The research question was
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this phrase to define the specific goal of your investigation in a professional or academic setting.
15秒でわかる
- Introduces the main problem a study intends to solve.
- Used primarily in academic, scientific, or professional reports.
- Sets a clear focus for the audience immediately.
意味
This phrase is the starting point of any serious investigation or study. It is the specific puzzle or problem that a researcher is trying to solve.
主な例文
3 / 6Presenting a university thesis
The research question was whether social media affects teenage attention spans.
The research question was whether social media affects teenage attention spans.
A business strategy meeting
The research question was: can we reduce costs without losing quality?
The research question was: can we reduce costs without losing quality?
Explaining a hobby project to a mentor
The research question was simply to find the best soil for roses.
The research question was simply to find the best soil for roses.
文化的背景
This expression is rooted in the Enlightenment-era scientific method, which prioritizes a clear hypothesis. In modern English-speaking universities, 'the research question' is considered the most critical part of any paper. It reflects a cultural preference for 'linear' logic where the goal is stated upfront.
Keep it Singular
Even if you have many ideas, try to narrow it down to one main research question to sound more focused.
Don't be Vague
Avoid saying 'The research question was about stuff.' Be specific, like 'The research question was the impact of X on Y.'
15秒でわかる
- Introduces the main problem a study intends to solve.
- Used primarily in academic, scientific, or professional reports.
- Sets a clear focus for the audience immediately.
What It Means
Think of The research question was as the North Star for a project. It tells your audience exactly what you were looking for. Before you found answers, you had a curiosity. This phrase introduces that curiosity clearly. It turns a vague topic into a focused mission. It is the 'why' behind all the hard work you did.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with a direct question or a 'whether' statement. For example, The research question was: how does coffee affect sleep? It acts as a bridge. It moves your story from the general background to the specific goal. Use it early in a presentation or a paper. It helps people follow your logic without getting lost in the data.
When To Use It
Use this in academic settings or professional reports. It is perfect for a thesis defense or a business strategy meeting. If you are explaining a deep dive you did into a problem, use it. It makes you sound organized and methodical. It shows you didn't just stumble upon results by accident. You had a plan from the very beginning.
When NOT To Use It
Keep this away from casual Friday night drinks. Don't say it when asking a friend why they are late. It sounds way too stiff for daily life. Avoid it in creative writing like poems or novels. Unless you are writing about a scientist, it feels too clinical. It is for facts and logic, not for feelings or gossip.
Cultural Background
In Western academia, clarity is king. We love to define the 'problem' before we talk about the 'solution'. This phrase reflects the scientific method that is taught from primary school. It shows a culture that values objective inquiry and structured thinking. It’s about being transparent with your intentions. It says, 'I am not biased; I am just seeking an answer.'
Common Variations
You might hear The primary inquiry focused on or We sought to determine. Some people prefer The study aimed to address. However, The research question was remains the gold standard. It is simple, direct, and impossible to misunderstand. It is the classic way to start the 'Methods' section of your story.
使い方のコツ
This is a high-level academic and professional expression. It is almost exclusively used in the 'Past Tense' when writing reports. Avoid using it in spoken, informal English to prevent sounding pretentious.
Keep it Singular
Even if you have many ideas, try to narrow it down to one main research question to sound more focused.
Don't be Vague
Avoid saying 'The research question was about stuff.' Be specific, like 'The research question was the impact of X on Y.'
The 'So What?' Factor
In English-speaking cultures, people often ask 'So what?' after hearing your research question. Be ready to explain why the answer matters!
例文
6The research question was whether social media affects teenage attention spans.
The research question was whether social media affects teenage attention spans.
Sets the stage for the entire academic presentation.
The research question was: can we reduce costs without losing quality?
The research question was: can we reduce costs without losing quality?
Frames a business problem as a formal investigation.
The research question was simply to find the best soil for roses.
The research question was simply to find the best soil for roses.
Uses formal structure for a personal project to show seriousness.
Remind me, the research question was about the temp change, right?
Remind me, the research question was about the temp change, right?
Casual shorthand between colleagues referring to their formal goal.
By the end of the night, the research question was: how do I leave?
By the end of the night, the research question was: how do I leave?
Uses academic language for a funny, non-academic situation.
The research question was centered on the long-term effects of the vaccine.
The research question was centered on the long-term effects of the vaccine.
Highly formal and precise for medical reporting.
自分をテスト
Choose the best way to complete the sentence for a formal report.
___ whether the new law would actually reduce crime.
'The research question was' provides the necessary formal tone for a report.
Complete the sentence to introduce a study's focus.
Before we began the survey, ___: do people prefer remote work?
This phrase clearly introduces the specific inquiry of the survey.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'The research question was'
Talking to friends about a curiosity.
I wanted to know...
Explaining a project to a colleague.
We were looking at...
Academic papers and professional presentations.
The research question was...
When to use this phrase
University Essay
Defining the scope of your paper.
Science Lab
Stating the purpose of an experiment.
Corporate Report
Analyzing market trends.
Grant Application
Asking for funding for a study.
よくある質問
10 問Not really. It sounds very stiff and 'bookish' if you use it while chatting with friends. Use I was wondering instead.
No. You can say The research question was whether... which ends with a period, or use a colon like The research question was: How...?.
Yes, but you should change the phrase to The research questions were... and list them clearly.
A topic is broad, like Climate Change. A research question is specific, like How does climate change affect corn yields in Iowa?.
Yes, especially in market research or data analysis departments. It helps keep the team focused on the specific problem.
It is grammatically okay, but it sounds unnatural. The research question was is the standard set phrase everyone expects.
Use was if you are reporting on a study you already finished. Use is if you are currently proposing or doing the study.
It depends on the blog. If it's a technical or educational blog, it's fine. If it's a personal diary, it's too formal.
In English academic writing, you are usually expected to create one anyway to give your work structure!
Yes, if you are describing a past project. It shows you have a logical, structured way of working.
関連フレーズ
The study aimed to
Describes the goal or purpose of the research.
To address this inquiry
A formal way to say 'to answer this question'.
The hypothesis was
Introduces a specific prediction rather than just a question.
In light of these findings
Used to transition from results to conclusions.
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