ABSTRACT
An effective research question does a lot of work in a research project. This chapter sets out to guide the readers through the development of the research question in light of the ways it needs to cohere to the project as a whole. Topics include developing a research object, why research questions are so important, parameters for a functional research question, and ways to generate a research question. To understand the importance of the research object and research question in the selection of research strategy and the process of gathering evidence, it is helpful to consider the influences on these decisions. At the center is the research object, the “thing” representing the focus of the research. This is discussed in this chapter. The chapter provides background and insights into the research object and research question, why they matter, and how they can be developed.
