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A handout detailing the 6 major steps for developing a strong research question
This handout from the George Mason University Writing Center outlines key features of well-formulated research questions (clear, focused, concise, complex, and arguable) and provides steps to go from general topic to a research question. As summarized in the handout, scholars from different academic disciplines vary in the kind of questions they ask; however, the handout notes that well-formulated research questions across disciplines have the similar features described in the handout.
In order to help students get started with the research process and with writing a good research questions, the handout identifies 6 major steps to follow when developing a research question. It is important to note that the research process is more reiterative than linear as steps overlap, and you can start at any step. In fact, you might have to repeat the process several times. The handout ends with a “Sample Research Questions” section that describes the process of revising unclear, unfocused, and simplistic questions.
Formulating a research question is a helpful first step in the research process for many students as the question will drive your essay or project and is the question you will seek to answer when beginning your research. Eventually, the central claim or thesis in your paper or project will be a response or answer to this research question.
Download a PDF of the handout guide and visit the George Mason University writing center website for other helpful resources (i.e.: annotated bibliographies, tips for writing a literature review).
The handout describes identifies 6 major steps to developing a research questions:
1) choose an interesting topic;
2) conduct preliminary research on the topic;
3) consider your audience;
4) start asking questions;
5) evaluate your question;
6) begin research.
As you are completing reading assignments for your courses and conducting preliminary research for your project, pay attention to the type of questions scholars tend to ask, what they use as evidence/data, and how they write up their analysis.
The handout describes identifies 6 major steps to developing a research questions:
1) choose an interesting topic;
2) conduct preliminary research on the topic;
3) consider your audience;
4) start asking questions;
5) evaluate your question;
6) begin research.
As you are completing reading assignments for your courses and conducting preliminary research for your project, pay attention to the type of questions scholars tend to ask, what they use as evidence/data, and how they write up their analysis.