What does a research question typically represent?

A research question typically represents the inquiry or issue that the research aims to address. It is fundamental in guiding the direction of the research and helps clarify the purpose of the study. The research question is closely linked to the hypothesis, as it often outlines what the researcher intends to investigate or the objectives of the research.

In this context, the research question provides a foundation upon which the hypothesis is built. It formulates the specific aspect of the broader topic that the researcher will explore, leading to the formulation of the hypothesis—essentially a tentative answer to the question being posed.

While the conclusion of the research, the methodology used, and the expected outcomes are important elements of the research process, they do not define the core purpose of the research in the same way that a research question does. The conclusion comes at the end of the research, summarizing findings; the methodology outlines how the research will be conducted; and expected outcomes are predictions about the results based on the research question and hypothesis.