This is going to be dependent on the type of research that is taking place, and what the purpose of the research is.
Qualitative research questions (or the central question) “is a broad question that asks for an exploration of the central phenomenon of concept” (Creswell, 2009, p.129). The purpose of this question is to not narrow the inquiry, and allow for the research to be as broad as needed.
Alternatively, quantitative research questions (or hypothesis) “inquire about the relationships among variables” (Creswell, 2009, p. 13). As compared to the former, this is very focused and specific.
Regardless of the type of research, the Royal Roads University Writing Centre highlights three points that make a good research question:
- The question is clear and distinct;
- It is focused and leads the research;
- Allows for elaborations, not a simple yes or no answer.
By focusing on your research question meeting all three points above, one should have a good start to their research.
References
Creswell, J. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed. ed.). Los Angeles: Sage.
Royal Roads University. (n.d.). Thesis Statements/Research questions/Problem statement. Royal Road University. Retrieved from http://library.royalroads.ca/writing-centre/writing/structure/thesis-statementshow