kernvraag

Kernvraag is a Dutch term used to describe the central question that a study, project, or policy inquiry seeks to answer. It defines the scope, directs the choice of methods, and serves as a reference point for evaluating results. Etymology: kern means core or heart, and vraag means question. The term is common in Dutch-language academic writing and project planning, and is often used interchangeably with hoofdvraag (main question), though kernvraag tends to emphasize the essential focus of the inquiry.

Formulation and characteristics: A good kernvraag is concise, typically a single sentence, clear, and answerable through the planned approach. It should be tightly scoped, avoiding unnecessary breadth, and aligned with the objectives of the assignment or project. In practice, it is often expressed together with subvragen (sub-questions) that break the kernvraag into manageable parts.

Relation to research design: The kernvraag guides data collection, analysis, and interpretation. It helps researchers select methods, define variables or indicators, and determine what constitutes sufficient evidence. In policy or journalism, the kernvraag frames the central issue and underpins reporting or evaluation.

Examples: In education, a kernvraag might be: welke factoren bevorderen de betrokkenheid van leerlingen in de online klas? In a business context, the kernvraag could be: wat is de belangrijkste oorzaak van klantontevredenheid en hoe kan dit worden teruggedrongen? These examples illustrate how the kernvraag anchors inquiry and clarifies scope.

See also: hoofdvraag, onderzoeksvraag, subvragen.