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Research Question

Definition

A question that guides the focus of a research study.


Example

A researcher has previously identified a research problem:

"There is limited data available regarding the relationship between social media use and locus of control."

To provide focus for the study, the problem can be reframed as a question: "Does social media use predict locus of control?"


Why It Matters

The research question gives a study its direction. It helps the researcher stay focused and decide what to measure, how to collect data, and what kind of answers to look for. A clear question keeps the study organized and makes the results easier to understand and apply.