FAQ: What is a research question and how do I develop one?

A research question is the question that is answered by your research. So when you are developing one, you want to ask yourself: What do you want to know about a topic? When doing research, you want to address your topic as a question for which there are no immediate answers.

For example:

Topic: video games and violence

Research Question: Does playing violent video games lead to juvenile violence?

Try these steps to formulate a research question:

1. Start by identifying your topic (e.g. texting and driving).
2. Focus your topic by asking your self: who? what? when? why? where? (e.g. texting and driving and accidents).
3. Formulate a question to ask about your topic (e.g. How many car accidents are caused by drivers who are texting?)
4. Narrow your question further if possible again by asking your self: who? what? when? why? where? (e.g. How many car accidents are caused in the U.S. per year by drivers who are texting?).

Check out this video on Developing a Research Question for more information.

For further help please contact the Wolak Learning Center at 603.645.9606 (UC Students) and Online Writing Center at 866.721.1662 (Online/COCE Students) for assistance with developing a research question.

You may also want to consider:

• Where can I find a sample research question?