Research question: guides your research paper, dissertation, or thesis.

Research question: guides your research paper, dissertation, or thesis.

1. Choose a broad topic

2. Do a preliminary reading related to the topic

3. Narrow down your topic

4. Identify the research problem

5. Write the research question

6. Types of research questions

   • Descriptive research
   • Comparative research
   • Correlational research

7. Elements of a good research question

   • Focused
     • single problem or issue
   • Researchable
     • primary and secondary sources
   • Feasible
     • Answer within the frametime
   • Specific
     • enough to answer thoroughly
   • Complex
     • enough to develop the answer
   • Relevant
     • to your field of study and/or society