TLDR: A research question is a question that a research project sets out to answer. It is an important part of both quantitative and qualitative research. Good research questions are narrow, specific, and seek to improve knowledge on an important topic.

A research question is the central issue that a research project aims to resolve. It is one of the first steps in the research process and helps determine the type of study that will be conducted, such as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. The research question should be accurately and clearly defined, and it should focus on a specific topic. It is important for the research question to be narrow and specific in order to guide the data collection and analysis process.

To form a research question, the researcher must consider the type of study they are conducting and the specific objectives they want to achieve. There are different methods for constructing a research question, such as the FINER and PICOT criteria. The FINER criteria include factors such as feasibility, interest, novelty, ethics, and relevance. The PICOT criteria are commonly used in evidence-based studies and stand for Patient/Problem, Intervention/Indicator, Comparison group, Outcome, and Time.

The research question helps address a research problem or question and guides the research process. It is an iterative process that may evolve as the study progresses. The construction of a research question depends on the type of research and the discipline. Qualitative research questions focus on the why and how of a topic, while quantitative research questions focus on the where or when. Mixed methods research combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

There are different examples of research question construction methods, such as the FINER criteria and the PICOT criteria. The FINER criteria help researchers determine the feasibility, interest, novelty, ethics, and relevance of a research question. The PICOT criteria are commonly used in evidence-based studies and involve specifying the patient/problem, intervention/indicator, comparison group, outcome, and time.

Open research questions are often communicated and aggregated to prioritize research topics. This can be done through scientific reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and online platforms. Prioritization and evaluation of research questions are important to ensure research relevance and value. Platforms and participatory research can also play a role in identifying and formulating research questions. The identification of open research questions can contribute to the adoption and application of science in society.

There are different types and purposes of research questions, depending on the type of study being conducted. Qualitative research questions focus on the why and how of a topic, while quantitative research questions focus on the where or when. Mixed methods research combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research question serves to guide the research process and identify the specific objectives of the study.

In summary, a research question is a question that a research project aims to answer. It is an essential part of the research process and helps guide the study. Good research questions are narrow, specific, and seek to improve knowledge on an important topic. They can be constructed using different methods and criteria. Open research questions are often communicated and aggregated to prioritize research topics. The type and purpose of a research question depend on the type of study being conducted.