Writing a strong academic research question is typically a strategic process that requires several layers of planing to be achieved. During the planning phase, it is important to determine who your audience is, what problems require solutions, and what gaps exist in the data of past studies. Once a clear research idea has been established, writing a thought provoking research question is the next logical step. But what makes a research question effective? To explore this, I have compiled a few key points to consider prior to writing your next great research question!

Effective research questions:

• Involve something I or others are passionate about
• Address real problems or ideas that require attention
• Define or measure specific facts, or obtain facts about specific topics
• Connect facts to theories
• Offer a comparison of two or more theories, models, or hypotheses
• Prove certain methods to be more effective over other methods
• Are conceived to be arguable at first glance
• Can be answered through a proposed analysis
• focus on a specific topic which is neither too broad, nor too narrow
• are achievable

Of course, researchers must cater their questioning in accordance with the specific area of study. Strategies that work best in the basic sciences, for example, may not be appropriate in the humanities. Whatever the case, most literature suggests to take your time when evaluating both the purpose and intent of your research, and to be specific to the task at hand. By contemplating the points above, you should be on your way to developing effective and meaningful research questions!

References

Duke University. What makes a good research question? Retrieved July 3, 2020, from https://sites.duke.edu/urgws/files/2014/02/Research-Questions_WS-handout.pdf

Harvard Extension School. Guide to the ALM thesis process for sustainability. Retrieved July 3, 2020, from https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/dce-sustainability/developing-research-questions