What is the primary purpose of designing a research study?

What is the primary purpose of designing a research study?

• A. To establish a systematic method of investigation
• B. To formulate a clear research question
• C. To gather data without any specific direction
• D. To validate existing theories without experimentation

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of designing a research study is to formulate a clear research question. This foundational step guides the entire research process, informing the methodology, data collection, and analysis. A well-defined research question helps ensure that the study remains focused and relevant, directing the researcher’s efforts to address specific gaps in knowledge or to test particular hypotheses. This clarity facilitates the development of measurable objectives and lays the groundwork for the systematic investigation that follows. Although other aspects of study design, such as establishing methods of investigation or considerations for data gathering, are important, they all stem from and depend on the initial formulation of the research question. An ill-defined question can lead to a disorganized study, making it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. In contrast, options that suggest gathering data without direction or validating theories without experimentation do not align with the systematic and purposeful nature of research design, which emphasizes inquiry based on specific objectives and evidence-based conclusions.

The primary purpose of designing a research study is to formulate a clear research question. This foundational step guides the entire research process, informing the methodology, data collection, and analysis. A well-defined research question helps ensure that the study remains focused and relevant, directing the researcher’s efforts to address specific gaps in knowledge or to test particular hypotheses. This clarity facilitates the development of measurable objectives and lays the groundwork for the systematic investigation that follows.

Although other aspects of study design, such as establishing methods of investigation or considerations for data gathering, are important, they all stem from and depend on the initial formulation of the research question. An ill-defined question can lead to a disorganized study, making it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions.

In contrast, options that suggest gathering data without direction or validating theories without experimentation do not align with the systematic and purposeful nature of research design, which emphasizes inquiry based on specific objectives and evidence-based conclusions.