Question

What are characteristics of a strong research question? Check all that apply.

It is broadly stated.
It does not have an answer.
It can be answered through research.
It has a clear yes or no answer.
It focuses on a single issue.
It can lead to many possible answers.

Answer 1

Applies:
- It can be answered through research — Yes. A strong research question must be feasible and answerable with data, evidence, or analysis.
- It focuses on a single issue — Yes. It should be narrow and focused so the study is manageable and conclusions are clear.
- It can lead to many possible answers — Yes. Strong questions are often complex/open-ended (not trivial) and allow for interpretation, analysis, or multiple plausible conclusions.

Does not apply:
- It is broadly stated — No. Broad questions are usually too vague; a strong question is focused.
- It does not have an answer — No. The question should be answerable (even if the answer is not yet known), not inherently unanswerable.
- It has a clear yes or no answer — No. Good research questions are typically open-ended and analytical rather than simple yes/no.