Which statement is not a function of a research question?

Which statement is not a function of a research question?

• A. Describing a phenomenon.
• B. Predicting the outcome of a relationship.
• C. Exploring topics.
• D. Framing an open-ended inquiry.

Answer: (B)

Research questions guide inquiry by describing a phenomenon, exploring topics, or framing an open-ended direction for study. They are crafted to be answerable with data and to set the path for how you collect and analyze information. Describing a phenomenon fits because you want to understand what is happening and under what conditions. Exploring topics fits because you’re using the question to probe less understood areas and generate new insights. Framing an open-ended inquiry fits because the question invites investigation without forcing a specific outcome. Predicting the outcome of a relationship, however, is about forecasting or testing a particular expectation, which belongs to hypotheses and predictive claims rather than the function of a research question itself. The question guides inquiry; predictions typically come from hypotheses built to test theories.

Research questions guide inquiry by describing a phenomenon, exploring topics, or framing an open-ended direction for study. They are crafted to be answerable with data and to set the path for how you collect and analyze information. Describing a phenomenon fits because you want to understand what is happening and under what conditions. Exploring topics fits because you’re using the question to probe less understood areas and generate new insights. Framing an open-ended inquiry fits because the question invites investigation without forcing a specific outcome. Predicting the outcome of a relationship, however, is about forecasting or testing a particular expectation, which belongs to hypotheses and predictive claims rather than the function of a research question itself. The question guides inquiry; predictions typically come from hypotheses built to test theories.