Choosing a topic is a great start, but developing a research question will enable you to write a thesis statement and guide the format of your paper, project, or presentation. A research question is a statement describing the topic of your inquiry, the issue, and why you’re researching it. The formation of a research question guides the sources you will choose, methods you will use, and outcome you will create. The following steps will guide you through forming a research question. -- Developing a Research Question

• STEP 1: Naming the Topic
• STEP 2: Why
• STEP 3: Purpose
• STEP 4: Finalized Research Question

Learn More:

• Understanding your assignment
• Topic selection:
  • Choosing a topic from scratch
  • Choosing a topic from a theme
  • Choosing a topic with subject terms
• Brainstorming strategies:
  • Concept mapping
  • Asking questions
  • Narrowing your topic
  • Broadening your topic 
  • Choosing keywords
  • Finding sources