This document outlines characteristics that make for a good research question. An effective research question should not have an immediately obvious answer, allow for multiple perspectives or solutions, and clearly identify an ambiguity or problem. It should also be researchable by having available information to help provide an answer, significant to readers, and narrow enough in focus to enable deep exploration while sustaining interest for the entire project.
This document outlines characteristics that make for a good research question. An effective research question should not have an immediately obvious answer, allow for multiple perspectives or solutions, and clearly identify an ambiguity or problem. It should also be researchable by having available information to help provide an answer, significant to readers, and narrow enough in focus to enable deep exploration while sustaining interest for the entire project.
This document outlines characteristics that make for a good research question. An effective research question should not have an immediately obvious answer, allow for multiple perspectives or solutions, and clearly identify an ambiguity or problem. It should also be researchable by having available information to help provide an answer, significant to readers, and narrow enough in focus to enable deep exploration while sustaining interest for the entire project.
Research Question 0 or 1 Answer is not immediately obvious Controversial – tension and uncertainty about the answer Could be more than one answer or solution Clear enough for other people to understand Identifies an important confusion or ambiguity in a problem Requests new information or old information that can be presented in a new way “Researchable” – information available that will help provide an answer Clear, straightforward & comprehensible Poses a problem that’s significant to your reader and interesting to your audience It forces you to weigh evidence and compare divergent opinions on your topic. Is the Question too Broad, too Narrow or O.K. Narrow focus area allows for suitable deep exploration Passes the “so what” test Requires more than just looking something up Will sustain your interest for the duration of the project TOTAL POINTS