Writing 10 (Van Bebber): Research Questions

About Research Questions

Forming a Research Question

By asking a research question, you are keeping an open mind about what the research may reveal.
As you develop a research question, consider these criteria.
If you have an existing research question, see if your question is TRUE for these five criteria. If so, then your research question is probably workable.

Criteria:

Your research question ...

is not easily answered with a simple yes or no.	It has some substance and requires explanation.
has an underlying problem with social significance (local, national or international).	It is important to someone other than just you!
poses a genuine question and aims for neutrality.	It avoids using loaded language or suggesting a pre-determined answer.
can be answered with reliable evidence.	It is re-searchable. Others have already been contributing to this conversation.
has appropriate scope.	It is not too narrow, nor too broad; it does not leave you with too much or too little information.

Together: You will have to do some preliminary research to really discover if all of these statements are TRUE for your proposed research question.

Is this a good starting point for a research question? Explain why or why not. Refer to the criteria above.

#1 Why does the government want to put regulations on social media around the world?

Is this a good starting point for a research question? Explain why or why not. Refer to the criteria above.

#2 Should undergraduate students sleep more than their recommended hours of sleep?

Is this a good starting point for a research question? Explain why or why not. Refer to the criteria above.

#3 How does business dress impact how one is viewed in the workplace?