Formulating Research Questions
A research question defines what your paper or project will investigate. A strong research question is specific, arguable, and answerable within your scope. A weak research question leads to unfocused writing and a paper that tries to do too much.
Characteristics of a Good Research Question
| Quality | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Focused | Limited in scope; not trying to answer everything | Specific population, time period, context |
| Arguable | Has more than one possible answer | Not a simple factual question |
| Researchable | Can be answered with evidence | Based on accessible data or literature |
| Relevant | Contributes to the field | Connected to existing scholarly debate |
| Clear | Unambiguous language | Reader knows exactly what is being asked |
Too Broad, Too Narrow, Just Right
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Too broad | What is the impact of technology on society? |
| Too narrow | How many students in one classroom used smartphones in 2019? |
| Well-scoped | How does social media use affect academic performance in university students aged 18–22? |
A question that is too broad cannot be answered in one paper. A question that is too narrow has insufficient material for a full paper.
Types of Research Questions
| Type | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive | What is / how does X work? | How do bilingual children acquire vocabulary? |
| Comparative | How does X differ from Y? | How do UK and US immigration policies differ in their treatment of asylum seekers? |
| Causal | What causes X? | What factors contribute to employee burnout in remote work environments? |
| Evaluative | How effective is X? | How effective are mindfulness programmes in reducing stress in secondary school students? |
Start with a broad topic, then narrow it with three filters: Who is affected? Where or when does it occur? What specific aspect are you investigating?
From Topic to Research Question
Follow these steps:
- Choose a topic: Climate change
- Narrow it: Climate change and agriculture
- Add context: Effects on smallholder farming in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Form a question: How has changing rainfall patterns affected the food security of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2000?
Common Mistakes
- Asking a yes/no question: Does exercise reduce stress? → better: To what extent does aerobic exercise reduce cortisol levels in adults with anxiety disorders?
- Asking multiple questions in one: Why do people migrate, and what are the effects? → separate into two questions
- Using vague terms without defining them: What makes people happy? → define “people” and “happy”
A research question that can be answered with a single Google search is not a research question — it is a factual inquiry. Your question should require investigation, analysis, and argument.