Formulating a Research Question

All research begins with a question derived from a general topic that piques your interest. When coming up with questions related to your topic, avoid those that only call for one-word answers. Try using interrogative words such as why and how. The following examples illustrate how to narrow broad topics to create focused research questions.

Broad Topic Narrow Topic Focused Topic Research Question
 
Human health Smoking and cancer Smokers who are diagnosed with cancer

Why is it difficult for some smokers who are diagnosed with lung cancer to stop smoking?

 
Computer games Computer game identities Computer game identities and reality

How does a player’s virtual identity in role-playing games impact her/his expression and understanding of self in the “real,” non-virtual world?

 
Eating disorders Teenagers and eating disorders Teen cognition and eating disorders

What is the cognitive impact, if any, of bulimia among teens in school?

 
Energy sources Fracking for natural gas Impacts of fracking on health and the environment How has scientific discovery of the impacts of fracking inform the adoption, practices, regulation, and resistance to fracking?
 
Classroom behavior Student participation in the college classroom The physiology of participating in class What happens in the body before, during, and after one feels they have performed the “right” or “wrong” answer in front of their peers and teacher in class?

 

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