What's the research question?

I was recently asked for help with research on knowledge management. The researcher left a brief message stating:

"I'm doing research on knowledge management and developing a questionnaire. Can you help to provide me with research and questionnaires on knowledge management?"

My reply went along the lines of "what is your research question?" which is something of a mantra for me when students and faculty ask for help. You can't do research effectively without having a clearly stated research question. And you certainly can't develop a questionnaire without having a specific problem to investigate. You'll find a bit more help on developing research questions here on our library website, under the research help menu for undergraduates. I'll be very happy to help with your research needs, but remember, my first statement to you is likely to be "what's the research question?"