Explain the importance of a research question/problem. 

Any research project begins with a question or a problem. The research question or problem is the foundation for any project. It determines its direction and scope, and ensures that resources, time and effort are all dedicated to answering critical questions. The research question must be sufficiently specific to allow for a timely response, while covering topics of interest to researchers and other stakeholders. It helps to inform the data collection techniques, sample sizes and ultimately allow for clearer interpretations by setting boundaries as to what can be deemed relevant.

Having a purpose identified in advance will also help researchers avoid being distracted by unimportant details they encounter during the project. This also helps to improve communication among researchers and participants, as everyone knows what is expected of them.

Overall having an identified research question/problem provides structure for any given study since it establishes clear objectives from the onset , guides decision making processes throughout its duration ,and allows easier identification of potential implications once conclusions have been reached .It’s therefore critical for all parties concerned that this initial step not only gets done properly but also thoroughly so as to ensure maximum returns at each stage throughout its lifespan.