research question / problem statement
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research question
The precise formulation of a question or problem that is to be examined or solved, especially in a scientific, academic, or journalistic context.
Die zentrale Fragestellung der Masterarbeit war klar und gut recherchierbar.
The central research question of the master's thesis was clear and easy to research.
The word is composed of 'Frage' (question) and 'Stellung' (from the verb 'stellen', to pose / to place). So it literally describes the 'posing of a question' as a precisely formulated task.
Die genaue Fragestellung für das Projekt müssen wir noch definieren.
We still need to define the exact research question for the project.
The term 'Fragestellung' (research question) is used mainly in formal, scientific, or academic contexts. It describes the central research question of a paper, article, or study.
In der Einleitung muss die Fragestellung des Aufsatzes klar formuliert werden.
In the introduction, the research question of the essay must be clearly formulated.
Common verbs used in connection with 'Fragestellung' (research question) are 'entwickeln' (to develop), 'formulieren' (to formulate), or 'bearbeiten' (to work on / to address). Typical adjectives are 'zentral' (central), 'präzise' (precise), or 'komplex' (complex).
Die Studierenden entwickelten eine interessante Fragestellung für ihre Forschung.
The students developed an interesting research question for their research.
question
'die Frage' and 'die Fragestellung' both have to do with something that needs to be clarified or answered. 'die Frage' is the normal everyday word: you ask a question when you want an answer or information. It can also be a topic or problem that people are discussing. 'die Fragestellung' sounds more precise and often more formal. It is used when a question or problem is deliberately formulated, for example in a study, a text, or a project. Learners may confuse the words because both are looking for an answer. As a practical rule: in conversation, 'Frage' usually fits; for a clearly formulated topic for a paper or analysis, 'Fragestellung' is more likely.
Für den Artikel muss die Fragestellung noch genauer formuliert werden.
The research question for the article still needs to be formulated more precisely.
Die Lehrerin beantwortet der Schülerin eine Frage zur Hausaufgabe.
The teacher answers the student's question about the homework.