Which statement is true regarding the criteria for a sound research question?

A sound research question is essential for guiding a study and determining its direction and focus. One of the key criteria for a strong research question is that it identifies a relationship between two or more variables. Understanding how these variables interact or influence one another helps researchers formulate hypotheses and design their studies effectively.

Identifying a relationship is critical because it establishes the foundation for empirical investigation. A question that highlights this relationship encourages systematic exploration through methodologies that can accurately measure and analyze the associations or effects present.

While considerations such as budget, generalizability of results, and the ability for empirical testing are important in the overall research planning process, they do not constitute the primary criteria for defining a sound research question. The focus is primarily on the nature of the inquiry itself - understanding how different factors correlate or impact one another. Therefore, the emphasis on identifying variable relationships is fundamental to developing meaningful and impactful research questions.