There are several key aspects that go into a good research question. Based on several resources I have viewed, here are two characteristics that stood out to me as important:
1- Be specific, focused, and clear
Laurier library’s video recommends having a concise question that is not vaguely worded or broad in scope (Laurier Library, 2017). If your question is specific and clear, it can effectively address the issue, making it easier to find pertinent information regarding your topic.
2- Be relevant
According to McCombe’s blog post, a good research question should be relevant to your field of study. A relevant question should address a challenge or issue within your topic while also attempting to add new or additional information for others to consider (McCombes, 2022).
References
Bunce, D.M. (2008). Constructing good and researchable questions [Infographic]. Flynn Research Group. http://www.flynnresearchgroup.com/group-news-blog/2020/2/22/developing-researchable-questions
Laurier Library. (2017, December 12). Developing a research question [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oJNO6PYZe4
McCombes, S. (2022, May 7). Developing Strong Research Questions | Criteria and Examples. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/
Hi Terry, I really like the diagram you chose. I do enjoy how structured this course and the academic writing in general is, it seems much more manageable when there are some boundaries involved. The relevant part is interesting as well as sometimes in academic writing you write for the mark, relevance allows for better engagement and opportunity to expand your topic later if it still applies. I think we often overlook the relevant piece in many fields. Thanks for sharing. Nicole
Great post, Terry. I also appreciated the framework that you provided.