Research question interrogative form – UGC NET Question

A research question is an interrogative statement that expresses what the researcher wants to know, framed in a way that can be investigated systematically. It provides direction for selecting methods, participants and analysis strategies. Good research questions are specific, feasible and significant. Because the stem describes a clear, focused and answerable interrogative statement that guides investigation, it is referring to a research question.

Option A:
A hypothesis is a declarative, testable proposition about relationships between variables that often arises from refining a research question. While related, a hypothesis is not itself interrogative. Since the stem emphasises an interrogative form, hypothesis is not the best answer.

Option B:
Objectives are declarative statements of what the researcher intends to achieve, typically beginning with verbs like “to examine” or “to compare.” They are not phrased as questions but as aims. Therefore, objective does not fit the interrogative nature highlighted in the stem.

Option C:
A proposition is a general statement that asserts a possible relationship or regularity, often used in theory development. It may be broader or less directly testable than a research question. The stem, however, focuses on a clear and answerable question guiding a specific investigation, pointing more precisely to a research question.

Option D:
Research questions translate broad topics into manageable inquiries that can be addressed with empirical methods. They play a crucial role in aligning literature review, method selection and analysis. This guiding function matches the stem’s description, confirming research question as the correct completion.