Research
Research Question
A research question is a focused, specific question that guides your research process and helps develop your thesis statement.
Characteristics of Good Research Questions
- Focused — narrow enough to answer thoroughly
- Complex — requires analysis, not just facts
- Debatable — has multiple possible answers
- Relevant — matters to your field or audience
Weak vs. Strong Questions
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| What is social media? | How does social media affect teen mental health? |
| Is climate change real? | What policies most effectively reduce carbon emissions? |
| When was the Civil War? | How did economic factors contribute to the Civil War? |
Developing Your Question
- Start broad: What topic interests you?
- Narrow down: What specific aspect?
- Add complexity: What, how, or why questions
- Test it: Is it researchable and arguable?
Types of Research Questions
- Descriptive: What is happening?
- Comparative: How do X and Y differ?
- Causal: What causes X? What are the effects?
- Evaluative: Is X effective? Which approach is better?
Your research question should lead to a thesis statement that takes a position.
Example Evolution
- Too broad: "What about education?"
- Narrower: "What about online education?"
- Focused: "How does online learning affect student engagement in introductory courses?"