questions

1. Research Questions

2. Research Questions
 Include KEY TERMS that you can use to help you
research your topic.
 Generally, research questions are questions you do not
know the answer to. The idea is you are using your
research to gain new knowledge.

3. Research Questions Cont’d
 Research Questions should be Well Grounded.
 Well Grounded means that they are searchable
questions, that include Key Terms, you can enter into a
search engine that will help guide your research.
 Well Grounded are not too narrow, too broad, nor too
challenging.

4. Characteristics of Good research
questions
 Are specific
 Are clear
 Refer to the problem or phenomenon
 Note the target group of participants
 Begin with words such as “how” or “what”

5.  Tell the reader what you are attempting to “discover,”
“generate,” “explore,” “identify,” or “describe”
 Avoid words such as: relate, influence, impact,
effect, cause

6. Example of a Good Research Question
Topic: Physical Education in the Schools
Research Question: What are the health benefits of
physical education in elementary, middle school, and
high school in public education?

7. Example 2
 Topic: pre-service teachers’ identities
 Research question: In what ways are the systems of
knowledge and beliefs of pre-service teachers
manifested in their teaching practices with young
learners?

8. Problem Questions
 Too Narrow:
 Does Sweden have a nationalized health care system?
 When did D-Day begin during WWII?
 These questions have a “Yes” or “No” answer, or can be answered by a
one word answer.
 Too Broad: What is the history of Christianity?
 This question cannot be covered in the scope of an essay.
 Too Challenging: Why is hip hop dancing so raunchy?
 This question is too opinionated and is based upon people’s feeling
rather than research.

9. Your task…
1. Develop a research question that answers your topic.
2. Use your research question to guide your research.