Simplified Guide to Formulate a Strong Research Question + Examples

By Tabby May 23, 2020

In a research paper, research question is like a gut in a human body, very important, yet often taken for granted. A strong research question can be the difference between a good research paper and a terrible one. A good research question guides the entire paper, dictating what to include in which stage. Before we go on, let us answer this question:

What is a research question?

In simple terms, a research question is a question in which the entire research paper is based on. A reader has the ability to understand what your paper is all about by just reading the research question. A research question takes your idea and makes it achievable.

How to write a research question?

Given the importance of a research question, it is important to know how to write a research question well. A good research question is:

Clear

A good research question should not be vague. It should clearly communicate your aim for the paper.

Complex

You should not use ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions for your research question. A good question should require time to think, study, and even investigate before responding.

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Arguable

Answers to the research question should be debatable. They should not be accepted just like that.

Relevant

There’s no need to have a research question that is irrelevant to your study. That is like having a beautiful phone with no charge.

Concise

Complex doesn’t mean using too many words. Your research question should be short and to the point.

Focused

A good research question is focused on a single topic. A research question that is unfocussed will throw your whole paper off balance. The more focused your question is, the more effective it is in helping you write a good paper.

Researchable

A good research question shouldn’t force you to go to the moon to find information about it. You should be able to find necessary information for your paper by using both primary and secondary sources. A research question that is not researchable is nothing but trouble to you.

How to formulate a research question?

As we saw earlier, a research question is very important in a research paper. Forming a research question can be hard, especially if you are doing it for the first time. However, there is a way you can make this easier for yourself.

To develop a research question, take your thesis statement and turn it into one question that encompasses every aspect of your thesis statement. A good research question shouldn’t be left hanging in the fence. It should contain the central aim of your paper. Every other information on your research paper should flow from it.

Let your question aim at answering the question ‘how’ ‘what’ or ‘which.’ Avoid a ‘why’ question, since it is very simple to answer as compared to other wh-questions. However, you can spice it up beyond a ‘wh-question.’ For example, you can decide to show what the paper seeks to answer. You can also decide to show relationship between two variables.

For example, ‘what is the association between covid-19 pandemic and deterioration of education in 2020?’ This research question seeks to establish a relationship between two variables.

The goal of any research paper is to shed light to an area that has not yet been touched or exhausted. It is therefore important to ensure that your research question does not look like any other. Seek an untouched area, or look at an issue from an angle that no one has so far. Let your question stand out.

How to develop a research question

Now that we know what a research question is from what it’s not, let’s get to serious business. How do you develop your research question?

First things first, ensure you pick the right topic.

It is easier to develop a research question out of a topic that makes sense to you. Choose something that interests you.

Research

Even before you get to serious researching, it is important to do some digging before you settle on your topic. Find out what other researchers have written relating to it. A good research question should be researchable. If you have a problem finding any good information using both primary and secondary sources? Then that is not a good research question.

Narrow your research question down to what interests your readers

Your research question should be based not just on what interests you, but what interests your readers as well. Who do you expect to read your research paper? What are they looking for? Answering this will give you an easy time developing the research question.

Write and analyze your research question

Take some time doing this. Don’t mind asking yourself several questions before you can settle on the one you’ll use. Edit your question, re-frame, and assess its effectiveness until you are completely satisfied with it.

Research question examples

Below are examples of research questions to guide you when formulating your own research questions.

Unclear: how does social media promote unethical behavior?

Clear: how has Telegram over-exposed school going children to sexual content?

Your question should not be too vague. Below is an example of a simple research question and one that is complex and aguable

Simple: has Corona virus affected students?

Complex and arguable: how have students suffered from the lockdown and closure of schools as a result of Corona virus?

Ask a question that does not require a yes/no answer. A good research question should give room for investigation.

Unfocussed: what are the effects of social media?

Focused: how has social media affected the productivity of the millennial?

A good research question should focus on a single topic. A question that is too narrow does not make a very good research paper.

Final thoughts

A research question is core in any research paper. Giving the attention it deserves gives you an easy time working on your paper. A good research question guides your paper, making sure that you not deviate from the aim of the paper. Don’t mind investing your time in a good research question. It will definitely reward you handsomely. If you are still having a hard time coming up with a good research question, contact our research paper writing service. We have a team of researchers that are committed to helping students with any research issues.