From Topic to Research Question: Refining Your Focus
Transforming a broad topic into a focused research question is a critical part of the research process. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you narrow your focus:
Step 1: Start with a General Topic
- Choose a broad subject area that interests you.
- Example: *Climate Change*.
Step 2: Use Question Words to Narrow Down
- Apply the 6 key question words: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.
- Example: *How is climate change affecting glaciers?*
Step 3: Explore Types of Sources
- Background Information: Wikipedia, Books, General Overviews.
- Secondary Sources: Scholarly Articles, Literature Reviews.
- Primary Sources: Research Articles, Newspapers, Data & Statistics.
Step 4: Refine into a Research Question
- Ensure your question is focused but manageable.
- Example: *How is glacial melting affecting wildlife in Alaska?*
Step 5: Test Feasibility
- Assess if the question can be addressed within the time available.
- Ensure enough sources are available to support your research.
Tips for Success
- Adjust specificity based on assignment scope and time frame.
- Avoid questions requiring obscure data or extensive primary research for shorter projects.
By following these steps, you'll be able to refine your focus and formulate a clear, researchable question.