The focal point of every research project is the question that started the process. Each step of the experiment should always point back to the originating query, making it essential that you formulate yours clearly and concisely.

Research questions must be specific, focused, complex, and arguable, while also being composed of the fewest words possible for clarity and conciseness. Yes, it is possible to do this. Social media platforms like Twitter and SEO optimization requirements have taught us that we can still say what we want to say while being limited on characters. You simply need to apply that to your research question.

What a Good Research Question Looks Like

When you find a topic you’re passionate about, and it can be related to the discipline you’re involved in, the first step is to write your research question. This will be the go-to point that you continually refer back to as your research takes you down rabbit holes. The question focuses your work and creates a path that you’ll follow along the research process, and as you’re writing your manuscript. If it’s specific enough, your thesis will be arguable and clear.

A good research question has these components in it:

●      It is clear enough that the audience understands the purpose of the research without any clarification necessary.

●      It is focused and narrow enough to be answered within the confines and scope of the paper.

●      The question is written without unnecessary words “fluffing” it up.

●      It isn’t answered with a “yes” or “no,” because the question requires substantial synthesis and analysis of multiple sources and ideas before it can be thoroughly solved.

●      The possible answers to the question are debatable rather than simple facts that are clearly accepted already.

So how do you put all of this information in a few concise words?

How to Write a Strong Research Question: Hint - It Takes Work

Putting together a strong research question is simple if you approach it in an organized, methodical fashion. Here is a framework you can follow to get started:

●      Pick your research topic carefully. It should be something you’re interested in that also meets the relevant criteria of the assignment or expectations. Make sure it’s significant enough to justify a research experiment.

●      Don’t create the question until you have looked into the background research. Check and see what’s out there already. That will help you focus on your topic.

●      Think about what your audience would be interested in learning about the topic.

●      Start asking yourself questions that lead to open-ended discussions, then choose the question that you want to solve.

Once you have the focused idea, turn it into a clear question by limiting your characters. Extend the question as necessary while still keeping it as concise as possible. Before you begin researching, look at your “final” question and ask yourself if what you’re trying to solve is conveyed clearly, or if it will get lost amongst the other research on the topic. Is it focused well enough to help you plan a path as you continue your experiment? Is it complex enough to be solved through research and analysis (typically beginning with “how” or “why” statements)?

If those answers are all “yes,” you can begin your research. Consider all the possible paths that your research may lead you to, and the sources you’ll need to answer your questions along those avenues. What would be the best process to open your experiment up to multiple perspectives? In most research projects, you’ll get a wider view of the work when you bring in outside help.

Need Research Help? Build a Team With Impactio

At this stage, you may need a team, and Impactio can help you put yours together. Impactio’s platform brings together top scientific minds from all over the globe and provides them with the tools to network with each other. When you’re looking to put together a team to further your research, look no further than the professionals on Impactio. 

As the number one platform for scientific networking in America, Impactio can connect you to other researchers with the skills and knowledge you’re looking for in your project. Funders also view Impactio as they’re looking for projects to back in the future. A simple solution to improving the potential impact of your research is to join Impactio and use the platform to propel your work further in the scientific community.