Uuringuküsimus

Uuringuküsimus, often translated as "research question" in English, is a central element in any systematic investigation or study. It is a concise, focused, and arguable question that the research aims to answer. The uuringuküsimus guides the entire research process, from the initial literature review to the design of the methodology and the interpretation of the findings. A well-formulated uuringuküsimus is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), although not always explicitly in this framework. It clearly defines the boundaries of the inquiry and what the researcher intends to discover or prove.

The development of a strong uuringuküsimus often involves identifying a gap in existing knowledge, a problem that needs solving, or a phenomenon that requires deeper understanding. It should be neither too broad, making it unmanageable, nor too narrow, limiting its potential impact. The question should also be answerable through empirical data collection and analysis. In qualitative research, uuringuküsimused may be more open-ended and exploratory, focusing on understanding experiences, perspectives, or meanings. In quantitative research, they are typically more specific and aim to establish relationships between variables or test hypotheses. Ultimately, the uuringuküsimus serves as the compass for the research, ensuring that the effort is directed towards a clear and meaningful objective.