SGIS S150 Seminar

Strategies for Narrowing a Topic to a Focused Research Question. Usually researchers start out with a broad topic before narrowing it down and turning it into a question. These strategies can help with that process.

Do some background research. This research is to help you create a good research question. You can use databases, such as the ones listed above, or do some simple Google searches to learn the terminology and understand the big picture.

Concept Maps. Create a visual map your topic that shows different aspects of the topic. Video on Concept Mapping for a Research Paper.

Think about questions related to your topic. For example, when researching the local food culture, you might consider:

• Why do people buy local?
• What specific food items are people more likely to buy local and why?
• What are the economic aspects of buying local? Is it cheaper?
• Do people in all socio-economic strata have access to local food?

The Five W's: Who, What, When, Where, and Why
These kinds of questions can help you brainstorm ways to narrow your question and develop a more specific focus for your research. Also consider the “so what?” of your topic. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to others?

Keep in mind that your question may change as you gather more information and as you write. However, having some sense of your direction can help you evaluate sources and identify relevant information throughout your research process. 

Evaluate your research question. Use the following to determine if any of the questions you generated would be appropriate and workable for your assignment. 

• Is your question clear? Do you have a specific aspect of your general topic that you are going to explore further? 
• Is your question focused? Will you be able to cover the topic adequately in the space available?
• Is your question sufficiently complex? (cannot be answered with a simple yes/no response, requires research and analysis)

Build your argument. Once you have developed your research question, consider how you will attempt to answer or address it. 

• If you are making an argument, what will you say?
• Why does your argument matter?
• What kinds of sources will you need in order to support your argument?
• How might others challenge your argument?

For examples of how to frame a research question consult the Improving your research question handout.

Some content adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center. (2008). How to write a research question. Retrieved from http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/wc-quick-guides