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 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?