Which of the following characteristics defines an effective research question?

An effective research question is characterized by its capacity to provoke inquiry and facilitate exploration, often leading to multiple plausible answers. This aspect is vital because a well-formulated research question encourages critical thinking and comprehensive investigation into a topic, which can uncover various perspectives and interpretations. When a question has multiple plausible answers, it not only allows for the investigation of differing viewpoints but also opens up a broader field of study, making the research process more dynamic and robust. This characteristic fosters depth of understanding and supports the development of nuanced conclusions, which are essential in social work practice and research.

Questions that focus on a single concept may limit the scope of inquiry and understanding, leading to an oversimplification of complex social issues. Additionally, research questions that do not consider a target population tend to lack relevance and context, which is crucial for social work research, as the goal is often to understand specific groups and their unique experiences. Lastly, relying solely on qualitative data can restrict the richness of the research; an effective question should ideally be open to various types of data, both qualitative and quantitative, to provide a well-rounded analysis.