Library Skills
What is a good research question?
A well-crafted research question pinpoints exactly what you want to find out in your work. It should be concise, unambiguous, and logical.
The ideal research question strikes a balance between breadth and specificity - neither so broad that it becomes unmanageable, nor so narrow that it limits meaningful exploration.
Too broad
A research question that's too broad can overwhelm your project. It complicates focus, leads to information overload, and risks producing shallow analysis.
Narrowing your question helps maintain a manageable scope and ensures more effective research.
Example 1: What effect does smoking have on people?
Example 2: "How does diet affect health?"
Too narrow
Excessively narrow research questions can be problematic. They may only require a yes/no answer, eliminating the need for in-depth analysis. Alternatively, they might be so specific that little research exists to support a thorough investigation.
Both scenarios limit meaningful exploration of the topic.
Example 1: Does regular participation in a smoking cessation program reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer in women over 70?
Example 2: How do students with asthma in Plymouth junior schools differ in their ability to use an inhaler?
Good research questions
High-quality research questions will help guide your research with a clear focus and prompt thorough analysis of the available resources.
Example 1: How does the regular completion of balance exercises improve the quality of life in elderly residents of aged care facilities?
Example 2: How do clinical teaching activities facilitate the acquisition of new bandaging skills in paramedic undergraduate students?