The document discusses developing a good research question. It defines a research question as an actual question asked about a topic. It explains that having a research question helps focus one's research by providing an angle on the topic. The document provides guidance on how to create a good research question, such as picking a topic, narrowing it, asking questions, and focusing the question with who, what, where, when. It also outlines how to evaluate if a research question is good by ensuring it focuses on one issue, demands analysis, and uses precise words. Finally, it states that a good research question can be developed into a thesis statement.

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

2. RESEARCH QUESTION
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. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY RESEARCH
QUESTION IS GOOD?
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