for inquiry and exploration. This foundational aspect is crucial because a well-defined research question guides the direction of the study, helping to frame the objectives and hypotheses. It lays the groundwork for the entire research process, including the methods selected for data collection and analysis.

By articulating a clear research question, researchers can narrow down a vast range of topics to focus on specific aspects that require investigation. This targeted approach facilitates a structured examination of the issue at hand, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field. Research questions enable researchers to identify gaps in the existing literature, formulate hypotheses, and design studies that yield meaningful and applicable results.

In contrast, simply impressing peers with complex theories does not contribute to the advancement of research, nor does focusing on qualitative over quantitative outcomes inherently serve the goal of establishing a research question. Additionally, creating a broad platform for all potential topics can lead to vagueness and lack of focus, hindering the effectiveness of the research process. Hence, a clear and specific research question is pivotal for productive research inquiry.