Short Answer 
The first step in conducting research is to clearly define your question, such as determining the average income of dentists in the U.S. Understanding the research process is essential, as it involves collecting and analyzing data from reliable sources. Formulating specific, answerable questions helps focus the research and leads to more meaningful conclusions.
Step 1: Define the Research Question
Start by clearly defining the research question you want to investigate. In this instance, the research question is: What is the average income of a dentist in the United States? This question is specific and measurable, making it easier to gather relevant data. A well-defined research question provides direction and focus for your inquiry.
Step 2: Understand What Research Entails
Research involves a systematic process aimed at expanding knowledge about a specific topic or issue. It typically requires the following elements:
- A clear inquiry to gather more information.
- Utilizing reliable sources to find answers.
- Analyzing data collected to draw conclusions.
Understanding the essence of research helps in crafting effective questions that lead to insightful findings.
Step 3: Formulate Answerable Questions
It’s crucial to formulate questions that can be answered through data collection and analysis. Avoid open-ended questions as they can lead to ambiguity. Instead, focus on questions like:
- What is the average income of a dentist in the United States?
- How does the income of dentists vary across different states?
Concentrating on answerable questions enables you to conduct effective research and derive meaningful conclusions.