Through my research I have discovered that the criteria for a ‘good’ research question is quite extensive. The variables are numerous, including defining the investigation, discovering your angle, refining, deciding, assessing, and articulating (O’Leary, 2004, P. 41). For the purpose of this post, I will be focusing on two main points of what makes a good research question: Refining and assessing.

• Refining

Your question should be well defined and unambiguous (O’Leary, 2004, p. 34). An ambiguous research question will leave you with too much to cover, narrowing the scope will allow you to concentrate your efforts on a single idea (O’Leary, 2004, P. 34). Having a refined question is not limiting as it will allow you to also delve into deeper theories to create better understanding.

• Assessing

Assessing is really searching for appropriateness (O’Leary, 2004, p. 38). The question is whether or not your research question is worthy of research (O’Leary, 2004, P. 38). Not only does the question have to be a good fit for you, but it must also be relevant to the field (O’Leary, 2004, p. 38). As O’Leary, (2004) asked four questions to help assess fit. “Why the knowledge is important? What is the societal significance? How the findings will lead to societal advances? What improvements to professional practice and policy may come from your research?” (p. 39).