The Art of Asking Great Questions

Every research journey starts with a question. But not all questions are created equal! Crafting a strong, focused research question sets the stage for meaningful investigation.

Characteristics of Good Research Questions

• Clear: Easy to understand, no confusing language.
• Focused: Narrow enough to be answerable.
• Researchable: Can be addressed with evidence, not just opinions.
• Significant: Important to the field or society.

Steps to Create a Research Question

1. Identify a Broad Topic: Choose something you’re curious about.
2. Do Preliminary Research: See what’s already known.
3. Narrow Your Focus: Find a specific angle or gap in the knowledge.
4. Draft Your Question: Make it clear and concise.

Common Pitfalls

• Questions that are too broad ("How does technology affect society?")
• Questions with simple yes/no answers
• Questions that can’t be answered with research

Practice Makes Perfect

Try turning a general interest into a focused question. Instead of "video games," ask "How do cooperative video games impact teamwork skills in teenagers?"