Your research question can be shaped by a variety of focuses, including information, history, assumptions, goals, outcomes, and policies. It can also reflect a range of thinking processes, such as definition, evaluation, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution, sequence, inquiry, and reporting. As you crafted your research question, you probably used broad enough language to reflect these various possibilities. Once you have selected a research question, though, it's time to refine your language and narrow the scope of your inquiry. Remember that you are joining a conversation already in progress, and that certain assumptions or beliefs already characterize this conversation. Acknowledge those beliefs or assumptions, and hone your language by replacing generalizations with precise phrasing.