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Library Research Tutorial

What Is a Research Question?

A research question is the main question you propose to answer in your research paper. While formulating a research question may initially seem to be the easiest part of conducting research, it may cost you valuable hours if you begin your research without a clear focus. Research questions...

  • Are a preliminary step of the research process
  • Are specific and guide you through your research
  • Are iterative and may change during the course of your research and writing
  • Save you time, allowing for more focused research
Example research question:
How do female managers' work-life balance decisions affect their opportunities for promotion to upper-level management positions in Fortune 500 IT companies?