Reference no: EM133283758
Question 1: Choose an interesting general topic. Most professional researchers focus on topics they are genuinely interested in studying. Writers should choose a broad topic about which they genuinely would like to know more. An example of a general topic might be "Food production"
Question 2: Do some preliminary research on your general topic. Do a few quick searches on your topic to see what's already been done and to help you narrow your focus. What issues are scholars and researchers discussing, when it comes to your topic? What questions occur to you as you read these articles?
Question 3: Start asking questions. Taking into consideration all of the above, start asking yourself open-ended "how" and "why" questions about your general topic. For example, "Why have food processes changed in the past few decades?" "How does climate change affect agriculture?"
Question 4: Evaluate your question. After you've put a question or even a couple of questions down on paper, evaluate these questions to determine whether they would be effective research questions or whether they need more revising and refining.
Question 5: Is your research question clear? With so much research available on any given topic, research questions must be as clear as possible to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her research.
Question 6: Is your research question focused? Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available.
Question 7: Is your research question complex? Research questions should not be answerable with a simple "yes" or "no" or by easily-found facts. They should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of the writer. They often begin with "How" or "Why."
Question 8: Begin your research. After you've come up with a question, think about the possible paths your research could take. What sources should you consult as you seek answers to your question? What research process will ensure that you find a variety of perspectives and responses to your question?