For this blog post, I have been asked to share my perspective on what makes a good research question. Having a good research question is essential as it gives researchers a clear direction. A researcher should spend some time doing some background research before writing. This will help the researcher pick a question that is neither too broad nor narrow. Both Steely Library NKU (2014) and Monash University (n.d.) found that it is important that the question is not to narrow that a few points could quickly answer it. The question can also not be too broad, as it will be challenging to stay under the word count for the paper. The research question also needs to be unique. Since there is plenty of research already existing, writers must take a unique approach so that there are not answering questions that have already been answered (Steely Library NKU, 2014).
I am looking forward to start writing some research questions!
References
Steely Library NKU. (July, 28 2014). Developing a research question [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWLYCYeCFak
Monash University. (n.d.). Developing research questions. https://www.monash.edu/library/help/assignments-research/developing-research-questions
June 29, 2022 at 9:22 am
Thank you for sharing some new resources Tim! I just read the source from Monash University and found some useful information. As I begin to think of my own research question, I’m finding it difficult to narrow down my question as it seems to be too broad at this point.
Looking forward to reading your research question!
-Giulia
June 30, 2022 at 2:14 pm
There looks like there are some trends happening with advice around narrowing your research question, it’s the perfect example; however, more difficult to accomplish than one would think, for me anyway! I also find that as I am narrowing the scope of my question, the question itself keeps getting longer haha. Nicole
June 30, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Hi Tim,
I agree with your point about the importance of brainstorming to see available resources around your potential topic. This could be really helpful in trying to find a relevant question.
I also want to echo Giulia’s comment on new resources; I enjoy seeing what everyone used to know more about research questions.
Good luck with the process!
-Terry
July 4, 2022 at 2:29 pm
Hi Tim,
I would add that when a research question is too broad, it is very difficult to focus data collection, both in terms of what research has already been done on the topic, and what further there is to address.