The perception of a 'gap' provides the problem that is to be addressed in the dissertation, viz a mismatch between student perceptions of a university counselling service and what the university itself thought it was providing for the students. Indeed, the gradual identification of the problem almost obviated the need for a clear research question. The student used semi-structured interview to elicit perceptions from six fellow-students that would address her aim. The research question is implied: 'What are the perceptions of students in University A of the counselling service in that university?'.