Research questions are an important part of writing a college-level paper. Research questions help you focus on the most appropriate sources of information. Research questions help you develop your paper’s hypothesis and main points.
Do’s• Have no obvious answer - A good research question has no obvious answer and requires research to find possible answers.
• Have several potential answers - A good research has several possible answers that can be proposed.
• Require data analysis - A good research question requires that you analyze data from multiple sources to find possible answers.
• Advance knowledge -A good research question has the potential to advance our knowledge about the topic.
Examples:Q: In what ways does generative artificial intelligence support employee production in the healthcare industry?
Q: How have advances in automotive technology led to safer driving practices?
Don’ts• Have an obvious answer - A research question with an obvious or definitive answer means no real analysis is necessary.
• Be too broad - A research question that’s too broad, or contains multiple questions, means the analysis will likely be superficial.
• Be too narrow - A research question that’s too specific means it may be difficult to find any potential answers.
• Be too vague - A research question that isn’t specific enough means the goal is unclear and there may be too many possible answers
Examples:
Q: Do non-disabled actors portray disabled characters on film?
Don't: This is a yes or no question.
Q: How can we solve the problem of pollution?
Don't: This question is too broad, and the research is unclear. The word problem is too open-ended for you to cover within the assignment's parameters.
Q: How were ozone-depleting substances (ODS) identified?
Don't: This question is too open-ended and has too many possible answers.
Q: What are the main features of eco-anxiety, and what can be done to prevent and treat this condition? Should all high school students be educated about the effects of climate change on human health?
Don't: There are multiple questions within this question, and the research direction is divided between eco-anxiety in general and climate change on human health specifically.
