A research question is 'a question that a research project sets out to answer'.

[1] Choosing a research

question is an essential element of both quantitative and qualitative research. Investigation will require
data collection and analysis, and the methodology for this will vary widely. Good research questions seek
to improve knowledge on an important topic, and are usually narrow and specific.[1]

Definition

The answer to a research question will help address a research problem or question.[5] Specifying a
research question, "the central issue to be resolved by a formal dissertation, thesis, or research
project,"[6] is typically one of the first steps an investigator takes when undertaking research.
Considerations, such as project funding or methodological approaches may influence the research
process, including when and how the research question is developed.[7] Clearly and accurately defining
the research question can become an iterative process.[citation needed] How the question is
constructed can depend on the type of research or discipline.

Construction method examples

FINER criteria

The FINER[10] method can be a useful tool for outlining research criteria used in the construction of a
research question. Due to the flexibility of the criteria, this method may be used for a variety of research
scenarios. The FINER method prompts researchers to determine whether one has the means and
interest to conduct the study. It also asks one to consider the ethical ramifications, as well as the
relevancy of the research.

According to Farrugia et al., the FINER criteria "highlight useful points that may increase the chances of
developing a successful research project". These criteria were first suggested in the book Designing
Clinical Research by Hulley et al., detailed below.

F – Feasible

Adequate number of subjects

Adequate technical expertise

Affordable in time and money

Manageable in scope

I – Interesting

Getting the answer intrigues investigator, peers and community

N – Novel

Confirms, refutes or extends previous findings

E – Ethical

Amenable to a study that institutional review board will approve

R – Relevant

To scientific knowledge

To clinical and health policy

To future research

PICOT criteria

PICOT criteria[7] tend to be used to frame questions used in evidence-based studies, such as medical
studies. Such research may focus on assessment or evaluation of patients or problems, as well as what
may be the causal factor(s) with control and experimental groups.[citation needed]

P – Patient (or Problem)

I – Intervention (or Indicator)

C – Comparison group

O – Outcomes

T – Time

Continuing the research process, the investigator then carries out the research necessary to answer the
research question, whether this involves reading secondary sources over a few days for an
undergraduate term paper or carrying out primary research over years for a major project. When the
research is complete and the researcher knows the (probable) answer to the research question, writing
up can begin (as distinct from writing notes, which is a process that goes on through a research project).
In term papers, the answer to the question is normally given in summary in the introduction in the form
of a thesis statement.