How to formulate research questions

1. FRAMING (RE)SEARCH
QUESTION
Lisa Carter
Santa Clara University Library
ImagecourtesyofFlickruserCharlesRode

2. TODAY WE WILL DISCUSS…
1. What is a research question?
2. Why do I need one?
3. How do I create a good one?
4. What do I do with a research question?

3. WHAT IS A RESEARCH QUESTION?
RESEARCH QUESTION: an actual question
you ask yourself about your topic.

4. WHY DO I NEED A (RE)SEARCH
QUESTION?
Having a research question helps you focus.
It gives you an angle on your topic.

5. HOW DO I CREATE
A GOOD RESEARCH QUESTION?
1. Pick a topic.
2. Narrow the topic.
3. Ask questions.
4. Pick a question.
5. Focus the question: Who? What? Where?
When?

6. A RESEARCH QUESTION IS GOOD
if it…
1. Focuses on only one issue
2. Demands analysis (Why? How?)
3. Uses precise words

7. WHAT DO I DO WITH
A RESEARCH QUESTION?
Develop your research question
into a thesis.

8. QUESTIONS?
Lisa Carter
University Library
lvcarter@scu.edu
X 6927