research question checker

Research Question Generator for Free

If you’re looking for the best research question generator, you’re in the right place. Get a list of ideas for your essay, research paper, or any other project with this online tool.

• 🎓 How to Use the Tool
• 🤔 What Is a Research Question?
• 😺 Research Question Examples
• 👣 Steps to Making a Research Question

📝 Research Question Maker: the Benefits

🔗 references, 🎓 research question generator: how to use it.

Research can’t be done without a clear purpose, an intention behind it.

This intention is usually reflected in a research question, which indicates how you approach your study topic.

If you’re unsure how to write a good research question or are new to this process, you’ll surely benefit from our free online tool. All you need is:

• Indicate your search term or title
• Stipulate the subject or academic area
• Press “Generate questions”
• Choose a suitable research question from the generated list.

As you can see, this is the best research question generator requiring minimal input for smart question formulation. Try it out to see how simple the process is.

🤔 Why Make an Inquiry Question?

A research question is a question that you formulate for your scientific inquiry . It is a question that sets the scope for your study and determines how you will approach the identified problem, gap, or issue.

Questions can be descriptive , meaning they aim to describe or measure a subject of the researcher's interest.

Otherwise, they can be exploratory , focusing on the under-researched areas and aiming to expand the existing research evidence on the topic.

If there's enough knowledge about the subject, and you want to dig deeper into the existing trends and relationships, you can also use an explanatory research question.

What Makes a Strong Research Question?

The strength of your formulated research question determines the quality of your research, whether it’s a short argumentative essay or an extensive research paper . So, you should review the quality of your question before conducting the full-scale study.

Its parameters of quality are as follows:

• Clarity . The question should be specific about the focus of your inquiry.
• Complexity . It should not be self-obvious or primitively answered with a “yes” or “no” variant.
• Focus . The question should match the size and type of your academic assignment.
• Conciseness . It should be brief and understandable.
• Debatability . There should be more than one potential answer to the question.

😺 Research Question Examples: Good & Not So Good

Here are some examples to illustrate what we mean by quality criteria and how you can ensure that your question meets them.

Lack of Clarity

The bad example is too general and does not clearly estimate what effect you want to analyze or what aspect of video gaming you're interested in. A much better variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are clear enough:

• Sex trafficking: why do we have to address it?
• Palliative care: what constitutes the best technique for technicians communication with patients and families?
• How do vacuum cleaners work?
• What does it mean to age well?

Lack of Focus

The bad example is not focused, as it doesn’t specify what benefits you want to identify and in what context the uniform is approached. A more effective variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are focused enough:

• How are biochemical conditions and brain activity linked to crime?
• World wars and national conflicts: what were the reasons?
• Why does crime exist in society?
• Decolonization in Canada: what does decolonization mean?

The bad example is too simplistic and doesn’t focus on the aspects of help that dogs can give to their owners. A more effective variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are complex enough:

• How is resource scarcity impacting the chocolate industry?
• What should the Brazilian government do about reducing Amazon’s deforestation?
• Why is a collaborative approach vital during a pandemic?
• What impact has COVID-19 had on the economy?
• How to teach handwriting effectively?

Lack of Debatability

The problem of diabetes is well-known and doesn’t cause any doubts. So, you should add debatability to the discussed issue.

Look at some other research question examples that are debatable enough:

• Online vs. print journalism: what is more beneficial?
• Why will artificial intelligence not replace human in near future?
• What are the differences between art and design?
• Crime TV: how is criminality represented on television?

The question in the left column is too long and ambiguous, making the readers lose focus. You can shorten it without losing the essence.

Look at some other research question examples that are concise enough:

• What is the best way to address obesity in the US?
• Doctoral degree in nursing: why is it important?
• What are the benefits of X-rays in medicine?
• To what extent do emotions influence moral judgment?
• Why did the Industrial Revolution happen in England?

👣 Steps to Generate Research Questions

Now, it’s time to get down from science to practice. Here is a tried-and-tested algorithm for killer research question generation.

• Pick a topic . Once you get a writing assignment, it’s time to find an appropriate topic first . You can’t formulate a thesis statement or research question if you know nothing about your subject, so it's time to narrow your scope and find out as much as possible about the upcoming task.
• Research the topic . After you’re brainstormed several topic options, you should do some research. This stage takes the guesswork out of the academic process, allowing you to discover what scholars and other respected people think about your subject.
• Clarify who your audience is . Think about who will read your piece. Will it be the professor, your classmates, or the general audience consisting of laypersons? Ensure the research question sounds competent enough for a professor and understandable enough for laypeople.
• Approach the subject critically . With a well-articulated topic at hand, you should start asking the "why's" and "how's" about it. Look at the subject as a kid; don't limit your curiosity. You're sure to arrive at some interesting topics to reveal the hidden sides of the chosen issue.
• Evaluate the questions . Now that you have a couple of questions about your topic, evaluate them in terms of research value. Are all of them clear and focused? Will answering all of them take time and research, or is the answer already on the surface? By assessing each option you’ve formulated, you’re sure to choose one leader and use it as your main research question for the scientific study.

Thank you for reading this article! If you need to quickly formulate a thesis statement, consider using our free thesis maker .

❓ Research Questions Generator FAQ

Updated: Jul 19th, 2024

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With the IvyPanda question generator, you can get a unique research question for your assignment, be it an essay, research, proposal, or speech. Our tool will make a perfect question just in a couple of clicks. Try our generator to write the best paper possible.

Research Question Generator: Best Tool for Students

Stuck formulating a research question? Try the tool we’ve made! With our research question generator, you’ll get a list of ideas for an academic assignment of any level. All you need to do is add the keywords you’re interested in, push the button, and enjoy the result!

Now, here comes your inspiration 😃

Please try again with some different keywords.

Why Use Research Question Generator?

The choice of research topic is a vital step in the process of any academic task completion. Whether you’re working on a small essay or a large dissertation, your topic will make it fail or fly. The best way to cope with the naming task and proceed to the writing part is to use our free online tool for title generation. Its benefits are indisputable.

• The tool generates research questions, not just topics
• It makes questions focused on your field of interest
• It’s free and quick in use

Research Question Generator: How to Use

Using our research question generator tool, you won’t need to crack your brains over this part of the writing assignment anymore. All you need to do is:

• Insert your study topic of interest in the relevant tab
• Choose a subject and click “Generate topics”
• Grab one of the offered options on the list

The results will be preliminary; you should use them as an initial reference point and refine them further for a workable, correctly formulated research question.

Research Questions: Types & Examples

Depending on your type of study (quantitative vs. qualitative), you might need to formulate different research question types. For instance, a typical quantitative research project would need a quantitative research question, which can be created with the following formula:

Variable(s) + object that possesses that variable + socio-demographic characteristics

You can choose among three quantitative research question types: descriptive, comparative, and relationship-based. Let's consider each type in more detail to clarify the practical side of question formulation.

Descriptive

As its name suggests, a descriptive research question inquires about the number, frequency, or intensity of something and aims to describe a quantitative issue. Some examples include:

• How often do people download personal finance apps in 2022?
• How regularly do Americans go on holidays abroad?
• How many subscriptions for paid learning resources do UK students make a year?

Comparative

Comparative research questions presuppose comparing and contrasting things within a research study. You should pick two or more objects, select a criterion for comparison, and discuss it in detail. Here are good examples:

• What is the difference in calorie intake between Japanese and American preschoolers?
• Does male and female social media use duration per day differ in the USA?
• What are the attitudes of Baby Boomers versus Millennials to freelance work?

Relationship-based

Relationship-based research is a bit more complex, so you'll need extra work to formulate a good research question. Here, you should single out:

• The independent variable
• The dependent variable
• The socio-demographics of your population of interest

Let’s illustrate how it works:

• How does the socio-economic status affect schoolchildren’s dropout rates in the UK?
• What is the relationship between screen time and obesity among American preschoolers?

Research Question Maker FAQ

In a nutshell, a research question is the one you set to answer by performing a specific academic study. Thus, for instance, if your research question is, “How did global warming affect bird migration in California?," you will study bird migration patterns concerning global warming dynamics.

You should think about the population affected by your topic, the specific aspect of your concern, and the timing/historical period you want to study. It’s also necessary to specify the location – a specific country, company, industry sector, the whole world, etc.

A great, effective research question should answer the "who, what, when, where" questions. In other words, you should define the subject of interest, the issue of your concern related to that subject, the timeframe, and the location of your study.

If you don’t know how to write a compelling research question, use our automated tool to complete the task in seconds. You only need to insert your subject of interest, and smart algorithms will do the rest, presenting a set of workable, interesting question suggestions.

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• 10 Research Question Examples to Guide Your Research Project

10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project

Published on October 30, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on October 19, 2023.

The research question is one of the most important parts of your research paper , thesis or dissertation . It’s important to spend some time assessing and refining your question before you get started.

The exact form of your question will depend on a few things, such as the length of your project, the type of research you’re conducting, the topic , and the research problem . However, all research questions should be focused, specific, and relevant to a timely social or scholarly issue.

Once you’ve read our guide on how to write a research question , you can use these examples to craft your own.

Note that the design of your research question can depend on what method you are pursuing. Here are a few options for qualitative, quantitative, and statistical research questions.

Other interesting articles

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, October 19). 10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project. Scribbr. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-question-examples/

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PICOT Research Question Generator

Welcome to the PICOT Research Question Generator! My name is Eric Heidel, PhD, PStat, and I am an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM) as well as an Accredited Professional Statistician. I have taught the PICOT ( Population , Intervention , Comparator , Outcome , and Time ) framework for creating research questions to thousands of medical professionals over the past 14 years (see About page; opens in new window). I created the PICOT Research Question Generator to help researchers create valid research questions using the PICOT framework.

You will be prompted below to choose one of four potential statistical objectives for your PICOT question. Then, you will enter text related to your PICOT question into text boxes that reflect each of the five PICOT components. Finally, you will click on a button and the PICOT Research Question Generator will present the following:

• Your PICOT question
• Your null and alternative hypotheses
• Your independent variable
• Your dependent variable
• The statistical test used to answer your PICOT question

It should take you less than five minutes to complete the web form below. If you want to create a PICOT research question related to between-subjects, within-subjects, correlational, multivariate, interventions, prevention, prognosis, diagnosis, or etiology, please use the PICOT question examples page (opens in new window). You can also use the full version of the PICOT Research Question Generator, which will take you between 15-20 minutes to complete (opens in new window). Or, check out the page that shows how PICOT can be "mapped" onto 21 popular statistical tests by visiting the PICOT question and statistics page (opens in new window).

Please Like or Share this website on Facebook! Thank you for using the PICOT Research Question Generator!

What is the statistical objective of your PICOT question?

What is the statistical objective of your PICOT research question? Choose an option below and then select the answers that best fit your statistical objective.

The PICOT Question

Population and picot.

In the text box below, enter text describing the population for your study in general terms and click on the Submit button.

Intervention and PICOT

In the text box below, enter text describing the intervention that is being administered and click on the Submit button.

Comparator and PICOT

In the text box below, enter text describing the comparator that is being administered and click on the Submit button.

Outcome and PICOT

In the text box below, enter text describing the outcome that will be measured for in your study and click on the Submit button.

Time and PICOT

In the text box below, enter text describing the time frame for your study and click on the Submit button.

Your PICOT Question

Click on the button below to generate your PICOT question, research hypotheses, independent and dependent variables, and statistical tests.

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How to Use a Research Question Checker for Effective Study

The article explores the utility of research question checkers in academic studies, emphasizing their role in enhancing research quality and efficiency. By guiding readers through the selection, use, and integration of these tools, the article aims to provide valuable insights into making research more effective and streamlined.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the definition and benefits of a research question checker in academic contexts.
• Learn how to select the most suitable research question checker based on specific criteria.
• Gain insights into effectively using a research question checker through a detailed step-by-step guide.
• Explore how research question checkers can enhance the clarity, relevance, and design of research questions.
• Discover troubleshooting tips for common issues and advanced techniques to maximize the utility of research question checkers.

Understanding the Role of a Research Question Checker

Defining a research question checker.

A research question checker is a specialized tool designed to evaluate the clarity, focus, and relevance of your research questions. By ensuring that your questions are well-formulated, you can lay a strong foundation for your academic research and literature reviews.

Benefits for Academic Research

Utilizing a research question checker can significantly enhance the quality of your academic work. It helps in sharpening the focus of your research and ensures that your questions are precise and directly aligned with your study's objectives.

Integration in Study Processes

Incorporating a research question checker into your study processes allows for a systematic evaluation of your research questions at various stages. This integration helps in maintaining the consistency and relevance of your research, ultimately improving the effectiveness of your study methodology.

Selecting the Right Research Question Checker

Criteria for choosing a checker.

When you're in the process of selecting a research question checker, it's crucial to consider several key criteria. Ensure the tool is capable of handling the specific needs of your research area . Look for features like adaptability to different research types, ease of use, and the ability to provide detailed feedback on the clarity and relevance of your research question.

Comparison of Popular Checkers

To aid in your decision, here’s a comparison of some popular research question checkers:

This table should help you gauge which checker might be the best fit based on features and user satisfaction.

Customization Options

Customization is a key aspect when choosing a research question checker. Opt for a checker that allows you to tailor the feedback and analysis to your specific needs. This flexibility can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the tool, making it a valuable asset in your academic research .

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Research Question Checker

Inputting your research question.

To begin, you'll need to input your research question into the checker. Ensure that your question is clear and concise to maximize the effectiveness of the tool. This initial step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the feedback you will receive.

Analyzing the Feedback

Once your question is submitted, the checker will analyze it and provide feedback. This feedback will often include suggestions on how to refine your question to make it more specific and researchable. Take the time to carefully review each piece of feedback ; it's essential for refining your research question.

Implementing Suggestions

After reviewing the feedback, the next step is to implement the suggested changes . This might involve rephrasing the question, narrowing the focus, or adjusting the scope. By implementing these suggestions, you ensure that your research question is optimized for a successful research study.

Enhancing Research Outcomes with a Research Question Checker

Improving question clarity.

A research question checker can significantly enhance the clarity of your research questions. By analyzing and refining the phrasing, the checker ensures that your questions are precise and unambiguous. This clarity is crucial as it directs your entire research process, influencing the types of data you collect and the analytical techniques you employ.

Ensuring Question Relevance

To ensure the relevance of your research questions, a research question checker evaluates them against current academic standards and topical significance. This evaluation helps you align your questions with the existing research and societal needs, thereby increasing the impact and applicability of your study findings.

Optimizing Research Design

An effective research question checker aids in optimizing your research design by suggesting improvements based on the alignment of your questions with your study's goals. Crafting a Bachelor Thesis that resonates with academic and practical demands becomes more feasible when your questions are well-defined and strategically aligned.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Research Question Checkers

Handling ambiguous questions.

When you encounter ambiguous questions in your research, it's crucial to refine them to ensure clarity and focus. Start by breaking down the question into more specific components and seek feedback from peers or mentors. Utilizing a research question checker can help identify areas that need more precise language or narrower scope.

Dealing with Technical Errors

Technical errors can disrupt the smooth operation of a research question checker. To address these issues, first, check your internet connection and ensure the software is up to date. If problems persist, consult the tool's help section or contact customer support for assistance. Documenting the error messages you receive can expedite the troubleshooting process.

Seeking Support

If you're struggling to use a research question checker effectively, don't hesitate to seek support. Many platforms offer tutorials, user forums, and direct customer service. Engaging with these resources can enhance your understanding and usage of the tool, ultimately improving your research outcomes.

Advanced Techniques for Maximizing the Utility of Research Question Checkers

Incorporating ai and machine learning.

By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, you can enhance the capabilities of your research question checker. These technologies can analyze large datasets to identify patterns and insights that might not be obvious. This approach allows for more nuanced feedback on your research questions, ensuring they are both innovative and precisely tailored to your study's needs.

Utilizing Checker Insights for Research Proposals

Utilize the insights gained from your research question checker to refine your research proposals. This can lead to more focused research questions that are directly aligned with current knowledge gaps, maximizing the impact of your research. By integrating these insights early in the research design process, you can ensure that your study is well-positioned to contribute valuable findings to your field.

Integrating with Other Research Tools

Integration with other research tools can streamline your study process and enhance the overall quality of your research. Tools such as data analysis software, literature review organizers, and project management applications can work in tandem with your research question checker to provide a comprehensive research environment. This holistic approach not only saves time but also increases the efficiency of your research efforts.

Case Studies: Success Stories Using Research Question Checkers

Academic research improvements.

In the realm of academic research, the use of research question checkers has led to significant enhancements in the quality and precision of research questions. By refining questions to be more focused and relevant, researchers have reported improved alignment with their study objectives, leading to more impactful findings. One notable case involved a team from a well-known university , who utilized a checker to refine their hypothesis on environmental science, resulting in a groundbreaking publication.

Thesis Precision Enhancements

For many graduate students, crafting the perfect thesis question can be daunting. However, with the aid of research question checkers, students have been able to hone their questions to achieve greater clarity and relevance. This precision directly contributes to more structured theses and more robust defense presentations. A recent survey highlighted that students using these tools felt more confident and prepared during their thesis defenses.

Increased Research Efficiency

Efficiency in research is paramount, especially when dealing with complex datasets and tight deadlines. Research question checkers have proven invaluable in streamlining the research process, from initial question formulation to final analysis. This tool not only saves time but also ensures that the research stays on track and remains focused on the intended outcomes. An example of this success was seen in a multi-institutional study on public health, where the checker helped clarify and direct the research efforts, significantly cutting down the project timeline.

Future Trends in Research Question Checkers

Technological advancements.

As research question checkers evolve, expect significant technological advancements that will enhance their capabilities. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will allow these tools to provide more nuanced analyses of research questions, predicting potential pitfalls and suggesting optimal research paths. This will lead to more precise and effective research outcomes.

Integration with Educational Platforms

The future will likely see a closer integration of research question checkers with educational platforms. This synergy will facilitate seamless access to these tools for students and researchers, promoting a more integrated learning and research environment. Enhanced features such as real-time feedback and collaborative research planning are just a few of the benefits that this integration will offer.

Predictions for Academic Research

Looking ahead, research question checkers are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of academic research. They will not only improve the efficiency of research processes but also ensure that research questions are robust and directly aligned with the latest academic standards and expectations. The potential for these tools to transform academic research is immense, making them an indispensable asset in the academic toolkit.

Explore the future of academic research with our latest article on 'Future Trends in Research Question Checkers'. Dive into the evolving landscape of research methodologies and discover how you can streamline your thesis process. For a deeper understanding and practical tools, visit our website and take advantage of our comprehensive guides and resources. Don't miss out on optimizing your research journey— click here to learn more and claim your special offer today!

In conclusion, utilizing a research question checker is an invaluable strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of your study. By ensuring that your research questions are clear, focused, and aligned with your study objectives, you can streamline your research process and enhance the quality of your findings. This tool not only aids in refining your questions but also supports the overall coherence and relevance of your research, making it a critical asset for any student or researcher aiming to achieve rigorous academic standards. Embrace this tool to elevate your research and achieve a deeper, more precise understanding of your study area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a research question checker.

A Research Question Checker is a tool designed to evaluate the clarity, relevance, and effectiveness of research questions. It helps researchers refine their questions to ensure they are specific, manageable, and aligned with their research objectives.

How can a Research Question Checker benefit academic research?

It improves the precision and focus of research questions, which can lead to more effective research studies. By ensuring questions are well-defined, the tool helps in structuring research methodologies and achieving clearer, more impactful results.

What should I consider when choosing a Research Question Checker?

Consider factors such as the tool's ability to handle your specific field of study, user-friendliness, customization options, and the depth of analysis it provides. Comparing features and reviews from other users can also be beneficial.

How do I use a Research Question Checker?

Start by inputting your initial research question into the tool. Analyze the feedback it provides and make necessary adjustments to enhance the question's clarity and relevance. Finally, implement these suggestions to refine your overall research approach.

What common issues can arise with Research Question Checkers?

Users might encounter issues like handling ambiguous questions, technical errors, or finding the feedback too generic. It's important to choose a robust tool and know where to seek support if you encounter problems.

What are the future trends in Research Question Checkers?

Expect technological advancements such as AI and machine learning integration, which will enhance the tool's analytical capabilities. There might also be greater integration with educational platforms and tools, improving accessibility and user experience.

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Research Question 101 📖

Everything you need to know to write a high-quality research question

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2023

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably asking yourself, “ What is a research question? ”. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll explain what a research question is , how it’s differen t from a research aim, and how to craft a high-quality research question that sets you up for success.

Research Question 101

What is a research question.

• Research questions vs research aims
• The 4 types of research questions
• How to write a research question
• Frequently asked questions
• Examples of research questions

As the name suggests, the research question is the core question (or set of questions) that your study will (attempt to) answer .

In many ways, a research question is akin to a target in archery . Without a clear target, you won’t know where to concentrate your efforts and focus. Essentially, your research question acts as the guiding light throughout your project and informs every choice you make along the way.

Let’s look at some examples:

What impact does social media usage have on the mental health of teenagers in New York?

How does the introduction of a minimum wage affect employment levels in small businesses in outer London?

How does the portrayal of women in 19th-century American literature reflect the societal attitudes of the time?

What are the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on heart health in adults?

As you can see in these examples, research questions are clear, specific questions that can be feasibly answered within a study. These are important attributes and we’ll discuss each of them in more detail a little later . If you’d like to see more examples of research questions, you can find our RQ mega-list here .

Research Questions vs Research Aims

At this point, you might be asking yourself, “ How is a research question different from a research aim? ”. Within any given study, the research aim and research question (or questions) are tightly intertwined , but they are separate things . Let’s unpack that a little.

A research aim is typically broader in nature and outlines what you hope to achieve with your research. It doesn’t ask a specific question but rather gives a summary of what you intend to explore.

The research question, on the other hand, is much more focused . It’s the specific query you’re setting out to answer. It narrows down the research aim into a detailed, researchable question that will guide your study’s methods and analysis.

Let’s look at an example:

Research Aim: To explore the effects of climate change on marine life in Southern Africa.

Research Question: How does ocean acidification caused by climate change affect the reproduction rates of coral reefs?

As you can see, the research aim gives you a general focus , while the research question details exactly what you want to find out.

Need a helping hand?

Types of research questions

Now that we’ve defined what a research question is, let’s look at the different types of research questions that you might come across. Broadly speaking, there are (at least) four different types of research questions – descriptive , comparative , relational , and explanatory . 

Descriptive questions ask what is happening. In other words, they seek to describe a phenomena or situation . An example of a descriptive research question could be something like “What types of exercise do high-performing UK executives engage in?”. This would likely be a bit too basic to form an interesting study, but as you can see, the research question is just focused on the what – in other words, it just describes the situation.

Comparative research questions , on the other hand, look to understand the way in which two or more things differ , or how they’re similar. An example of a comparative research question might be something like “How do exercise preferences vary between middle-aged men across three American cities?”. As you can see, this question seeks to compare the differences (or similarities) in behaviour between different groups.

Next up, we’ve got exploratory research questions , which ask why or how is something happening. While the other types of questions we looked at focused on the what, exploratory research questions are interested in the why and how . As an example, an exploratory research question might ask something like “Why have bee populations declined in Germany over the last 5 years?”. As you can, this question is aimed squarely at the why, rather than the what.

Last but not least, we have relational research questions . As the name suggests, these types of research questions seek to explore the relationships between variables . Here, an example could be something like “What is the relationship between X and Y” or “Does A have an impact on B”. As you can see, these types of research questions are interested in understanding how constructs or variables are connected , and perhaps, whether one thing causes another.

Of course, depending on how fine-grained you want to get, you can argue that there are many more types of research questions , but these four categories give you a broad idea of the different flavours that exist out there. It’s also worth pointing out that a research question doesn’t need to fit perfectly into one category – in many cases, a research question might overlap into more than just one category and that’s okay.

The key takeaway here is that research questions can take many different forms , and it’s useful to understand the nature of your research question so that you can align your research methodology accordingly.

How To Write A Research Question

As we alluded earlier, a well-crafted research question needs to possess very specific attributes, including focus , clarity and feasibility . But that’s not all – a rock-solid research question also needs to be rooted and aligned . Let’s look at each of these.

A strong research question typically has a single focus. So, don’t try to cram multiple questions into one research question; rather split them up into separate questions (or even subquestions), each with their own specific focus. As a rule of thumb, narrow beats broad when it comes to research questions.

Clear and specific

A good research question is clear and specific, not vague and broad. State clearly exactly what you want to find out so that any reader can quickly understand what you’re looking to achieve with your study. Along the same vein, try to avoid using bulky language and jargon – aim for clarity.

Unfortunately, even a super tantalising and thought-provoking research question has little value if you cannot feasibly answer it. So, think about the methodological implications of your research question while you’re crafting it. Most importantly, make sure that you know exactly what data you’ll need (primary or secondary) and how you’ll analyse that data.

A good research question (and a research topic, more broadly) should be rooted in a clear research gap and research problem . Without a well-defined research gap, you risk wasting your effort pursuing a question that’s already been adequately answered (and agreed upon) by the research community. A well-argued research gap lays at the heart of a valuable study, so make sure you have your gap clearly articulated and that your research question directly links to it.

As we mentioned earlier, your research aim and research question are (or at least, should be) tightly linked. So, make sure that your research question (or set of questions) aligns with your research aim . If not, you’ll need to revise one of the two to achieve this.

FAQ: Research Questions

Research question faqs, how many research questions should i have, what should i avoid when writing a research question, can a research question be a statement.

Typically, a research question is phrased as a question, not a statement. A question clearly indicates what you’re setting out to discover.

Can a research question be too broad or too narrow?

Yes. A question that’s too broad makes your research unfocused, while a question that’s too narrow limits the scope of your study.

Here’s an example of a research question that’s too broad:

“Why is mental health important?”

Conversely, here’s an example of a research question that’s likely too narrow:

“What is the impact of sleep deprivation on the exam scores of 19-year-old males in London studying maths at The Open University?”

Can I change my research question during the research process?

How do i know if my research question is good.

A good research question is focused, specific, practical, rooted in a research gap, and aligned with the research aim. If your question meets these criteria, it’s likely a strong question.

Is a research question similar to a hypothesis?

Not quite. A hypothesis is a testable statement that predicts an outcome, while a research question is a query that you’re trying to answer through your study. Naturally, there can be linkages between a study’s research questions and hypothesis, but they serve different functions.

How are research questions and research objectives related?

The research question is a focused and specific query that your study aims to answer. It’s the central issue you’re investigating. The research objective, on the other hand, outlines the steps you’ll take to answer your research question. Research objectives are often more action-oriented and can be broken down into smaller tasks that guide your research process. In a sense, they’re something of a roadmap that helps you answer your research question.

Need some inspiration?

If you’d like to see more examples of research questions, check out our research question mega list here .  Alternatively, if you’d like 1-on-1 help developing a high-quality research question, consider our private coaching service .

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How to Write a Research Question: Types and Examples 

The first step in any research project is framing the research question. It can be considered the core of any systematic investigation as the research outcomes are tied to asking the right questions. Thus, this primary interrogation point sets the pace for your research as it helps collect relevant and insightful information that ultimately influences your work.   

Typically, the research question guides the stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting. Depending on the use of quantifiable or quantitative data, research questions are broadly categorized into quantitative or qualitative research questions. Both types of research questions can be used independently or together, considering the overall focus and objectives of your research.  

What is a research question?

A research question is a clear, focused, concise, and arguable question on which your research and writing are centered. 1 It states various aspects of the study, including the population and variables to be studied and the problem the study addresses. These questions also set the boundaries of the study, ensuring cohesion. 

Designing the research question is a dynamic process where the researcher can change or refine the research question as they review related literature and develop a framework for the study. Depending on the scale of your research, the study can include single or multiple research questions. 

A good research question has the following features: 

• It is relevant to the chosen field of study. 
• The question posed is arguable and open for debate, requiring synthesizing and analysis of ideas. 
• It is focused and concisely framed. 
• A feasible solution is possible within the given practical constraint and timeframe. 

A poorly formulated research question poses several risks. 1   

• Researchers can adopt an erroneous design. 
• It can create confusion and hinder the thought process, including developing a clear protocol.  
• It can jeopardize publication efforts.  
• It causes difficulty in determining the relevance of the study findings.  
• It causes difficulty in whether the study fulfils the inclusion criteria for systematic review and meta-analysis. This creates challenges in determining whether additional studies or data collection is needed to answer the question.  
• Readers may fail to understand the objective of the study. This reduces the likelihood of the study being cited by others. 

Now that you know “What is a research question?”, let’s look at the different types of research questions. 

Types of research questions

Depending on the type of research to be done, research questions can be classified broadly into quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies. Knowing the type of research helps determine the best type of research question that reflects the direction and epistemological underpinnings of your research. 

The structure and wording of quantitative 2 and qualitative research 3 questions differ significantly. The quantitative study looks at causal relationships, whereas the qualitative study aims at exploring a phenomenon. 

• Quantitative research questions:  
• Seeks to investigate social, familial, or educational experiences or processes in a particular context and/or location.  
• Answers ‘how,’ ‘what,’ or ‘why’ questions. 
• Investigates connections, relations, or comparisons between independent and dependent variables. 

Quantitative research questions can be further categorized into descriptive, comparative, and relationship, as explained in the Table below. 

• Qualitative research questions  

Qualitative research questions are adaptable, non-directional, and more flexible. It concerns broad areas of research or more specific areas of study to discover, explain, or explore a phenomenon. These are further classified as follows: 

• Mixed-methods studies  

Mixed-methods studies use both quantitative and qualitative research questions to answer your research question. Mixed methods provide a complete picture than standalone quantitative or qualitative research, as it integrates the benefits of both methods. Mixed methods research is often used in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research, especially in the behavioral, health, and social science fields. 

What makes a good research question

A good research question should be clear and focused to guide your research. It should synthesize multiple sources to present your unique argument, and should ideally be something that you are interested in. But avoid questions that can be answered in a few factual statements. The following are the main attributes of a good research question. 

• Specific: The research question should not be a fishing expedition performed in the hopes that some new information will be found that will benefit the researcher. The central research question should work with your research problem to keep your work focused. If using multiple questions, they should all tie back to the central aim. 
• Measurable: The research question must be answerable using quantitative and/or qualitative data or from scholarly sources to develop your research question. If such data is impossible to access, it is better to rethink your question. 
• Attainable: Ensure you have enough time and resources to do all research required to answer your question. If it seems you will not be able to gain access to the data you need, consider narrowing down your question to be more specific. 
• You have the expertise 
• You have the equipment and resources 
• Realistic: Developing your research question should be based on initial reading about your topic. It should focus on addressing a problem or gap in the existing knowledge in your field or discipline. 
• Based on some sort of rational physics 
• Can be done in a reasonable time frame 
• Timely: The research question should contribute to an existing and current debate in your field or in society at large. It should produce knowledge that future researchers or practitioners can later build on. 
• Novel 
• Based on current technologies. 
• Important to answer current problems or concerns. 
• Lead to new directions. 
• Important: Your question should have some aspect of originality. Incremental research is as important as exploring disruptive technologies. For example, you can focus on a specific location or explore a new angle. 
• Meaningful whether the answer is “Yes” or “No.” Closed-ended, yes/no questions are too simple to work as good research questions. Such questions do not provide enough scope for robust investigation and discussion. A good research question requires original data, synthesis of multiple sources, and original interpretation and argumentation before providing an answer. 

Steps for developing a good research question

The importance of research questions cannot be understated. When drafting a research question, use the following frameworks to guide the components of your question to ease the process. 4  

• Determine the requirements: Before constructing a good research question, set your research requirements. What is the purpose? Is it descriptive, comparative, or explorative research? Determining the research aim will help you choose the most appropriate topic and word your question appropriately. 
• Select a broad research topic: Identify a broader subject area of interest that requires investigation. Techniques such as brainstorming or concept mapping can help identify relevant connections and themes within a broad research topic. For example, how to learn and help students learn. 
• Perform preliminary investigation: Preliminary research is needed to obtain up-to-date and relevant knowledge on your topic. It also helps identify issues currently being discussed from which information gaps can be identified. 
• Narrow your focus: Narrow the scope and focus of your research to a specific niche. This involves focusing on gaps in existing knowledge or recent literature or extending or complementing the findings of existing literature. Another approach involves constructing strong research questions that challenge your views or knowledge of the area of study (Example: Is learning consistent with the existing learning theory and research). 
• Identify the research problem: Once the research question has been framed, one should evaluate it. This is to realize the importance of the research questions and if there is a need for more revising (Example: How do your beliefs on learning theory and research impact your instructional practices). 

How to write a research question

Those struggling to understand how to write a research question, these simple steps can help you simplify the process of writing a research question. 

Sample Research Questions

The following are some bad and good research question examples 

• Example 1 

• Example 2 

References:  

• Thabane, L., Thomas, T., Ye, C., & Paul, J. (2009). Posing the research question: not so simple.  Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d’anesthésie ,  56 (1), 71-79. 
• Rutberg, S., & Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research.  Nephrology Nursing Journal ,  45 (2), 209-213. 
• Kyngäs, H. (2020). Qualitative research and content analysis.  The application of content analysis in nursing science research , 3-11. 
• Mattick, K., Johnston, J., & de la Croix, A. (2018). How to… write a good research question.  The clinical teacher ,  15 (2), 104-108. 
• Fandino, W. (2019). Formulating a good research question: Pearls and pitfalls.  Indian Journal of Anaesthesia ,  63 (8), 611. 
• Richardson, W. S., Wilson, M. C., Nishikawa, J., & Hayward, R. S. (1995). The well-built clinical question: a key to evidence-based decisions.  ACP journal club ,  123 (3), A12-A13 

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How To Write a Research Question

Academic writing and research require a distinct focus and direction. A well-designed research question gives purpose and clarity to your research. In addition, it helps your readers understand the issue you are trying to address and explore.

Every time you want to know more about a subject, you will pose a question. The same idea is used in research as well. You must pose a question in order to effectively address a research problem. That's why the research question is an integral part of the research process. Additionally, it offers the author writing and reading guidelines, be it qualitative research or quantitative research.

In your research paper , you must single out just one issue or problem. The specific issue or claim you wish to address should be included in your thesis statement in order to clarify your main argument.

A good research question must have the following characteristics.

• Should include only one problem in the research question
• Should be able to find the answer using primary data and secondary data sources
• Should be possible to resolve within the given time and other constraints
• Detailed and in-depth results should be achievable
• Should be relevant and realistic.
• It should relate to your chosen area of research

While a larger project, like a thesis, might have several research questions to address, each one should be directed at your main area of study. Of course, you can use different research designs and research methods (qualitative research or quantitative research) to address various research questions. However, they must all be pertinent to the study's objectives.

What is a Research Question?

A research question is an inquiry that the research attempts to answer. It is the heart of the systematic investigation. Research questions are the most important step in any research project. In essence, it initiates the research project and establishes the pace for the specific research A research question is:

• Clear : It provides enough detail that the audience understands its purpose without any additional explanation.
• Focused : It is so specific that it can be addressed within the time constraints of the writing task.
• Succinct: It is written in the shortest possible words.
• Complex : It is not possible to answer it with a "yes" or "no", but requires analysis and synthesis of ideas before somebody can create a solution.
• Argumental : Its potential answers are open for debate rather than accepted facts.

A good research question usually focuses on the research and determines the research design, methodology, and hypothesis. It guides all phases of inquiry, data collection, analysis, and reporting. You should gather valuable information by asking the right questions.

Why are Research Questions so important?

Regardless of whether it is a qualitative research or quantitative research project, research questions provide writers and their audience with a way to navigate the writing and research process. Writers can avoid "all-about" papers by asking straightforward and specific research questions that help them focus on their research and support a specific thesis.

Types of Research Questions

There are two types of research: Qualitative research and Quantitative research . There must be research questions for every type of research. Your research question will be based on the type of research you want to conduct and the type of data collection.

The first step in designing research involves identifying a gap and creating a focused research question.

Below is a list of common research questions that can be used in a dissertation. Keep in mind that these are merely illustrations of typical research questions used in dissertation projects. The real research questions themselves might be more difficult.

Example Research Questions

The following are a few examples of research questions and research problems to help you understand how research questions can be created for a particular research problem.

Steps to Write Research Questions

You can focus on the issue or research gaps you're attempting to solve by using the research questions as a direction.

If you're unsure how to go about writing a good research question, these are the steps to follow in the process:

• Select an interesting topic Always choose a topic that interests you. Because if your curiosity isn’t aroused by a subject, you’ll have a hard time conducting research around it. Alos, it’s better that you pick something that’s neither too narrow or too broad.
• Do preliminary research on the topic Search for relevant literature to gauge what problems have already been tackled by scholars. You can do that conveniently through repositories like Scispace , where you’ll find millions of papers in one place. Once you do find the papers you’re looking for, try our reading assistant, SciSpace Copilot to get simple explanations for the paper . You’ll be able to quickly understand the abstract, find the key takeaways, and the main arguments presented in the paper. This will give you a more contextual understanding of your subject and you’ll have an easier time identifying knowledge gaps in your discipline.

     Also: ChatPDF vs. SciSpace Copilot: Unveiling the best tool for your research

• Consider your audience It is essential to understand your audience to develop focused research questions for essays or dissertations. When narrowing down your topic, you can identify aspects that might interest your audience.
• Ask questions Asking questions will give you a deeper understanding of the topic. Evaluate your question through the What, Why, When, How, and other open-ended questions assessment.
• Assess your question Once you have created a research question, assess its effectiveness to determine if it is useful for the purpose. Refine and revise the dissertation research question multiple times.

Additionally, use this list of questions as a guide when formulating your research question.

Are you able to answer a specific research question? After identifying a gap in research, it would be helpful to formulate the research question. And this will allow the research to solve a part of the problem. Is your research question clear and centered on the main topic? It is important that your research question should be specific and related to your central goal. Are you tackling a difficult research question? It is not possible to answer the research question with a simple yes or no. The problem requires in-depth analysis. It is often started with "How" and "Why."

Start your research Once you have completed your dissertation research questions, it is time to review the literature on similar topics to discover different perspectives.

Strong  Research Question Samples

Uncertain: How should social networking sites work on the hatred that flows through their platform?

Certain: What should social media sites like Twitter or Facebook do to address the harm they are causing?

This unclear question does not specify the social networking sites that are being used or what harm they might be causing. In addition, this question assumes that the "harm" has been proven and/or accepted. This version is more specific and identifies the sites (Twitter, Facebook), the type and extent of harm (privacy concerns), and who might be suffering from that harm (users). Effective research questions should not be ambiguous or interpreted.

Unfocused: What are the effects of global warming on the environment?

Focused: What are the most important effects of glacial melting in Antarctica on penguins' lives?

This broad research question cannot be addressed in a book, let alone a college-level paper. Focused research targets a specific effect of global heating (glacial  melting), an area (Antarctica), or a specific animal (penguins). The writer must also decide which effect will have the greatest impact on the animals affected. If in doubt, narrow down your research question to the most specific possible.

Too Simple: What are the U.S. doctors doing to treat diabetes?

Appropriately complex: Which factors, if any, are most likely to predict a person's risk of developing diabetes?

This simple version can be found online. It is easy to answer with a few facts. The second, more complicated version of this question is divided into two parts. It is thought-provoking and requires extensive investigation as well as evaluation by the author. So, ensure that a quick Google search should not answer your research question.

How to write a strong Research Question?

The foundation of all research is the research question. You should therefore spend as much time as necessary to refine your research question based on various data.

You can conduct your research more efficiently and analyze your results better if you have great research questions for your dissertation, research paper , or essay .

The following criteria can help you evaluate the strength and importance of your research question and can be used to determine the strength of your research question:

• Researchable
• It should only cover one issue.
• A subjective judgment should not be included in the question.
• It can be answered with data analysis and research.
• Specific and Practical
• It should not contain a plan of action, policy, or solution.
• It should be clearly defined
• Within research limits
• Complex and Arguable
• It shouldn't be difficult to answer.
• To find the truth, you need in-depth knowledge
• Allows for discussion and deliberation
• Original and Relevant
• It should be in your area of study
• Its results should be measurable
• It should be original

Conclusion - How to write Research Questions?

Research questions provide a clear guideline for research. One research question may be part of a larger project, such as a dissertation. However, each question should only focus on one topic.

Research questions must be answerable, practical, specific, and applicable to your field. The research type that you use to base your research questions on will determine the research topic. You can start by selecting an interesting topic and doing preliminary research. Then, you can begin asking questions, evaluating your questions, and start your research.

Now it's easier than ever to streamline your research workflow with SciSpace ResearchGPT . Its integrated, comprehensive end-to-end platform for research allows scholars to easily discover, read, write and publish their research and fosters collaboration.

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How to Craft a Strong Research Question (With Research Question Examples)

A sound and effective research question is a key element that must be identified and pinned down before researchers can even begin their research study or work. A strong research question lays the foundation for your entire study, guiding your investigation and shaping your findings. Hence, it is critical that researchers spend considerable time assessing and refining the research question based on in-depth reading and comprehensive literature review. In this article, we will discuss how to write a strong research question and provide you with some good examples of research questions across various disciplines.

Table of Contents

The importance of a research question

A research question plays a crucial role in driving scientific inquiry, setting the direction and purpose of your study, and guiding your entire research process. By formulating a clear and focused research question, you lay the foundation for your investigation, ensuring that your research remains on track and aligned with your objectives so you can make meaningful contribution to the existing body of knowledge. A well-crafted research question also helps you define the scope of your study and identify the appropriate methodologies and data collection techniques to employ.

Key components of a strong research question

A good research question possesses several key components that contribute to the quality and impact of your study. Apart from providing a clear framework to generate meaningful results, a well-defined research question allows other researchers to understand the purpose and significance of your work. So, when working on your research question, incorporate the following elements:

• Specificity : A strong research question should be specific about the main focus of your study, enabling you to gather precise data and draw accurate conclusions. It clearly defines the variables, participants, and context involved, leaving no room for ambiguity.
• Clarity : A good research question is clear and easily understood, so articulate the purpose and intent of your study concisely without being generic or vague. Ensuring clarity in your research question helps both you and your readers grasp the research objective.
• Feasibility : While crafting a research question, consider the practicality of conducting the research and availability of necessary data or access to participants. Think whether your study is realistic and achievable within the constraints of time, resources, and ethical considerations.

How to craft a well-defined research question

A first step that will help save time and effort is knowing what your aims are and thinking about a few problem statements on the area or aspect one wants to study or do research on. Contemplating these statements as one undertakes more progressive reading can help the researcher in reassessing and fine-tuning the research question. This can be done over time as they read and learn more about the research topic, along with a broad literature review and parallel discussions with peer researchers and supervisors. In some cases, a researcher can have more than one research question if the research being undertaken is a PhD thesis or dissertation, but try not to cover multiple concerns on a topic.

A strong research question must be researchable, original, complex, and relevant. Here are five simple steps that can make the entire process easier.

• Identify a broad topic from your areas of interest, something that is relevant, and you are passionate about since you’ll be spending a lot of time conducting your research.
• Do a thorough literature review to weed out potential gaps in research and stay updated on what’s currently being done in your chosen topic and subject area.
• Shortlist possible research questions based on the research gaps or see how you can build on or refute previously published ideas and concepts.
• Assess your chosen research question using the FINER criteria that helps you evaluate whether the research is Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, and Relevant. 1
• Formulate the final research question, while ensuring it is clear, well-written, and addresses all the key elements of a strong research question.

Examples of research questions

Remember to adapt your research question to suit your purpose, whether it’s exploratory, descriptive, comparative, experimental, qualitative, or quantitative. Embrace the iterative nature of the research process, continually evaluating and refining your question as you progress. Here are some good examples of research questions across various disciplines.

Exploratory research question examples

• How does social media impact interpersonal relationships among teenagers?
• What are the potential benefits of incorporating mindfulness practices in the workplace?

Descriptive research question examples

• What factors influence customer loyalty in the e-commerce industry?
• Is there a relationship between socioeconomic status and academic performance among elementary school students?

Comparative research question examples

• How does the effectiveness of traditional teaching methods compare to online learning platforms in mathematics education?
• What is the impact of different healthcare policies on patient outcomes in various countries?

Experimental research question examples

• What are the effects of a new drug on reducing symptoms of a specific medical condition?
• Does a dietary intervention have an impact on weight loss among individuals with obesity?

Qualitative research question examples

• What are the lived experiences of immigrants adapting to a new culture?
• What factors influence job satisfaction among healthcare professionals?

Quantitative research question examples

• Is there a relationship between sleep duration and academic performance among college students?
• How effective is a specific intervention in reducing anxiety levels among individuals with phobias?

With these simple guidelines and inspiring examples of research questions, you are equipped to embark on your research journey with confidence and purpose. Here’s wishing you all the best for your future endeavors!

References:

• How to write a research question: Steps and examples. Indeed Career Guide. Available online at https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-research-questions

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Research Question Generator for Students

Our online topic question generator is a free tool that creates topic questions in no time. It can easily make an endless list of random research questions based on your query.

Can't decide on the topic question for your project? Check out our free topic question generator and get a suitable research question in 3 steps!

Please try again with some different keywords.

• 👉 Why Use Our Tool?

💡 What Is a Topic Question?

✒️ how to write a research question.

• 📜 Research Question Example

🔗 References

👉 why use our topic question generator.

Our research topic question generator is worth using for several reasons:

• It saves you time. You can develop many ideas and formulate research questions for all of them within seconds.
• It is entirely free. Our tool doesn’t have any limits, probation periods, or subscription plans. Use it as much as you want and don’t pay a cent.
• It is download- and registration-free. Use it in any browser from any device. No applications are needed. You also don’t have to submit any personal data.
• It’s easy to use. You can see an explanation for every step next to each field you need to fill in.
• You can easily check yourself. Spend a couple of seconds to check your research question on logic and coherence.

A research topic question is a question you aim to answer while researching and writing your paper. It states the matter you study and the hypothesis you will prove or disprove. This question shares your assumptions and goals, giving your readers a basic understanding of your paper’s content.

It also helps you focus while researching and gives your research scope and limitations. Of course, your research question needs to be relevant to your study subject and attractive to you. Any paper will lack an objective and specificity without an adequately stated research question.

Research Topic Vs. Research Topic Question

‘Research topic’ and ‘research question’ are different concepts that are often confused.

Research Question Types: Quantitative and Qualitative

Another essential differentiation to know – there are quantitative and qualitative research questions.

• Quantitative research questions are more specific and number-oriented. They seek clear answers such as “yes” or “no,” a number, or another straightforward solution. Example: How many senior high school students in New York failed to achieve the desired SAT scores due to stress factors?
• Qualitative research questions can be broader and more flexible. They seek an explanation of phenomena rather than a short answer. Example: What is the role of stress factors in the academic performance of high school senior students who reside in New York?

Now let’s get to know how to create your own research question. This skill will help you structure your papers more efficiently.

Step 1: Choose Your Research Topic

If you’ve already received general guidelines from your instructor, find a specific area of knowledge that interests you. It shouldn’t be too broad or too narrow. You can divide it into sub-topics and note them. Discuss your topic with someone or brainstorm to get more ideas. You can write down all your thoughts and extract potential issues from this paragraph or text.

Step 2: Research

After you’ve chosen a topic, do preliminary research . Search for keywords relevant to your topics to see what current discussions are in the scientific community. It will be easier for you to cross out those ideas that are already researched too well. In addition, you might spot some knowledge gaps that you can later fill in. We recommend avoiding poorly researched areas unless you are confident you can rely solely on the data you gather.

Step 3: Narrow Your Topic

At this stage, you already have some knowledge about the matter. You can tell good ideas from bad ones and formulate a couple of research questions. Leave only the best options that you actually want to proceed with. You can create several draft variations of your top picks and research them again. Depending on the results you get, you can leave the best alternatives for the next step.

Step 4: Evaluate What You’ve Got

Evaluate your topics by these criteria:

• Clarity . Check if there are any vague details and consider adjusting them.
• Focus . Your research matter should be unambiguous , without other interpretations.
• Complexity . A good topic research question shouldn’t be too difficult or too easy.
• Ethics . Your ideas and word choice shouldn’t be prejudiced or offensive.
• Relevance . Your hypothesis and research question should correspond with current discussions.
• Feasibility . Make sure you can conduct the research that will answer your question.

Step 5: Edit Your Research Question

Now you can create the final version of your research question. Use our tool to compare your interpretation with the one produced by artificial intelligence. Though you might change it based on your findings, you must create a perfect statement now. You need to make it as narrow as possible. If you don’t know how to make it more specific, leave it till you get the first research results.

📜 Research Question Generator: Examples

Compare a good and bad research question to understand the importance of following all rules:

Thank you for reading till the end. We hope you found the information and tool useful for your studies. Don’t forget to share it with your peers, and good luck with your paper!

Updated: May 24th, 2024

• The Writing Center | How to Write a Research Question | Research Based Writing
• How to Write a Research Question: Types, Steps, and Examples | Research.com
• Pick a Topic & Develop a Research Question – CSI Library at CUNY College of Staten Island Library

How to Develop a Good Research Question? — Types & Examples

Cecilia is living through a tough situation in her research life. Figuring out where to begin, how to start her research study, and how to pose the right question for her research quest, is driving her insane. Well, questions, if not asked correctly, have a tendency to spiral us!

Image Source: https://phdcomics.com/

Questions lead everyone to answers. Research is a quest to find answers. Not the vague questions that Cecilia means to answer, but definitely more focused questions that define your research. Therefore, asking appropriate question becomes an important matter of discussion.

A well begun research process requires a strong research question. It directs the research investigation and provides a clear goal to focus on. Understanding the characteristics of comprising a good research question will generate new ideas and help you discover new methods in research.

In this article, we are aiming to help researchers understand what is a research question and how to write one with examples.

Table of Contents

What Is a Research Question?

A good research question defines your study and helps you seek an answer to your research. Moreover, a clear research question guides the research paper or thesis to define exactly what you want to find out, giving your work its objective. Learning to write a research question is the beginning to any thesis, dissertation , or research paper. Furthermore, the question addresses issues or problems which is answered through analysis and interpretation of data.

Why Is a Research Question Important?

A strong research question guides the design of a study. Moreover, it helps determine the type of research and identify specific objectives. Research questions state the specific issue you are addressing and focus on outcomes of the research for individuals to learn. Therefore, it helps break up the study into easy steps to complete the objectives and answer the initial question.

Types of Research Questions

Research questions can be categorized into different types, depending on the type of research you want to undergo. Furthermore, knowing the type of research will help a researcher determine the best type of research question to use.

1. Qualitative Research Question

Qualitative questions concern broad areas or more specific areas of research. However, unlike quantitative questions, qualitative research questions are adaptable, non-directional and more flexible. Qualitative research question focus on discovering, explaining, elucidating, and exploring.

i. Exploratory Questions

This form of question looks to understand something without influencing the results. The objective of exploratory questions is to learn more about a topic without attributing bias or preconceived notions to it.

Research Question Example: Asking how a chemical is used or perceptions around a certain topic.

ii. Predictive Questions

Predictive research questions are defined as survey questions that automatically predict the best possible response options based on text of the question. Moreover, these questions seek to understand the intent or future outcome surrounding a topic.

Research Question Example: Asking why a consumer behaves in a certain way or chooses a certain option over other.

iii. Interpretive Questions

This type of research question allows the study of people in the natural setting. The questions help understand how a group makes sense of shared experiences with regards to various phenomena. These studies gather feedback on a group’s behavior without affecting the outcome.

Research Question Example: How do you feel about AI assisting publishing process in your research?

2. Quantitative Research Question

Quantitative questions prove or disprove a researcher’s hypothesis through descriptions, comparisons, and relationships. These questions are beneficial when choosing a research topic or when posing follow-up questions that garner more information.

i. Descriptive Questions

It is the most basic type of quantitative research question and it seeks to explain when, where, why, or how something occurred. Moreover, they use data and statistics to describe an event or phenomenon.

Research Question Example: How many generations of genes influence a future generation?

ii. Comparative Questions

Sometimes it’s beneficial to compare one occurrence with another. Therefore, comparative questions are helpful when studying groups with dependent variables.

Example: Do men and women have comparable metabolisms?

iii. Relationship-Based Questions

This type of research question answers influence of one variable on another. Therefore, experimental studies use this type of research questions are majorly.

Example: How is drought condition affect a region’s probability for wildfires.  

How to Write a Good Research Question?

1. Select a Topic

The first step towards writing a good research question is to choose a broad topic of research. You could choose a research topic that interests you, because the complete research will progress further from the research question. Therefore, make sure to choose a topic that you are passionate about, to make your research study more enjoyable.

2. Conduct Preliminary Research

After finalizing the topic, read and know about what research studies are conducted in the field so far. Furthermore, this will help you find articles that talk about the topics that are yet to be explored. You could explore the topics that the earlier research has not studied.

3. Consider Your Audience

The most important aspect of writing a good research question is to find out if there is audience interested to know the answer to the question you are proposing. Moreover, determining your audience will assist you in refining your research question, and focus on aspects that relate to defined groups.

4. Generate Potential Questions

The best way to generate potential questions is to ask open ended questions. Questioning broader topics will allow you to narrow down to specific questions. Identifying the gaps in literature could also give you topics to write the research question. Moreover, you could also challenge the existing assumptions or use personal experiences to redefine issues in research.

5. Review Your Questions

Once you have listed few of your questions, evaluate them to find out if they are effective research questions. Moreover while reviewing, go through the finer details of the question and its probable outcome, and find out if the question meets the research question criteria.

6. Construct Your Research Question

There are two frameworks to construct your research question. The first one being PICOT framework , which stands for:

• Population or problem
• Intervention or indicator being studied
• Comparison group
• Outcome of interest
• Time frame of the study.

The second framework is PEO , which stands for:

• Population being studied
• Exposure to preexisting conditions
• Outcome of interest.

Research Question Examples

• How might the discovery of a genetic basis for alcoholism impact triage processes in medical facilities?
• How do ecological systems respond to chronic anthropological disturbance?
• What are demographic consequences of ecological interactions?
• What roles do fungi play in wildfire recovery?
• How do feedbacks reinforce patterns of genetic divergence on the landscape?
• What educational strategies help encourage safe driving in young adults?
• What makes a grocery store easy for shoppers to navigate?
• What genetic factors predict if someone will develop hypothyroidism?
• Does contemporary evolution along the gradients of global change alter ecosystems function?

How did you write your first research question ? What were the steps you followed to create a strong research question? Do write to us or comment below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research questions guide the focus and direction of a research study. Here are common types of research questions: 1. Qualitative research question: Qualitative questions concern broad areas or more specific areas of research. However, unlike quantitative questions, qualitative research questions are adaptable, non-directional and more flexible. Different types of qualitative research questions are: i. Exploratory questions ii. Predictive questions iii. Interpretive questions 2. Quantitative Research Question: Quantitative questions prove or disprove a researcher’s hypothesis through descriptions, comparisons, and relationships. These questions are beneficial when choosing a research topic or when posing follow-up questions that garner more information. Different types of quantitative research questions are: i. Descriptive questions ii. Comparative questions iii. Relationship-based questions

Qualitative research questions aim to explore the richness and depth of participants' experiences and perspectives. They should guide your research and allow for in-depth exploration of the phenomenon under investigation. After identifying the research topic and the purpose of your research: • Begin with Broad Inquiry: Start with a general research question that captures the main focus of your study. This question should be open-ended and allow for exploration. • Break Down the Main Question: Identify specific aspects or dimensions related to the main research question that you want to investigate. • Formulate Sub-questions: Create sub-questions that delve deeper into each specific aspect or dimension identified in the previous step. • Ensure Open-endedness: Make sure your research questions are open-ended and allow for varied responses and perspectives. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Encourage participants to share their experiences, opinions, and perceptions in their own words. • Refine and Review: Review your research questions to ensure they align with your research purpose, topic, and objectives. Seek feedback from your research advisor or peers to refine and improve your research questions.

Developing research questions requires careful consideration of the research topic, objectives, and the type of study you intend to conduct. Here are the steps to help you develop effective research questions: 1. Select a Topic 2. Conduct Preliminary Research 3. Consider Your Audience 4. Generate Potential Questions 5. Review Your Questions 6. Construct Your Research Question Based on PICOT or PEO Framework

There are two frameworks to construct your research question. The first one being PICOT framework, which stands for: • Population or problem • Intervention or indicator being studied • Comparison group • Outcome of interest • Time frame of the study The second framework is PEO, which stands for: • Population being studied • Exposure to preexisting conditions • Outcome of interest

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Write a Research Question for Me — A Free Tool for Students

Are you looking for the best research question generator? You’re in the right place! Get a list of ideas for your essay, research paper, or any other project with our online tool.

Looking for a research question for your paper?

Get lots of ideas in 3 simple steps:

Please try again with some different keywords.

Look at the sentences below. What do they have in common?

• How does implementing mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques affect healthcare professionals’ well-being and job performance in high-stress environments?
• What is the impact of social media on mental health?

These are both research questions, even though they are very different. Each research paper needs a unique question corresponding to the assignment topic and writing requirements. This article will teach you to use the Write a Research Question for Me tool. You’ll also learn how to create a perfect research question and find good examples.

🤔 Why Use the Research Question Writer?

• ️⚙️ How to Access the Tool

🔎 How to Make a Research Question

📋 research title examples for students, 🔗 references.

Here are the main benefits of our tool:

Research Question Importance

The research question plays a fundamental role in guiding the research process. It provides a clear focus and purpose for the study. A well-formulated research question contains specific information. It defines the variables under investigation, the population of interest, and the expected outcomes. It is necessary for the research because it helps define the study’s scope, design , and methodology.

Unlike a hypothesis, which makes a specific prediction, a research question explores a broader inquiry. A thesis statement, on the other hand, summarizes the main argument of a research paper.

The research question is a foundation for developing a hypothesis or refining a thesis statement. It guides the researcher in formulating predictions and addressing the study objectives.

⚙️ Write a Research Question for Me – How to Access the Tool

This tool is accessible and user-friendly, as you need only Internet access to use it. Here’s what you need to do:

• Enter your search term into the appropriate field.
• Click the button.
• Check out research question examples in the menu below the tool.

To gain maximum benefits from this tool, you should understand how to create a research question yourself. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on formulating research questions.

Develop a Topic

If you are at the stage of formulating a research question, you probably already have a topic. But if not, here is how to choose one.

When picking a research topic , consider its relevance, available resources, and your interests. You can choose based on curiosity, familiarity, and academic significance. We suggest exploring diverse sources, brainstorming, and refining ideas to find a compelling research title.

Research the Field

When researching a topic, identify relevant keywords that capture the core concepts. Select appropriate sources such as scholarly databases, books, and reputable websites.

Conduct systematic searches using these keywords to gather relevant materials. To synthesize the information, read and critically evaluate each source. Note key findings, arguments, and concepts. Identify connections, patterns, and gaps in the literature. Organize your references according to their publication date, methodology, or theme, depending on what suits your topic best.

Brainstorm Questions

Brainstorming is crucial in the research process as it helps generate ideas and perspectives. It allows you to divide your topic into smaller components, explore different angles, and consider additional research questions.

By brainstorming, you can combine parts from multiple questions, synthesize information, and refine your ideas. It enables you to explore the depth of the topic, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and gain new insights. Brainstorming fosters critical thinking and creativity in choosing the right research topic or question.

Apply FINER Framework

The FINER framework provides a structured approach for evaluating and designing research projects. Your topic should be feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant:

• “Feasible” emphasizes the need for research to be practical regarding available resources, time, and ethical constraints.
• “Interesting” highlights the importance of choosing an intellectually stimulating research question that contributes to knowledge.
• “Novel” stresses that the study should fill gaps or extend existing knowledge.
• “Ethical” emphasizes the need to conduct research ethically , ensuring participant safety and privacy.
• “Relevant” underscores the importance of research that addresses real-world problems or has practical implications.

Polish Your Question

Check whether your research question meets the following requirements and edit it as necessary.

If you need help refining your question, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers, mentors, or advisors to evaluate the quality of your research question.

In this part, we will compare different types of research questions:

🔺 Qualitative research question:

“How do individuals experience and cope with workplace stress in a remote work environment?”

Qualitative research questions aim to explore and understand phenomena in-depth. They often focus on subjective experiences, meanings, and social contexts. Qualitative questions typically involve open-ended inquiries and seek rich, detailed insights rather than statistical generalizations.

🔺 Quantitative research question:

“What is the relationship between academic performance and sleep duration among college students?”

Quantitative research questions seek to establish relationships or associations between variables using numerical data. They aim to generate statistically significant findings, enabling scholars to generalize their findings to a larger population.

🔺 Mixed methods research question:

“To what extent do digital educational interventions impact students’ learning outcomes and engagement, and how do students perceive and experience these interventions?”

Mixed methods research questions combine qualitative and quantitative approaches to investigate research problems from multiple angles. They seek to integrate qualitative and quantitative data to provide an understanding of a research topic.

❓ Make a Research Question for Me: FAQ

❓ how to write a research question.

To write a research question, identify the main variables or concepts. Consider the particular population or context. Formulate a straightforward question that addresses the research objective. Ensure that the question is specific, measurable, feasible, and relevant to guide your study effectively.

❓ How to Write a Research Question and Hypothesis?

To write a research question and hypothesis, begin by formulating a research question that explores the relationship between variables. Then, develop a hypothesis that makes a specific prediction about that relationship. The hypothesis should be based on existing knowledge or theories and be testable through empirical data.

❓ How to Write a Qualitative Research Question?

To write a qualitative research question, focus on exploring and understanding phenomena from a subjective perspective. Begin with “how” or “what,” implying descriptive responses. Consider the specific context and participants of interest. Formulate an open-ended question to explore experiences, meanings, or social processes in-depth.  

❓ How to Write a Mixed Methods Research Question?

To write a mixed methods research question, integrate qualitative and quantitative approaches. Start with a broad research question that explores a phenomenon or issue from multiple perspectives. Then, formulate sub-questions that address specific qualitative and quantitative aspects. Aim for complementarity, convergence, or expansion of understanding using the combination of methods.

❓ How to Write a Quantitative Research Question?

To write a quantitative research question, identify the key variables and their relationship. Frame the question to seek statistical associations or differences using terms like “relationship,” “effect,” or “impact.” Ensure the question is clear, specific, and measurable. It should allow for collecting and analyzing numerical data to draw objective conclusions.

Updated: May 17th, 2024

• Mixed Methods Research Questions and Hypotheses | SAGE Publications
• What Makes a Good Qualitative Research Question? | British Library
• How to Write a Research Question | George Mason University
• What Is the Difference Between a Thesis Statement & a Research Question? | Classroom
• FINER: A Research Framework | Elsevier

• Call to +1 844 889-9952

Scientific Research Question Generator

Feeling stuck trying to make a fresh and creative research question? Try our free research question generator! Choose a suitable question from a list of suggestions or build your own.

• Question Maker
• Question Finder

Make a scientific research question with this tool in 3 simple steps:

Please try again with some different keywords.

• 🧪 What Is This Tool?

‼️ Why Are Research Questions Important?

• 📃 How to Create a Science Paper?
• 🔗 References

🧪 Scientific Research Question Generator: What Is It?

Welcome to the page of our scientific research question generator! Right about now, you’re probably wondering – what is this tool, and how does it work? We present you with two options – a generator and a builder. You can read more about them below.

Scientific Question Generator

Deciding to use a question generator is a great alternative to save time and get what you want. You won’t have to suffer for hours looking for a fresh and creative idea! Once you customize the generator to your requirements, you’ll get incredible results.

What is good about this option? Simply put, you’ll only need to follow a few basic steps to create a research question. First, enter the keywords for your future work. You can also select a research area to optimize the generator’s search. Run a search for results and choose a question option from the many suggested ideas! You can refresh your search until you find the research question that fits and inspires you the most.

Research Question Builder

This tool has another feature that may come in handy – a generator of individual research questions from scratch. You don’t need to come up with your own options and guess how to write a well-written idea. It is a valuable function that will save time and produce more creative outcomes. To generate it, you’ll have to specify more qualifying study details.

As the first step, decide your study group and the factor that affects it . Next, try to formulate a measurable outcome of your work. You can add another study group to expand the generator’s capabilities. And finally, specify the time frame of the study. As a result, you have a ready-made individualized research question.

A research question is a helpful tool both for students and researchers. Sound and well-constructed questions are the ones that can shape the structure of your study. They should be grounded in consciously chosen data, instead of random variables. We can use these important questions not only for academic objectives but also in other life situations. For example, by studying the research questions of a potential employer, you can understand the suitability of the company and this kind of job for you.

A well-worded question will be easier for you to answer. You can also use it to outline your research and identify possible problems. That approach will reduce the time it takes to prepare the design of your study. To create a good research question , you need to:

• Choose an area of interest.
• Focus on a specific topic.
• Compose smaller support questions .
• Select the type of data collection and review the applicable literature.
• Identify your target audience.

📃 How to Create a Good Science Paper?

Scientific research papers are similar to the standard essays you are used to writing in school and college. But they have their specificities that you should be aware of. In this section, we have broken down the structure of a typical science paper and explained what goes into each part.

Your title should be specific and concise. It should also describe the subject and be comprehensive. However, it should be clear enough to be understood by a broader target audience, not just narrowly focused specialists.

The abstract is often a necessary component of academic work. The principal aim is to allow the reader a quick look at the scientific material and decide whether they are interested. However, this part shouldn’t be as technical as the main study, so as not to distract them. The abstract consists of general objectives, methods, results, and conclusions, and is approximately 150 to 250 words long. Note that you shouldn’t include citations, notations, and abbreviations.

Introduction

You should write an introduction describing the statement of your problem, and why it’s relevant and worthwhile. A few paragraphs will be enough. You can mention the main sources you have been working with to keep your audience involved. Also, remember to provide the necessary context and background information for your research. You can finish the introduction by explaining the essence of your research question and the value of your answer.

Methods & Materials

In this section of the paper, you should provide the methods and materials you have used for your study. It’s necessary to make your results replicable, and use qualitative or quantitative research methods (or a mix of both). You can use tables, diagrams, and charts to visually represent this information. You shouldn’t disclose your work findings, but you can include preview conclusions for reference.

At this point, we present the final study results, outlining the essential conclusions. Remember, there is no need to discuss the findings or cause-and-effect relationships. Avoid including subtotal results you have received and don’t affect the bottom line. Also, avoid manipulating your audience or exaggerating your achievements, as your results should be testable.

Provide the most meaningful results for discussion . Describe how these results relate to your question and how they are consistent with the results of other researchers. Indicate if the results coincided with your expectations and how you can interpret them. Also, mention if your findings raise issues and how they impact the scope of the study. You may finish up with the relevance of your conclusions.

When you give data in tables or charts, be sure to include a header describing the information in them. Don’t use tables or charts if they are irrelevant. Also, don’t insert them if you need to display data that can fit into a couple of sentences. Make sure to annotate all the visual data you end up using and mention them in the list of figures in the appendix.

Every scientific research paper must have a list of references at the end. This is to avoid plagiarism and to support the validity of your study. Remember to use notations as you go along and indicate them in the text. Then, you must list all the literature used in alphabetical order at the end of the paper. Double-check the citation style of your institution before making this list.

We hope you found our tool helpful in your work! Be sure to check out the FAQ section below if you still have any questions.

❓ Scientific Question Generator – FAQ

❓ how do you develop a scientific question.

Formulate the question in such a way that you can study it. It should be clear, understandable, and brief. After reading your research question, the reader should understand what your paper will be about. Therefore, it should have an objective , relevance, and meaning.

❓ What are good examples of a science research question?

“What are the legal aspects affecting the decrease in people who drive under the influence of alcohol in the USA?” — This question focuses on a defined topic and reviews the effectiveness of existing legislation.  

“How can universities improve the environment for students to become more LGBT-inclusive?” — This question focuses on one specific issue and addresses a narrowly targeted area.

❓ What are the 3 qualities of a good scientific question?

A good question should be feasible in the context of the research accessible to the field of study, ethical, sufficient methods, and materials. It should be interesting, engaging, and intriguing to the target audience. Finally, it should also be relevant and provide new ideas to the chosen field for future research.

Updated: May 17th, 2024

📎 References

• Scientific Writing Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Undergraduate Writing in the Biological Sciences – Sheela P. Turbek, Taylor M. Chock, Kyle Donahue, Caroline A. Havrilla, Angela M. Oliverio, Stephanie K. Polutchko, Lauren G. Shoemaker & Lara Vimercati, Ecological Society of America
• Writing the Scientific Paper – Emily Wortman-Wunder & Kate Kiefer, Colorado State University
• Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper, University of Southern California
• Your research question – Imperial College London
• Developing research questions – Monash University

You can Choose category

Research Question Generator

Type your search term

Time to unleash your creativity!

• 🔍 What Is It?
• 📝 Types of Questions
• 🕰️ Step-by-Step Guide

❗ References

🔍 what is a research question.

A research question is the researcher’s attempt to guide their investigation. Instead of exploring a given topic without a direction, they pose a specific inquiry and answer it through a complete analysis of evidence-based data. Research questions must have a purpose and be clear enough for both the researcher and the reader to understand and follow through.

To find a central focus of your paper, you should consider different factors of the topic you study. Although there is no universal set of rules, your research question should be:

Our research question generator functions automatically and creates the resulting sentence according to these features. It takes your topic along with the keywords you need and develops the problem statement for your paper. Then, it transforms it into a question, which will help you see and set the direction of your research.

📝 Generating Research Questions Of Various Types

Each topic and task require its own specific kind of research question. Our generator tool the most appropriate inquiry for your assignment based on your keywords and ideas. However, even with our instrument, it is better for you to learn what types of research questions exist.

Qualitative Research Questions

Qualitative research involves collecting, analysing, and interpreting information through observation and communication. By obtaining and examining non-numerical data, individuals can get a perspective that is as close to the real world as possible.

Qualitative research methods seek to understand a phenomenon or its details from a subjective viewpoint. Thus, people use recordings, interviews, questionnaires, first-hand observation, and so on to grasp reality.

Here are some of the most common types of qualitative research:

Ethnography

Ethnography is a qualitative research method that focuses on the lived experience of an individual or group. The researcher explores the context in which people act rather than simply observing or categorizing them. They don’t ask questions or make observations about subjects beforehand.

Some ethnographic research questions are:

• What do you dislike about this service?
• What do you like about your school curriculum?

A case study focuses on the details of a particular situation or event. This research method is used in psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other social sciences. Though these disciplines have their own specific approaches to collecting data, they all share the same goal: to learn about human behavior by examining particular cases in detail.

Examples of case study questions include:

• How has the new school system affected your mental health?
• What positive changes have you noticed after quitting smoking?

An interview , also very common in qualitative research, is a structured and planned conversation between two or more people. Its purpose is to gather information from someone who may be an expert or expert witness. As a result, the interviewer gets an answer to a specific research problem.

The aim of an interview is to increase the knowledge base of the researcher and/or the understanding of participants. This way, people will be able to develop new ideas or expand the existing ones.

Some examples of interview questions are:

• Why did you make this specific choice?
• What do you think that person should have done to improve the situation?

Quantitative Research Questions

Quantitative research is the process of collecting factual numerical data and examining the results. It is usually conducted when researchers want to investigate an issue that requires statistical analyses and comparison of the data sets.

Unlike the qualitative one, quantitative research relies on numerical patterns. Whether imposed via the use of subjective scales or instinctually quantitative, the use of mathematics makes this approach as objective as possible. Thus, this method is common for natural, applied, and social sciences.

Descriptive

Descriptive research is a type used to outline the characteristics of a group or population. It can be thought of as descriptive statistics applied to crowds. The goal is to provide an accurate summary of what is happening without making any claims about why.

Some examples of descriptive questions include:

• How often do you fall asleep after 1 AM per week?
• How many times have you traveled abroad in the past three years?

Comparative

Comparative quantitative research compares and contrasts two or more groups of individuals or other subjects. The purpose here is to determine whether there are any differences between the items.

The following are examples of comparative questions:

• What are the differences in the cost of living between cities?
• Do college students who use social media have different stress levels than those who do not?

Relationship-based

Relationship-based research is a qualitative approach to data analysis. The researcher uses analytical tools to analyse the relationship between variables. Later, they use this information to generate hypotheses that can be tested with other methods.

Examples of relationship-based research questions:

• What is the relationship between academic pressure and anxiety?
• What is the relation between education level and unemployment?

🕰️ How To Make A Research Question In 8 Steps

Unfortunately, you won't always have an opportunity to use our research questions generator. Though the instrument is available 24/7 and doesn't require payment or registration, it only works online. Therefore, without a stable internet connection, you will have to deal with developing a research question on your own. That's why we've created this small step-by-step guide.

Here is how you can write your research question by yourself:

Thank you for reading the article! Now feel free to use our research question generator tool whenever you need it. Share it with others if you think they'll benefit from it too.

Updated: May 8th, 2024

• How to Write a Research Question: Types, Steps, and Examples | Research.com
• Research Questions: Definitions, Types + [Examples] | Formplus
• How to Write a Research Question | George Mason University
• Developing Research Questions | Monash University
• Quantitative Research - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics
• Qualitative Research | Vibha Pathak, et al., PubMed Central

Research Essentials

Background sources, selecting and narrowing a topic, from topic to research question, sample research questions.

• Identify Keywords
• Search Tips
• Too Few/Many Results?
• Use Sources
• Scholarly vs Popular
• Thesis Statements
• Cite Sources
• Find Articles
• Primary Sources

Developing a Research Question

For more information on developing a research question, check out this video from the Laurier Library. 

Reference sources like dictionaries and encyclopedias provide general information about various subjects. They offer background that can be a springboard for more in-depth research.

Encyclopedias and specialized reference resources in: Arts, Biography, History, Information and Publishing, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation and World, Religion, Science, Social Science

The online equivalent of the complete printed Encyclopaedia Britannica plus Internet links.

The online equivalent of the printed Encyclopedia Britannica and more. A fully searchable and browsable collection of authoritative references, including Britannica's latest article database, hundreds of recent articles not found in the print Britannica. Thousands of illustrations; references to biographies, geography and yearbooks are available.

Choose an area of interest to explore. 

For you to successfully finish a research project, it is important to choose a research topic that is relevant to your field of study and piques your curiosity. The flip side is that curiosity can take you down long and winding paths, so you also need to consider scope in how to effectively cover the topic in the space that you have available. If there's an idea or concept you've recently learned that's stuck with you, that might be a good place to start !

Gather background information.

You may not know right away what your research question is - that's okay! Start out with a broad topic, and see what information is out there through cursory background research. This will help you explore possibilities and narrow your topic to something manageable.    Do a few quick searches in OneSearch@IU  or in other relevant sources. See what other researchers have already written to help narrow your focus.  

Narrow your topic.

  Once you have a sense of how other researchers are talking about the topics you’re interested, narrow down your topic by asking the 5 Ws

• Who – population or group (e.g., working class, college students, Native Americans)
• What – discipline or focus (e.g., anthropological or art history)
• Where – geographic location (e.g., United States; universities; small towns; Standing Rock)
• When – time period or era (17 th century; contemporary; 2017)
• Why – why is the topic important? (to the class, to the field, or to you)

Broad topic: Native American representations in museums

Narrowed topic: Museum efforts to adhere to NAGPRA

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

So, you have done some background research and narrowed down your topic. Now what? Start to turn that topic into a series of questions that you will attempt to answer the course of your research.  Keep in mind that you will probably end up changing and adjusting the question(s) you have as you gather more information and synthesize it in your writing. However, having a clear line of inquiry can help you maintain a sense of your direction, which will then in turn help you evaluate sources and identify relevant information throughout your research process. 

Exploratory questions.

These are the questions that comes from a genuine curiosity about your topic. When narrowing down your topic, you got a good sense of the Who, What, When, and Where of things. Now it’s time to consider

• Asking open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic, which can lead you to better explanations about a phenomenon or concept
• Consider the “so what?” of your topic. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to others? What are the implications of the information you’re discovering through the search process to the Who and the What of your topic?

Evaluate your research question.

Use the following to determine if any of the questions you generated would be appropriate and workable for your assignment. 

• Is your question clear ? Do you have a specific aspect of your general topic that you are going to explore further? Will the reader of your research be able to keep it in mind?
• Is your question focused? Will you be able to cover the topic adequately in the space available? Are you able to concisely ask the question?
• Is your question and arguable ? If it can be answered with a simple Yes or No, then dig deeper. Once you get to “it depends on X, Y, and Z” then you might be getting on the right track.

Hypothesize. 

Once you have developed your research question, consider how you will attempt to answer or address it. 

• What connections can you make between the research you’ve read and your research question? Why do those connections matter?
• What other kinds of sources will you need in order to support your argument?
• If someone refutes the answer to your research question, what is your argument to back up your conclusion?
• How might others challenge your argument? Why do those challenges ultimately not hold water?

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

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.  

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?

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?

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Research Question Generator Online

Are you looking for effective aid in research question formulation? Try our research question generator and get ideas for any project instantly.

• 🤖 How to Use the Tool

❗ Why Is a Research Question Important?

🔖 research question types & examples, 🗺️ how to generate a research question.

• 👀 More Examples
• 🔍 References

🤖 How to Use a Research Question Generator?

Struggling to develop a good research question for your college essay , proposal , or dissertation ? Don't waste time anymore, as our research question generator is available online for free.

Our tool is designed to provide original questions to suit any subject discipline.

Generate your questions in a few easy steps as shown below:

• Add your research group and the influencing factor.
• Indicate your dependent variable (the thing you’re planning to measure).
• Add the optional parameters (the second research group and the time frame).
• Look at the examples if necessary.

Once you get the initial results, you can still refine the questions to get relevant and practical research questions for your project.

The main importance of formulating a research question is to break down a broad topic and narrow it to a specific field of investigation . It helps you derive a practical knowledge of the topic of interest. The research question also acts as a guiding structure for the entire investigation from paragraph to paragraph. Besides, you can define research issues and spot gaps in the study.

The research questions disclose the boundaries and limitations of your research, ensuring it is consistent and relevant. Ultimately, these questions will directly affect the research methods you will use to collect and analyze data. They also affect the process of generating a thesis statement . With a checker proposal, you can also polish your research question to ensure it aligns with the research purpose.

The research writing process covers different types of questions, depending on the depth of study and subject matter. It is important to know the kind of research you want to do; it will help you in the formulation of an effective research question. You can select quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies to develop your questions.

Let us explore some of these question types in detail to help you choose a workable option for your project:

Quantitative Research Questions

Quantitative questions are specific and objective, providing detailed information about a particular research topic . The data you collect from this research type is quantifiable and can be studied using figures.

These questions also delineate a relationship between the research design and the research question.

Quantitative questions focus on issues like:

• "How often"
• "How intense"
• "Is there a statistical relationship"

They illustrate the response with numbers.

In addition, quantitative questions help you to explore existing patterns in data from a specific location or context. The collected information allows researchers to make logical and data-driven conclusions.

This type of research question can be classified further into 3 categories.

Descriptive Research Questions

Such questions seek to describe a quantifiable problem and investigate the numbers, rates, or intensity of the issue. They are usually used to write descriptive papers .

Comparative Research Questions

As the name suggests, comparative questions intend to compare and contrast two or more issues in a research project. These questions are used in comparative papers . To formulate such a question, identify two or more variables, choose a standard for comparison, and present an in-depth discussion.

Let's look at a few examples.

Relationship-based Research Questions

Relationship-based questions reveal and identify a connection between two or more research variables . Such questions entail a dependent variable, an independent variable, and a socio-demographic of the population you are interested in studying.

Qualitative Research Questions

Qualitative research questions are open-ended and aim to explore or explain respondents' subjective meanings and experiences . You can't measure the data you collect from a qualitative research question in figures, as it's mostly narrative. Some of the common types include those described below.

Exploratory Research Questions

These questions investigate a particular research topic without any assumptions.

Explanatory Research Questions

These questions examine the reasons and find connections between existing entities.

Mixed Methods Studies

When you combine quantitative and qualitative research questions, you will get a mixed-method research study . It answers your research question more comprehensively since it combines the advantages of both research methods in a pragmatic study .

This mixed study can focus on quantitative data (score comparison with attitude ranking) and qualitative insights from student interviews about attitudes.

We have outlined a few steps to generate exceptional questions for students who don't know how to write them effectively.

👀 More Research Question Examples

• Why do minorities delay going to the doctor?
• What makes humans mortal genetically?
• Why and how did the US get involved in the Korean War?
• The virus COVID-19: what went wrong?
• What is cancel culture, and can it go too far?
• How do human infants acquire a language?
• Eastern vs. Western religions: what’s the difference?
• Why is capitalism better than socialism?
• What do Hamlet and Oedipus have in common?
• How does language influence our world?
• Competence for nurses: why is it important?
• COVID-19 pandemic: what we can learn from the past?

❓ Research Question Generator FAQ

❓ how to form a research question.

You should select an interesting topic related to the subject you are studying. Carry out preliminary research with our research question generator online and pick the question from the list of offered suggestions. Refine the question until you are satisfied with the result.

❓ What makes a good research question?

An effective research question should focus on a single issue and clearly state the research direction you will take. The topic should neither be too broad nor too narrow – just enough to keep you focused on the main scope of the study. Also, it should be answerable with a comprehensive analysis.

❓ How to find the research question in an article?

In an academic article, the research question is usually placed at the end of the introduction, right before the literature review. At times, it may be included in the methods section – after the review of academic research.

❓ How to write a quantitative research question?

Identify what claim you want to make in your research purpose. Choose a dependent variable, an independent variable, and a target population, and formulate the assumed relationship between the variables for that respondent group. Ensure the data you collect is measured within a specific context.

🔗 References

• Types of Research Questions With Examples
• Developing research questions - Library - Monash University
• Research Question - Research Guide - LibGuides
• How To Write a Research Question: Steps and Examples
• How to Write a Research Question - GMU Writing Center

Research Questions

Published November 22, 2021. Updated December 13, 2021.

Formulating a research question

A research question is a precise inquiry a researcher seeks to answer through scientific investigation. Formulating a research question is generally the first step in any study and is central to a systematic investigation. It also helps a researcher chart out a clear plan for the research process, enabling relevant and wise information collection.

The prime focus of a research question is the type of research to be conducted, methodology, formulation of a hypothesis, and guiding a researcher through the processes of inquiry, analysis, and reporting.

A research question should be easily understood, straightforward, and engaging. The specificity of a strong research question helps avoid vague inquiry and focuses on supporting a specific hypothesis.

Characteristics of a strong research question

Disciplines have different concerns and requirements with regard to characteristics of a strong research question. For example, a good research question for a geography paper will differ from one for a chemistry paper. However, good research questions, in general, have the following characteristics:

• Clear : It provides enough details for the target audience to understand the inquiry without additional explanation.
• Focused : It is centered on a single topic of concern.
• Concise : It is stated succinctly.
• Complex : It requires gathering data and analyzing ideas rather than being a simple yes/no question.
• Arguable : Its answers are not mere facts and should lead to wider discussion within the context of a paper or publication.
• Researchable : It allows researchers to gain answers by accessing primary and secondary sources.
• Feasible: Desirable answers should be obtained within the constraints of time and resources.
• Relevant : It applies to the field of research under study and is pertinent to society more broadly.

While writing a research paper, the focus is generally on a single research question that guides the complete study and investigation. Projects such as a thesis and a dissertation, on the other hand, can be built around multiple research questions which are interlinked and are concerned with the same root research problem.

Types of research questions

There are two categories of questions that research fields seek to address: qualitative and quantitative. Having prior knowledge about the category into which a research question falls can help improve the accuracy, efficiency, and overall quality of the research. They are discussed in detail below:

• Qualitative research question : Aims to collect non-statistical data related to behavior, perception, and experiences of research subjects in line with the objectives of the research study. For example:

A company assessing the response of people towards their newly launched product can ask:

• How is our product better than the other similar products in the market?
• Does our product meet a specific need?
• How has our product benefitted consumers since being made available?
• Quantitative research question : Tends to be more direct and specific as they are involved with the collection of measurable data. Quantitative research questions can be further divided into three sub-categories:

2a. Descriptive research question : Designed for studies concerned with describing something. They help in recording public opinion on various issues which are descriptive in nature. Terms such as “What is…?”, “How much…?”, “What are…?”, etc. can be used to develop descriptive research questions. For example:

How many hours in a week does a student spend exercising?

Variable: Weekly hours spent on exercise

Sample group: University students

2b. Relational research question : Assist in gathering information about two or more research groups that differ across variables such as age, gender, educational background, salary, occupation, etc. They help in the identification of distinct features among various groups while highlighting existing similarities. A question beginning with “What are the differences between…?” is a relational research question. For example:

What is the difference between the weekly hours spent on exercise by freshman and senior students?

Sample groups: Freshman and senior students

2c. Causal research question : Designed to address the cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables, i.e. whether the independent variable affects the dependent variable. Associations, trends, and interactions between these variables are explored. For example:

What is the relationship between exercise and weight loss among university students?

Independent variable: Exercise

Dependent variable: Weight loss

Developing a research question

The process of developing a research question can be broken down into a series of steps listed below:

• Select a topic : The topic should be compelling and relevant.
• Conduct preliminary research : A literature review is crucial to identify the focus of the topic.
• Narrow down the topic : This step involves shifting the center of the study from a broad area to a particular issue. Such a practice is helpful as it is always better to deeply and effectively investigate a single aspect or issue related to a topic than to provide a general overview.
• Write the research question : Once a particular topic has been decided upon, the last step is to write the research question. It should be worded appropriately, clearly reflecting the purpose of the research.

Framing a research question is governed by goals that a researcher sets. For example:

An economist wants to study how foreign direct investment (FDI) has helped the economy of a country grow. A few research aims and corresponding questions are summarized below:

More than one research question relevant to the topic can be identified depending on the scope of research. It is also possible that a single research problem may be associated with primary and secondary questions or sub-questions. Two examples follow:

Writing a good research question

Since a research question is the primary investigative point of research and is responsible for setting the pace of work, it is important to develop a good research question. There are key points to keep in mind while formulating a research question:

Examples of good research questions

Given below are a few sample questions that will help you understand how a research question should be framed:

• Bad : Does exercising help people lose weight?

Good : How does exercising affect weight loss in people?

A good research question should not be a simple yes/no question, and instead should be capable of providing an interesting and detailed answer.

• Bad : Does therapy help in providing mood elevation, and do kids need more exercise?

Good : How effective is exercise in managing mood swings in elementary kids?

A good research question needs to focus on a specific topic, unlike the first question which focuses on both therapy and exercise. The second question is more focused as it concentrates on exercise and also provides a specific age range for the subjects under study.

• Bad : What are the disadvantages of the consumption of alcohol?

Good : How is the consumption of alcohol associated with increased partner violence?

There is nothing original about the first question has it has been addressed several times in multiple studies.  The second question, on the other hand, seeks to answer a new specific aspect related to alcohol consumption.

Key takeaways

• A research question is a precise inquiry that a researcher seeks to investigate and answer. It is the primary investigative point of research and sets the pace of the work.
• A research question should be clear, focused, concise, complex, arguable, feasible, researchable, and relevant.
• Research questions can be either qualitative or quantitative. Quantitative research questions can be further divided into descriptive, relational, and causal research questions.
• Developing a research question is a stepwise process. The steps involved are the selection of a topic, performing primary research, narrowing down the topic, and composing a research question.
• A research question determines the type of research and research methodology, formulation of hypothesis, and guides a researcher through inquiry, analysis, and reporting processes.

Research Process

For more details, visit these additional research guides .

Understand the Research Process

• Research process
• Research questions
• Operationalization
• Research problem
• Statement of the problem
• Background research
• Research hypothesis
• Generalization

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Research Question Maker

Please try again with some different keywords or subjects.

Looking for a research question maker to get a ready research question or build one from scratch?

Search no more!

This 2-in-1 online research question making tool can do both in seconds.

Try our it and break free from the stressful experience. The tool is user-friendly, and you can easily access it online for free.

• ️🤔 How to Use the Tool?
• ️🕵🏽 What Is a Research Question?
• ️🔢 Research Question Formula
• ️🔎 Research Question Types
• ️✅ Research Question Checklist
• ️👀 Examples
• ️🔗 References

🤔 Research Question Maker: How to Use the 2-in-1 Tool?

Getting a ready research question.

You don’t have to stress over our research question generator because you get impressive results within a few seconds.

Get your research question by following the steps below:

• Enter the keywords related to the research question you are interested in exploring.
• Choose your study area if necessary.
• Run the search and wait for the results.
• Look at the many ideas that the question maker will propose.

You can refresh the search button until you find the question that suits your research paper.

Building a Tailor-made Research Question

Another option of this 2-in-1 tool enables you to build a tailor-made research question from scratch. To get one quickly, perform the following steps:

• Indicate a research group that you are focusing on.
• Add the factor that influences your research group.
• Formulate the outcome you are measuring in your study.
• Indicate the second research group if necessary.
• Think of the time frame you are using in your research.
• Look at the examples if you have any questions.

🕵🏽 What Is a Research Question?

A research question is important in guiding your research paper, essay, or thesis. It offers the direction of your research and clarifies what you want to focus on.

Good research questions require you to synthesize facts from several sources and interpret them to get an answer.

It is essential to understand the features of a good research question before you start the formulation process.

Your question should be:

• Focused. It should focus on one research issue.
• Specific. The question should contain narrowed ideas .
• Researchable. You should get answers from qualitative and quantitative research sources .
• Feasible. It should be workable within the practical limitations
• Original. The question should be unique and authentic.
• Relevant. It needs to be based on your subject discipline.
• Complex. It should offer adequate scope for analysis and discussion.

Research papers or essays require one research question, as a rule. However, extensive projects like dissertations and theses can have several research questions focusing on the main research issue.

The thesis statement is the response you develop; it sets the direction of your arguments. It should be relevant to the research question.

Thus, you can also use an online thesis maker to ensure it aligns with your formulated questions.

🔢 Research Question Formula

In research writing , you must begin with a topic of interest. Analyzing the original title, you have chosen will give you a good and well-defined research question.

There is an effective formula you can use when formulating your research question.

Topic + Concept = Research question

The topic should be specific with a strong focus on a subject matter, while the concept surrounding it should be from a broad field.

For example:

Your topic could be social media, nursing, standardized tests, cybersecurity, etc. Conversely, concepts can be the risks and benefits of your topic, the recent trends, challenges faced by the industry, etc.

Let us explore the formula and create a few research questions.

• Standardized tests (topic) + recent trends (concept) = How have standardized tests impacted the education sector? (research question)
• Cybersecurity (topic) + effect (concept) = How has cybersecurity affected the evolution of technology? (research question)

Therefore, ensure your research question is neither too broad nor too narrow. Broad topics and concepts might overwhelm you with numerous sources. On the other hand, narrow questions will limit you when exploring the project’s scope.

🔎 Research Question Types

When formulating your research question, choose from 3 fundamental types that your academic paper can focus on.

Descriptive Research Question

When your investigation intends to disclose existing patterns within the research subject, you should use this type.

A descriptive question urges you to collect measurable information about the attributes of subjects with certain views. It could be a number, occurrence, or amount that describes a research problem.

Here are some examples:

• What is the percentage of people with fitness apps in 2022?
• What is the average debt load of an American?
• How often do students use online writing services in the UK?

Relational Research Question

This type focuses on comparing two or more entities in a research investigation. After picking your variables, you must choose a comparison parameter and provide its detailed discussion.

Some examples are as follows:

• What is the difference between men and women’s salaries in IT?
• What is the correlation between alcohol and depression?
• Is there a relationship between a vegan diet and the low-income bracket?

Causal Research Question

This is a cause-and-effect type of research question. It seeks to prove how one variable affects another one.

Great examples are:

• How does advertising impact consumer behavior?
• Do public opinion polls alter voter inclinations?
• How does employee training affect performance in the employment market?

✅ How to Make a Research Question Stronger? The Checklist

Developing questions seems like a simple task for students. But it can be quite challenging if you want to create an effective research question. The latter can make or break your paper, so you should focus on strengthening and refining it.

How do you make your research question strong? The criteria below will show whether you’ve already arrived at a workable question.

👀 Research Question Examples

• What does a change-ready organization look like?
• Wearable medical devices: how will they transform healthcare?
• What effect did the World War II wartime experience have on African americans?
• Biodiversity on the Earth: why is it crucial for the environment?
• What makes William Shakespeare relevant in the modern day?
• How did the Civil War affect the distribution of wealth in the United States?
• What is love?
• Why should businesses embrace remote work?
• What impact has feminism had in the study of women and crime?
• How to construct a mixed methods research design?
• What is a halogenated hydrocarbon?

Thank you for reading this article! If you need to formulate a research title, try using our title-generating tool .

❓ Research Question Maker Tool FAQ

❓ what is a good research question.

A great research question is specific and answerable within a workable time frame. It should focus on one topic and be researchable using primary and secondary data. In short, it should have a clear statement of what the researcher is supposed to do to get practical answers.

❓ How to formulate a research question?

To understand how to create a research question, you need to think about how your topic affects a particular population. You should also consider the period of investigation and the location – it could be an organization, country, or commercial industry.

❓ How to write a qualitative research question?

Your questions should reveal research issues and opinions from the respondents in your study. Qualitative questions seek to discover and understand how people make sense of their life experiences and events. The results of qualitative research are analyzed narratively, so don’t try to quantify them.

❓ How to find a research question?

If you find it difficult to compose a unique research question, use our question maker tool and get it within a few seconds. Just enter the right keywords about your subject of interest, and the smart algorithms will produce a list of questions that suit your case.

Updated: Aug 23rd, 2024

🔗 References

• How to Write a Research Question – GMU Writing Center
• How to Write a Research Question: Steps and Examples
• Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question
• Formulation of Research Question – Stepwise Approach – PMC
• Writing Research Questions: Purpose & Examples – Study.com

Question Maker for Research Papers

Searching for the ideal research title? Don’t know where to begin? Start by choosing your topic. Then, check out our handy research question maker and examples!

To use this question maker for research papers, you need to:

• Input the required information (note that there are required fields);
• Look at the examples if necessary;
• Click “Generate Questions”;
• Grab your result.
• ✅ Choosing a Topic
• 👀 How to Make a Research Question
• 💡 General Recommendations
• 📎 References

✅ Choosing a Research Topic

Before you use our question maker for research papers, you should first decide on your topic. You can do this with a few guiding questions. After asking yourself these questions, you'll quickly figure out the theme of your research paper.

📌Answer the “When?” question. When did your topic begin to be studied? When and for what reasons did it begin to develop? Does your subject relate to historical events or the present? Will you compare your topic across periods?

📌 Then, answer the “Where?” question. Where and in what areas is the theme applicable? Can you tell at what level this is essential? Where can you find data on the subject ?

📌 It is also significant to answer the “Why?” question. Why are you interested in this topic? Why did you choose it, and what is your opinion on the issues raised? Why is it critical to cover this subject in more detail?

📌 Equally influential is the “Who?” question. Who can publish information about the theme? Who is researching the topic? Who will be your target audience?

📌 And don't forget to answer the “What?” question. What is the purpose of your research? What are the issues that need to be addressed in more detail? What is the debate about the researched problem statement?

👀 How to Make a Good Research Question

Our research question maker will help you create the best title for your work. That is one of the fastest and most convenient methods – but it isn't the only one. Several other techniques allow you to come up with your research title.

This is a technique for starting your descriptive research . You need to make a list of questions so that they answer your topic questions: What? When? Why? Where? How? Who?

Try to narrow them down until you select a few that are the most relevant. When you find them, search for sources to answer it. However, if you don't find the right information, change the question or choose a different method.

Another option is to construct questions based on the topic's history . You'll find information about relevant events, backstories, as well as new developments. Also, you'll be able to draw on questions that can intrigue your target audience.

This method works fine if you divide your topic into phases or steps. To do this, you need to know if there are categories in your theme and if you can separate your subject into parts. You need to understand its structure. For example, your topic is the cultivation and trade of cocoa beans. You can divide it into geographic points of cocoa production and cultivation. Based on the research, you'll be able to compose a series of questions and choose the right one.

Look for questions related to your topic. They should be positive, but you convert them into negative questions to intrigue the reader. Negative connotations can hyperbolize your statements. For example, our positive question is: What is the advantage of growing cocoa beans in top supplier countries? We turn it into a negative question: What is the danger of growing cocoa beans in top supplier countries?

Assume what would happen if the theme you selected didn't exist. How might it change? For example, if your topic is picking a country to grow cocoa beans, what if cocoa beans didn’t require a unique climate to grow?

Such a discussion section might make you think about alternative ways and other geographical locations for growing cocoa beans, and how it would affect farmers. So, we can look at the subject from a different, unconventional angle and get surprising results.

Spend time looking for research on your topic. Check out the top articles by different academics. Decide the concepts and ideas that intrigue you most. If the publications are recent, they will contain new and trending thoughts.

💡 General Research Question Recommendations

In this section, you’ll learn what a good research question should look like. We have written out a short list of general guidelines to help you formulate it correctly. Follow them to make sure that your paper is successful.

A solid research question should be:

We hope that these tips and our question maker for research papers were helpful in your research. Don't forget to check out the FAQ. Also, recommend this tool to your friends!

❓ Research Question Maker – Frequently Asked Questions

📌 what are the 4 components of a good research question, 📌 what do good research questions start with, 📌 how do you formulate a research question.

Updated: Apr 5th, 2024

🔗 References

• How to Write a Research Question - The Writing Center, George Mason University
• What Makes a Good Research Question? - Thompson Writing Program, Duke University
• Key Components of Research Question – ResearchGate.net
• Formulating a good research question: Pearls and pitfalls - Wilson Fandino, National Library of Medicine
• Research Process: An Overview: Choosing a Topic – Business Library, Golden Gate University

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Research Title Generator

Looking for a research title generator? Try this tool! It can make a research topic or question for your proposal, essay, or any other project. 100% free, no registration required.

• Type a word or a phrase on which you want to focus your research.
• Click the button “Generate.”
• Pick the research topic from the list or generate more by clicking the same button.

Struggling with writing? We can help you out and deliver a paper within 3 hours! Learn More

Have you ever asked yourself why you need to spend hours looking for a perfect research topic? You could have just picked a random idea and go with it. But we know that your inner voice is telling you to work on it harder, and it is right!

Here is why:

First of all, the wrong topic can lead to struggles with gathering and analyzing information. If you are not knowledgeable in the chosen field, you might end up spending most of the precious time studying it! What’s more, beginners can find themselves trapped if the topic appears to be overcomplicated. Again, it might be too late when you realize it.

Moreover, a research topic that doesn't fire you up and seems boring can be considered a failure. After spending days on it, you just end up burned out because the issue you are researching doesn’t motivate you any longer…

Therefore, try to make this lengthy process as pleasant and fun as possible. Put some effort into coming up with a decent research topic.

How can you do so?

To avoid all these horrible things described above, you should just check out our research paper topic generator ! Our team created it because we care about students and researchers like you. We can't let your precious work fail.

The whole process of writing an academic paper would benefit from a correctly selected topic. But picking up a quality research topic is not an easy thing to do. So getting some help with it might be a good idea. And our generating tool is a real catch. No more struggles, no more worries! You don’t have to believe us, just try it!

• Good Topic Qualities
• Research Question
• 6 Research Title Tips

Brainstorming

Freewriting, what is a good research topic.

Good research topics don’t just lie around; you have to look for them. You may use some lists of ideas according to the area. Since there is an excellent research topic generator on our website, you don’t have to be concerned about it.

But the question is: What is a good topic?

Let’s suppose you have already used our generator and found the research topic. Sometimes it might not meet your requirements and needs some adjustments.

There are a few moments you need to keep in mind while improving your topic.

Qualities of a Good Research Topic

Let's consider the main attributes a good research topic should:

Do you know how people become successful by setting distinct goals? It works the same with research. A good topic should be able to set up goals and objectives for you.

Once again, working on the issue that you are just slightly familiar with is just a waste of time. Instead of actually writing your paper, you would waste time trying to educate yourself on the topic.

There are specific criteria you should have received. For example, your tutor expects you to highlight some issues or discuss a case. So try to make these requirements when picking a topic. If you need help, you can always use our topic idea generator.

It gives you a chance to switch from one subcategory to another, while still sticking to the main idea. Moreover, it provides you an abundance of sources and information. However, there is a downside.

If you feel overwhelmed and lost in the flow in information, narrowing down your topic might help. Our narrow topic generator can become your loyal helper with this! Once you have a specific area of research, it can help you keep on track and see the aim clearly. But be careful; if the topic is too narrow, finding reliable sources might become problematic.

Do a quick check up on every potential topic before you start writing your paper! It needs to have plenty of credible sources, such as books, articles, and journals, to work with.

As we already discussed, burnouts are a real thing. If you are not interested in a topic, your whole research process can turn into a dreadful duty.

From a Research Topic to a Research Question

The next important step after narrowing down your research topic is turning it into a question. Why? Having a question can guide you towards the aim of your studies.

Think about it:

When you have a question, you already have a clear picture of how a conclusion looks like. Moreover, it is a neat way to check the relevance of your topic. If you pick a good and narrow subject, Google struggles to give a simple answer. Then you know that your research topic is debatable. It shows that the idea relies on thorough analysis, reflection, and examination. And we are going through all these processes below.

To generate a research question from a topic, start asking yourself "why" and "how" concerning your research topic. After that, double-check the relevance of the question. Analyze why it matters.

Without evaluation, you don't know whether your question is good enough. Therefore, try to determine whether it is clear, specific, and complex. The last one is especially important.

If you ask a general question, there is nothing else to do than just answer "yes" or "no." Open-ended questions, on the other side, require much more research and effort, which makes your work more valuable.

Just to guide yourself a little bit more, you can imagine a debate on the issue you chose. How will you answer this question? What counterarguments might your opponent have? Does your support evidence look persuasive enough?

However, if your brain needs a break after all these steps, you can use some help from our tool. This generator can inspire you to ask the right questions!

Make a Research Title: 6 Tips

There are a few characteristics of a good research topic that we have discussed in the previous sections. However, we know you don't just want a "good" title; you want a perfect one!

To create something practical and impressive, you should take into account a few more aspects:

• the method that you implement in your study
• the findings

For example:

“Quantitative research of the positive effects of everyday meditation on the emotional well-being among Yale students.”

Here you can see the topic (everyday meditation), the research method (quantitative), sample (Yale students), and the outcome (positive effects).

It is pretty much the ultimate formula for a great title. And guess what? With the help of our generator, a research paper title can be created in a few minutes!

Your title should be from 5 to 15 words, so try not to exceed the limit. Save all the details you want to include for the thesis statement. The title should be catchy but informative. Then your readers can get a glimpse of your research paper and get interested.

Replace a few words for more precise terms, make it sound more official. Keep in mind that the tone of your title should reflect the tone of your paper.

For instance, see the title, "Many people get better sleep after using blue light filter glasses." Here, too vague terms like "many people" and "better" should be replaced

which will ensure that your paper can be found during a keywords search. Such a simple thing can significantly boost the popularity and relevance of your research paper.

of your educational institution. If you're editing your research paper for an academic journal or a particular project, consider their criteria as well. Do it before you start writing. It is easier than trying to tailor your finished work to a specific outline or word limit.

for a reader and predicts the core message accurately. If the title is boring, the value of your paper automatically drops because readers are not involved.

Even after you have used our research topic generator, you should go through these tips to double-check your title!

How to Come up with a Research Idea?

Remember the moment you found out about your assignment? The first thing you did (we hope at least) was to read the requirement carefully. However, we bet you had a crisis when it was time to find a topic for your writing... We feel you. It is not so easy to come up with argumentative research paper topics.

In the following section, you can find four methods on how to gather ideas for research. These techniques allow you to estimate how much you already know about the subject. And if it seems too little, you can still switch to a different area on this stage of writing.

Nevertheless:

You shouldn’t miss the main points of using generating methods! The ideas you come up with can be handy for your study in the following ways:

• The insights should help you to understand which way to move. The ideas you get allow you to pick the right research question. As you already know, it serves as a roadmap during the whole writing process.
• You get more arguments. Among the abundance of topics, you can use many of them as supportive pieces of evidence. Maybe a few might be used as counterarguments.
• These ideas can help you understand how you can improve the existing topic. Just use our research idea-generating tool and then adjust the topic! Simple as that! And it is much easier than going through gazillion ideas you brainstormed with the single purpose to filter all the weak ones.

Cubing method got its name thanks to six different perspectives you use to generate some research paper ideas. It may not be the best technique to create an entirely new topic, but it helps to review the existing one from a fresh perspective.

Basically, what you do is answering six questions about the idea you've got:

• First of all, you need to describe the idea, just generally what it is about.
• Then, you contrast and compare it to some random issue.
• Come up with some associations — for instance, note down the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the idea.
• The next step is analyzing the idea. You need to think of the parts it includes.
• How can it be applied? Think about its relevance.
• Write down arguments and counterarguments. Try to be as objective as possible.

You can do all the steps at once, or you may put it away for a little bit. Sleeping with these questions helps to have a fresh look the next morning.

If you think having a lot of ideas to choose from is better than having a few weird ones, then this method is for you.

Brainstorming is one of the most effective ways to create a list of topics for research papers. It literally makes your brain work so hard it may seem like there is a storm inside of your head. Moreover, it leaves you not only with a bunch of ideas but makes you feel satisfied with your intellectual productivity.

Just as with other methods, there are some recommendations so that you get the maximum benefit from it:

• Your actions are straightforward: write down any idea related to a chosen area that comes up to your mind.
• You can find it helpful to set a time limit. Usually, it depends on how many topics you intend to generate but try not to cross the 30-minute limit. You may get not as effective as you want after the first 20 minutes.
• Don't try too hard to write down full sentences. The point is to squeeze out of your brain as many keywords and phrases as you can.
• There are no "bad" ideas in this method! Even if it seems crazy, write it down. During the process, you should remain unbiased. Only during the process of the filtration, you judge the topics and select the ones that you think meet your requirements.

Freewriting is a bit different from brainstorming. However, it is a bit more intense and has its benefits. For example, it lowers the chance that you might skip a worthy idea. If you wonder how it works, just read the description.

Just like brainstorming, freewriting is all about the flow of thoughts and setting the time limit. Moreover, there is also a set of rules that are meant to increase productivity:

• Note down everything that comes to your mind, without judging. Instead of phrases, write in paragraphs and full sentences.
• Don’t come back to correct grammar and spelling mistakes. You can even try to close your eyes to resist the temptation.
• Even if you are stuck on with one idea, just keep writing. Eventually, you will move from the seemingly dead end.
• If your first language is not English, try to use some of the words in your native language to express your thoughts more precisely.
• Set a timer for around 15-20 minutes. When you finish, choose the best idea from your paper and repeat the process but focusing on the concept you picked.

So you can see that freewriting allows you to track the flow of your thoughts to catch anything you might find worthy. It is a kind of descriptive writing, but when you describe your own mind.

Mapping is an excellent method when you already have topic ideas but don't know where to move next. It is also great for people that prefer visuals over simple lists.

There are two ways of mapping. Choose whatever seems more comfortable for you:

• The first way starts with briefly writing down any words and phrases related to your topic. It should be done on a large piece of paper because those phrases should be noted in random places. Your next task would be connecting ideas that are associated. Clustering the themes can help you with creating arguments to support your topic. Or it can assist in finding a perfect thesis question.
• The second one is all about coming up with ideas while creating the web. You would start by putting your topic in the circle in the center and then drawing a few lines from it. Then, each line needs to have a related idea. It's almost like you would narrow the subject down. After that, repeat the same with every new circle you create.

Research Title Maker FAQ

Thank you for reading the article! We hope it was useful for you. Make sure to send our research topic generator to those who are struggling with their research paper.

Updated: Apr 5th, 2024

• 4 Important Tips on Choosing a Research Paper Title: Enago Academy
• The Research Problem-Question, Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Research Guides atUniversity of Southern California
• Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question: George Mason University Writing Center
• Identifying & Developing a Topic, Research Process: Research Guides at Mesa Community College
• Choosing a Topic: Purdue Online Writing Lab, College of Liberal Arts, Purdue University
• How to Write a Research Question: The Writing Center Guides, George Mason University
• Brainstorming: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• 5 Brainstorming Strategies for Writers: Mark Nichol for Daily Writing Tips
• Step 1 - Generate Ideas: Eric Grunwald for the Writing Process, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Top tips for research questionnaire design

Master question types, prioritize user experience, and boost data quality..

A well-thought-out questionnaire is the backbone of any great piece of research. However, this is often overlooked as people tend to focus on the output rather than the process of how to get there. Refining and perfecting your questionnaire with the output in mind will make the process much easier when it comes to analysing the data and will also ensure that this data is robust.

A good questionnaire can help you build a story before you even have any data, ensure high data quality, and maximise completion rates.

But how can you do this?

Top six tips for questionnaire design

Tip 1 – know the headlines you are looking for.

Having a set of desired headlines that you’d like to get from the survey as a base makes writing the questionnaire much easier. Do you have a hypothesis to validate? Do you have an impact or maturity model to create? If so, make sure you create questions that lend themselves to that specific headline or model.

The questions should support the story you’re looking to tell or the headlines you need for your campaign, and it will be easier to get the desired angles to explore in the data. The type of question used here will also be crucial in dictating the kind of data that the research generates.

Tip 2 – Understand which question type is appropriate

Use ‘select one’ when you want to know exactly which is the ‘most important’ (or equivalent), or when it’s appropriate (e.g. on an agreement scale). However, bear in mind that if you ask respondents to select one from a long answer list, it can not only be tricky to answer but can result in very split results with no clear ‘winner’.

In these situations, using ‘select all that apply’ or ‘select up to three’ is the best option. This allows you to get higher percentages whilst also providing a rank order of answers (i.e. you can still see which comes out as first, second, and third from the list). You can see a list of good and bad questions below after ‘Key Takeaways’.

Tip 3 – Be mindful of the respondent’s experience

To make it as easy as possible, try to avoid ranking questions as they are more complex than they seem for respondents to answer and don’t tend to provide high-quality, interesting data. Instead, we recommend using Likert scales (from strongly agree to strongly disagree) or asking the respondents to select their top 3 challenges. This provides better quality responses and can still be reported as the most popular or most preferred when doing PR research, for example.

Try not to ask more than 25 questions (roughly a 10-minute survey), as this can mean people lose interest and engagement, which impacts the quality of responses as the survey progresses.

Tip 4 – Cover all the bases in question options to ensure data quality

Use closed questions that have a list of ready-made responses (i.e. code frames) that respondents can tick.  Understanding and researching issues related to the topic/market before code-frame creation is key to ensure a comprehensive list. If you’re in doubt about knowing all the potential ready-made options, use an ‘other’ category, particularly if you want to understand the impact of a problem or list of information sources.

We also strongly recommend including a neutral and ‘don’t know’ options as this allows for a larger breadth of responses rather than forcing participants to select options that might not reflect the truth, resulting in skewed data. Forcing respondents to choose an option they do not necessarily align with can also lead to higher dropout rates.

Tip 5 – Pick the correct format and ensure variety throughout

There are many ways that you can ensure the most engaging and varied set up for the respondent:  mix it up with short and long questions; include images or video where relevant. Put some simple to answer questions among a set that require more thought.

Also, make sure to keep the formatting of the questions clear and interesting. Don’t just ask lots of grid questions (e.g., rating questions), as respondents easily get bored with these.

Tip 6 –Watch the flow of your questionnaire and know your audience

Asking questions in the right order can be the difference between good and bad data. Ensuring questions which are related to each other are asked consecutively and placing questions into sections means that respondents will be ‘in the zone’ for that type of question before moving on to the next topic.

Try to be sensitive in the way that the questions are posed and the topics that are handled. Ask yourself how you would feel if you were in the respondent’s shoes and asked that question. Adding instructional text or pages with definitions can also aid the respondent’s experience.

Key Takeaways

There are numerous benefits to having a good questionnaire but there are two key outcomes you should focus on:

• Setting yourself up to succeed – The goal of any research project is to have a great output that meets your objectives. It is pivotal to frame your questionnaire with headlines in mind and in a way that meets these objectives. The types of questions used and the context of the questions asked are very important and can vary depending on what it is you want to find out.
•  Improving data quality – Here at Sapio Research, our purpose is to  provide data confidence for all. A major part of this is about optimising data quality, and a good questionnaire can significantly influence this by increasing respondent engagement, ensuring the respondents views are covered, and reducing dropout rates. Quality data means quality results and should always be at the forefront of any research project.

Example Questions

Yes/no questions:.

We recommend splitting the Yes / No options to provide more insight .

Don’t do this ❌

Q1. Do you currently know how to write a good questionnaire? Select one  

Do this instead ✅

Q1. Do you currently know how to write a good questionnaire? Select one  

• Yes , I am proficient
• Yes, but I would like more training
• No, but I would like to get better
• No, and I don’t think I need to know this

Select all questions:

• Ensure there are enough options for the respondent to choose from
• Check whether a ‘select up to three’ question would be more appropriate to avoid respondents selecting all the options, which can result in flat data
• Give respondents an option if none of the options apply to them

Q2. Which of the following are the key elements of a good questionnaire? Select all that apply.   

• Interesting topic
• Different types of questions
• Short length

Q2. Which of the following are the key elements of a good questionnaire? Select up to three.  

• Plenty of options to choose from for each question
• Opportunities to write in own answers
• Understandable language
• Other (Please specify) 
• I don’t know the key elements of a good questionnaire (Exclusive) 

Select one questions:

• Ensure the options do not overlap 
• Make sure all options are covered

  Q3.  What is your current level of expertise on questionnaire writing? Select one  

• Our organization is very good at it
• We make our best effort to write good questionnaires
• Questionnaire writing is a time-consuming task
• Questionnaire writing is fun

Q3.  What is your current level of expertise on questionnaire writing? Select one  

• Expert – Our questionnaire writing is the best
• Competent – We make the best effort to write good questionnaires but can still improve
• Novice – We have had some training but can definitely improve further
• Questionnaire writing is something we are not trained in at all

Numerical questions:

• Ensure the bands do not overlap 
• Where possible, try and keep the bands consistent (one-year gap, for example)

Q4.  How long have you been writing questionnaires? Select one   

• 3-6 years 
• I have never written a questionnaire
• Less than a year
• 3-4 years 
• More than 5 years

Scale / Grid questions:

• Make sure the questions are not leading 
• Try to keep the options neutral to avoid bias 
• Try to be more specific and avoid using subjective terminology 
• Allow for answering neither agree nor disagree or don’t know to avoid false data and high dropout rates

Q5.  To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Select one per row  

• My team is well-trained in questionnaire writing
• My team finds it difficult to pick up new skills 
• Strongly agree 
• Strongly disagree
• My business likes to support staff with personal development
• My team prefers to stick with the tasks that employees are experienced in
• Somewhat agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Somewhat disagree

How can we help?

Below are the trio of services that we provide when it comes to questionnaire design:

Full design:   If your team is low on time and/or if you would love our expertise, we can build a questionnaire from scratch using your objectives, ideal headlines, business problems or stories for a campaign, and feedback rounds. This is also very useful when the questionnaire builds on a previous stage, such as the desk research or the qualitative stage. 

Partial design: We’d recommend this for people who have some good ideas of what questions they would like to ask but need a bit of support structing them and their ideas. We will feed in with suggesting questionnaire edits that will support your objectives and carefully review at every stage to make sure that your needs are being supported with our expertise.  

Questionnaire advice: This is the best approach if you have a lot of experience creating questionnaires in-house and are confident in writing questions, with little or no support needed. We’ll flag any potential changes that could improve the questionnaire that your team can choose to implement (or not), and support on developing the screening questions to define the survey audience.

You can contact us here to chat with us.

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