ENG W131 | ACP Indiana University

Once you select a topic, refine your research question by asking the "5 W's"

Why – why is the topic important? (to the class, to the field, or to you - let your answer help shape the following questions)

Who – population or group (e.g., teens, college students, refugees)

What – discipline or focus (e.g., psychology or classroom strategies)

Where – geographic location (e.g., United States; universities; rural areas)

When – time or era (Civil Rights Era; last 5 years; pre-COVID)

Broad topic: Immigrants in public schools

Narrowed topic: Classroom strategies that affect education outcomes for immigrant students in rural US K-12 schools.

Adapted from: University of Michigan. (2023 Finding and Exploring your topic. Retrieved from https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=283095&p=1886086

If you receive too few results, broaden your research question by revisiting the "5 W's"

Why – why is the topic important? (moving beyond your personal interest, how could your topic affect the region/state/country/world)

Who – population or group (instead of "teens" try "adolescents," instead of "refugees" try "immigrants")

What – discipline or focus (in addition to "psychology" add other disciplines such as "social work" or "school counseling")

Where – geographic location (expand your geographic region to include additional communities)

When – time or era (lengthen the amount of time)

Adapted from: University of Michigan. (2023 Finding and Exploring your topic. Retrieved from https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=283095&p=1886086

A good research question is clear, focused, and has an appropriate level of complexity. Developing a strong question is a process, so you will likely refine your question as you continue to research and to develop your ideas.  

Clarity

Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful?

Clear: How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on such social networking sites as Facebook and TikTok?

Focused

Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming?

Focused: How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica?

Simple vs Complex

Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.?

Appropriately Complex:  What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?

Adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center. (2018). How to write a research question. Retrieved from https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/research-based-writing/how-to-write-a-research-question