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How to Write a Research Question

Learn how to write a research question by narrowing a topic, testing scope, choosing variables, examples, mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.

DocumentsEdited by Pramod Tiwari
2 min read

Quick Answer

To write a research question, start with a broad topic, narrow it to a specific issue, choose a population, place, time, or relationship, make it answerable with evidence, and revise until it is focused enough for your assignment or study.

What You Need

  • Assignment brief
  • Topic idea
  • Preliminary sources
  • Target population or case
  • Research method or evidence type
  • Draft questions

Safety Precautions

  • Follow academic integrity rules.
  • Do not choose a question that requires private or harmful data collection without approval.
  • Check whether human-subject research needs ethics review.
  • Avoid questions that already assume the answer.
  • Use credible sources to refine scope.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Start broad

    Write your general topic in one phrase.

  2. Step 2

    Narrow the topic

    Add a group, place, time period, variable, or comparison.

  3. Step 3

    Ask an open question

    Use how, why, what effect, or to what extent when appropriate.

  4. Step 4

    Check evidence

    Make sure you can realistically find data or sources.

  5. Step 5

    Check scope

    Ask whether the question fits the word count, time, and method.

  6. Step 6

    Remove bias

    Avoid wording that assumes one answer is correct.

  7. Step 7

    Revise after reading

    Refine the question as your sources reveal what is feasible.

Practical Example

Example: Instead of asking “Is social media bad?” ask “How does nightly social media use affect self-reported sleep quality among college students?”

Common Mistakes

  • Too broad
  • Yes-or-no wording
  • Biased phrasing
  • No available evidence
  • Too many variables
  • Ignoring assignment scope

Troubleshooting

Question is too broad

Add population, place, time, or one clear comparison.

No sources exist

Adjust the topic or evidence type before committing.

Question has obvious answer

Make it more analytical and evidence-based.

It keeps changing

Freeze a working version once enough sources support it.

FAQs

What makes a good research question?

It is focused, answerable, significant, and realistic for your assignment or method.

Can a research question be yes or no?

Sometimes, but analytical questions usually produce richer research.

Should I write the question before researching?

Start with a draft, then refine it after preliminary reading.

How narrow should it be?

Narrow enough that you can answer it with the time, sources, and word count you have.

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