An Introduction to Research Processes

Back to Defining a Research Question

When you have tentatively stated your question, you can hone it by asking several questions about it:

• Is the scope of your question appropriate — not too immense and not too narrow?
• Is your question answerable in the time you have? Within the word or page limits you have?
• Can you find sufficient timely information on your question in the library, on the Internet, or through field research?
• Have you worded your question simply, so that you are seeking just one answer, not several?
• Have you worded your question concretely and specifically, so that you understand exactly what you are looking for?
• Is your question of real interest? Does it concern a real issue, about which there is some debate?
• Does your question interest you personally? Do you honestly crave to find the answers to it?