Crafting a researchable question
During your studies it is likely that you will be asked to create your own research question for an assignment. This page has some tips to help you develop an appropriate research question.
Getting started:
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1. Identify a topic of interest. You want to make sure that you are researching something you are interested in. Your initial topic can be quite broad. 2. Do some preliminary searching. This will help you find any gaps in the literature and develop a better understanding of your topic and the terminology used. 3. Focus your topic into a research question. Ask how and why questions. |
| Your question should be: | |
| Answerable | Can you investigate or measure it? Is it an actual question and not just a statement? |
| Clear |
Word your question carefully. Every word in your question has meaning and slight changes in wording can change meaning. Does your audience understand what you are researching? |
| Focused | If your question is too broad you will have trouble answering it. If it is too narrow you won't have enough to explore. It can take time to get the balance right. |
| Relevant | Are you interested in it? Is there an audience? |
Adapted from Developing a research question, University of Melbourne, 2018.
Your research question should be written in an academic style. For help with writing academically refer to the resources below.
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Writing & academic languageInformation from the Learning Advisers at UniSA on: writing styles at uni, academic vocabulary and phrases, expressing yourself clearly and more
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Academic styleTips on the language and style to use in academic writing from Deakin University
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Choosing the right wordA list of contrasting examples of informal and formal words from James Cook University
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Building your word powerA guide to expanding your knowledge of words and communicating your ideas in more interesting ways from Swinburne University of Technology
Understanding your assignment topic
If you are given a set topic or research question you need to analyse the question and make sure you understand it correctly. Understanding your assignment task is the first step and is really important to ensure you don't waste time looking into the wrong thing and to make sure you address all aspects of the assignment. Use the resources below to help unpack your assignment question.
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Understanding assignments and instruction words
Practical tips from the Learning Advisers at UniSA on understanding your assignment -
Breaking down the question
Includes videos with tips specific to a range of subject areas. From UNSW -
Writing assignments at uni
This video from the Learning Advisers at UniSA covers breaking down your topic and other key steps for writing your assignments
Want to know more?
Check out the below resources for more tips on how to create a researchable question
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Developing research questions
This guide from Monash University has a range of tips and activities so you can test your knowledge
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Developing a research question
This video from Laurier Library covers how to develop and narrow a topic and create a good research question
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Developing a research question
Watch this video from The University of Melbourne to learn more on developing a research question
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Choose and explore a topic
This tutorial from Webster University will help you work through the process of selecting a research topic
Once you are happy with your research question it is time to start finding your references. To do this effectively break down your key topics and plan your search. Learn more about this on the next page of this guide.