How to Develop a Research Question

Introduction

A research question is a brief question that helps direct your efforts to collect, critically read, and evaluate your sources. Going from choosing a particular issue to writing a research question involves five steps:

1. considering your readers' needs and interests,
2. reflecting on your role as a writer,
3. generating potential research questions,
4. selecting a preliminary research question, and
5. refining that question.

In this guide, you'll learn how to go through these steps to develop a research question. To begin, follow the links below:

• Definition: What Is a Research Question?
• Demonstration: Developing a Research Question