This document discusses how to develop a research question from a topic. It provides examples of good and bad research questions and notes that good questions start with "what" or "how" and investigate the value, impact, or causes and effects of something. The document also shows how to take a broad topic and narrow it into a more focused research question. It encourages students to start with a topic, then develop a question that can be answered through research.
1. From Topic to Research Question
Learning outcome: define a research focus
LIBR 250, Section1
Winter 2013 / Terrones
2. Is this a good research question?
My paper is on the use of therapy dogs to
treat trauma victims.
What according to published research are the
nutritional benefits of eating organic foods?
What are the effects of video games on
society?
College students and social media
How does divorce affect children?
3. Research Questions do:
• Start with a “W” (what, who ..) or “How”
• Investigate the value of something (e.g.
good, appropriate, relevant, just).
• Look at the cause and effect of something
(e.g. impacts, influences, results, prior events).
• Examine a topic by geography or group (e.g.
city, countries, college students, women).
4. From Topic to Question
Topic Research Question
Social media What are the pros and cons of
social media use by college
students?
Texting How does texting impact
driver safety?
Mexican drug war What role do journalists play
in reporting on the Mexican
drug war?
9. Need a Topic?
• Idea generator
http://www.lib.odu.edu/researchassistance/id
eagenerator/
• CQ Researcher
http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/
10. LIBR 250 class website
http://calstatela.libguides.com/terrones_libr250
Due Jan. 17
• Email Terrones your research question (CSULA
email account)
• Read Moving from Assignment to Topic
• Complete Learning Survey
